How To Keep Your Hamster Warm In The Winter

 When temperatures begin falling, it’s especially important to keep your hamster’s comfort in mind during those dark winter months. We’ve compiled a list of a few easy ways you can help keep your pet comfortable and warm, even when the weather outside is quite the opposite.

Do NOT place your hamster's habitat next to a heater: Many people assume that the best way to keep a hamster warm in winter is to place their habitat next to a heater. Unfortunately this is not safe, as the heater can cause the habitat to become too warm and cause your hamster to overheat. Do not blow hot air directly into your hamster’s habitat and keep the habitat at least 5 feet away from any direct heat source within the home.

Keep your hamster's habitat away from drafty areas: Draft areas are any areas within the home that may have a slight breeze due to outdoor air entering the home. These areas are commonly near windows, doors, electrical outlets, or thin walls. Placing your habitat near an inside wall of the home during the winter helps prevent cold air from entering your hamster’s habitat, and thus making it more difficult for them to stay warm.

Use a hermit crab heater under the corner of your hamster's habitat: If your home tends to be colder than 65° F, we recommend using a small reptile or hermit crab heater under one corner of your pet’s cage. This method of warming your hamster’s habitat is safe and effective. By placing the heater on only one corner of the cage you offer a warm spot that your hamster can easily access if they are cold. The heater will not warm the entire cage, though, so if your pet gets too warm they can easily leave the heated area and go to a cooler part of the habitat. Do not place the heater near food or water. Our recommendation for an affordable hermit crab heater under $20 is Fluker's Hermit Crab Mat which you can find here.

Offer warm soft bedding material: In winter, offering warm soft bedding material can offer better insulation and help keep your hamster warm. Avoid wood shavings or aspen bedding in winter, and opt for paper or cardboard based beddings, as they tend to be softer and offer better insulation in colder months.

Give your hamster extra soft nesting materials: In winter many hamsters will naturally begin to burrow and create nests. They have a natural drive to collect soft materials and create comfy tunnels for themselves. You can help your hamster create warm nesting areas by offering suitable and safe nesting materials such as paper towels, untreated moss, hay, coconut coir, bamboo, natural wool, and natural animal fur (such as angora rabbit fur).

Fill one or two hide-outs with nesting material: Although hamsters often have the natural urge to create their own nesting areas in winter, you can also help them create their own warm nesting area by filling one or two hide-outs within their habitat with some of the soft nesting materials we listed above. Our favorite hide-outs for winter comfort are ones that only have one entrance, such as a coconut hut or wood house.

Use humidifier in the room with your hamster's habitat in it: Humidity within a room helps it feel warmer, but for hamster’s humidity is also important, because it can help prevent respiratory illnesses that often appear in hamsters during cold temperatures. Humidity can help your hamster breathe easier and stay healthier during the winter. Using a humidifier on a low setting in the room that your hamster’s habitat is in can be beneficial for their respiratory health.

Cover your hamster's habitat at night when temperatures drop: If temperatures within your home tend to drop in the evening, you can help keep your pet’s habitat slightly warmer by placing a blanket over the habitat at night. This can help keep hot air in the habitat longer, allowing their habitat to stay slightly warmer than the rest of the home for most of the night.

Although hamsters are very hardy little animals, they still deserve a bit of extra care amidst harsh cold winter weather. By implementing even just a few of these tips and tricks, you can help keep your hamster happy, healthy, and warm. 

 

How To Keep Your Hamster Safe In A Winter Storm

Severe winter weather is one of the most common natural disasters in the world, and being prepared in advance can help keep your hamster safe during a winter storm. With a few simple and easy preparations you can ensure that your pet stays healthy and comfortable, even when the weather outside is dangerously cold. Prior to the storm hitting, here are a few things you can do to prepare your hamster for a winter storm.

Have 2 weeks of food available before the storm hits: Prior to severe winter weather, many people stock up on essentials for themselves- but may forget that they also need to have essentials on hand for their pets. Prior to a winter storm approaching, make sure you have at least 2 weeks of food available for your hamster. In case of emergency, you will be able to ensure your pet is still fed.

