{"id":257,"date":"2020-12-15T20:59:00","date_gmt":"2020-12-15T20:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hamsterpros.com\/?p=257"},"modified":"2020-12-24T16:43:02","modified_gmt":"2020-12-24T16:43:02","slug":"how-to-keep-a-hamster-cool-in-the-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hamsterpros.com\/how-to-keep-a-hamster-cool-in-the-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Keep a Hamster Cool (in the Summer)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Hamsters’ natural habitats are temperate and arid climates.<\/strong> In countries like Syria, Greece and Pakistan, there aren\u2019t huge fluctuations in temperatures. The winters aren\u2019t too cold and the summers aren\u2019t too hot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ideally, hamsters should live in conditions above 60 degrees and below 80 degrees Fahrenheit.<\/strong> Anything outside of this range is uncomfortable, stressful and potentially dangerous for your hamster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below, we\u2019ll discuss why cool temperatures are important, as well as different solutions for cooling down hamster cages during the summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contents<\/p> Hamsters, like many other animals with fur, don\u2019t cool down the same way humans do. <\/strong>They don\u2019t sweat, and they are extra-sensitive to what humans would consider small changes in temperature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hamsters that are exposed to high temperatures risk overheating and developing heatstroke, <\/strong>a serious and potentially fatal condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In climates where summers are very hot, it can be a challenge to keep your house cool and comfortable. You may experience circumstance such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keeping your hamster cool doesn\u2019t have to be a bank buster. Let\u2019s explore some options for maintaining comfortable temperature levels for your furry friend this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the summer, air conditioning is the obvious and best choice for keeping your home cool. However, if you do have AC in your house, make sure your hamster\u2019s cage isn\u2019t near a vent.<\/strong> No matter the time of year, it\u2019s important for your hammy to avoid drafts and breezes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If AC isn\u2019t available in your home, combine a few of the following solutions to keep your hamster cool and comfortable this summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your hamster\u2019s cage is in direct sunlight, it reduces your ability to control the temperature. <\/strong>Your hamster will be unable to escape the hot sun in order to cool down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cooling plates, <\/strong>such as this one on Amazon<\/strong><\/a>, are a great option to give your hamster a chilled surface in its cage.<\/strong> Purchasing several means you can swap them out and refreeze the ones that have warmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Air circulation helps to lower the overall temperature in a room. <\/strong>Use a fan near the hamster cage to help with airflow. Just be sure to point the fan away from the cage, so your hamster doesn\u2019t have to endure any direct breeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also move the cage to a cooler part of the house.<\/strong> If it\u2019s located on the top floor, for example, moving it to ground level or to the basement will help keep the overall temperature down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat rises.<\/strong> Your hamster will be in much better shape if its cage is on a bottom shelf, rather than a top shelf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a room with hard flooring like wood, stone or tile, placing the cage on the floor will also help keep it cool. <\/strong>Just be sure it\u2019s in a safe place, away from any other house pets and away from potential foot traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Water is life! Your hamster will surely want to drink more in the summertime. Check its water levels at least once every day. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sanitize your hamster\u2019s water bottles often,<\/strong> refill them with fresh water daily and make sure they\u2019re always free of debris and clogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Give your hamster a cool treat by putting an ice cube or two in its water bottle!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fresh fruits and vegetables contain water <\/strong>(among other health benefits) and are great for hamsters as an occasional treat. Freeze or refrigerate them for a few minutes to provide an extra-cool snack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be aware of how much fresh food you feed your hammy.<\/strong> Don\u2019t overdo it, and only feed food that is safe for your hamster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can place a number of your hamster\u2019s cage items in the freezer for a few minutes.<\/strong> Items like ceramic tiles, a small terracotta pot or a ceramic hamster hideout can provide a cool spot after they spend 10 or 15 minutes in the freezer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you give your hamster sand baths, chill the sand before you give it to your hamster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fill a bottle half or three-quarters full with water and freezing it overnight. Then, place it on the outside of the cage (never inside; it\u2019s too cold). Your hamster will sidle up next to it to cool off! Hamsters’ natural habitats are temperate and arid climates. In countries like Syria, Greece and Pakistan, there aren\u2019t huge fluctuations in temperatures. The winters aren\u2019t too cold and the summers aren\u2019t too hot. Ideally, hamsters should live in conditions above 60 … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":277,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5],"tags":[68,69],"yoast_head":"\nWhy Should You Keep Your Hamster Cool?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Barriers to Keeping Your Hamster Cool in Summer<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ways to Keep a Hamster Cool in Summer<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Avoid Direct Sunlight<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use a Cooling Plate<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keep the Cage in a Cool Room with Good Airflow<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keep the Cage Low to the Ground<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Provide As Much Water As Your Hamster Wants<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Give Your Hamster Frozen Treats<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cool Off Your Hamster\u2019s Cage Components<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Create Your Own Cooling Spot<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, we wanted to mention that if you’re wondering how to keep a hamster warm<\/a> in the winter time we’ve got you covered!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"