Is it ok to take hamsters for car rides

[Theador_and_Me]

Hi is it ok for me to take Theador on a little car ride say 5 to 10 minutes??

[sai12]

I'd say so. My hamster has traveled across the state with me (I live in Iowa). And has done just fine.

Plus how else do you get your hammy to the vet? :P

[Jane]

Yep it is fine. Charlie travelled for about an hour from one breeder, to another, and then another hour between the both of us. He also travelled 45 minutes to the brockholes show.

Just curious, are you taking your hamster somewhere? It sounds as if you just wanna take him for a ride in the car lol :P

[babyboos]

Yeah I wondered that myself are you talking about taking your hamster out in the car for a purpose or for a car trip, if the later, the hamster wont really appreciate a run into the country I am afraid, but our hamsters travel in cars all the time to shows, vet appointments etc. I try not to travel too far with them though I know others do miles and even let them sleep in cars overnight when going to shows at other ends of the country, but I would strongly recommend against as the temperature can fluctuate quite dramatically. .

[Christine Yule]

Originally Posted by Theador_and_Me

Hi is it ok for me to take Theador on a little car ride say 5 to 10 minutes??

Sure! I am taking two of my dwarves on vacation with me. We will be driving over 800 kilometers each way! If you are taking them in the car, you just have to make sure that they can't escape from their container, cage, or travelling bin. And resist the temptation to take them out and play with them in the car. A loose hamster in the car is WAY TOO DANGEROUS!

Another thing that is very important is to make sure the your hamster is nice and cool. Never let his cage sit in the sun because a hamster can't adjust to temperature changes very well. Make sure he has a juicy piece of cucumber to eat when he is thirsty. Try to keep the temperature about 20 degrees Celsius and out of drafts.

Short rides are the safest.

P.S. I should add that I am taking my two Dwarves with me because they need special care. All the rest of my hamsters will be taken care of at home by my "Hamstersitter". One Dwarf, Blackie needs antibiotics twice a day and the other Dwarf, D.B. has no teeth and I have to be very careful that his gruel is just right so he gets enough to eat. Both are a big responsibility and I don't want to leave that to anyone else. After all, I'm their Mama!

Hamstermama

[souffle]

Hamsters travel well enough in a cage or suitable carrier with either a water bottle or a piece of cucumber for moisture however I would only advise you to take him out for a purpose, not just for the fun of it for you. Any disturbance to their normal routine that is not necessary could be a little stressful. When we go to shows ours tend to stay up ambling around their travel boxes and making nests etc when they would be sleeping if they were at home. You must ensure the travel accommodation is secure and you do not distract the driver when travelling by asking them to say, look what the hammy is up to! As others have said it is important they do not overheat or are placed in the sun as they can die of heat stroke in a car.