| When a hamster hibernates it is usually due
to a sudden change in its environment. Common causes of hibernation
include a sudden decrease in termperature or an insufficient
amount of water. Since it is not in its insticts to hibernate
at regular intervals it does not prepare itself properly for
the hibernation. Most animals that do hibernate eat a large
amount of food before doing hibernating allowing them to remain
healthy and maintain proper body mass, whereas hamsters do
not take the precautions.
A hamster will need to be brought out of its state of hibernation
as soon as possible. To do so bring the hamster into a warmer
room. Avoid the temptation to put it next to a heat source
in the hopes of speeding up the process, as this will only
cause more damage to the hamster. The process of waking up
the hamster can take up to a full hour. Once the hamster has
awakened leave it to recouperate by itself, just ensure that
it has plenty of water and food. You do not want to hold the
hamster or encourage activity too soon as it may not be ready
to do so. When it is feeling comfortable again it will start
to slowly move around and most likely ingest a large amount
of water.
The length of the entire recovery process can vary greatly
depending on the severity and length of hibernation. If after
a day or two the hamster does not appear to be steadily improving
the attention of a veterinarian will be required.
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