The difference between hamster hibernation and death, novices should not make mistakes

When you wake up in the winter and look at your hamster in the morning, you find that its body is cold and motionless. Do you think it is dead? Don’t be too sad, the hamster may just be entering a state of pseudo-hibernation. Many novices cannot tell the difference between hamster hibernation and death. If they make a mistake, they may miss the first aid opportunity and may also be in vain. Today I’ll teach you how to tell the difference.

Why do hamsters pseudo-hibernate?

Hamsters are warm-blooded animals and do not hibernate under normal circumstances. But when the ambient temperature falls below 15 degrees, hamsters may enter a hibernation-like state called pseudo-hibernation. Pseudo-hibernation is a self-protection mechanism for hamsters in response to low temperatures, but it is different from true hibernation. Hamsters do not reserve enough energy, and long-term pseudo-hibernation can be life-threatening.

Pseudo-hibernation often occurs in winter, especially when the temperature drops sharply at night. Placing the cage near a window, insufficient heating, or too thin bedding may trigger pseudo-hibernation.

The difference between hamster hibernation and death

Breathe

This is the most crucial difference. Hamsters in pseudo-hibernation still breathe, but very weakly, only a few times per minute. Put the hamster to your ear and listen carefully, or observe the abdomen, and you can see the slightest ups and downs. The dead hamster was not breathing at all.

Heartbeat

The heartbeat of a pseudo-hibernating hamster is very slow but exists. You can feel a weak heartbeat by gently pressing the hamster’s chest with your finger. A dead hamster has no heartbeat.

Body temperature

The body temperatures of pseudo-hibernating and dead hamsters are very low, but the body of pseudo-hibernating hamsters is cool, not cold. The body temperature of a dead hamster will continue to drop until it is consistent with the ambient temperature, and the body will become stiff.

Body softness

Pseudo-hibernating hamsters have soft bodies and can gently bend their limbs. A dead hamster will develop rigor mortis for a period of time after death. The body becomes hard and the limbs are difficult to bend.

Beard reaction

Gently touch the hamster’s whiskers, and the pseudo-hibernating hamster may have a slight reaction, such as the whiskers moving. The dead hamster was completely unresponsive.

How to give first aid if a hamster is found to be in pseudo-hibernation?

Step one: slowly heat up

Never use a hair dryer or a hot water bottle to blow or scald the skin. Sudden temperature rise can cause organ failure. The correct way is to put the hamster in the palm of your hand or in your arms and slowly warm it with body temperature. You can also wrap your hamster in a warm towel, with the temperature not exceeding 35 degrees.

Step 2: Replenish energy

After the hamster’s body temperature rises and begins to respond, use a syringe (remove the needle) to feed some glucose water or honey water to replenish energy. Feed small amounts multiple times, don’t give too much at one time.

Step 3: Return to warm environment

After the hamster has fully recovered, return it to the cage and make sure the cage temperature is above 20 degrees. Strengthen warmth preservation measures to prevent pseudo-hibernation again.

How to prevent pseudo-hibernation in hamsters?

First, keep the room temperature above 20 degrees in winter and turn on the air conditioner or heating. Second, thicken the bedding to more than 10 centimeters so that the hamster can burrow in and keep warm. Third, keep the cage away from windows and doorways in a warm place. Fourth, you can use a pet heating pad to maintain a constant temperature with a thermostat. Fifth, wrap an old blanket outside the cage to keep it warm.

Pseudo-hibernation is the most dangerous hamster health problem in winter, but it can be completely avoided as long as you take precautions to keep warm. If it happens, don’t panic, most hamsters can be saved with proper first aid.

Related reading

• Hamster Keeps Warm
• Hamster Wet Tail
• Hamster lifespan

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does it take for a hamster to die in pseudo-hibernation?

Pseudo-hibernation for more than 6-8 hours may be life-threatening. The longer the time, the higher the mortality rate. After discovery, the temperature must be slowly raised and first aid must be provided immediately.

How to distinguish between pseudo-hibernation and death in hamsters?

Pseudo-hibernating hamsters still have weak breathing and heartbeat, and their bodies are soft. A dead hamster has no breathing or heartbeat, and its body will become stiff.

Distinguishing the difference between hibernation and death of hamsters can save lives at critical moments. If you want to know more about hamster health care, please follow Hamster Nest and protect every little hamster with us!