How to keep a hamster cool

[Socks' Mum]

Slouching around with books and You Tube in between responding to worried looking guinea pigs. My cooling unit is working nicely, but we still need lots of ice bottles, ice pods, a slate and cool mats on rotation. I'm OK with the heat
But the piggies aren't fond of it

 

[Maz]

How are you all dealing with the current heatwave? 🫪 it’s awful here only 29 degrees but so humid, if you got out you melt

My hamsters are fine as our house is old and draughty and doesn’t get that hot inside. And maybe our neck of the woods isn’t as hot as yours.

A fan can help and also rotate a couple of mugs or ceramic hides between fridge and enclosure, so the hamster has somewhere cool to go.

 

[Maz]

I just wait till they come out. Sometimes they will sleep outside of the house or nest if it's very hot and just lay in one place - eg a sand bath or cool tile. At one time we lived in a house where the living room window didn't open and it was very hot. I had the hamster out in the room and left the fridge door open for a while ha ha. Not very good for the food but there wasn't much in there.

 

[Maz]

Where is he sleeping?

 

[Maz]

That looks interesting! It's a clever idea. I think I'd be a bit worried it might get a crack and leak all over the hamster!

 

[Socks' Mum]

I have learnt a new cooling hack cheap and effective
Some sleek people stones (not too small) washed in hot water and placed in the fridge for a few hours. They can then be put in the cage around the house. It’s amazing how cool they stay

Brilliant, thanks

 

[Socks' Mum]

I have learnt a new cooling hack cheap and effective
Some sleek people stones (not too small) washed in hot water and placed in the fridge for a few hours. They can then be put in the cage around the house. It’s amazing how cool they stay

What are sleek people stones?

 

[Socks' Mum]

This is a brilliant idea as ice doesn't last very long

 

[Maz]

As long as they are not freezing so he sticks to them! But I am sure they aren't.

 

[Hammy Chum]

just been reading this trying to work out solutions. its 27 degrees in our living room, Ive had to shut patio doors now for security. I've popped these ice blocks outside chum cage on one side (outside cage) by his nest, will they even make a difference?? I put a large mug in his cage on its side that had been in fridge but it warms so quickly! Ive also given him some cucumber. i have. a small hand held style fan thats blowing air near (not onto) the cage.

Ive added a bowl of water too but he never drinks form that ive seen only his bottle. he does seem a bit more lethargic and didmt eat as much last night, lots of his pellets were left in bowl. He has been on his wheel though and pottering around.

i hope he'll be ok!!

 

[Maz]

The ice blocks and cool mug will make a difference although I wouldn't put the ice packs directly against the cage - maybe have the tea towel between the cage and ice pack? A fan might help if you have one? How does he seem in himself?

 

[Hammy Chum]

Ah ok I will pop the tea towel in between! I just thought if he goes inside might cool down the nest area hopefully! I mihgt try popping on other side too along he doesnt burrow there, would it make a difference?

He seems ok, hes been in his wheel for 5-10 mins which hopefully is a good sign. i havemt seen him drink much though.

 

[Maz]

I'm sure he'll be fine - it will allow some cool in that area. I've seen them sleeping above ground looking wiped out with heat so if he's moving around it sounds like he's ok. They do actually like warmth as long as it's not really hot. But .......

 

[Hammy Chum]

I have put the tea towel in between the ice packs and cage now, I'll leave like that overnight?

He seems ok, not really eaten or drunk much but been in sand and wheel quite a bit. just me being overly worried as usua!!

 

[Maz]

It is worrying but it sounds fine to me

 

[Socks' Mum]

If he's using his wheel he should be OK. We are at 27C too, 30C by 11am, just awful if you have pets. I wouldn't mind if it was just me, but the pets need lots of ice and fans. But they are being little troupers and brave about it

 

[Hammy Chum]

27 degrees was inside - was 34 degrees outside! the side of his cage feels cools where the packs were so ive put back in freezer to reapply. he's blocked up his hole too - wonder if to keep heat out!

 

[Socks' Mum]

It’s such a worry but the piggies are real little troopers but they have the best mum who cares for them

Aw, thank you

 

[Maz]

No idea what it is outside here - just hot. Living room thermometer says 21 degrees so not too bad with the thick walls.

 

[Socks' Mum]

No idea what it is outside here - just hot. Living room thermometer says 21 degrees so not too bad with the thick walls.

I envy you