The most suitable temperature for hamsters is the same for all species, with a few slight changes. Hence, after doing ample research on what’s the ideal temperature for hamsters, I have come up with a detailed explanation.
So, What Exactly is the Ideal Temperature for your Hamster?
Since your pet hamster is a descendant of wild hamsters who used to live in arid regions. your hamster will probably be most comfortable in an ambient air temperature ranging from 65°F to 75°F.
But remember if temperatures drop much below that limit your hamster is at risk of several health problems. For instance, if temperatures drop to about 35°F then your hamster metabolism will slow down and it can enter a state of hibernation and can prove lethal.
So, try to prevent your hamster from low temperatures as it entirely depends on you to provide warmth. When it becomes chilly outside, it’s well worth the effort to make sure your hamster is protected from cold.
Here are a few suggestions I can provide you:
Ways To Keep your Hamster Warm?
You may not know but your hamster has adopted wild instincts from its ancestors who used to forage at night in the desert. They search for food at dusk and dawn, when the temperature is more tolerable for them. Living in a desert may not be easy as it seems as desert nights are much colder than you think.
So, hamsters tend to stay underground in their burrows, when the temperature is too cold. They have a collection of dried-up leaves, grass, and other plant material that can provide good insulation. However, when it comes to your pet hamster, it depends on you whatever warmth and safety you can provide him from unbearable temperatures.
Don’t panic, I came up with a list of ideas you can implement to make it a whole lot better environment for your favorite hamster. Now let’s move on:
Try using a Space Heater
A space heater can prove to be the most beneficial investment if you keep your room temperature below 68°F, during the entire day when no one is around or at night during sleep. Think about having a space heater in the house where you place your hamsters.
A space heater may help keep your hamster’s body temperature within the required optimal temperature range during the winters. But keep in might when you use a space heater, do not place it too close to the hamster’s habitat.
Also, be cautious! Don’t leave your space heater on when you are not at home. Besides, when purchasing a space heater make sure to buy a certified space heater and look for the best features such as automatic shut-off, a shut-off timer, and an installed thermostat.
Heating Pad can be a Better Option
A heating pad can be a better option which is specially designed for small hamsters. This is the best alternative to keep your hamster warm. A few benefits that heating pad can provide you such as it is energy-efficient since it only works when the pet uses it.
Always ensure the heated pad does not take up the whole footprint of your hamster. You want your pet to be capable to leave the pad and cooling off when necessary.
Cover your Hamster with Fluffy Bedding
In the wild, hamsters love to isolate themselves from the cold by getting covered up in dried leaves, grass, etc. Keeping this fact in check, fluffy bedding can be the best option to implement. The best fluffy bedding can keep your pet hamsters warm on a cold day.
Don’t Let your Hamster get too Warm
No doubt that you’re putting your best effort to keep your hamster warm, it can be threatening for pets to be unsheltered to temperatures that are too warm, specifically much above the 75°F limit. I suggest keeping your hamster warm but don’t expose them to too much direct sunlight or get them too close to a heated pad.
Effect of Hot and Cold Temperatures on Health of your Hamster
Temperatures much below 65°F can chill your hamster and cause false hibernation, which can lead to sudden death. As a pet lover, you’ll avoid this from happening to your hamster. Because, this lethargy slows down the heart rate to a state of rest, which hamsters generally can’t bear and end up dying.
You can help out your hamster in a hibernation situation to save his life. You need to hold hamsters in your palms and rub their bodies. Besides, you can put a heated pad inside their cage to normalize the temperature. Also, remove the hamster from direct sunlight and put them in a quiet room.
Warm temperatures can be dangerous for your hamster. Humidity could cause hamsters with some lethal issues. They can face heatstroke which can kill them quickly. Heatstroke is common in high temperatures such as 85°F.
If you see any symptoms such as:
- excessive saliva around the mouth
- Slow metabolism
- Puffing
- Weakness
You must act immediately and cool down hamsters with cold water. Providing them cold water could stop heatstroke, but if there is no instant sign of recuperation, contact a veterinary doctor.
Moreover, reptiles and fish hamsters need a fixed temperature range to guarantee they stay healthy and comfortable. The unstable temperature can cause colds that cause lethal conditions. As a hamster owner, you have to keep your pet at a healthy temperature.
Final Thought
You may be concerned about the health of your hamster. The best way to keep him in an active state of mind is by providing him with a restful temperature environment. Keeping your pet hamster warm is straightforward with a few easy steps. Your hamster surely loves the warmth, and he will be prepared and ready for having a more fun time with you.
With all the easy suggestions provided in this guide, which you can implement accordingly. I am sure that you have sufficient knowledge of how you can keep your hamster within the ideal temperature range, cheer its mood, and boost its metabolism.