Do Hamsters Hibernate? 9 Great Ways To Stop It. This article will exactly tell you this and more. Different species of hamster will react differently to the cold weather, and some may even remain active in winter while others go into a deep sleep for months at a time.
If you live in an area with harsh winters, it is important that your pet gets enough food during the colder months. Hamsters require more calories than usual when they are trying to keep warm. Providing them with plenty of bedding materials also helps keep them cozy through the night.
Do pet hamsters hibernate? Do they do it like bears and other animals that we might see in the woods during winter time? Do their hearts stop beating or do they just sleep for a long period of time?
Do they eat less and drink less water before going into hibernation, too? These are few of the questions that I am going to address in this post.
The post goes on to list different causes of hamster hibernation and how you can prevent this from happening when , but I’ll let you read that for yourself!
It is important to understand that there is a difference between sleeping and hibernation in animals such as pets such as cats and dogs vs wild animals like bears or squirrels because these different types of animals have very different biological needs during the winter season.
Let’s first get to know a little bit about what exactly hibernation means.
What Exactly Is Hibernation?
Hibernation is the state of inactivity that some animals enter during winter time. The animal’s heart rate, breathing, and temperature decrease to conserve energy. Hibernation is a state of inactivity and low metabolic rate.
It differs from sleep because the animal has lowered its body temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Hibernating animals go into this state to conserve energy when food is scarce.
Generally speaking, the word hibernation refers to mammals that undergo this process, but not all animals can go into hibernation because it requires some specialised adaptations.
Hibernating animals have lower heart rates and breathing rates, which help them conserve energy while they sleep. Their organs also slow down considerably, which helps keep them warm so they don’t need to expend too much energy on generating heat through shivering or producing extra body fat storage.
Hibernating animals often wake up every once in a while to eat or drink something. Hibernation can be seasonal or it can last for an entire year, depending on the species of animal doing it – some mammals hibernate for just three months, others hibernate all winter long!
Do Hamsters Hibernate?
Many hamsters in the wild are known to hibernate during winter months by burrowing under leaves or other materials that provide insulation against the cold ground where they live. Hamsters typically hunker down for about 5-7 weeks before emerging again with springtime’s arrival. The length of their hibernation depends on factors like location (distance from the equator), age, sex, weight gain/loss prior to hibernation, and species.
Hibernating wild hamsters are not totally unconscious during this time – they do wake up every once in a while to check out what’s going on around them or if they need to eat something, but most of their sleep is deep within that state where they cannot be easily woken up.
Do Hamsters Hibernate? 9 Great Ways To Stop It.
Do Pet Hamsters Hibernate?
When it comes to the matter of pet hamsters, this question does not have such a direct or simple answer. Since hibernation is very directly linked to environmental factors such as temperature and scarcity of food, it is not common to find pet hamsters going into hibernation. Most pet hamsters do not hibernate because they live in warm climates or are kept as pets under suitable conditions.
The particular breed of hamster also matters when it comes to hibernating. Some breeds of hamsters are more likely to hibernate than others. For example, Roborovski dwarf hamsters usually never go into hibernation, while Syrian hamsters might if the situation demands it.
Your pet hamsters can’t go into deep sleep like other mammals do because they don’t generate enough body heat to keep themselves warm (their fur doesn’t provide any insulation).
So when your little friend starts sleeping through the night on your bedspread or burrows down in his/her wheel, it’s not just snoozing – he/she is entering a state called torpor, which is similar to hibernation but more common amongst hamsters.
The terms “torpor” and “hibernation” are in fact used interchangeably or even as synonyms by many people. However, there are slight changes that demarcate the two.
Torpor usually refers to a short and involuntary state of inactivity and sleep that an animal enters into depending on what the conditions dictate. It’s kind of a lighter version of hibernation. Hibernation, on the other hand, is a voluntary state of inactivity and sleep that animals enter into and it can last for several weeks or months depending upon the species.
Why Do Pet Hamsters Hibernate?
Your pet hamsters might not be entering a hibernation state but instead a torpor, which is like a lighter version of hibernation, as I explained above. This process depends upon factors such as temperature and food scarcity.
