When summer season comes along, hamster owners need to find ways to keep their furry friends cool. Since hamsters don’t sweat, extreme heat can put them at risk of health problems such as heat stress. Ensure that your hamster is cool and comfortable this summer through the help of these essential tips.
Tip #1: Monitor the temperature.
The summer heat can be too much for hamsters when temperatures rise to extreme levels. Make sure to regularly check the temperature in the room where your hamster is. The temperature must not exceed 28°C. If you have an air conditioner, set the temperature at around 25°C. However, if you don’t have one, you can place some ice packs around your hamster’s cage.
Tip #2: Place a cold towel under the cage.
Dampen a towel and place it inside the fridge for a few hours. Then, put it under the hamster cage. It will act as a cold barrier where your furry friend can lay on.
Tip #3: Limit playtime.
Too much activities on a hot day can cause overheating. Therefore, it is best that you play with your hammy during the coolest hours of the day such as early mornings and at night time.
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Tip #4: Choose a well-ventilated cage.
If you keep your hamster in an aquarium, you might want to consider moving him to a wire cage. This way air can freely move and also prevent accumulation of heat inside the cage. However, if you still opt for an aquarium, place it in a well-ventilated room.
Tip #5: Give him frozen treats.
Providing your hamster with frozen treats will help keep him cool during hot days. Give him frozen version of his favourite food or freeze some pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, oats, or millet.
Tip #6: Indulge him in frozen sand baths.
Hamsters love to take sand baths. They will love it all the more this summer if the sand is kept cold. Take a cup of sand and put it inside a zip-lock bag. Place it in the freezer for a few hours and then you can put it inside your hamster’s cage.