Passing away a beloved pet can be an emotional moment for any owner. However, at the same time, it is important to take practical decisions during such times. The question for the day is, what to do with a dead Hamster? I went through the same situation when I lost my first Hamster. Now, let us understand more about it!
Once your Hamster has passed away, you can either bury them or compost them, depending upon the laws of your state. The other option would be to contact your local animal control or a vet. They will help you with the process, according to your preference. However, you will be a disposal fee to pay.
There are few things you must consider when your Hamster passes away. You must understand that the safety of you and your neighbors is of utmost importance.
If your Hamster has died due to any underlying health condition, then you must handle him with proper care. This article will explain to you the different disposal methods.
Signs Of A Dying Hamster
A Hamster lives for around 3 to 4 years if taken proper care of. Here are some of the signs that you need to look out for to know if your Hamster is dying:
- Your Hamster Stops Eating: If your Hamster is refusing to eat or drink, it probably means that they are ill. Mental and physical factors can also be the cause for your Hamster not eating. You should visit a vet if your Hamster suddenly stops eating.
- Your Hamster Gets More Lethargic: If you notice that your Hamster is just sitting at a place all day and not moving. This shows that your Hamster is not as energetic.
- Your Hamster Stops Grooming Himself: Hamsters like to groom themselves. They spend around 20% to 30% of their time grooming themselves.
- Your Hamster Is Gasping For Air: Sick Hamsters often make noises while breathing. It might be a sign of them having a cold, which is extremely dangerous for our Hamsters.
Also Read: 10 Signs That Show Your Hamster Is Dying
What Can I Do If My Hamster Died?
It is important to take immediate action as soon as you realize that your Hamster is no more. You need to be extremely careful while dealing with a dead animal. You cannot just hold them in your hand.
You should not touch the Hamster if it has been dead for a few days since the process of decomposition might have started.
While dealing with a dead Hamster, you must use a pair of gloves and wear clothes that you would not mind throwing away. Now, let us learn the different ways to dispose of a Hamster.
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How To Dispose Of A Dead Hamster?
It is extremely important to dispose of a dead Hamster when you know that it is dead.
If your Hamster died under the care of a surgeon, then he might ask you to take care of its remains, and you should accept his request.
A surgeon shall arrange for a funeral or cremation safely and legally. Doing so will cost a certain amount of money, time, and energy. However, this cost is going to be less than the penalty for inappropriate animal disposal.
If your Hamster dies at home, then you can do one of the following things:
- Private burial: Most people place their dead pets in a tomb at their home itself. There will be legal involvements that need to be confirmed.
- Composting: If you do not feel like keeping the remains of your Hamster with you but still do not want to refuse it totally, you can compost it.
- Private Cremation: You can arrange a private cremation from a local provider. Although it will be expensive, it will be safer and more dignified.
- Garbage Disposal: You might want to check with the local waste collector for the rules and regulations of the area you are living in.
You might want to call animal control if you do not understand what to do. They will be able to give you suggestions depending on the situation.
Do You Bury A Dead Hamster?
Tou can definitely bury a dead Hamster. If you considered your Hamster a member of your family and had a lot of good times with it, then it would be the best thing to do. You can bury it in your garden and create a statue in its memory. This will always remind you of your Hamster.
The first step is to check if it is legal in your state to bury a dead animal. You can always contact animal control and ask for more information and suggestions You might have to ask your landowner before burying your Hamster.
You need to be sure about the laws in your state before taking any such steps. Digging the remains of animals might even lead to expulsion in some places.
When you decide to bury your Hamster, make sure that you do it properly. Never put any food items in the funeral as a sign of sadness. It might lead to more problems.
Can I Get A Hamster Cremation?
You can get a Hamster cremation. It is a good way to build a memorial if you are not able to bury your Hamster. It is a simple process. You can visit an animal crematorium and talk about your options. You can arrange an online momentum or purchase a container to hold the ashes of your Hamster.
Purchasing a container will be a little more expensive, but it will give you a physical memory of your Hamster that you can always cherish.
Once you have the ashes of your Hamster, you have a lot of choices. You can wish to keep them in a vase or spread them in your backyard.
Can I Put My Dead Hamster In A Bin?
Putting your dead Hamster in a bin is not the best thing you can do. Think of those moments you had with your Hamster. Your little one has passed away, but it still lies with you, and you should respect it.
Some states permit the disposal of small or medium-sized animals in the garbage. You should check if it is allowed in your place as well. However, putting your dead Hamster in a bin is not the best option, as it will keep on bugging you.
Can I Put My Dead Hamster In The Freezer?
You can put your dead Hamster in the freezer only till you arrange for a proper disposal process for them. Although you might have to put your Hamster in the freezer, it is not recommended to keep them in the freezer for a very long time.
Recommended Reading:
- Are Hamsters Hypoallergenic? Can You Be Allergic To Hamsters?
- Do Hamsters Cry? (What Does It Sound Like +What To Do)
- Why Is My Hamster Rolling On His Back? (Reasons+What To Do)
- Signs That Tell Your Hamster Is Sad (+How To Cheer Them Up)
- How To Clean (Disinfect) A Hamster Cage After One Dies?
How To Bury A Dead Hamster?
You can bury your dead Hamster after you have legal permission to do so. Make sure that you do it properly.
You can bury your Hamster by following these simple steps:
- If your Hamster was unhealthy, then it is essential to wrap them. A plastic box is also acceptable. You do not need to do this if they pass away naturally.
- Selecting a suitable location for the funeral is also very important. There should be a minimum distance of 50 feet between your house or any water bodies from the funeral. This avoids the water supply being infected from the decomposing remains of your Hamster.
- You might want to ask for local permission before digging as it might mess with the utility pipes.
- Dig a good tomb for your Hamster. Even though 2 feet should do, it is recommended to dig 3 or 4 feet since wild animals might dig it up if the hole is not deep enough.
- You can also put some stones above the tomb to avoid animals from digging up.
Once you have completed all the steps listed above, your job is complete. Now all that remains is the sweet memories that you made with your Hamster.
Hamster Death Funeral
You should consider finding a manager in your locality if you want to arrange a formal funeral for your Hamster. The funeral is usually held in your home or a pet churchyard. However, you should be aware of the fact that animal funerals can be expensive.
There is not a particular correct way to mark the demise of your pet. You will need to find a way that is the most suitable for the situation and your family.
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Can You Take A Dead Hamster To The Vet?
If you are not sure if your Hamster is dead or not, you can surely visit a vet. He might be able to tell you what is wrong with your Hamster or if he is dead. However, if you know that your Hamster is dead, then visiting a vet with your Hamster is not the best idea.
What Do You Do With A Dead Hamster Without A Garden?
If you do not have a garden, you must lookout for some services that will help you with your dead Hamster. The best option would be to take your Hamster to a vet. They will help you with the process. However, there will be a disposal fee to pay.
How Long Can You Keep A Dead Hamster?
It is essential to wrap your Hamster as soon as you come to know that it has passed away. You can keep your Hamster with yourself for about a day or two.
How Long Does It Take For A Dead Hamster To Start Smelling?
If you keep your dead Hamster in the open, it will start to smell after about 1 or 2 days. This tends to happen because the process of decomposition starts after that. You can always choose to keep your Hamster in a freezer till you arrange for a proper disposal process.
