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Old 02-06-2020, 05:59 AM   #1
Courtflash
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Default Does anything happen to a hamster's body after death?

Sorry for the morbid topic and if this is in the wrong place, but other than obviously decomposing, does anything specific happen to hamster's bodies when they pass?

I recently lost 2 of my 5 robos, who were about 17 months old at the time, and I'm worried that they might not have passed from old age. When I found them, they both had this weird thing on their fur that was dried up and brownish red, just below their scent glands. It was somewhat long too, like something was coming out of them.

I know they're gone now, but I'm worried that maybe they were actually ill and I could have helped them. I should note that both seemed perfectly healthy when I last saw them and they both passed in their sleep. I only just confirmed the second one today, so when I take him to the vet for cremation, I'll ask them as well. But if anyone here knows what I'm talking about, please let me know.
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Old 02-06-2020, 06:32 AM   #2
souffle
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Default Re: Does anything happen to a hamster's body after death?

It is probably just the release of body fluids , scent, urine etc will be released as the body relaxes. Try and not worry over it. Their spirit / life essence or however you perceive it will have left the body by then and all will be well as it prepares to enter the circle of life again.
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Old 02-09-2020, 12:16 PM   #3
Petite
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Default Re: Does anything happen to a hamster's body after death?

I agree with souffle - as the muscles relax, there is often some escape of body fluids. The same thing happens with humans.

I didn't realise vets cremated animals; I feared it might be a much less dignified disposal, so when Theo died last month I brought her home to bury. I know it's a bit late to ask this, but it didn't really occur to me at the time: are there any restrictions regarding burial, eg depth of grave?
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Old 02-09-2020, 02:52 PM   #4
Ria P
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Default Re: Does anything happen to a hamster's body after death?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Petite View Post
I agree with souffle - as the muscles relax, there is often some escape of body fluids. The same thing happens with humans.

I didn't realise vets cremated animals; I feared it might be a much less dignified disposal, so when Theo died last month I brought her home to bury. I know it's a bit late to ask this, but it didn't really occur to me at the time: are there any restrictions regarding burial, eg depth of grave?
Pretty sure that there aren't. Some people bury their small pets in a large flower pot so they can take them with them should they want to move house.
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Old 02-09-2020, 02:55 PM   #5
Ria P
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Default Re: Does anything happen to a hamster's body after death?

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Originally Posted by souffle View Post
Their spirit / life essence or however you perceive it will have left the body by then and all will be well as it prepares to enter the circle of life again.
I love the way you put this and it stayed in my mind ever since i read it here.
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Old 02-09-2020, 05:11 PM   #6
Vierville
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Default Re: Does anything happen to a hamster's body after death?

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Originally Posted by souffle View Post
Their spirit / life essence or however you perceive it will have left the body by then and all will be well as it prepares to enter the circle of life again.
Yes it is a beautiful way of putting it. And I really do believe they have a spirit or a soul.
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Old 02-09-2020, 08:53 PM   #7
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Default Re: Does anything happen to a hamster's body after death?

Petite - if burying them outside then the hole needs to be at least two feet deep. This is to stop other animals digging them up. It's also an idea to put a large stone or ornament eg over the top once the hole is filled in and leave it there for about 3 months (again prevents other animals digging them up). Some people do bury hamsters in a large pot and plant something in that. That is not at risk of being dug up really.
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Old 02-10-2020, 04:51 AM   #8
Petite
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Default Re: Does anything happen to a hamster's body after death?

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Originally Posted by Serendipity7000 View Post
Petite - if burying them outside then the hole needs to be at least two feet deep. This is to stop other animals digging them up. It's also an idea to put a large stone or ornament eg over the top once the hole is filled in and leave it there for about 3 months (again prevents other animals digging them up). Some people do bury hamsters in a large pot and plant something in that. That is not at risk of being dug up really.
Many thanks for your help, Serendipity. We put some big stones near the top, and nothing seems to have disturbed the grave. We will be planting a rose there as soon as the weather warnings about blizzards stop.
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Old 02-10-2020, 09:41 AM   #9
Courtflash
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Default Re: Does anything happen to a hamster's body after death?

Thank you all so much for your replies. I feel so much better now. I was so worried because it was in the exact same place with both hamsters, but I'm glad to hear they really did pass peacefully. Both of them were able to go in their sleep.

All my hamsters' cages are in the living room, surrounding my sofa, so it's so weird to look around before I go to bed, expecting them to be awake by now, only to remember the cages are empty now. I adopted Minerva when I had already put out interest in the four boys, so there was only a month between them, and the boys were littermates, so I'm losing them all at the same time...

I still have my three boys, and each day is just anxiety now. They're all healthy looking and no one's really aged, but I don't think Robo's usually live long enough to do so anyways.

As for burial, I don't have a garden. There are areas with plants and soil on my estate, and there's a huge park right next to where I live, but obviously it's all public property, so I don't think I could use it. Even if I decided to do some digging when no one would see me, I'm still paranoid about the local foxes digging up any graves I might make.

Regardless, thanks again for your replies, they've really helped.
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