Hamster Hibernation: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

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You know that sinking feeling when you think your beloved pet hamster has kicked the bucket, and you give it a little “hamster funeral” in the backyard? Well, it turns out that might not be the case! A woman named Sarah Thompson from the UK recently shed light on a little-known fact: hamsters can actually go into a hibernation-like state when they get too cold. Think of it as a mini bear hibernation, but with more fluff and less risk of being mistaken for a snack.

Sarah’s post went viral, and for good reason. She explained that if a hamster gets chilly, it might enter this hibernation mode, which can last a few days or even a week. “Don’t jump to conclusions and think your hamster is dead,” she cautioned. “If you gently stroke or move them, you might see signs of life.”

To help revive a hibernating hamster, Sarah suggests keeping them warm. One way to do this is by placing a hot water bottle under their bedding. And hey, while I can’t guarantee tiny hamster CPR will work, it’s definitely worth a shot! Oh, and make sure they have plenty of food and water because even playing dead can work up an appetite.

To drive the point home, Sarah shared a picture of her own hamster in hibernation mode, showcasing just how easy it is to mistake them for little furry corpses. But don’t worry! With the right care, she reassured, your little buddy will be back to zooming around its cage in no time.

However, the response from fellow hamster owners was mixed, with many expressing their shock and disbelief over their potential “hamster murder.” One woman even chimed in, sharing her own story of how she thought she’d buried her hamster alive. You can imagine the panic, right?

In a follow-up post, Sarah reminded everyone that “a stiff hamster is a dead hamster,” which means if yours is feeling limp, there’s still hope! “I’m sorry for any distress caused,” she added. “I’m sure not everyone has buried their hamsters alive.” Who knew being a hamster parent could be this complicated? They really should come with an instruction manual instead of just a wheel.

In the meantime, if you’re exploring parenthood options, you might want to check out Make a Mom, an at-home insemination service with the only reusable option. They also have a great guide on how at-home insemination works. And if you’re looking for the right kit, consider the Impregnator at-home insemination kit or the Cryobaby at-home insemination kit. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, check out this excellent resource at UCSF’s Center.

So, whether you’re dealing with a hibernating hamster or navigating the journey to parenthood, it’s clear that staying informed is key!


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