Glossary · 🤔 Behaviour
Torpor
Torpor is a hibernation-like drop in body temperature and activity — dangerous in pet hamsters, hedgehogs and sugar gliders, which can enter it if kept too cold (or, for hedgehogs, too warm).
Unlike true wild hibernation, captive torpor is a warning sign: a cold, stiff, unresponsive hamster or hedgehog needs to be warmed gradually and checked by a vet. Keeping the enclosure in the right temperature range prevents it.