It usually takes about 20 minutes to wake up a hamster from its hibernation-like state. However, hamsters don't actually enter a true hibernation state. Instead, they occasionally enter a temporary dormant state called "torpor". In this state, the hamster's metabolism slows down, its breathing and heart rate decrease, and its body temperature also drops, but it doesn't completely stop moving. Usually, this state can last from several hours to a few days.
Ways to Determine if a Hamster is in Torpor
Body Temperature Check: The normal body temperature of a hamster ranges from 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit to 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit. If a hamster enters the torpor state, its body temperature will drop, but it won't lose its body temperature completely.
Heart Rate and Respiratory Rate: A hamster's heart beats 200 to 500 times per minute, and its respiratory rate is 50 to 135 times per minute. When entering the torpor state, these physiological indicators will decrease.
How to Wake Up a Hamster
Improve the Environment: Slowly raise the environmental temperature, make sure the environment is dry and well-ventilated, appropriately increase the light, and provide sufficient food and water. You can carefully wrap the hamster with your palm or a warm towel and gradually warm it up until it is fully awake. Never use an external heat source to heat it directly to avoid temperature shock.
Monitor Health Status: If a hamster stays in the torpor state for a long time, it may die due to dehydration or hypothermia. Therefore, timely monitoring and improving the environment are the keys.