Taking hamsters on a plane - Page 2

Thin Lizzy · 01-24-2015, 11:14 AM

Peanut, have you thought about offering a friend or relative money to drive you? Sometimes money is the answer. Flying is a definite no, I wouldn't be happy with my hamster in a small box in the cargo area of the plane.
I would seriously ask a friend or relative - offering to pay petrol for both ways, any meals/drinks during the journey and bottle of their favourite alcohol drink.

Peanut84 · 01-24-2015, 01:19 PM

Maybe, but there are not that many options, relatives are defiantly out (not a fan of hamsters or too far away) and a lot of my friends are't great drivers either. I think the main problem would be the time commitment though. I think if it would be only a 10 hours drive I could find someone no problem, but this is just a lot of effort to ask of someone. I wonder if there are any companies that transport hamsters by car.

ham888 · 01-24-2015, 01:42 PM

Is this a permanent move? The ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam is 15.5 hours. You can get to Berlin by train through the tunnel in less time than just the Amsterdam ferry but I have no idea where the hamsters would need to be placed.

If you have three months before you go, I would seriously suggest you take some refresher driving lessons, then plan the route to Amsterdam and hire a car there, or part train/part hire car maybe via Paris. Driving on the 'wrong' side of the road is actually easy if you are sitting on the left side of the car, and you get to take stops whenever you want. Get a car with a Europe wide satnav. I bet you're not as bad a driver as you think.

LavoChain · 01-24-2015, 01:45 PM

It seems you are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Obviously as with most things in life it is about sacrifice. You either leave your hams with someone who will love them or bite the bullet and drive. I understand the nerves around driving however if it is the only way to safely get them across with you then that would be the sacrifice, whether it is worth it or not for you isn't for us to decide. It is a real shame that no one will help you. I'd have thought they'd relish a free opportunity to experience other countries, even if it is only service stations.

I know that animal couriers do exist however as I'm not a breeder I have never experienced these. As someone else has said also it depends how old they are and their personalities. The move could really upset them and if you know of anywhere/anyone where they will be safe and cared for then I would seriously consider that option.

Good luck anyway, I'm sure you'll figure out what is best for the hams and yourself.

Peanut84 · 01-24-2015, 02:15 PM

Thanks! I really appreciate everyone's help, but I really think there are not enough driving lessons I can take in three month to make me comfortable driving that way. I know it's maybe hard to understand, but I don't feel like I could do it. I'm really insecure when it comes to driving and I would be so worried about getting into an accident. I don't know maybe I could get a friend to drive, but there are really only two options driving wise and I have to see if they have time first. Train might be a possibility. Maybe I open another thread asking how breeders transport their hamsters between countries specifically. Maybe the answer is just driving, but I'll give it a try anyway.

Thin Lizzy · 01-24-2015, 08:47 PM

You can get a lot of lessons in 3 months, you just explain your circumstances to the driving school/instructor and ask for lessons in daylight and nighttime, also the refresher course would include building your confidence on all types of roads and motorways.
6 years isn't that long to not have driven for.
But, it's up to you.
I'm sure a friend would be more than willing to help you out by driving you.
P.S. Don't underestimate yourself, before you say you can't drive or are too nervous to do it - you must give it a go. I think you're too hard on yourself. The same goes for your friends - you just assume they won't be able to or have the time. Giving them notice of your move (3 months) is plenty time for them to get organised for it.

Pebbles82 · 01-25-2015, 04:30 AM

Hi. Did you have an accident last time you drove or something? I had one a few months after passing my driving test and I was very nervous after that, but it's the old thing of getting back on your bike! The more you do it the more your confidence comes back - and more practice = more confidence. Driving long distances on open roads can really help. Once I had driven round Europe I felt I could do ANYTHING! What's the worst that can happen? You break down - you call the RSPCA or Green Flag or something (I think Green Flag is the one that covers Europe). You get lost? You just pull over for a breather until you've worked it out, or stop and ask someone (need a phrase book and sign language!). If you take it steady and stay in the slow lane you'll be fine and get more relaxed as the journey goes on. I actually think it can be worse having someone in the passenger seat as they can distract you. I just had the radio on and sang along for company.

Do you have a car? If not, I can see the dilemma. But if you do - just go out for some fun drives in the countryside and get back into it maybe. And as Thin Lizzy says, don't be too hard on yourself.

I was also wondering about train options. They let people take dogs on trains, I don't see why they shouldn't allow a couple of hamster carriers in with you. Train is much quicker than bus, although you would have the hassle of being a foot passenger on a ferry and getting to and from train stations. I think driving is the way to take them with you.

I wouldn't think of it as an imposition on other people, but a chance for an experience. Anyone fancy a free trip to Germany?

Peanut84 · 01-25-2015, 05:59 AM

I never liked driving and always felt a bit uncomfortable behind the wheel, even when I had a car. Then I moved abroad for a couple of years and when I came back I just never picked it up again. I know I should start again, but I also have to finish my PhD thesis by the end of April and I really don't think I can deal with two super stressful things at once. I know it sounds stupid, but I'm really terrified of driving again.
But you are right, I should ask some of my friends first, before dismissing that option.

summerdaze · 01-25-2015, 06:36 AM

I'd do it for you if I hadn't got back and knee issues that prevent me from driving too long.

I hope you find someone who will do it.

Maybe someone can tie it in with a holiday or something. If you can afford it it might be worth offering to pay for them to stay in a B&B or hotel in the destination of their choice. They could have a weekend away but they have to transport your hamsters for you. Then you can spend time with your friend and go for a meal or to visit somewhere and make it about more than the hamsters. Sure Berlin is quite a popular destination?

If it's a 10 hour drive each way someone is unlikely to want to do it and then drive straight back. Maybe one of your friends will be up for it? Good luck.

Peanut84 · 01-25-2015, 07:22 AM

Thank you! I actually think it will take around 20 hours by car one way at least, so they definitely would have to stay a few days. This wouldn't be the issue I have somewhere to stay, it's more that most of my friends can't do it for various reasons (very small children, no driving licence, health issues, etc.), but there are a few options, so I will ask them.