Train journeys

[misslilly1991]

Hi guys. I'm going home in two weekends (from loughborough to London) and was wondering if anyone has any tips when it comes to taking their little Syrian on the train?
Thank you

[ham888]

There is some info at National Rail Enquiries - Luggage & Animals - in particular "Dogs without leads, cats, birds and small animals must be carried in an enclosed basket, cage or pet carrier. It must be rigid and not open (to prevent escape) and the animal able to stand and lie down in comfort."

It might be worth considering who you are sitting next to as some odd types do not like rodents

[misslilly1991]

Originally Posted by ham888

There is some info at National Rail Enquiries - Luggage & Animals - in particular "Dogs without leads, cats, birds and small animals must be carried in an enclosed basket, cage or pet carrier. It must be rigid and not open (to prevent escape) and the animal able to stand and lie down in comfort."

It might be worth considering who you are sitting next to as some odd types do not like rodents

Thank you. I didn't even think about who I might be sitting next to o_O

[Lemon66|]

I acctually commute by train with my hammie for 8-9 hours at least 4-6 times a year. She travels in her medium sized travel cage. Her house inside the cage is of the kind that you fasten to the bars so it can't slide around. I always put lots of toilet paper in there to give her privacy and make her comfortable. I also put a couple of tubes in there and hide food all over, so that if she wakes up she'll have something to busy herself with.
But the best tips I can give you is to let your hamster roam freely for several hours prior to traveling. This way it will go straight to bed in it's travel cage. If you've given you hamster enough physical and mental stimulation on beforehand it should sleep soundly throughout the entire journey. Whenever you reach your final destination be sure to transfer you hamster to a normal cage right away. The shorter time spent in the travel cage, the better.
Best of luck!

[misslilly1991]

Thanks for the advice Lemon. I know you're not really supposed to wake hamsters up, but should I to wake her up to tire her out some more? (It's an evening journey)

[shiny]

I would make sure that you take little bits of cucumber with you as it's a great source of water for hamsters & might be easier to manage while travelling than trying to get a water bottle in her travel case. Also watch out that the travel case doesn't get too hot inside if it is plastic & you are in a warm place.

[misslilly1991]

Originally Posted by shiny

I would make sure that you take little bits of cucumber with you as it's a great source of water for hamsters & might be easier to manage while travelling than trying to get a water bottle in her travel case. Also watch out that the travel case doesn't get too hot inside if it is plastic & you are in a warm place.

I love cucumber! We could share some
Yeah it's one of those pod travel cases, but the carriage is usually air conditioned, but I'll keep an eye on her

[shiny]

Originally Posted by misslilly1991

I love cucumber! We could share some

I've got a vision of you both nibbling cucumber all the way on the train now lol!

Hope it goes ok, my biggest worry would be a hamster escape so do make sure your travel case has a good firm closure on it!

[misslilly1991]

Originally Posted by shiny

I've got a vision of you both nibbling cucumber all the way on the train now lol!

Hope it goes ok, my biggest worry would be a hamster escape so do make sure your travel case has a good firm closure on it!

Haha
I bought some garden wire to hold it all together, just in case it isn't as secure as it looks. Better to be safe than sorry

[purple_x]

Make sure there is plenty of bedding in the carrier.
I've been on some trains in the evening and they have been freeeezing
You could always pop a toilet roll in your bag and add bedding if you feel your hamster is getting too cold.
An enclosed house inside the carrier would help too.