What to do with the hamster during the holydays?

 For a short absence: if you only leave for a day or two, you can leave your hamster alone.

Give him enough food for the previous days, put fresh water in his water bowl, and leave him an apple or carrot as an alternative source of hydration. For a long-term absence: If you are going away for several days or weeks and you cannot or do not want to take your hamster with you, you will need to plan in good time to take care of the animal. A neighbor, a friend, a relative or even your pet shop can take care of this service without difficulty. In all cases, it is desirable that the hamster remains in its usual cage, this facilitates its adaptation.

Leave a card on which you will have noted the important information: feeding, cleaning the cage, possible outings allowed to the animal - this last point entails more responsibility for the person in charge of the guard.

When should you avoid taking the animal into custody?

Females expecting or nursing puppies have difficulty with a change of surroundings and should not be entrusted to people other than those to whom they are accustomed. In response to the stress caused by the change, they may devour their young or stop feeding them.

Reactions on return: After a long absence, your hamster may not recognize you any more, but with a little patience, kindness and tact, you will soon have tamed it again.

Looking for a "hamster-sitter".

You need to go away for a while? Preferably look for a pet-loving person who can take care of your hamster during the vacations or in case of hospitalization. Ask your family or circle of acquaintances.

Leave them written instructions on feeding, cleaning, walking and holding the animal. Nothing prevents you from providing our website address of course. Give him the veterinarian's phone number as well as yours. As much as possible, leave your pet in its familiar environment.

If you can't find anyone, ask at pet shops, some of them offer boarding services. Opt for this option as long as the animal stays in its cage. The hamster, frightened in this unknown environment, will have at least a home and familiar smells.

The hamster on a trip

Take the hamster with you: if you do not go to very hot countries and your accommodation is suitable, you can very well take your animal with you. During the trip, be careful that it is not exposed to draughts or too much sun. Secure its cage so that it does not move constantly and the hamster is not too shaken. For customs formalities, ask your veterinarian or the consulate of the country concerned. Have this information confirmed in writing (in the language of the country), to avoid any dispute at the border.

Like many other animals, hamsters do not like to change location. For them, a trip is synonymous with great stress. If you really can't do otherwise, please do not expose it to draughts or direct sunlight. Long journeys in hot weather are forbidden. It is best to take the animal with its cage and accessories: you will need them on the spot anyway.

To help her cope with the stress of travel, darken the cage. But be careful, the wing must be able to circulate sufficiently, otherwise heat will accumulate dangerously inside. Provide enough food.

For hamster keepers

Before touching it, wash your hands because the hamster is sensitive to foreign odors. If you are new to the subject and want to avoid bites, place an empty box in front of your resident. Then protect the opening with one hand and move your pet safely. Don't hesitate to purchase protective gloves to prevent bites.