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Small pets

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Leaving my hamster home alone

5 replies

Soups · 11/12/2010 23:58

We've only had a hamster for a couple of months so it's all a little new to me. We are going away boxing day afternoon, then returning home the afternoon of the 28th. So 1 whole day away + 2 nights.

He doesn't chew on the cage and doesn't want to come out every day atm now it's cold. If we did leave him at home of course we'd clean the cage before we went, change toys around, put food out, hide food, give him plenty to rebuild his nest with. Depending on the forecast we'll set the heating on to a reasonable level, we have a cat who is happy to be left (yes I'll male sure she can't get into the room). Then leave a small oil filled radiator in his room and set the level on that.

We could take him with us but I think a couple of hours in the car there, then back, would be more stressful. He's in my sons room and it's pretty peaceful in there most of the time. Or there is someone a short drive away we could leave him with. They're not pet owners but would keep an eye out.

OP posts:
LilyBolero · 12/12/2010 00:07

He'll be absolutely fine. JUst feed him before you go, make sure water is full. Honestly, he'll be absolutely fine. We wouldn't think twice about leaving ours for that time.

Soups · 12/12/2010 00:40

Thanks :) How long are you happy to leave yours? Obv depending on the weather.

OP posts:
JarethTheGoblinKing · 12/12/2010 00:43

Yep, 2 nights is fine for a small furry one as long as they're warm, watered and fed.

More than that would be too long IMO

LilyBolero · 12/12/2010 21:28

I probably wouldn't leave more than 2 nights tbh, unless it really was an emergency, and would then put up an extra water bottle, put in loads of food and probably a food stick treat on the side of the cage. If you are worried about it, do a dry run, before you go away - ie put in what food/water you think it will need, and then see how it lasts out.

alexflower · 23/12/2010 17:22

2 night will be fine, as long as you give the hamster ample food and bedding. The only thing I worry about if I leave my hamster over the weekend is that he is a bit bonkers with not getting out in the exercise ball, but a good zoom about when we're home and he is his usual self.

I wouldn't even worry about leaving the heating on if it's especially for the hamster as they can build pretty impressive nests to keep cosy.

Cat may not approve of the heating being left off though :P

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