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Old 07-15-2019, 10:55 AM   #1
megamolly
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Default Hamster Question from a newbie!

Hello there,

I'm brand new to the whole hamster world thing. Sorry to jump straight into a question but I'm trying to plan in advance for something and hoped that someone here might help me.

I haven't a hamster yet, but I am about to get one (there's a poor thing in a pet shop that is given no space and I feel the need to get her out of there). I have a large space for them, enough money to be sure they're well fed or can go to the vet, and I've been doing a lot of reasearch on their needs.


The problem is I hear travelling with them can be very traumatic for them, and every two weeks or so (give or take) I need to travel a short distance (half an hour to and hour journey depending on traffic) to care for a disabled relative, this often requires stays overnight, or up to three days. As a result I would like to bring the hamster with me and set up a second home in my relatives house. (again I have more than enough space in my relatives house to keep them there, along with their permission).

These trips are unavoidable, would they be too stressful for the poor thing? Is there anything I could do to make them easier?

Thank you for your time, and any advice you can offer.
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Old 07-16-2019, 10:38 AM   #2
Coco61
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Default Re: Hamster Question from a newbie!

This should not be a problem so long as you have sensible preparations. Two permanent homes, one in each home is a very good idea as I assume taking the main cage from your home would be a hassle. This means that the hamster will smell a familiar smell (itself) on being placed in the second cage. Make sure that you do not clean this second cage out regularly at your relatives home. Just spot clean the pee area and keep the rest familiar. This will reduce stress considerably. Make sure that you have a suitable carrier for the journey. Plenty of substrate in it for the hamster to dig down in and go to sleep. Place a chunk of cucumber in the carrier instead of water. Never change the substrate in the carrier so the hamster retains the familiar scent of itself. I assume you do the trip non stop, so if in a car, make sure the carrier is secure somehow. Out of sunlight and place a small towel over the top if not.
Half an hour to an hour will not be a problem. If done regularly, the hamster will get used to it particularly if things stay the same at each end. Reducing stress is the key and safety on the journey.
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Old 07-16-2019, 10:47 AM   #3
mangoandmimi
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Default Re: Hamster Question from a newbie!

In all honesty - I think it’s too much. Every fortnight changing cages no matter how accustomed to each one he is is just not something I’d advise. You can leave a hamster for two nights I’d say but one would be preferable. If there is someone who can just change the water and check he is ok then that would be better really. Or I would be inclined to pop back quickly on the second night just to check nothing is wrong and feed fresh veggies etc before leaving.

I know the idea of two ‘permanent’ homes sounds like a simple fix but even if they are set up identically it is still going to be a huge amount of stress that is ongoing. I admit it isn’t something I’ve tried but with how stressed out they can get with a change of environment it isn’t going to be ideal. Taking the actual cage would be better but it depends on how mobile it is, a large and properly set up Syrian cage with deep enough bedding would be impossible. A few trips every so often will be fine but I personally don’t think it’s a long term solution.
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Old 07-16-2019, 11:22 AM   #4
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: Hamster Question from a newbie!

Sorry, but I agree with mangoandmimi, I think it is too much to keep putting a little hammie through all that stress, there are going to be different smells and sounds at each place it would potentially be living.
I would be ok leaving it one night on it's own but any longer I would want someone checking in on it. Also, if you were to leave it, I would suggest attaching 2 water bottles, just in case one gets knocked off accidentally. I totally understand why you want to go and save the hammie, but you don't want to be brining it in to a set up that could potentially cause it stress as well. Do you have friends or family that can look aftercheck in on the hammie for you when you are away
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Old 07-19-2019, 02:16 PM   #5
Freakshow
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Default Re: Hamster Question from a newbie!

In my opinion, the best bet would to pick up a spare water bottle and just give her extra food and more water. she will be fine for a few days

Last edited by Vectis Hamstery; 07-20-2019 at 02:50 AM.
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Old 07-23-2019, 12:53 AM   #6
10Minutes
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Default Re: Hamster Question from a newbie!

I'd vote for mangoandmimi's suggestion, changing cages is a little too stressful.

You can just leave her with plenty of fresh water and food for two days and she should be fine, provided her cage is already set up so that everything is super safe and you're sure no random mishaps will happen (paw stuck in some gap, fall from a high platform, no dangerous objects tumbling over). Of course you should actually already have set up her cage with her safety in mind regardless of whether or not you intend to leave her alone.

If you are leaving her alone for more than a day, you definitely need at least two water bottles like Luna mentioned, just in case one of them gets stuck. Check them before you leave as well.

If there's nobody that can check on her while you are away, could you possibly drop by for a short visit on the second night?

You sound like an amazing person by the way, it's sweet of you to go and look after your disabled relative and also for wanting to rescue a little hamster. I hope it works out for you, your relative, and the hamster.
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