If your pets are kept in homes with normal room temperatures (about 18 degrees C), they’re usually safe from going into any kind of deep sleep that can last for weeks or months, because it’s unlikely that there will be enough cold to induce them into doing so, and also because their bodies produce enough heat on their own to keep them warm during the day when the heating goes off.
However, if you happen to notice some changes in the behaviour of your little friend – for example, he/she is sleeping more than usual and not eating as much, these are some of the telltale signs that your hamster might be going into light hibernation.
It’s advisable to keep a check on faeces and urine production (you can weigh their droppings) because if they start producing less of both or even stop completely, – it means that there isn’t enough food in their system, which triggers the body into thinking that winter has arrived, so it’s time to slow down for a while!
In this case, you will have no choice but to take measures, such as putting heating pads under cages at night-time or making sure pets get fed with high calorie foods before turning off lights, since they must stay warm and fed until the temperature rises again.
Factors That Might Make Your Pet Hamster Hibernate
As mentioned above, there are several factors which might make your hamster enter a state of hibernation.
- Temperature – As I mentioned earlier, temperature plays a big role. Hamsters usually don’t hibernate if kept in homes with normal room temperatures (about 18 degrees C). It’s only when the temperature is too cold for them to survive naturally that they start slowing down their activities and enter torpor. A colder climate will induce more sleep, whereas a hotter climate leads to less sleep.
So if you live somewhere where winter months bring freezing weather and very low average temperatures, then this is the time you should be extra careful about your hamster’s health because it might not only stop eating but also go into hibernation.
- Hamster Breed:Another important factor that might induce hibernation is the breed of hamster. Some breeds are more likely to go into states similar to hibernation than the others.
Your pet’s breed is one of the factors that determine whether they enter into hibernation or not. Many dwarf breeds do not hibernate, while some other types, like Syrians, often go into this state when it gets cold outside or they’re kept in homes with lower than normal room temperatures. European hamsters are also known to enter into light hibernation more often.
- Water Deprivation:Another very common reason why pet hamsters go into deep sleep is water deprivation, so always make sure they get enough fresh drinking water every day without fail to keep them healthy.
If they don’t, then chances are that their bodies will slow down their activities as well as the production of heating energy (thermogenesis), meaning that when winter comes, they won’t be able to produce heat on their own since this process requires lots of energy!
If your hamster shows changes in behaviour or stops eating and going to water sources, – it might be a sign that he/she is entering a state similar to hibernation. So get ready with heating pads, high calorie foods, and lots of love because they are gonna need it!s
- Food Supply:When it comes to food supply, hamsters in nature might go into hibernation when there is a shortage of fruits and insects available for them to eat.So if you don’t provide your hamster with sufficient amounts of quality dried food throughout the year, this could trigger similar effects such as slowing down activity levels and entering states that are very similar to actual hibernation.
For this reason, always make sure that you feed your pet hamster enough high calorie dry food or fresh veggies whenever they’re available so that their bodies won’t be tricked by temperature changes and start thinking about going into deep sleep!
Hamsters are naturally used to storing up on foods whenever they can, so this means that when there’s a shortage of food around them, they will start slowing down their activities and putting less effort into seeking out more, since the body has recognised low energy levels, which triggers these changes in behavior!
So if you live somewhere where winters last longer than normal or happen once every year, then make sure your pet gets plenty of high calorie snacks before turning off lights, especially if he/she doesn’t seem too interested in searching for water sources. This way it’ll have enough fat reserves stored inside its little furry belly until spring comes back again.
- Poor Housing Conditions:If your hamster is housed in conditions that are too cold, then this might also induce hibernation. Do not place the cage in draft spots or near air conditioning units, which can make temperatures drop even more and trick the little furball into thinking that the temperature is actually very low outside when it’s only an artificial product of colder surroundings!
This is why it’s crucial to provide pet hamsters with suitable living space by keeping them away from drafts, indoors areas without direct sunlight exposure (windows) during winter months and always check whether their cages have enough room for insulation materials like thick bedding pieces. This way, you will prevent your furry friend from entering torpor at all costs!
Symptoms Of Hibernation In Hamsters:
Symptoms of hibernation in hamsters can include:
- Reduced Activity Levels: As mentioned before, the hibernation process in hamsters might induce slowing down of their activities which can be noticed by owners through lack of interest in running around or even playtime.
