The main reasons for a hamster's body feeling cold are as follows:
Pseudohibernation: When the environmental temperature is too low, hamsters will enter a state similar to hibernation, which is called pseudohibernation. At this time, their bodies will become cold and stiff, and their breathing and heartbeats will also become very weak, looking as if they are in a state of "apparent death". Although the body of a hamster in pseudohibernation is cold, it still has a faint heartbeat and breath. Its body is curled up, and its claws are slightly open.
Environmental discomfort: The environmental temperature where the hamster lives being too low or too high, being too noisy, or having poor hygiene conditions, etc., can all affect its condition. The suitable temperature should be between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius, and a quiet and clean environment should be maintained.
Illnesses: Such as colds, gastroenteritis, pneumonia, etc. A cold may be caused by a large temperature difference, and attention should be paid to keeping the hamster warm; gastroenteritis is mostly due to improper diet, and the diet needs to be adjusted; pneumonia may be caused by an infection, and antibiotics should be used when necessary.
Malnutrition: Long-term unbalanced diet, lacking necessary nutrients. A variety of foods should be provided, including high-quality hamster food, fresh fruits and vegetables, etc.
Stress response: Sudden scares or environmental changes may cause a stress response in hamsters. Try to reduce the stimuli and let it recover slowly.
Methods to determine if a hamster is in pseudohibernation:
Observe if there is a faint heartbeat and breath. Although the body of a hamster in pseudohibernation is cold, it still has a faint heartbeat and breath.
Check if the claws are slightly open and if the whiskers are slightly trembling. If there are no signs of life at all, it may be a real death.
First aid measures:
Quickly move the hamster to a warm environment and keep the room temperature above 20°C. You can gently wrap it in your palm or with a towel to provide natural body heat.
Gently massage the hamster's body to help restore blood circulation.
Feed some warm glucose water or electrolyte water to replenish energy.
Preventive measures:
Keep the hamster's living environment warm and provide enough warm materials, such as wood shavings, paper cotton, and cotton balls, etc.
Pay attention to observing the hamster's condition. Once signs of pseudohibernation are found, take immediate measures.