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Appearing dead/hibernation
In the wild a hamster will hibernate during colder
weather. If the temperature falls to around 41˚F
(5˚C) or lower then the hamster may enter a state
of
torpor
—hibernation. With central heating it is
unusual for the room temperature to fall so low,
but it can happen. Certainly it was more common in
the past, and it is sad to think that many a healthy,
hibernating hamster has been mistakenly thought of
as dead and been buried prematurely.
If you think that your hamster is hibernating, place
it on to a warm towel in an open-top deep box—in
his cage so he cannot accidentally get out and get
lost. Put it into a warm room where he can gently
come round. Check on him periodically to ensure
all is well.
If your hamster is sluggish and unresponsive and
has not been exposed to cold, then he is ill and you
should seek veterinary advice.
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Hamsters