This is because hamsters’ bodies are trying to preserve energy and they’re entering into a state where energy expenditure will become minimal, if not non-existent! Do not worry too much about this though, since it’s completely natural for them to change their behaviour when temperatures get colder outside!
- Reduced Body Temperature: If you touch your hamster’s body, you might notice that it feels colder than usual. This might be a sign of the lack of energy needed for them to regulate their own temperature. Do not be alarmed if your pet’s body temperature drops, since this is a natural process that happens during hibernation.
- Slow Breathing Rate:It is very common to find that the breathing rate of your pet hamster has come down drastically. In fact the breathing rate becomes so slow that many first-time hamster owners get confused that their pet has actually passed away. However, if you carefully notice, you should be able to make out that your pet hamster is breathing, but at a much slower rate than normal.
- Decreased Appetite: Do not be surprised to find that your pet hamster is not interested in food or water at all. Do expect a drop in appetite, which might even trigger a complete loss of interest in both water and dry foods!
This can happen because during the hibernation process, their digestive system slows down too much, so they really don’t have any desire for either water or food, as there’s no real need for them according to their body cycles. This means it’s actually very normal if your little furry friend starts ignoring his/her daily rations completely! Do make sure, however, that it always has access to a fresh drinking source, since sometimes dehydration can become an issue with this kind of lifestyle change!
- Decreased Frequency Of Urination And Defecation: Do not be surprised if your pet hamster shows no interest in urinating or defecating or if the frequency has come down drastically. Do expect to find that this might happen, especially during the torpor state when they’re conserving their energy reserves for long periods of time!
- Shaking And Shivering: Do not be alarmed if you notice your pet hamster shaking all over or shivering even when they’re trying to sleep. This can easily indicate that the temperature might have dropped too much for them, so their bodies are trying to generate some heat through these mechanisms! Do expect this behaviour during torpor and make sure there’s enough room in the cage for insulation purposes, especially with winter months approaching.
How Can You Keep Your Pet Hamster From Falling Into Torpor?
As a concerned pet hamster owner, you do not want to see your loving and active pet sleeping continuously.
Research shows that the average hamster’s life span in general is very low, and if so much of this time is spent hibernating, then it’s an absolute waste!
If so much of this time they spend hibernating instead of spending it with you as fun moments, then those are wasted precious moments which could have been spent together having fun times!
That’s why many owners seek information about how they can prevent their pets from entering light torpor or hibernation.
Guidelines To Prevent Your Pet Hamster From Going Into Hibernation:
- Keep Them Away From Drafts : Keep them away from drafts, especially during winter months when windows might be left open.
- Keep Them Away From Air Conditioning Units: Keep their cage away from air conditioning units or any other source of cold that can cause similar conditions!
- Provide Enough Room For Insulation:Do always check whether there’s enough room inside the cage for insulation purposes so they will have access to bedding materials like fleece and cotton pieces. This way, they’ll be able to generate warmth through these means without actually running into hibernation.
- Keep Their Bedding Dry:Do also make sure the bedding is dry so they don’t develop any health issues through damp conditions!
- Provide Activities:Do provide your pet with plenty of activities like climbing, running, and hiding places, especially when temperatures drop too much for him/her, since these can help stimulate movement and prevent torpor from developing at all costs!
- Increase The Temperature: You might find this surprising, but one way to prevent pet hamsters from entering hibernation would actually include increasing their ambient temperature in captivity using heating lamps, heat pads, and other similar devices inside their homes or cages!
This will definitely help stimulate their core temperature and prevent hibernation from happening! Do keep in mind, however, that this might not be a viable option for everyone, especially if you have other pets or children at home, since there’s the possibility of these heat sources becoming a fire hazard.
- Usuage Of Medicines: There are also some types of drugs which can help stimulate your pet hamster’s metabolism to avoid torpor altogether, but they should only be used under proper guidance from either your local veterinarian or animal care expert, as otherwise it could prove very dangerous instead.
- Usuage Of External Heating Source:Another alternative is definitely getting them an external heating source such as a reptile basking lamp during winter months when temperatures outside drop drastically, though make sure it doesn’t get too hot inside their cages because this might actually cause problems with dehydration instead!
