Hamsters are delicate little creatures that do not fare too well in harsh weather conditions, especially during winter when temperatures decline. Cold temperatures may force them into hibernation or even hypothermia which can turn fatal when they don’t receive immediate warmth.

This article answers the question “Do hamsters Need a Heat Lamp?” by analyzing whether heat lamps could come in handy during cold parts of the year in the absence of central heating or in situations where the heating at home is inadequate for keeping them warm.

We also reveal how to protect hamsters from cold weather and discuss alternative ways to provide warmth when they’re being hammered by the chilly winter air. Shall we dive straight in?

Do Hamsters Need a Heat Lamp?

Hamsters may need heat lamps during cold weather in the absence of central heating or when the heating is inadequate to keep them warm. We recommend placing the heat lamp on one side of the cage so that they can move to the cooler part if desired. Fix a thermometer in the cage to monitor the prevailing temperature at all times.

Maintaining healthy cage temperatures is one of the biggest challenges hamster owners who live in cold cities have to face. They cannot stand cold weather so you have to come up with creative ways to keep them warm.

If you’ve recently moved to a chillier city or experiencing your first winter as a hamster parent, keeping the cage temperature stable and healthy may feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be.

Why Cold Temperatures Are Bad for Hamsters

Hamsters can experience serious side effects when exposed to temperatures lower than 75F. A few of those include:

Hibernation

Hibernation is a common side effect when pocket rodents are exposed to low temperatures. Their bodies shut down into a state of torpor to minimize energy usage because cold weather forces them to believe that resources like food and water are scarce.

Hibernation could last up to 3 days but you may be able to get them out of it sooner by providing warmth to their bodies.

Cold

Hamsters may catch the Common Cold during exposure to winter drafts. Signs of the condition include loss of appetite and breathing difficulties. Sneezing, wheezing, and lethargy are additional symptoms they may exhibit. (Source)

Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the hammy’s body loses heat quicker than it can produce leading to dangerously low body temperatures. The optimal functioning of their core internal processes could be affected and may quickly turn fatal when key organs such as the heart shut down.

Signs That Your Hamster is Feeling Too Cold

Witnessing your hamster taking a beating from cold weather can be heartbreaking as an owner. Here are the signs that show that the little guy is feeling too cold.

Shivering

Shivering is the first clue that your hamster may be feeling too cold. The body typically shows signs of shaking coupled with obvious discomfort in the face. Shivering can take a heavy toll just like in humans and other animals.

Breathing Difficulties

Hamsters may suffer respiratory issues when exposed to cold weather. Sneezing, wheezing, and squeaking can be obvious signs that they need a warmer environment before it is too late.

How to Keep Hamsters Warm During Winter

Here are the best ways to keep hamsters warm during winter when temperatures tumble to record levels.

1. Heat Lamps or Heating Pads

Heat lamps may provide warmth for hamsters regardless of prevailing room temperatures. They normally come in the form of incandescent bulbs or lamps that produce heat for specific areas of the cage. We recommend heating one part of the cage so your little buddy could move to the cooler part if need be.

Heat pads may be a good alternative to keep the cage environment warm during colder times. Fortunately, there are numerous hamster-specific heat pads out there so staying warm during winter is not impossible.

2. More Bedding

Hamsters love to burrow in their bedding to keep warm and when cold weather arrives, increasing the amount of bedding makes a huge difference in their comfort. We suggest heaping it up to at least 15 inches to provide enough depth to enable them escape from the cold weather.

Paper-based bedding in particular, produces amazing results when the temperatures get uncomfortably low. Wood shavings and sawdust can actually have the opposite effect so they’re best avoided. If your little guys have always burrowed in Aspen shavings or another type, it is time to make the switch before winter arrives.

Not only will they be thankful for your efforts but it could increase their chances of survival through the cold period saving you the stress of constant vet visits and related bills that add up over time.

3. Blankets

Blankets can be awesome for hamsters during cold weather for 2 main reasons. Firstly, wrapping it around their cages could minimize the amount of chilled air that gets in and out which may guarantee warmth regardless of how low the temperatures get.

Blankets can also create dark cage environments during the daytime which may enhance your hamster’s shuteye quality. You can wrap the blanket around the cage but leave out some form of ventilation to prevent excessive heat buildup.