Keep extra water available: In case of frozen pipes or a loss of access to fresh water, you will also want to make sure you have water available for your hamster. Having an additional gallon of fresh drinking water available in case of an emergency, for your pet, can help prevent issues if you lose access to water during the storm.

Prepare emergency travel cage: In the case of any emergency situation, we always recommend attempting to have some kind of emergency travel cage available in case you need to relocate with your pet. A travel cage specifically made for hamster is recommended, but in the case of an emergency you can also use a plastic Tupperware container with a lid that has had holes poked into the top. If necessary, you can also use a small cardboard box with holes poked into the top. In the case of a cardboard box, it is especially important to monitor your pet to ensure they are not attempting to chew out of the box. Regardless of the type of travel cage you prepare, it’s best to have a layer of soft bedding in the bottom of the cage to keep your pet comfortable and to give them a sense of security by allowing them to burrow.

Keep habitat away from windows and doors: Most winter storms are accompanied by strong, cold winds. These winds often create very cold drafts near doors and windows. To keep your pet from becoming chilled, it’s best to keep the habitat away from areas that are subject to cold drafts. Placing your hamster’s habitat against an inside wall, or in the center of a room, can help ensure they are not near cold winter air.

Offer soft, thick bedding for proper insulation: Replacing wood bedding with paper or cardboard based bedding during a winter storm can also help your pet stay warmer. Paper based bedding tends to insulate more efficiently than wood based bedding, which can help your hamster stay warmer, easier.

Keep bedding very dry: In the case of dangerously cold weather, it’s very important that your pet stay as dry as possible. If they were to get wet, it will be harder for them to maintain an appropriate body temperature.

Place multiple tunnels and hide-outs within the habitat: During cold temperatures, having multiple hide-outs available for your hamster is a good way to encourage them to hide away and stay warm. Most hamsters will instinctively burrow when the weather gets colder to stay warm. Offering deep bedding with multiple tunnels and hide-outs gives them plenty of places to stay comfy.

Fill a tunnel with warm nesting material: An easy way to make tunnels and hide-outs warmer for your hamster is to fill them with warm nesting material such as untreated moss, hay, coconut coir, natural wool, and natural animal fur (such as angora rabbit fur). These materials give your hamster well-insulated material they can burrow into.

Keep habitat in the warmest room in the house: If a certain part of your house tends to be warmer than other parts, placing your hamster’s habitat in that room during severe winter weather can help your pet stay safe.

Offer high-fat snacks: If temperatures begin to drop in your home, a quick way to help your pet temporarily increase their body temperature is to feed them a high fat snack. These snacks should be fed in moderation, but can help pets with high metabolisms, such as hamsters, stay content when the room temperature drops. These high fat snacks can include sunflower seeds, corn kernels, peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, or a bit of unsweetened cooked oatmeal.

Avoid feeding fresh produce temporarily, to prevent moisture from getting into bedding: Although fresh produce is a very important part of a hamster’s diet, we recommend temporarily avoiding fresh produce during winter storm warnings. Often hamster’s will take fresh fruit and store it in different areas within their habitat. The moisture of fresh produce can dampen bedding, subjecting your pet to area’s where their fur can get wet as well. Wet fur can cause your pet to get colder, easier. Holding off on feeding fresh produce until the severe winter weather has passed can help you keep your pet’s bedding dry and safe.

If the heat in your home is inefficient, check out our tips for keeping a hamster warm in winter here.

What should you do with your hamster if the electricity goes out during the winter storm?

If the electricity goes out, it’s vital you take extra steps to keep your hamster safe during a winter storm. In case of a cold weather emergency, these actions can help keep your hamster warm and healthy.

Place habitat in center of room where you can easily monitor them: The first step you should take to keep your hamster safe in the case of a winter storm electrical outage, is to place their habitat in the center of a room where you can easily monitor them. This will keep them away from drafts, while also allowing you to check on them regularly.

