old man hamster question

[emotionalcynic]

Hi all

Sorry to post this here but I don't know where else to post it. My hamster Gaius is definitely on his way out, he is nearly 3 and has always be quite active until the last week or so, when he barely left his nest at all, not even to eat or drink much. I came home today and it seems like he might have died. He isn't breathing and seems quite cold and stiff. He is my first ham so I haven't experienced this before and have a few questions. I hope someone can help me

1. How can I be sure that he is dead and not hibernating? It has been cold here recently and although I think he is gone I want to know how you can be sure

2. I would like to do a plant pot burial in my in-laws garden for him (as we don't have a garden) but I'm not 100% sure the best way to do this. Does anyone have any links or advice? Google isn't being terribly helpful!

3. My husband is very keen that we get another ham soon. How long do people usually wait and can I use the same cages that Gaius had? Do I need to do anything other than clean it?

Thanks in advance. I am sad that Gaius appears to have gone, but he had a good and happy life, so I am pleased to have been his Hamster Mummy!

[BrainGirl]

I'm sorry you may have lost your buddy but 3 years is a very good age and you can be proud of having given him a good life x

I can't answer your first question but for the second I have actually done this for a special ham. What I did was get a largish planter, put several about a hand's depth of soil in it give or take, nestled my hamster's body on the soil, then added a bit more soil and the plant, and filled in around the edges. I chose a lemon verbena but you can do a mixed planting too. Just be sure to water it in well to settle the soil around the roots! If it's cold where you are and you can't start a planter at this time of the year you can always keep his body in the freezer if you're not squeamish and plant in the spring.

Getting another pet after a loss is a personal decision. If your husband is ready but you're not perhaps it would be best to discuss it with him and try to come to a compromise.

[Wexland]

Hi. Sadly it sounds most likely that he has passed. I am not really sure how you can check other than seeing if there is any heart beat/breathing anywhere. If he is going stiff........

I can't help on the burial I am afraid, have you tried google?

I would imagine you just need to thoroughly clean and disinfect his cage before getting another hammy and as for time, thats up to you and how you feel.

Gais had a great life living to that age. Wow, bless him. Let us know the outcome and I hope you are OK xx

[alyzimm]

Hi there,

Three is a very good age It seems he has had a good life.

Besides the other wonderful advice you've received, I'll also note that, technically, hamsters do not hibernate. They can go into shock if it is too cold, but they don't hibernate.


For cleaning and disinfecting the cage, you probably don't have much to worry about as Gaius likely died of old age. Just in case, however, it'd be a good idea to use a little bleach while you clean his cage, toys, bottle, and food dishes (everything!). You don't need much-maybe a cap full in a bucket of water. Rinse everything very well, and make sure everything is dry before you give it to another hamster.

When/if you decide to have another hamster is up to you. If you guys feel like you're ready, then go for it Different people need different amounts of time, and you know what is best for you guys.

Best wishes~

[Skeever]

If they're in a state of torpor, which looks like death, the whiskers should still move on their own.

When in doubt I spose, it might be wise to try and warm up any hammy that seems to have passed before being so sure?

You'll know when the time is right to bring home another wee bundle of fluff

[souffle]

I am sorry to hear this news. A hamster who has passed over will have dark blood in the nail beds. If he was hibernating the blood still moves slowly round the body but at death in pools in the extremities.
After a while the stiffness will pass and the body relax again. This should happen in 24hrs. You may wish to leave him tucked in his nest and check the nailbeds and if he relaxes to be sure he has passed over. He must have been very well cared for to live to 3 and his passing sounds peaceful.
I think the others have covered the pot burial and I hope you can find a lovely pot to use as a chamber and when his plants bloom in spring you can see him reborn.
As to a new little one you must both be ready. Maybe go and look in some rescues or contact a local breeder and just wait till a little one captures your heart.
Play well Gaius

[emotionalcynic]

Thank you so much for all of your responses. It has been an emotional evening to say the least...

Gaius was still with us when I tried to warm him up and get him out of the crinkle den he had (newly) been sleeping in, but not by much. He was staring up at me and moving his paw a little and breathing shallowly. It was pretty upsetting in all honesty. He wasn't in pain but he was clearly clinging on to life.

So, we took him to the vet and he was put to sleep. He wasn't really able to move in the state he was in and unless I'd hand fed and watered him he would have died of dehydration, and it just seemed kinder to have the vet put him to sleep. His little face as I said goodbye really broke my heart in all honest, but I'm glad I got the opportunity to say goodbye to him and I know he had a good, long life and was happy.


God, I'm crying again! Thanks for all being so kind and lovely with your advice. We will be getting another hammy very soon, but I'll never forget Gaius as he was my first one. We're going to bury him tomorrow.

Thanks again guys, you are so supportive here x