How to Get a Hamster out of Hibernation

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Many animals have developed the ability to hibernate as a natural way to increase chances of survival during the long, cold winter season. Hamsters typically go into hibernation mode in the wild during the wintertime when the temperature drops below 40°F (4.5°C). Being mindful of their temperature sensitivities is an important part of being a hamster owner.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Determining if Your Hamster is Hibernating

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    Sometimes it can be hard to tell if your hamster is simply hibernating or if it has actually died. Hamsters in a hibernating state appear still and lifeless; their breathing and heart rate slow down. They even might go weeks without eating. And with such tiny bodies, it can often be difficult to notice the subtle signs of life in a hibernating hamster.
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    During true hibernation, hamsters will move very little. But sometimes they can enter a “sleep” phase of minor hibernation in which they often tremble or nod their head from side to side. Noticing these kinds of movements is a good indication that your hamster is just hibernating.
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    During hibernation, your hamster’s breathing will be slower than usual, but not altogether absent. Hold your hamster in your hand and listen closely for breathing sounds. You can also put your finger near their mouth to see if you can detect any exhale breaths.
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    A hibernating hamster will maintain a warm body temperature though it might be slightly cooler than usual. A hamster that is truly dead will lose its body heat completely, so a warm hamster is probably a hibernating hamster.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Bringing Your Hamster Out of Hibernation

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    Pick your hamster up and hold it in your hand against your body. Use your body heat to provide warmth for your hamster. Keep holding it for at least 30 minutes and see if there are any changes in their behavior or if they start acting more alert.
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    Wrap your hamster in a towel with a water bottle full of hot water. Make sure the hamster is not directly touching the water bottle and doesn’t get too hot. This will help warm his body and bring him out of hibernation.
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    Try placing your hamster on a warm heating pad that is heated to about 90°F (32°C) for 30-60 minutes. This will help your pet warm up quickly and help them come out of their state of hibernation. [1]
    • If you don’t have a heating pad, try putting your hamster on a towel on top of a radiator. This will have the same effect. Just make sure you monitor your pet closely and make sure the heat isn’t too much for it to handle.
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    Once your hamster starts becoming more alert, even if only slightly alert, try to give it warm milk through a medicine dropper. You should heat the milk up in the microwave or on the stove but test it first to make sure it is not too hot. It should be tolerable to the touch. Feed it to your hamster in a bowl or in their water dropper container. [2]
    • Alternatively, you can try to give your hamster plain water, water with sugar, or children’s Pedialyte with a medicine dropper. Anything you can do to get them to ingest water is good. Rehydration will help your hamster come out of its hibernation state.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Preventing Future Hibernation

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    Sometimes hibernation is triggered by a lack of food or water in order to conserve energy. To avoid sending your hamster into hibernation, ensure that it always has access to plenty of food and water.
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    The bedding in your hamster’s cage will help insulate it and protect it from the cold. Make sure your hamster has sufficient bedding to stave off hibernation. If your hamster starts hibernating, try adding more bedding to prevent this from happening again. [3]
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    Having more body fat will help prevent your hamster from going into hibernation mode. Try feeding your hamster more fattening food items like sunflower seeds, peanuts, or avocado. However, be sparing with the fatty foods because a little goes a long way with tiny hamsters. [4]
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    During the cold winter months, be more mindful of your hamster’s behavior and if it seems warm enough. Maybe give your hamster some extra bedding in its cage during the winter and provide more fatty foods than normal. Keep an eye on your pet to make sure it stays safe and alert during the cold season.
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  • Question
    How long does it take for a hamster to come out of hibernation?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Once placed in a warm environment, most hamsters wake up after a couple of hours. Be sure to put the hamster in an escape-proof container, in case they wake when you are out of the room.
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  • Question
    What temperature is too cold for a hamster?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    A comfortable temperature for a hamster is around 20-22 degrees Celsius, with some leeway on either side. The trigger temperature for hibernation is under around 4.5 degrees Celsius.
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  • Question
    Do pet hamsters go into hibernation?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Hibernation in hamsters is triggered by temperature rather than season. Thus, if it's winter outside but the heating is on in the house, a hamster is unlikely to hibernate. But if there's no heating and the house is chilly, a pet hamster could hibernate.
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      Tips

      • Never leave a hamster on a radiator unsupervised.
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      • If your hamster is unresponsive to these methods, consider taking it to the vet.
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      • Hamsters are small and have very good hearing. If you talk to it, it will begin to recognise your voice, which may help remove a hamster from the hibernation process.
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      Tips from our Readers

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      • Turning up the temperature too high can stress out the hamster. It's better to slowly turn up the heat 5 degrees at a time.
      • Just FYI, hamsters will hibernate if they're left without food, as well.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.provet.co.uk/Petfacts/healthtips/hibernation.htm
      2. ↑ http://www.britishhamsterassociation.org.uk/get_article.php?fname=journal/alpha_c.htm
      3. ↑ http://www.britishhamsterassociation.org.uk/get_article.php?fname=journal/alpha_c.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-fatten-up-a-skinny-hamster

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To get a hamster out of hibernation, try waking it up with body heat by holding it against your body for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, wrap your hamster in a towel and place it against a hot water bottle, or on a heating pad heated to around 90 degrees F for 30 to 60 minutes. Once your hamster starts becoming more alert, give it some warm milk through a medicine dropper to help it rehydrate and come fully out of hibernation. For more advice from our Veterinary reviewer, including how to prevent future hibernation by changing your hamster’s diet, keep reading!

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