Do read the instructions properly before starting to use any of these heat sources and always monitor your hamster closely when they’re using them for the first time in order to ensure their safety.
- Provide Adequate Food: Do make sure to provide your pet hamster with plenty of food through the winter months, especially when temperatures drop drastically, since this will help their metabolism stay active! This is very important for any pet owner who wishes to prevent their furry friends from getting into light torpor or hibernation.
When To Seek Veterinary Care:
If you have tried all of the conventional ways of preventing your pet hamster from going into light hibernation and, despite your efforts, you still notice that your pet hamster is becoming sluggish and sleeping constantly, it may be time to see a veterinarian.
Fluids and medicines may be administered by your veterinarian if required to address your hamster’s medical condition. He or she may also assist you with troubleshooting your hamster’s housing conditions , feeding conditions, etc. in order to avoid further bouts of torpor from occurring.
Wrapping Up:
Do pet hamsters hibernate? Although hibernation is a normal response to cold, it should not occur under ideal conditions of diet and housing for the pet hamster. If you notice that your hamster has entered into such an inactive state as this, then there may be changes needed in his dietary habits or living arrangements so they are suitable enough to meet their basic requirements satisfactorily.
As mentioned earlier, this process depends upon various factors such as food scarcity, environmental conditions, temperature, etc…
Do your furry friends need some extra TLC this winter season? Give them an insulated house with plenty of hay inside to nest in! You may also want to give them more food than usual so that they can stay warm while they’re sleeping.
Can Hamsters Eat Blue Cheese ? – Pet Nutrition Planet
XoXo
Genie
Related Questions
Do Hamsters Hibernate With Their Eyes Open ?
Yes, hamsters can hibernate sometimes with their eyes half open or even fully open .This is a very common question with hamster enthusiasts and it’s actually not that strange when you stop to think about it.
Sadly, a common misconception amongst first time hamster owners is that their hamsters are no longer alive when they appear to be laying limp with their eyes half open or fully open. The truth of the matter is that this behavior may mean your pet hamster has gone into a state of tupor .
Although it’s important not to confuse this as death, you should take precautionary measures and check on its status every hour during night time for at least three nights in order to ensure there was nothing wrong from an early stage.
Do keep in mind however that hibernation is the process where your pet enters deep sleep mode for prolonged periods of time so if they do fall asleep with their eyes open, this usually means they’re waking up from torpor instead which only lasts a few minutes at most before going back into full-on slumber again!
Is My Hamster Dead Or Hibernating?
The answer to this question lies in how long your hamster has been inactive. If you’re asking yourself “is my hamster dead or hibernating” then chances are they’ve only entered into torpor sleep which lasts for no more than a few minutes at most before going back down again.
Do not be alarmed however if you notice that their eyes have glazed over slightly during the process, because it’s quite normal for them to look like this when they may still technically be alive!
If on the other hand, your pet is totally unresponsive and does not move even after several hours of monitoring them ,you should suspect death as opposed to any alternative state such as tupor or hibernation .However, these states can also be mistaken for death by amateurs so it’s important to keep an eye on the hamster and check them out every hour or so.
Steps To Test If Hamster Is alive :
There are various ways to test if your hamster is alive or not. Do not immediately assume that your hamster has died the minute it displays unusual behavior.
- Check The temperature Of It’s Cheeks And Pouch Area: It should be warmer in comparision to other parts of its body.
- Hold A Clean Spoon Or Mirror In front Of Its Nose: You should be able to see the spoon or mirror Fogging up. This is a direct indication that your hamster is breathing and alive.
- Watch Out For Whisker Movement: Keep a look out on your hamster’s whiskers. Usually they can be seen moving some time or the other even if they are hibernating.
- Try Touching Them:You can also touch them gently anywhere except their face, they should respond after you’re done touching them .Do NOT poke at any part of their bodies!
- Place A Sheet :Another way to check whether they’re still breathing is by placing a sheet over them and seeing if there’s movement underneath.
If none of these seem to work then do take your little friend along for an appointment at the vet as soon as possible in order to get professional help from experts who have handled such situations before .