The hamster rations out the food to survive the cold months when food is difficult to come by. The burrow has some hay, leaves, and cobwebs to make a soft bed and a pantry of food collected by the hamster to overwinter. This torpor usually occurs in a secure place like a burrow. Torpor is a condition midway between deep sleep and true hibernation, that can last up to 10 days. These brief periods are called torpor, or a state of physical and mental insensibility or inactivity induces to conserve energy. ![]() But most hamsters do not go into hibernation per se they reduce their heartbeats and rate of breathing for short periods of time. The animal may come awake for short periods of time, eat and then go back to sleep. This mode of thermoregulation reduces the metabolic rate to approximately 5% diminishing the need for food and water through the winter. The only true hibernators are the Syrian hamsters as they reduce their body temperature to match the ambient temperature. How to Bring the Hamster Out of Hibernation?.How to Prevent Hibernation in Your Hamster. ![]() Want to learn more? Read our article on interesting hamster facts. Simply make sure they have a constant warm temperature, food and water. However, you shouldn't worry! They will recover within a couple of hours and begin to walk again. You will notice that your hamster is weak and having a hard time moving. Once they begin to wake up and recover from the low temperatures, offer them some food and water with a pinch of sugar to help them regain energy. Next, begin to gently stroke your hamster to warm them up and let them know you are there. Make sure it's not a sharp temperature contrast, it should always be done progressively. To do this you must first take them to a place in the house where the temperature is stable and pleasant. Therefore, as it can be dangerous for your hamster, it's best to wake them up. This is because domestic hamsters are not as prepared as wild hamsters to hibernate and in the worst cases, this could lead to their death. Whatever the reason behind why they are hibernating, it is advisable to wake your hamster up. Remember that it's always a good idea to take them to the veterinarian if they are experiencing abnormal behavior.Īlthough it is not usual, there may be circumstances in which your pet begins to hibernate, for example if it has escaped and you have found it outside the house or if you have placed its cage in a cold place, such as the terrace during the winter (not advisable). To learn more, read our article on causes and symptoms of a dying hamster. So they may respond to you touching their whiskers by twitching slightly. When hibernating, the cheek area is particularly sensitive and a little warmer than the body. If it's sensitive and a little warm, they are hibernating. If you're not sure whether or not they are breathing, it's best to gently touch their body. However, if they are not breathing, they have passed away. ![]() If your hamster is breathing slower than normal, then they are hibernating. However, we must remain calm and first figure out if they are hibernating. In these situations we tend to think of the worst case scenario and think they might have died. It must also be quite scary to look into your hamsters cage and realise they are not moving. It's normal to wonder if your hamster is hibernating when you observe them sleeping a lot. They also often prepare their nests to stay adequately protected during this stage when they remain unconscious and vulnerable to external threats, in addition to being able to maintain their body temperature. Both of these factors are also important so their body can maintain the needed body temperature to survive the winter hibernation.įor this reason, you increase your food intake weeks in advance so that your body stores enough fat and nutrients that you will not be able to consume while you are asleep. Hamsters will also prepare their nests to stay protected during that stage as they will remain unconscious and will be vulnerable to external threats. ![]() They do this by increasing their food intake weeks in advanced so that their body stores enough fat and nutrients for hibernation.
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