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Old 01-11-2017, 02:10 PM   #1
MlleMischief
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Default How to keep them toasty?

Hello,
So tomorrow is meant to get a bit chilly here in the UK (I'm in greater London, so we aren't talking stupidly chilly, but it's going to be zero degrees celcius outside.)

Where I live is having heating problems so I'm a bit reluctant to put the heating on whilst I'm out (I'm working a long shift tomorrow and I don't want the boiler exploding/leaking/both)

How can you keep a hammy warm with no central heating or portable heating system? His current precautions include sheets wrapped around the base of the cage, two blankets over his cage(with a quarter uncovered for a bit of air) , carefresh flooring and plenty of bedding, plus an enclosed wood cabin if he wants to use it.

Is this likely to be enough (am I panicking needlessly) or is there more I can sort? As always, a nervous hammy mum appreciates all feedback!

Thanks
Xx
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Old 01-11-2017, 02:19 PM   #2
Drago
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Default Re: How to keep them toasty?

Is there any way you can get a space heater? I'm not sure how much space heaters cost in the UK, but I wouldn't expect it to be more than in the US. Space heaters are highly efficient, here it's 10 degrees Fahrenheit (sorry I don't know what it would be in Celsius) and my garage isn't heated so it's only about 12 degrees Fahrenheit in there at any given time. However, when we turn the space heater on for a long time, it brings it up to about 40 degrees. Maybe turning it on the low setting or leaving it on before you leave would be good? Though from what you're describing, I'd say it doesn't sound like you need to be too worried. As long as your ham has lots of bedding that he can choose to huddle up in, he should be alright. Best wishes
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Old 01-11-2017, 02:44 PM   #3
MlleMischief
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Default Re: How to keep them toasty?

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Originally Posted by Drago View Post
Is there any way you can get a space heater? I'm not sure how much space heaters cost in the UK, but I wouldn't expect it to be more than in the US. Space heaters are highly efficient, here it's 10 degrees Fahrenheit (sorry I don't know what it would be in Celsius) and my garage isn't heated so it's only about 12 degrees Fahrenheit in there at any given time. However, when we turn the space heater on for a long time, it brings it up to about 40 degrees. Maybe turning it on the low setting or leaving it on before you leave would be good? Though from what you're describing, I'd say it doesn't sound like you need to be too worried. As long as your ham has lots of bedding that he can choose to huddle up in, he should be alright. Best wishes
Thank you I do put the heating on before I go to work, keep all the doors shut to keep the heat in. It's just leaving it on unattended is a tad dangerous. Apparently 0c is equivalent to 32f, so I guess I'm lucky in that it's not really going to drop bellow about 29f and that's outside! Thank you that makes me feel much better about myittle bear xxx
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Old 01-11-2017, 02:57 PM   #4
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Default Re: How to keep them toasty?

I have a Snugglesafe heat pad for when it's super cold. I'm north west of London so we do get similar temperatures. Pets At Home stock the heat pad, but it is cheaper on Amazon.

I would just give a bit more nesting material as other than that, you are doing all my other suggestions I can think of.
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Old 01-11-2017, 07:37 PM   #5
PumpKinSpiceLatte
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Default Re: How to keep them toasty?

Pour warm water in a water bottle, wrap in a blanket and set in cage
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Old 01-11-2017, 07:47 PM   #6
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Default Re: How to keep them toasty?

Quote:
Originally Posted by PumpKinSpiceLatte View Post
Pour warm water in a water bottle, wrap in a blanket and set in cage

Make sure the bottles not easy to chew through, don't want water everywhere! But a good idea if you're really worried
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Old 01-11-2017, 11:12 PM   #7
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Default Re: How to keep them toasty?

A bottle of warm water (not too warm) might help but never put a blanket or fabric in the cage, it's a real risk if it gets chewed.
Even covering a cage in a blanket could be a risk, any kind of fabric the ham can reach needs to be checked regularly in case of chewing.
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Old 01-12-2017, 12:34 AM   #8
MlleMischief
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Default Re: How to keep them toasty?

Thank you I wouldnt be able to risk a bottle in his cage. Loki chews everything! (this includes the sofa... We learnt!) the blankets on the cage are checked regularly for chewing but he can't really reach them.

I've put some more bedding in the cage, do we think he'll be OK with these precautions?
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Old 01-12-2017, 12:44 AM   #9
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Default Re: How to keep them toasty?

I think you're doing just about all you can in his cage.
Have you checked the temp in the room? It's good to have a thermometer close to the cage if you are worried so you have a proper idea of just how warm/cold it is.
Oil filled radiators are a good, safe & economical way to keep the room warmer.
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Old 01-12-2017, 07:48 AM   #10
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Default Re: How to keep them toasty?

I know what you mean about leaving something on when you're out, but we have left our little oil filled radiator on when we're out. But only because it's a reliable brand and well made and left on very low - it's finding a balance between no risk and something you feel confident about maybe.

We have one of these - they're supposed to be a reliable brand and we've never had any problems with it. They're not that cheap though, but it has been a godsend - especially when the central heating packed up - they're safe and reliable and have a thermostat.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Delonghi-TR...illed+radiator

It's a lot cheaper than a space heater or a fan heater to run, especially if left on low. We have one about 2 feet from the cage at night but only on low. It keeps the room at an even temperature if left on low to medium away from the cage as well.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Delonghi-TR...illed+radiator

I think it's safe to leave on while you're out, as long as you're electrics are up to date. Part of where we live has quite old electrics so we have one of these on the plug socket and run an extension cable from that.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Masterplug-...extension+lead

I think at this time of year you can't have no heat at all. You could maybe set it on a timer so it came on for a couple of hours mid morning and a couple of hours mid afternoon, but I think they're fine to leave on. We currently don't have central heating and leave one on low 24 hours a day

If you look at the description it has an electrical safety thing built in as well.

Last edited by Pebbles82; 01-12-2017 at 07:59 AM.
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