sleeping habits

Question
My boy dwarf hamsters have been sleeping next to each other for 11 and a half hours, together. Are they all right?

Answer
Hi Laura

How old are these hamsters?  Are they young or old?  Sometimes they can get a bit lazy and sleep a lot.  When they get old they do slow down a lot more than when they are young.  If you wake them up how are they?  Has this behavior come on suddenly?  Are they alert and running around?  If they seem to behave normally when awake then I doubt there is anything to worry about.  If they don't want to rally at all, aren't eating properly, if there is any sign of diarrhea etc. then something is definitely wrong and it would be worth getting a vet to check them out.

I have had some hamsters who have slept a lot more than others.  Males tend to do this more than females who seem to be much busier.  Dwarf hamsters generally have short bursts of energy on and off during the day and night, however, perhaps your hamsters are more nocturnal and are really only coming out when you are asleep.  

I hope this helps.

Regards
Sheila