I think my hamster is dead but im not sure.........

[gellerbing]

So basically i woke up this morning to see Marty on his side, he looks dead and is cold to the touch, however he is breathing but only every few minutes or so and i thought maybe he was hibernating, ive had the heater by his cage now for a few hours and also tried rubbing him with my hand but apart from the "breathing" he is still unresponsive. I've had many hamsters in the past and none have appeared to be still breathing whilst dead, his mouth hasn't even turned purple yet like previous hams have after passing.
Can hams appear to be still breathing but be dead? I don't want to bury him until I know for sure he's gone but i don't want to keep trying to bring him around if im just wasting my time.
He's turned 2 last month so he is an old hamster.

Any advice appreciated

[cypher]

I'm really sorry to hear this, it does sound as though he is just very close to dying now, it can take some hours sometimes, you can usually feel their heart beating too but maybe not if it's not strong enough, it sounds as though he has lost consciousness & is just taking time to finally die, it can be a very difficult time I know but there really isn't anything you can do, if you've tried warming him it is unlikely to be a state of torpor.
It's really up to you if you want to hold him or just leave him quietly in his nest now.

[gellerbing]

Thanks, i had a feeling he probably was. I won't disturb him and let him pass quietly, I've put wood shavings around him to make him comfortable

[Pebbles82]

Sorry to hear this. I am sure your presence is comforting. Just keep talking to him and the odd stroke may help xxx