Hamsters (merged)

feelinggood_2

I'm a bit stuck with what to do with my Hamster over Christmas. We live 250 miles away from family, so when we usually visit, we only stay one night, so Hamster isn't alone for long. We took him once when he was about 6 months old, and the journey/change of location didn't seem to bother him.

This Christmas, I'd like to stay away for more than one night. Only problem is I'm not happy leaving him for more than one night, and OH is worried about the journey. He is almost two and while he is still really active and healthy looking, he has lost some fur in the past 4 months. Where we'd be staying does have a cat, but we'd keep the hamster in the guest room with the door shut.

I don't want to leave him for long, as I know that chances are he will die soon. I don't want him to die alone, I want him to die on a day where I've given him a fuss and some treats.

Any ideas/advice/opinions?

Froglet

Do you not have any friends or neighbours who would take him into their home over xmas? Failing that i am sure he would be ok on the long journey,better than leaving him home alone i would think.

There are also pet carers who will look after small animals for a nominal fee.Ask at the vets or look in your local papers,or the yellow pages.

MissG_2

feelinggood wrote: »

I'm a bit stuck with what to do with my Hamster over Christmas. We live 250 miles away from family, so when we usually visit, we only stay one night, so Hamster isn't alone for long. We took him once when he was about 6 months old, and the journey/change of location didn't seem to bother him.

This Christmas, I'd like to stay away for more than one night. Only problem is I'm not happy leaving him for more than one night, and OH is worried about the journey. He is almost two and while he is still really active and healthy looking, he has lost some fur in the past 4 months. Where we'd be staying does have a cat, but we'd keep the hamster in the guest room with the door shut.

I don't want to leave him for long, as I know that chances are he will die soon. I don't want him to die alone, I want him to die on a day where I've given him a fuss and some treats.

Any ideas/advice/opinions?

Where about do you live, you can give a rough location if you don't want to pinpoint?

feelinggood_2

I'm in Hampshire.

I wouldn't trust anyone else with him. We don't know many people round here, and I'd be too worried to leave him with a pet sitter.

MissG_2

feelinggood wrote: »

I'm in Hampshire.

I wouldn't trust anyone else with him. We don't know many people round here, and I'd be too worried to leave him with a pet sitter.

The only thing would be to take him with you if you don't want to leave him with a pet sitter etc

Froglet

How refreshing to find someone who cares so much about a small animals welfare.Someone after my own heart!! Then really you have no other option than to take him with you,all you can do is make sure he stays quiet and stress free whilst you are in the car.When does he sleep? I would think best to travel if you can whilst he is sleeping.

feelinggood_2

He sleeps when he feels like it, but chances are if we are in the car he will be awake, cos he knows we are there. He loves attention, so whenever he can hear us talking he squeaks so he isn't left out.

I was thinking of getting a small carrier for him, put his own sawdust and bedding in, would that be safer than putting his big cage on the back seat?

Froglet

Yes i should imagine it will move about less,and be warmer too.Don't go by the average age of hamsters,and think you won't have him much longer.If an animal is loved and well cared for it can live way past the average.I had a chipmunk who lived to nearly 10 when they are not supposed to live much over 5.And both my dogs have reached the age of 15+.Even my tropical fish are well into their teens!!

keelykat

Hi! We've got a little carrier type box, to take our hamster around in! He should be fine in one for a day or two, and if you'll be getting him out for a fuss/hold etc i wouldnt worry. Have you got a ball? Maybe take that with you so he can stretch his legs when you get there too.

Nice to meet other hamster lovers! I lost a hamster not too long ago, who id had for about three years-she moved house with us and got moved about a bit to begin with, and coped realy well. Got a little boy now-miss Harriett still though.

keely.

Sarahjovi

Hi,

Just some advice please, we picked up a Rotastak cage off of Freecycle for my daughters 2 year old Chinese hamster.

I'm just a bit concerned that maybe he is a bit too old to learn to climb up the tubes etc., He has lived up till now in a huge Rat Cage with a wheel and various obsticles to climb over etc.,

He is still very active and runs around quite happily. But he has been in the cage overnight, and he does not appear to have climbed any of the tubes to the other compartments.

Thanks for any advice.

Sarah:D