Accepted Answer

Hi Rita,

Yes, hamsters can go into hibernation. The best way to revive them is to move them to a warmer room or hold them in your hands until they revive. Many times they will shake for a few minutes as they wake up. Please don't give them any more baths. You meant well, but baths are not good for hamsters and being wet can be chilling to them even if you used warm water. Don't try to warm them too rapidly - no warm air from a hair dryer or setting them on a radiator, for example.

The most important thing to do is keep them evenly warm. A drop of even a few degrees, such as if your house cools at night, can be enough to trigger hibernation. They'll stay more evenly warm if you keep them in an aquarium tank with a cover instead of an open wire cage. You can cover a wire cage at night with a towel to keep the warmth in.

Going in and out of hibernation is bad for hamsters, so you want to do what you can to maintain an even temperature for them. There's nothing you can do about a power outage, but if there's another one, perhaps you can snuggle the hamsters in your hands. You can read more about hibernation here:

http://www.hamsterific.com/IllnessGuide.cfm#Hibernation

If they don't wake up soon, it would be best to have them seen by a vet. If you have more questions about this, just let me know by clicking on REPLY.

Anna

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Expert:	Anna
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
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Answered:	1/8/2008

Pet Expert/Biologist

40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Volunteer vet assistant