Help, poorly hamster

brighthair · 02-01-2012, 06:24 PM

I hate writing these

Disco is about 4 months. Came home about twenty mins ago, to find him not very alert. Temp has fallen drastically in the house whilst at work to about 14-15c
Have popped him on hot water bottle, and he has eaten some food but kept almost falling asleep on it. Alert enough to chew at hot water cover. Seems wobbly?
Any ideas??

Sandrilene · 02-02-2012, 12:33 AM

well if its a hibernation thing most important is to warm him back up and make sure he eats and drinks.

souffle · 02-02-2012, 01:22 AM

It could be hibernation and warming with body heat should bring him round in about 30 mins. They easily slip back down again especially with a young animal that has little fat in reserve. Keep the area round the cage warm with warm hot water bottles on the OUTSIDE of the cage and an area he can escape from the warmth. If you have an airing cupboard keep in in there as this usually stays warm. Feed him some warm porridge but just body temp.
If he has any other symptoms you must see a vet as young hamsters get ill quickly with things like diahorrhoea.
Hope he recovers quickly

brighthair · 02-02-2012, 04:55 AM

Well after frightening the life out of me last night he seems fine this am. Sat up with him literally all night getting him to eat and drink and he looked better so I went to sleep. He is fine now
What temp do they hibernate at?

souffle · 02-02-2012, 05:21 AM

It can be quite variable brighthair and depends on their genetic make up. On average it seems around 10C though or lower so some will go as high as 18C if they are sensitive.

LancashireLass · 02-02-2012, 06:53 AM

I'm sorry to hear you had a fright, I'm so glad that Disco is feeling better, I'm not sure if they do any good but it may worth checking them out but I saw heat pads in Pets at Home.

Love Jx

brighthair · 02-02-2012, 08:28 AM

Oh I will have a look. The problem is I work long shifts and nights and I can't justify leaving the heating on for 14 hours so I need something
I have given him more loo roll and he has at least 2 inches of carefresh in too

Lougarry · 02-02-2012, 08:29 AM

Or you could try, as Eleanor does, putting a reptile warming pad under one part of the cage to keep it at a more constant temperature. This will retain its heat all day if plugged in.