Need a hamster sitter in Southampton!

[littlepeanut]

Hi all,

It's been ages since I have posted on here, and unfortunately my first post in a long time is asking for a favour

I'm going away in August and I'm struggling to find anywhere for the hamsters to go. All my friends have cats and many have no experience or knowledge of hamsters. Last year when I went away, the hamster stayed with one of my sons school friends and I picked him up to find a broken tank and flies making their home in there, and the year before that Peanut got his head trapped when an inexperienced sitter closed the cage up on him, which upset me greatly, so I'm understandably anxious!

We have 3 hamsters. Jerry - a Syrian, and Burt & Ernie (same tank) - two Russian Dwarves (Hybrid?). Jerry is incredibly tame, whereas Burt & Ernie are relatively new and so are still in the taming process. Ernie is fine, but Burt is still timid and needs regular gentle handling everyday.

The whole process of finding sitters for the hamsters and the cat is making me rather anxious now, so I hope there is someone here living close to Southampton who can help me out and look after my hams! The cages are rather large, so space is required!

I'm away 4th - 16th August if that helps!

Thank you very much for reading

Helen

[Vectis Hamstery]

I use Helen of Contented Critters in Southampton for my menagerie. I have found her care excellent and great value for money (she does cats and dogs as well as small furries). She visits my crew once a day for food, water, handling, meds and whatever else is needed.

[Younr017]

What are ur requirements for your sitter ? I no its odd but I might no a few people ?

[littlepeanut]

Hi, thanks for the replies, and thanks for the link to CC. I'm really after someone to look after them in their own home, as my cat is likely to go into boardings and the house can then be locked up til I return, opposed to someone coming in every day.

I'm after someone who is confident with hamsters and knows exactly what they are doing. Bert and Ernie are siblings, and still young. I've only had them a week, and even though there have been no squabbles yet, I would like them to be with someone who can keep an eye on them and knows what to do in case of an emergency separation! Though at the moment, this looks like an unlikely turn of events!

I'm happy to 'deliver' them if need be. I need someone who I can trust and who has knowledge and experience. what did you have in mind, Younr?

[Younr017]

I'd offer to help but most people don't want me to because I have 6 cats - none of which go any where near my room though and because I'm only a teenager , I could ask my aunt for u ? If u do get really stuck let me no and if all else fails I could ask my mum ? I'm in selsey so not that far if u can't find anyone , also I'd perfectly understand if u didn't like this idea

[littlepeanut]

Thank you very much for the offer. I have a cat too, and she couldn't care less about the hamsters and the hamsters couldn't care less about her, but I know not all cats will take this care free attitude! I may potentially have someone who can house sit, but I will be in touch if need be. Thank you once again

[Younr017]

Any time

[littlepeanut]

Just checking for any other offers

[purple_x]

I would have offered but I'm about 2 hours away from you.
If you get stuck and cant find anyone and dont mind travelling then feel free to pm me.

I have planty of space (lots of spare cages if needed) and lots of free time!

[littlepeanut]

Thank you, Purple, very kind! But I may see if there is somewhere closer to home