How do hamsters keep warm in winter? 5 practical ways to keep warm

When winter comes, many hamster friends find that their hamsters become inactive, eat less, and even never wake up. Although hamsters are not afraid of cold, if the temperature is too low, they will enter a state of pseudo-hibernation, which is very dangerous. Today I’m going to share 5 practical ways to keep your hamster warm in the winter.

Why do hamsters pseudo-hibernate?

The suitable temperature for hamsters is 20-28 degrees. If the temperature is below 15 degrees, they may enter pseudo-hibernation. Pseudo-hibernation is different from true hibernation. The hamster does not reserve enough energy, and long-term pseudo-hibernation can be life-threatening.

The body of a pseudo-hibernating hamster is cold, its breathing is weak, and it is almost motionless. Many novices think it is dead. If you find pseudo-hibernation, you should immediately warm up slowly and provide first aid.

Method 1: Increase the thickness of the padding

The simplest and most effective way to keep warm is to add thick padding. In winter, the thickness of the bedding should be at least 10 cm, and hamsters will bury themselves deep in the bedding to keep warm. The mixed use of wood chips and paper cotton has a better effect, and the paper cotton has stronger warmth retention.

You should also put more nest materials. Tear unscented paper towels into strips and put them in the nest. The hamster will make a warm nest by itself. Do not use cotton as it can easily get entangled in the hamster’s feet.

Method 2: Adjust the cage position

Move the cage to a warm and sheltered area away from windows and doorways. Do not place it on the floor. The floor temperature is low. Place it on a table or cabinet. Stay away from air conditioning outlets and radiators to avoid hot and cold weather.

If the cage leans against a wall, you can place a layer of cardboard or foam board between the cage and the wall to reduce the conduction of cold air from the wall. You can also wrap a layer of old blankets or clothes around the outside of the cage to leave ventilation openings, which has a good thermal insulation effect.

Method 3: Use a heating pad

The reptile heating pad is a great tool for keeping warm in winter. It is attached to the bottom side of the cage to provide continuous and gentle heat. Note that the heating pad only covers half of the cage, leaving half of the unheated area so that the hamster can move to a cooler area if it feels hot.

When using a heating pad, be sure to use a thermostat and set the temperature at 25-28 degrees to prevent overheating. The heating pad should not be in direct contact with the hamster, but should be separated by a layer of cage bottom. Pay attention to fire safety when using heating pads to organize cages.

Method 4: Make your own warm nest

You can use a layer of old socks wrapped around a ceramic shelter to make a warm nest. Or use coconut shells or wooden nests, which have better warmth than ceramic nests. In winter, replace the ceramic nest with a wooden or coconut shell nest to keep the hamster warmer.

You can also stuff some hay or cotton outside the nest (put it outside the nest to prevent the hamster from touching it) to form a heat insulation layer. However, paper towels must be used inside the nest material, not cotton.

Method 5: Increase indoor temperature

If conditions permit, it is ideal to turn on the air conditioner or heater to keep the room temperature above 20 degrees. But be careful not to let the warm air blow directly onto the cage. If the temperature changes too drastically, the hamster will not adapt.

If using a heater such as a small sun, keep it at least 1 meter away from the cage to prevent excessive temperature and fire hazards. When turning off the heater at night, make sure the cage has other means of keeping it warm.

Other precautions for raising animals in winter

Hamsters consume a lot of energy in winter, so you can increase the amount of food appropriately and add more high-calorie foods such as peanuts and melon seeds. But don’t feed too much, obesity is also unhealthy. Make sure the drinking water does not freeze. If the kettle is too cold, you can replace it with warm water.

Check the hamster’s condition every day. If you find that it is curled up or cold, warm it up slowly and immediately. You can put the hamster in your arms to warm it with body temperature, or put it on a warm towel to slowly warm it up.

Related reading

• Hamster hibernation and death
• hamster cage

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to save a hamster from pseudo-hibernation?

If you find pseudo-hibernation, you need to slowly raise the temperature. Use your body temperature or a warm towel to cover the heat. Do not use a hair dryer to blow hard. After recovery, give glucose water.

What is the suitable temperature for hamsters?

The suitable temperature for hamsters is 20-28 degrees. If it is lower than 15 degrees, it may be pseudo-hibernation, and if it is higher than 30 degrees, it may be heat stroke. Keep warm in winter and cool in summer.

Keep yourself warm, your hamster will still be active in winter. If you want to know more about the care and feeding of hamsters in the season, welcome to follow Hamster Nest and raise rats scientifically with us!