Keeping Your Hamster Warm

[PumpKinSpiceLatte]

In the fall/winter (or if you live in a often cold place) you definitely want to consider definitely knowing your ham is warm, here are some recommended options

1. Add a little more bedding than usual for burrowing

2. Use a heating pad, but with supervision and caution (especially for new and/or feisty hams!)

US
https://www.walmart.com/ip/P.S.I.-Im...&wl13=&veh=sem
UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/SnuggleSafe...5SKSZK64NJ8REW

3. Possibly keep the room a little warmer

4. Make a "burrowing wall" in a corner of the cage (works for tanks most of the time)

[Quicksilver]

Good advice Pumpkinspicelatte (love your name!). Our little syrian boy gets lots of bedding to snuggle in to keep warm. He lives in our living room which is kept warm. I like the sound of a burrowing wall - might try that ��

[Vectis Hamstery]

I've seen a lot of posts recommending additional heating for hamsters like hot water bottles or snugglesafes. They can be useful in certain circumstances but please take care. Too much heat is dangerous for hamsters.

In normal heated homes, hamsters shouldn't require additional cage heating; extra bedding and avoiding draughts is all that's needed. It's best to avoid sudden drops in temperature as this change seems to be what triggers torpor - I know of some hams who are prone to torpor who've gone into it in relatively warm temperatures, but just when there's been a change.

If you feel you must use a snugglesafe/hot water bottle etc. please only place it near part of the cage/carrier (on the outside) and ensure there is a cooler area the hamster can move to if they feel too warm. Never use a hot water bottle/snugglesafe for an unconscious hamster or one who can't move away if they get too hot. I wouldn't recommend putting a hot water bottle/snugglesafe in a cage or within reach of the hamster - this protects it from being chewed and in case of any leakage. If you use a reptile-type heat pad, please think about using a thermostat to prevent overheating (but I can think of only a few situations where this would be needed in a heated home e.g. sick/very young hamsters).

[Quicksilver]

Thank you Vectis Hamstery for your advice. We use extra bedding and keep the room warm for our hamster. We've never used snuggles or hot water bottles and don't intend to. I really appreciate the information regarding the safety concerns.

[PumpKinSpiceLatte]

Thank you Vectis, I have mentioned that you should use heating pads/hotwater bottles with supervision and caution