Hamsters are one of the most popular pets for families, but during the winter months, it is important to take special care to make sure that your hamster stays warm and comfortable. Hamsters are desert animals and need certain environments to thrive.
Low temperatures are dangerous, even fatal, at any time of the year. It\’s more likely to be an issue in the winter months, but it\’s still important to make sure that your hamster remains comfortable and warm, regardless of the season.
When the temperatures drop, inconsistency also becomes a dangerous issue.
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What Temperature is too Cold for a Hamster?
The optimal temperature range for a hamster is between 65 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit (16-26 degrees Celsius).
At temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius), a hamster\’s body begins to struggle to maintain its core temperature. If a hamster’s body temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), they enter a state of hypothermia, which can be fatal.
The temperature should never be below 60F/15C. Pet owners need a thermometer to monitor the temperature and start taking more actions when the temperature reach the dangerous 16C.
A domestic hamster can only live indoors. Do not place the enclosure outside in any circumstance (aside from an emergency like a fire obviously). Hamsters cannot live in the garage, basement, or in the shed. Even indoor temperatures might become too low for them, so outdoor is absolutely not allowed, without even talking about the danger of possible predators.
Hamsters need to live indoors, sheltered and with a constant suitable temperature.
The Danger of Torpor
Hamsters do not hibernate. Hamsters cannot prepare for hibernation, which would mean hyperphagia: eating constantly and putting on a lot of weight before going into their deep sleep.
Hamsters do not have the ability to use their body fat, slow heartbeat and breathing to decrease the energy they spend and survive hibernation.
On the contrary, domestic hamsters will die in the cold, of starvation or hypothermia. When a hamster gets too cold, he goes into torpor, a sleep-like state which is fatal. His body will slow down, in a last desperate attempt to conserve energy,
You will sadly find them rolled into a ball, trying to conserve body heat around their core area, they will become unresponsive and limp, cold to the touch, the breathing barely noticeable.
Torpor is an extreme emergency, you need to warm up your hamster but slowly, to avoid his body going into shock. Use your own body heat, warm (not hot) pads or water bottle, stroke them to help circulation
Torpor can result in dehydration, hypothermia, even death.
When the hamster wakes up, he will likely still feel lethargic and will possible be trembling. Offer him a bit of water and food he can lick.
It\’s important to remember that as well as warmth, hamsters need to be in natural daylight (not in the full sun) during day time hours. When you provide enough bedding, they can insulate themselves well enough in the daytime. Enough natural daylight is also an important factor to prevent them from falling into torpor.
You don\’t need to worry about being confused between a hamster hibernating and a dead hamster: domestic hamsters simply do not hibernate. In doubt, check breathing, and if their little body is limp and try to warm them if it\’s torpor.
How do I Know if my Hamster is Cold?
It is important to recognize the signs of a cold hamster so that you can take steps to keep it warm and healthy.
The first signs that your hamster is too cold, will be that he will be sleeping a lot more, be less active. He will be burrowing a lot more than usual.
Your hamster should be living a room kept around 65F, or 18C.
Can I put a Blanket over my Hamster\’s Cage?
First remember that blankets are a good solution to insulate the enclosure, but they do not produce heat themselves.
You can put blankets around the enclosure, but make sure that there\’s still enough ventilation inside the cage.
You also need to ensure the blanket is out of reach of the little animal, as they can chew through them, which may cause a health risk. If they ingest cotton or fabric, it can cause blockage which are extremely painful and can cause death.
How to Keep Hamsters Warm in a Chilly Environment?
There are a lot of important steps you can take to make sure your hamster is warm enough in a chilly environment during cold months.
Warmer Room
Transfer your hamster enclosure in a warmer room. Ideally place the hamster on a higher floor, as heat rises it should be less cold upstairs. Also elevating the enclosure and keep it off the ground will help to ensure it is warmer inside, for the same reason: as it is always colder on the floor.
No Draft.
Make sure there\’s absolutely no draft and the enclosure is not near a window that you open regularly. It\’s valid all year round, but obviously even more so during the colder months.
More bedding
Provide more bedding, to help the hamster insulate their nest even further. Do not give cotton or fluffy bedding which are dangerous, but a mix of several beddings will help them build stronger burrows and be more insulated. Kaytee Clean & Cozy, Carefresh, Small Pet Select are paper based bedding which make like a little duvet when they are compressed.
Blankets
Small blankets are a great option for keeping your hamster warm during the winter months. Blankets act as insulation and will help to keep the temperature in the enclosure stable. Wrap them around the cage, making sure to allow enough ventilation and they are out of reach of the hamster who will chew them if he can, which is dangerous. Remember they insulate but do not produce heat so won\’t be enough if the temperature drops.
Heating mats
Electric heat mat are controversial and can become dangerous. You must have a thermometer and a temperature regulator, or the temperature can climb to a dangerous level for the animal. You wouldn\’t place the enclosure directly against a radiator anymore than you would leave an electric mat on, pushing the temperature too high.
Heater
Place heater in the room. Heaters are a great way to keep hamsters warm in the winter months. Make sure it\’s not directly against the enclosure. It can be switched on for a few hours only, enough to ensure that the room temperature does not drop below a dangerous low level
Hot water bottle
You can also fill a hot water bottle, and place it next to the sleeping area outside of the enclosure, separated by a folded tea towel
Diet
Adding a variety of food to your hamster’s diet is important, particularly during the winter months. Hamsters need a high-quality, nutritionally balanced diet that contains a variety of ingredients, such as seeds, grains, fruits and vegetables. Fresh foods should be offered in small quantities and removed after two hours to avoid spoilage. Supplementing your hamster\’s diet with extra fat, such as cooked egg or sunflower seeds, can help provide additional calories for winter warmth. Avoid giving your hamster too many treats, as this could cause health issues.
To Conclude
Keeping your hamster warm during the winter months is essential for their health and wellbeing. You do need a room thermometer to monitor the temperature at alThere are a variety of ways to keep your pet comfortable, from providing extra bedding or blankets around their enclosure to adding a heater into the room or even giving them an occasional hot water bottle. Additionally, make sure you offer them plenty of fresh foods full of nutrients that will help provide additional energy in order to stay warm. With these tips, you can ensure that your furry friend stays safe and healthy all year round!