tips on traveling by train with a hamster? - Page 3

**LocoRocoPanda** · 10-24-2011, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roxie

I don't want to sound rude, but you need to stop thinking all Chinese hamsters are the same. Not all of them are shy or fit the stereotypical Chinese mould.

Ever heard the song "I'll Follow You Into The Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie? I dedicate it to you for how I feel, my Chocobo!

Toshiro was a wonderfully inquisitive thing from the get-go, boldly running around everywhere. Aizen was confident but only with me but that's because he was so mentally scarred.

**Roxie** · 10-24-2011, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LocoRocoPanda

Ever heard the song "I'll Follow You Into The Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie? I dedicate it to you for how I feel, my Chocobo!

Toshiro was a wonderfully inquisitive thing from the get-go, boldly running around everywhere. Aizen was confident but only with me but that's because he was so mentally scarred.

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Shiloh is the least timid hamster I've ever had and I've mainly kept Syrians over the years! As I mentioned in my first post in this topic she was completely unfazed travelling on a train when I brought her home and I strongly believe she'd love to go on an adventure now.

Just because Chinese have a rep off being shy and timid doesn't mean they all are. Each one is unique, some, like mine, are full of attitude

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racinghamster · 10-25-2011, 02:12 AM

Well I suppose some people will believe their hamsters `like` travelling on noisey trains for nothing more than their owners enjoyment, but if your train is delayed or your hamster catches an illness from being amongst other hamsters who may be carriers of something nasty, that`s up to you. Shows are held mainly for the benefit of hamster breeders to compete against one another and sell their stock. I suppose pet hamster classes are held aswell, but if I had to travel too far for the sake of that, I`m afraid I wouldn`t even consider it. I would put the welfare of my pet first for the reasons I have already given, not because the hamsters may make the journey and look as though they are enjoying it.

I doubt if hamsters could speak they would be asking to be hauled from their beds and taken in a small carrier on a long journey in the cold when it`s unecessary! Get real, please!

As far as chinese hamsters go, well I`m more likely to believe what I read about the species and not pretend that because mine is a feisty little thing that she would also enjoy the upset of being hauled to a show. In fact, the opposite may happen and I would shake her confidence back and make her nervous and undo all the good work I had done to tame her.

Anyway, I`m sure my sentiments are not that of others and I`m sure it won`t be taken on board by many. I just want people to think hard about the concequences, that`s all. Travelling with a small animal for rehoming or veterinary treatment is essential. But if you must travel to a show that`s going to take two train journeys or similar, I would go alone and enjoy the company of who attends and be happy that I didn`t take mine along because of the distance.

**LocoRocoPanda** · 10-25-2011, 02:19 AM

You know I really don't like your tone. My Izu would seriously let me know if he didn't like something, like he does with everything in his life. And I don't like you insinuating that you seem to think I'm putting my hamsters in any sort of stress like I would ever do something like that. My hamsters are my prime concern. Which is why I would never take Tobi to a show, she'd hate it. I know she would. However I honestly believe that Izu and Claudio don't. Shisui, I'm not sure on yet. I need to get to know him a little more.

You're talking about something you seem to have no experience with.

Roxie is right, not all Chinese fit the species. The same with all animals. I never take breed 'standard' into consideration.

LawaRawr · 10-25-2011, 02:29 AM

racinghamster i do understand your concern for cookie monster however as i have said before it is not definite that i am taking her i made this thread purely to see how other peoples hamsters coped with train rides. cookie monster will not be in a carrier if i taken her as if i do take her we have decided to put her in a bin cage for the day which she goes in when her cage gets cleaned out. cookie always lets me know when she is not happy with something because she will make little squeaking noises when shes not happy. but as ive already said its not definite that im taking her i just thought it would be nice for her to be taken to a show.

racinghamster · 10-25-2011, 02:30 AM

Tone doesn`t always come across well in posts Loco and I am not saying you or anyone else is a bad owner because you attend shows. I am merely pointing out that `some` hamsters might be taken to shows by their owners, especially if it means a long journey and they may not be aware that their hamster/hamsters are suitable candidates, unless like yourself, you know your hamsters well and can weigh up the risks.

If I have an opinion on this, it doesn`t mean I`m telling anyone off. I`m just saying don`t travel if it means a longer journey than is necessary, which is what the OP was mulling over.

I imagine shows are fun and I know hamster shows have been going for a long, long time and are very well managed.

Gamina · 10-25-2011, 03:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racinghamster

Well I suppose some people will believe their hamsters `like` travelling on noisey trains for nothing more than their owners enjoyment, but if your train is delayed or your hamster catches an illness from being amongst other hamsters who may be carriers of something nasty, that`s up to you.

I doubt if hamsters could speak they would be asking to be hauled from their beds and taken in a small carrier on a long journey in the cold when it`s unecessary! Get real, please!

I'm not sure how the tone of this can be judge as anything other than a negative comment against those who travel with their pets to shows. Its not the tone that I am miss reading its the content...

**Roxie** · 10-25-2011, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racinghamster

As far as chinese hamsters go, well I`m more likely to believe what I read about the species and not pretend that because mine is a feisty little thing that she would also enjoy the upset of being hauled to a show.

I'm more likely to believe the experience of owning one rather than what someone else has written

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Oh, and I do hope your not calling Shiloh a 'Thing'.

emilyweb · 10-25-2011, 04:05 AM

wowzers chaps don't make the mods come onto the picture ^.^
hamster shows are a hobby and like all hobby's there are downsides.
but it's not all about the breeders showing off to eachother it's about promoting proper hamster care and getting together to talk about hamsters.
much like we do on the forum,it's fun.

AliKati · 10-25-2011, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roxie

I'm more likely to believe the experience of owning one rather than what someone else has written

.

Oh, and I do hope your not calling Shiloh a 'Thing'.

Is a "thang" better than a "thing"? I like to call Hamchan, "Hey, you sexy thang!"

I took Hamchan to a party where he was on the bus for 30 minutes each way. I found it helpful that he had a little hideaway in his carrier, with scattered food and cucumber. Plus I'd cover half of the carrier, so he could have a bit of dark and snuggle down if he wanted.