My hamster is cold, stiff, and not moving. Is it dead or in torpor?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Killer. It will take time for an animal to become stiff after dying. It does not happen immediately. I would check for any breathing and see if you can feel a heart beat. If so, you need to see veterinary care right away. I hope this information helps.

Thanks for reaching out about Biskvit. Unfortunately, it does not appear that he is alive. During hibernation, they are still rousable but lethargic, still breathe. It is recommended that you visit a veterinarian to confirm death. sorry.

Oh no, I'm so sorry you don't know what's going on with Humphrey! Rigor mortis can take up to six hours to begin after death, and it can take up to 12 hours to affect the whole body. Check for signs of breathing, as if he's hibernating he will still be breathing. If he's not breathing, then he unfortunately has passed. The best way to know for sure is take him into the vet now. The vet can diagnose if Humphrey is hibernating or has passed.

I’m so sorry that Cookie isn’t doing well. It sounds like he may be sick. There are several things that could be going on like an infection, cancer and more. It is hard to say whether he is dying without doin an exam on him. It does worry me that he is cold though. If you are able to take her to the vet then I would. The vet will be able to tel Lyon what is wrong and whether he can be helped with some medicine. I hope this helps!

I am sorry to hear of your loss. The blue discoloration you describe would not be seen in a live, hibernating animal and is a sign of circulation collapse. Hibernation would not be expected in summer or comfortable room temperature either.

She may not be dying, but she looks and is behaving as if she is seriously ill. You'll need to have Latte physically examined by your veterinarian to diagnose illness or injury though. In the tank, clean and sanitize her cage, bowls, toys and hides. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Keep her warm and as stress free as possible until she sees the vet. Offer small amounts of water or unflavored PediaLyte and moisten pelleted food to make eating easier.

Those symptoms tend to happen in very sick hamsters, usually due to severe dehydration. most hamsters do not recover from turning that ill but if you want to give her a chance to survive you will have to take her urgently to a vet in order to attempt supportive treatment.