Cover habitat with blanket to keep in heat: By placing a heavy blanket over your pet’s cage you can keep warm air in their habitat longer. This will insulate the warmer air and keep the cage comfortable, even as the rest of the room begins to cool down.

Keep pet in habitat: During emergency situations, such as a winter storm power outage, it’s best not to bring your pet out of their habitat. Keeping your pet safely in their habitat allows them to burrow and stay warm. It also allows you to easily monitor them and keep them secure in case you need to quickly relocate them.

If your pet burrows into bedding, do not disturb your pet: Burrowing is a natural instinct many animals have to keep themselves warm in cooler temperatures. If you notice your hamster is burrowing into the bedding or staying in a hideaway, do not disturb them. By letting them stay in place, you will help them stay warm and comfortable.

Monitor pet for signs of hypothermia: Check your pet regularly as the temperature in your home drops to look for signs of hypothermia. In hamsters these signs include acting lethargic and unresponsive or shaking/shivering for more than 5 consecutive minutes.

If your hamster begins to show signs of hypothermia, what should you do?

Hamsters are hardy little pets and can often weather cold temperatures by comfortably burrowing away into warm bedding. If your pet begins to act very lethargic and unresponsive, is shivering for more than 5 consecutive minutes, or gets wet by accident in cold temperatures- it’s important to act quickly to help your pet get warm. If you cannot access a vet, here are a few steps you can take to help your pet.

If your hamster is hand-tame, hold the hamster in your hands: One of the most effective way to increase a hamster’s body temperature is to use your own warmth. If your hands are warm wrap your hamster in a small cloth, such as a wash cloth, and gentle cradle the hamster in your hands. You can bring the hamster closer to you- even placing them on your lap or in a sweatshirt pocket. Anywhere where your body heat can extend to them can help them get warm.

Place pet in your emergency travel cage: Your emergency travel cage can be a special travel cage made specifically for hamsters, or a Tupperware container with holes in the lid, or a cardboard box with holes in the top.

Fill the travel cage or box with soft dry bedding: Your travel cage should be filled with a layer of soft dry bedding that your pet can easily burrow into. Bamboo fiber, paper-based beddings, and coconut coir are all great bedding sources that allow for comfortable insulated burrowing.

If you have access to electricity, place the travel cage on top of a heat blanket: A heat blanket is a good source of consistent warm heat. You can place your hamster’s travel cage on top of the heat blanket to help it become warmer. To help insulate the heat, wrap the blanket around the cage leaving one side open so you can monitor your pet. 

Place cage near you under a heavy blanket: If you do not have access to electricity or a heat blanket, you can create your own heat source with your own body heat. Place your hamster’s travel cage beside you and then place a heavy blanket over you and the cage. Allow your body heat to warm area under the heat blanket, also warming the heat blanket.

Monitor your hamster’s behavior: As your hamster’s body temperature warms they should become more alert. They should no longer be lethargic or shivering. They should eventually begin to get up and try to move around. At this point offer them access to a water source and a small amount of hamster kibble. Continue to monitor your hamster. Ideally, you should also keep your hamster in a warm area- such as a travel cage next to your body where they have a stable heat source to help them stay warm.

Winter storms are stressful for humans and their pets alike. Small animals, such as hamster, are especially susceptible to the cold and taking extra precautions during winter storms, and knowing what to do in the case of an emergency can help you prepare for even the most extreme of cold weather emergencies.

Many hamsters, specifically those coming from a pet store, are not hand tamed. Many breeders hand feed their hamsters and raise them to be adept to human contact. But large pet stores buy their hamsters from mass breeders who do not hand feed their baby hamsters - which creates very 'wild' hamsters that are not accustomed to hands. So how do you hand tame a hamster that has not had positive contact with humans prior? Patience is key, as with earning trust from any animal- hamsters require time to truly know you are not going to hurt them.