We recommend small fleece blankets because they’re affordable and effective at protecting pet rodent cages from excessive cold.

4. Space Heaters

Does your home have no access to central heating? Space heaters can provide warmth during those unbearable cold temperatures. These heaters increase room temperatures guaranteeing a more comfortable environment in the little guy’s cage.

Space heaters come in many forms and brands but we recommend ordering one with built-in temperature control. They can prevent the room from getting uncomfortably hot leading to severely dehydrated and distressed hamsters.

Avoid placing their cages directly under a space heater because that could lead to excessive heat accumulation.

5. Cage Heater

Cage heaters are an excellent option for keeping hamsters warm during winter. They can be safely installed underneath a small portion of the cage to provide warm air in their environment.

We recommend placing these heaters on just small sections so pet rodents may move to another area of the cage when too much heat is emitted.

Keep an eye on these heaters by checking up on them every few hours to be sure of your hamster’s comfort. In some instances, elevating the cage a few inches above the heater is recommended to prevent overheating which may increase the risk of damage to the cage or the heater itself.

6. Hot Towels and Water Bottles

Hot towels and water bottles can be another source of heat when hamsters are battling cold weather. Towels could be wrapped around the hot water bottle and placed in proximity to the hamster making sure direct physical contact is avoided to prevent skin burns.

Hot water bottles may also be fixed outside the cage to provide some heat. The downside to these options is that they cannot be reliable long-term. They’re short-term fixes when your hamster needs immediate heat to stave off hibernation or hypothermia.

You’ll have to organize a more permanent source of heat to help the little guy through the night without exposure to cold drafts.

7. Nesting Boxes

Nesting boxes may come in handy when winter is coming. Ceramic, thick wood, and plastic are a few raw materials that can make the right nesting boxes but make sure they’re solid enough not to be overturned easily.

Stuffing the nesting box with comfortable bedding such as shredded paper or paper towels is recommended. You could even stuff the nesting box with hammocks or other cozy materials to provide extra warmth for the hamster.

8. Move Cage to Warmer Areas

Moving the cage to a warmer area is a simple way to keep hamsters comfortable during cold weather. Ideal areas include bathrooms, closets, and living rooms with fireplaces or central heating. Hamsters previously kept in cool areas such as basements should be moved promptly to warmer parts of the home.

Even in the absence of central heating, spaces such as bathrooms and closets can be easy and inexpensive to insulate against cold air. But, make sure the cage is still ventilated because you don’t want the hamster feeling too hot.

9. Food

Starving hamsters suffer even more during cold weather as the lack of food limits their energy levels. Providing healthy foods often acts as a heat booster since the act of consumption and resultant surge in energy keeps their bodies warm.

10. Increased Physical Activity

Have you noticed that hitting the gym or engaging in physically demanding activities during winter makes you feel warm? The same applies to hamsters that stay physically active during that time of the year.

Providing several toys in the cage can do the trick as the hamster runs through plastic tunnels, hideouts and their exercise wheels.

What Temperature is Too Cold for Hamsters?

Hamsters thrive in temperatures ranging from 65F to 75F. Figures below 65F can feel too cold for comfort among your little buddies and should be avoided.

Do Hamsters Get Cold Easily?

Hamsters catch a cold easily because they do not have strong built-in insulating properties against winter drafts. Maintaining the right cage temperature often prevents common colds, hibernation, and hypothermia.

Can You Give A Hamster A Blanket?

Hamsters do not necessarily need blankets for snuggling during cold weather. Thick piles of cage bedding should be enough to keep them warm. But make sure their enclosures are protected from winter drafts.

Can Hamsters Use Toilet Paper for Bedding?

Toilet paper could be a good bedding material for hamsters provided you can create enough depth for effective burrowing. Tearing them into strips with your hands typically ensures a comfortable bedding layer for pet rodents.

Conclusion: Do Hamsters Need a Heat Lamp?

Heat lamps can be a potent source of warmth in hamster cages during winter. We recommend positioning the lamp to heat just one corner of the cage to allow your pet rodents the freedom to move to a cooler area when necessary.

Providing thick layers of bedding, building nesting boxes, and moving the cage to warmer areas such as the bathroom or closet can protect hamsters from cold weather. Draping the cage with blankets and introducing warm water bottles and space heaters are additional ways to keep your cute furballs warm.