Leaving your hamster alone whilst travelling

tive · 08-10-2011, 04:21 AM

On occasion we need to leave Zeus alone whilst we travel to the inlaws for a weekend rather than take him travelling in a car for 3 hours.
I normally feed and replace his water on Friday evening and return on Sunday evening. I ensure he has enough food as he is only missing one feed by me.
But I'm thinking about leaving him for the Bank Holiday weekend giving him a heap of food on Friday and returning Monday night.
Can anyone advise on whether this is acceptable? Is 3 days (or even 4) too long. Apart from the lack of company, I understand hamsters are hoarders so enough food would work. But perhaps the water would need changing.
Keen to get your POVs.

Kristin · 08-10-2011, 04:34 AM

Hey hun,
I guess if he has enough water and food to last that length of time he will be fine. I know that we should change the water everyday but going for four days should be ok. Do you have a trustworthy neighbour who could possibly go in and change his water for you? That way you know someone is checking up on him over the days that you are away.

Gamina · 08-10-2011, 04:59 AM

We have left ours for three-four nights before. I always make sure they have at least two water bottles and a big huge pile of food, enough to explode them! I give my keys to friends and they go round at least once to check the water is still ok. I would worry a little if no one was checking in for water.

MzWiz0915 · 08-10-2011, 06:18 AM

I have had trouble with this before, my hamster Gloria used to drain her water bottle into the bedding when she sensed any change in routine. She must have figured out I would have to give her extra attention by extra bedding changes.

But I guess if your ham is used to being left alone for a day or two already this should be okay. I think you should try to get a friend or family member to check in on him while you're away.

StarlightSerenity · 08-10-2011, 06:30 AM

It's not remotely acceptable in my opinion to leave any animal unattended for an extended amount of time. One night fine, if its the only option, longer than that? No.

I'm pretty sure its also illegal in the UK.

**Roxie** · 08-10-2011, 06:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarlightSerenity

It's not remotely acceptable in my opinion to leave any animal unattended for an extended amount of time. One night fine, if its the only option, longer than that? No.

I'm pretty sure its also illegal in the UK.

I have to say I agree with the above. Water sitting in a bottle for four days won't be very pleasant for the ham, so I would recommend trying to get someone to change the water daily.

Gamina · 08-10-2011, 06:45 AM

No its not illegal in line with currant animal legislation as long as you are adhering to the five care points.

SnickersTheFirst · 08-10-2011, 06:48 AM

Two days is my maximum, I wouldn't really want to drink water that's been sitting there for four days. Is there no-one that can pop in and check on the hamster to change water etc. ?

**Hope** · 08-10-2011, 06:54 AM

Coyld you get somneone just to look in on him for 5 minutes, check he has enough food and change the water, they wouldnt have to touch the hamster at all if they were worried, just do the basics.

2 days is the most I would leave a ham personally, not just from a fresh food and water point of veiw but from a tipping wheel over, getting trapped or escaping point of veiw too - unlikely, but could happen, and these things usually do when its least connvenient!

StarlightSerenity · 08-10-2011, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gamina

No its not illegal in line with currant animal legislation as long as you are adhering to the five care points.

Well the first one is out of the window -

Quote:

Freedom from hunger and thirst
By providing enough fresh water and the right type and amount of food to keep them fit.

Four day old water is not considered fresh.

The third one is also out of the window -

Quote:

Freedom from pain, injury and disease
By preventing them from getting ill or injured and by making sure animals are diagnosed and treated rapidly if they do.

If something happens the day you leave you will not even know until a few days later, resulting in a relatively slow response rather than rapid as stated above.

I'm going to send the RSPCA a quick email just to clarify the legislation regarding leaving animals alone as I may be wrong.