Photo credit to Hamster Haven Rescue.
Click their name to learn more about this awesome hamster rescue!

To begin: Sit beside your hamster's cage with your hand resting against cage. This will give your hamster time to get used to the natural movement and appearance of your hand. You can do this while watching television or just relaxing. The more often you can do this, the more accustomed your hamster will become to your hand. Three days in a row of one hour 'hand resting time' will give your hamster adequate time to get used to your hand's company. But as we mentioned before, patience is key. So the longer you can let the hamster get used to your hand- the better.

Step Two: Once your hamster is accustomed to your hands appearance, and no longer fears it resting on the outside of the cage- place your hand in the cage. Move very slowly, make no sudden movements, and place your hand away from the hamster . Rest it in an area out in the open where your hamster can come and go as they please. Let them get used to your scent and your company. Do not attempt to pet them or move close to them. When they come to you, hold very still and let them inspect your hand. Do this for two to three days in a row, without moving your hand.

Step Three: As your hamster becomes used to your hand in their cage, place a treat on the edge of your hand where your gerbil can access it without having to hop into your hand. Be very still and patient, and let the hamster come to you. As it takes the treat remain very still. Once they have eaten the treat, place another one in your hand and repeat the process 3 to 4 times. Continue feeding the treats until your hamster comes to your hand as it enters the cage- expecting a treat.

Step Four: As your hamster begins to come to your hand, you can begin bringing the treats directly to them. Instead of setting your hand in an open area, bring your hand to wherever your hamster is. Set it down and let your hamster get the treat. If you'd like, you can hold the treat in your fingers and have the hamster eat it while you hold it. Again, move very slowly and make no sudden movements that could startle your hamster .

Step Five: Once your hamster no longer fears your hand coming towards them, try to set down treats on the ground and then slowly pet your hamster . Most likely, they will be skittish at first. Move very slowly and be patient. Pet your hamster only for 10 to 15 seconds and then bring your hand away. When you bring the next treat, set it down, and pet the hamster again. Continue to do this until your hamster naturally expects you to pet them, and no longer jumps or runs away when you touch them.

Step Six: Now that your hamster is accustomed to more intimate contact with your hand, you can begin luring them into your hand. Place a treat in the middle of your palm, and let them hop into your hand for treats. Keep your hand still and let them eat while sitting in your hand.

Step Seven: When your hamster begins to hop into your hand without hesitation you can begin to lift your hand slowly. Be very still, and if your hamster jumps out- let them. Only lift your hand 2 to 5 inches from the ground. Basically, what you are doing is getting your hamster accustomed to being moved by your hand. It will allow them to become comfortable with being picked up. Let them eat a treat while you lift them. As they jump into your hand, slowly rise it up to around 5 inches off of the ground. Once their treat is finished hold them a little while, then bring your hand back down and let them run out. Continue this process until your hamster happily sits in your hand as you raise it up and down.

Step Eight: Now you can begin to pick your hamster up higher. Be very careful and cup your hand slightly so they cannot jump out. You can bring them out of their cage and rest your hand on your lap. Continue to feed them treats as they sit in your hand so they learn that when they come back to your hand they will receive a reward. When moving your hamster in and out of the cage move very slowly, so they do not accidentally fall.

Step Nine: Once your hamster happily sits in your hand as you bring it to and from it's cage, you can begin to let them roam your lap. Let them step off of your hand and frolic around. Supervise them carefully, and pick them up if they begin to roam to far away. Always keep your hand available so the hamster can run back to you if they are scared or feel unsafe. After a while your hamster will naturally look forward to being taken from their cage. They will love exploring and happily hop in and out of your hand. They will also easily eat out of your hand without any skittish or aggressive behavior. And wah-lah you've got yourself a hand tamed hamster!

Hamsters are extraordinary little creatures, and fascinating pets. Many people don't realize how absolutely wonderful these little beings can be. But we do. We are Hamster Cottage and we fully acknowledge how amazing hamsters are. Some would call us 'hamster crazy' or 'hamster addicts', but in all reality we are very simply 'hamster lovers'.

