Buying a Winter White

[MrsG2019]

Hi all,

I am new to the forum and have finally managed to track down a Winter White which are really rare in my area, but I am due to go away In Two weeks time for a fortnight, and the breeder cannot guarantee they will be available. If I were to buy one, my parents could look after it while I am away no problem
but I am worried about bonding or stress on the hamster.

What do you think I should do? Buy it now and have my family take care of it while I’m gone, or risk not getting one?

Thanks,

Mrs G

[Isleofhamsters]

I think it should be alright buying him/her. Make it clear to your parents they aren’t to interact with the hamster for a couple days.

It’s possible to tame and bond with an older hamster (I got my current hamster at 10weeks old.)

If it is a rare occasion I would go for it. Make sure whoever is looking after the hamster keeps an eye on the hamsters health.

If you have any more questions, I’m sure either I or some other person will be able to help!

[10Minutes]

I think if the cage is properly set up, it's fine because there's someone around. Please ensure the cage is safe (you have two weeks before you go away, so take this time to make sure the cage is perfectly set up, so that your parents have less hassle and don't have to keep peeking at it to check if it's healthy and well), and if possible, get two water bottles in case one is stuck, so there will still be a spare bottle. Prepare only food that doesn't spoil and let your parents know the proper portion to give.

Just let your parents know:

1. Hamsters are timid creatures that can't withstand direct sunlight or direct drafts.

2. Give it food (there is no need to remove leftovers) and change the water in both water bottles daily.

3. They can mostly leave it alone and maybe check in once a day or so to see if it's looking fine and healthy (this can be done during the food and water change).

Cleaning
If the cage is of a proper size with good ventilation and there is enough substrate, it should be fine to leave it for two weeks without cleaning.

My cage barely meets the minimum floor space area and substrate level, and I rarely spot clean (I just pick up some droppings that I may randomly see, once in a while) because she isn't potty-trained, but my set-up still doesn't stink even after a month. I do clean a bit once in a while, but leaving it uncleaned for two weeks should be fine. Your parents can feel free to occasionally pick up a few pieces of droppings if they happen to see some and they want to do so very softly without startling your hamster, but I think it's fine if they don't want to. They certainly should not go on a cleaning frenzy.

If you want, you can also prepare a sand bath for your hamster (I use Chinchilla sand), so it can roll around in it at its own leisure.

Are they able to contact you on the phone if they need assistance?