Is my hamster dead or hibernating? What are the signs to look for?

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.

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.

IF she is breathing fast that is pretty much the opposite of what is supposed to happen at hibernation, which means she is probably very ill rather than hibernating, you need to take her to the vet ASAP.

You may have thought your hamster died but if it is alive today it did not pass away. It may have had a seizure or passed out. I would recommend taking it to the vet to be checked out because if something is going on your vet may be able to treat it. The good news is that you have your hamster back!

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.

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!

Hamsters do hibernate, but typically it occurs when the temperature drops below 65F. Hamsters live in average 18 months to 2.5 years, so unfortunately it could be that Viker is getting old and reaching the end of his life. I'd recommend a visit with the vet as soon as possible for him. Best of luck.