We welcome you with open arms to our online habitat. This site is one of the many great web addresses dedicated to promoting ethical care of hamsters. Our goal is to educate people about hamsters. Unlike most factual sites we try to make our information fun and simple. We want to break down the step-by-step of proper hamster care in enough detail to ensure that nothing is missed, yet in a way that is entertaining to read.

If you are planning on buying a hamster or a new hamster owner here are a few articles you might find helpful:
Basic Hamster Care
Basic Hamster Behavior
The Hamster Diet

If you're a bit more experienced, here are a few critter-worthy tidbits you might find interesting:
How To Give A Hamster A Bath
Homemade Hamster Kibble Recipe
Hamster Snack Ideas

The Basics of Hamster Care

Hamster's are solitary creatures that make great pets for people who are looking for a small low-maintenance creature that offers up a cuddly array of love. And although they are relatively easy to care for there are a few key things that every hamster needs.

Photo credit to Hamster Haven Rescue.
Click their name to learn more about this awesome hamster rescue!

Terrarium: Why choose a terrarium over a typical hamster cage? The commercial hamster cages are filled with lots of little compartments, and although those are great for hamsters, they are very hard to clean and cause unsanitary conditions. There is a lack of an air flow and that also causes respiratory problems. So instead, we suggest you opt for a terrarium with a mesh wire lid. The terrarium allows you to build your own tunneling areas- which makes it easier to clean, and it also allows much better air flow. The bigger the better, but the minimum size for one hamster should be 10 gallons.

Food: In the wild hamsters are great at scavenging for food and will eat (and store away) almost anything they come across. In captivity though, hamsters should be fed a diet largely made up of seeds (grains) and greens, supplemented with fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Because hamsters have a tendency to store unused food, it's that you clean your cage regularly to avoid rot of hidden food.

Water: As with all mammals, hamsters need to drink to stay hydrated. We do not recommend using a bottle for your hamster's water supply as they can easily get clogged and cause dehydration. Rather, we suggest you use a small sturdy heavy bowl and change the water daily. Keep an eye on the dish and if you see bedding inside, change the water out to avoid rot.

Bedding: Unlike gerbils, hamster's are not as apt to dig, so they do not need an immense amount of bedding. About three to four inches of aspen bedding at the bottom of their terrarium will work quite well for them. Avoid getting any evergreen shavings (spruce, cyprus, etc.) because they can cause respiratory problems among rodents.

Tunnels/Hiding Spaces: Hamster's need tunnels for a variety of reasons. They are independent creatures that enjoy seclusion. They like to be alone and feel most comfortable when 'hidden' away. This is why it is very important to keep a variety of tunnels in your hamsters habitat. Decorate your hamster's terrarium with lots of tunnels. You can purchase commercial rodent tunnels from your local pet store or even make your own with paper towel rolls and other round household objects. Hamster's are also nocturnal, so they need dark places to hide and sleep during the day. Make sure you give your hamster a variety of hide-out areas.

Nesting Material: Hamster's enjoy comfort and building nests is one way they stay active and stimulated. Typically they will build nests in their tunnels and 'hut' hideaway areas. Hamster's prefer soft materials such as toilet paper, bath tissue, cotton fabric, and felt. All are great materials to give your hamsters to 'tear up' and nest with. Give your hamster a regular supply of material for them to shred and create nests with.

Chew Toys: Chew toys are a vital part of a hamster's well being because they keep teeth from overgrowing. There are a variety of chew toys on the market today, but you can also supply your own by offering your hamster a branch of a maple, willow, or apple tree (make sure they haven't had pesticides used on them).

Snacks: Snacks helps keep your hamster entertained. In the wild they have a diet made of variety, so it's important that they also have a variety while living as your pet. Feed them bits of fresh fruit, sunflower seeds, and peanuts to keep them happy and healthy! But as with any snack food, overdoing it can lead to health problems. So use your snacks sparingly.