Hibernating hamster?

Question
QUESTION: Hi there.

I came bk from my trip home to find my girlfriends hamster very still, stiff and not moving.  I moved it into a warmer area for about 30-60minutes and then tried poking it gently.  It didnt move and doesnt appear to be breathing (I even turned it over and it remained very stiff).

Am I right in assuming it is dead? I have cleaned its cage and put it in a box or the time being, so if its alive it will survive.  

99% sure its RIP but bit paranoid after all the hibernation stories on here! Please help

ANSWER: hi sam,

sorry to hear about this but i think its safe to say its dead, if it hasn't moved AT ALL since you found it there, its passed away :(

the breathing is usually very very shallow when hibernating anyway, so if you want, you can feel or hear for a heartbeat, but its not likely.

sorry again and for my late reply, i too have just come back from holiday. thanks for your question though.

Joanne xx

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your help. I think it was a case of paranoia! I was sure it was hibernating! Buried it yesterday nice and deep down!

Thank you for your help really do appreciate putting my mind at rest.

All the best.

Sam

Answer
hi sam,

sorry your hamster died dude :( hope your girlfriend's ok :)

also, its no problem, and its not uncommon for people to think their hamsters dead on first glance, so you did the right thing by finding out before you buried him.

all the best with any future pets.

Joanne x