I would appreciate some transportation advice

astrid · 12-19-2017, 01:57 PM

Hi

After lots of deliberation, I ended up buying a Syrian hamster from a family-owned pet shop that breeds their own hamsters. They say they handle them frequently and are more aware of the background/ birth date, etc of their hamsters than any branch of a chain pet shop would be.

I am still abroad and, therefore, I'll be picking up my hamster on December 28. I am really excited about that! The problem is that the pet shop is an hour of the train ride away from where I live. I don't drive and the only friend that could have given me a lift will be away for some time, and won't be able to help me.

Since it is winter, I was wondering if I can bring him home safely. I do have a plastic carrier that I could fill up with Fitch. I also have a snuggly hideout pouch from the P@H Christmas range. I could wrap up the carrier into something warm from the outside and would buy a small pet heating pad to place from the outside of the carrier. Would that be enough? Or is there something else I should get/do?

Alternatively, the shop offers the services of the pet courier. It is quite expensive. However, if needed, I would rather use it than putting my new hamster in danger.

I would appreciate any advice on this!

cypher · 12-19-2017, 10:26 PM

When I've had to take hams to the vet in very cold weather I put plenty of fitch in the carrier, I usually put the carrier on the radiator or somewhere warm for a while just to warm it through a bit.
I put the carrier in a large bag (big canvas shopping bag or something similar) with a small fleece blanket in the bottom, you could use .a towel.
II do use snugglesafe heat pads but it's important that they aren't at full heat or it would be too hot, if you have an hours journey to go & get your ham then it would cool down a bit anyway, I find they hold the heat better if you heat them fully a few hours before using rather than just heating them for half the normal time.
That should be sufficient to keep your ham warm enough for the journey.

astrid · 12-20-2017, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cypher

When I've had to take hams to the vet in very cold weather I put plenty of fitch in the carrier, I usually put the carrier on the radiator or somewhere warm for a while just to warm it through a bit.
I put the carrier in a large bag (big canvas shopping bag or something similar) with a small fleece blanket in the bottom, you could use .a towel.
II do use snugglesafe heat pads but it's important that they aren't at full heat or it would be too hot, if you have an hours journey to go & get your ham then it would cool down a bit anyway, I find they hold the heat better if you heat them fully a few hours before using rather than just heating them for half the normal time.
That should be sufficient to keep your ham warm enough for the journey.

Thank you so much cypher, it is really helpful!

dreamtree1234 · 12-20-2017, 08:53 AM

When I took one my previous hams on the airplane several years ago, we had to travel in very cold weather to and from the airport. I did the same thing that Cypher suggested and my darling Lancelot was as happy and comfortable as can be during the entire trip.

I am so extremely excited for you that your little one will be coming home with you on the 28th. I'm sure you both will have the greatest time together.

CMB · 12-21-2017, 12:05 PM

Rather than the fleece snuggle pouch a cardboard box in the carrier, along with Fitch and some strips of toilet paper might be better, just in case the hamster chews the snuggle pouch.

Pebbles82 · 12-22-2017, 03:11 PM

I would go on the train rather than use the courier service. An hour's train ride is no problem

Maybe you could get a taxi from the train back to your house though so you're not walking far with the pet carrier as that could be a bit bouncy and cold.

The Ferplast Aladino guinea pig size is a good pet carrier and has a nice deep base for plenty of substrate like Fitch or Carefresh. Fill the base part up to just before the vents and also put in a pile of torn up strips of plain white toilet paper at one end and a little house at the other end. My hammies have tended to make a bit of a nest in there and the paper strips will help them do that and also make it cosy.

I also scatter some hamster food on the substrate and add a couple of treats (eg half a walnut) and a small piece of cucumber.

When travelling with the pet carrier I take a fleece blanket and cover the carrier with it when on the train/in the car. Stops flashing light and outside disturbance being stressful and also makes it darker. But keep an eye on that as our current hammy tries to chew the blanket through the vents. Your hammy will probably just cosy up and sleep through the journey - you can lift the blanket and peek in now and then and see how they are. Food and cosiness should do the trick though,

I think a courier service would be less caring and could be stressful. The journey is part of you two getting to know each other. Also when you get home you can leave the hammy in the carrier for a little bit while you get organised - especially if they're asleep. And then let them straight into the set up cage. A little cardboard box or cut down tissue box would do as a house in the pet carrier.

astrid · 12-24-2017, 04:35 AM

Thanks for your reply dreamtree1234, that's reassuring

And I really hope that I'll be able to give my hamster a good home!

CMB thank you for the reply and suggestion regarding not taking the snuggle pouch, I'll use a cardboard tissue box filled with bedding instead

Serendipity7000 thank you for a detailed reply and travelling tips! Yes, I've now decided that I will be picking up the hamster myself rather than rely on the courier service. I'll be using the advice that I've received here in the replies and, hopefully, will bring the hamster home safely and comfortably