Domestic hamsters don't hibernate in winter, but they may experience a state of pseudo-hibernation.
In the wild environment, hamsters do have the habit of hibernating. They will choose to enter a hibernation state in winter to cope with the harsh environment of food shortage and lower temperatures. However, things are different for domestic pet hamsters. Since domestic hamsters usually live in relatively warm environments with sufficient food, they don't need to hibernate to get through the winter like wild hamsters. Therefore, domestic hamsters generally won't enter a hibernation state.
It's worth noting that if domestic hamsters show a situation similar to hibernation in winter, such as a drop in body temperature, body stiffness, weakened breathing and heartbeat, etc., this is often an abnormal "pseudo-hibernation" state. Pseudo-hibernation may be caused by reasons like the environment temperature being too low, insufficient food or diseases. When pet owners find that their domestic hamsters are in a pseudo-hibernation state, they need to take immediate action to wake them up. For example, they can raise the temperature of the environment where the hamsters are and cover the hamsters with small blankets or use absorbent cotton balls and other items to keep them warm. After the hamsters gradually wake up, don't feed them immediately. Instead, you should first feed them some glucose water or sugar water to replenish their body energy.
To avoid the occurrence of the pseudo-hibernation phenomenon among hamsters, pet owners also need to pay attention to providing appropriate warm-keeping measures for hamsters in winter. For example, prepare a cage with good sealing and air holes and place it in a place far away from the wind. Meanwhile, put a small cotton nest or a thickened flannel warm bedding in the cage to provide extra warmth.
In conclusion, domestic hamsters won't hibernate in winter, but pet owners still need to pay attention to preventing them from experiencing pseudo-hibernation and ensure that they can safely get through the cold season.