Hamsters are very susceptible to cold, especially during the winter months. Owners can create a cozy, warm nest for their little friends using repurposed items like old fish tanks or storage bins. In addition, you can cut the bottom of a plastic bottle to serve as a feeding dish and use a small cardboard box as a sand bath. However, if your hamster starts to show signs like low body temperature, shivering, or decreased appetite, it indicates that your hamster is feeling cold and needs immediate attention.
Hamsters, with their small size and adorable appearance, are popular pets. They are easy to care for, but they are also quite sensitive to cold temperatures. In winter, providing a warm and comfortable environment is crucial. Besides adding more bedding and increasing the ambient temperature, a DIY warm nest can significantly improve your hamster's comfort.
How to Make a Warm Hamster Nest
1. Start with a spare fish tank or storage bin and lay a thick layer of wood shavings on the bottom. This will serve as the main body of the warm nest. Make sure to create small air vents to ensure proper air circulation within the enclosure.
2. You can use an old ashtray, or cut off the bottom of a clean plastic bottle and use it as a food dish. This should be placed inside the hamster's new nest.
3. Add a small cardboard box inside the nest and put some bathing sand into it to allow for your hamster to clean itself. Now, your basic DIY hamster warm nest is complete!
How to Tell if Your Hamster is Cold
You can assess whether your hamster is feeling cold by checking their body temperature and observing their behavior. If their body feels colder than normal to the touch, it means that they are feeling the chill. Additionally, signs such as shivering, decreased appetite, or curling into a tight ball are indications of coldness. If you notice these symptoms, immediately provide more bedding and increase the temperature of their environment. Ignoring these signs can lead to serious health issues for your hamster.