AboutSheila Adby Expertise Syrian hamsters are my specialty, however, I have kept Campbells,Winter Whites and gerbils in the past. I can advise on most subjects associated with hamsters, including housing, bedding, feeding, handling, new borns and catching escapees. I have had some experience of various health problems with hamsters and can offer my opinion and advice on basic health issues, however I am not a qualified vet and therefore cannot recommend drugs etc. My website is www.thehamstersite.com
Experience I have been keeping hamsters and other small animals for more than 12 years. My favourites are Syrian hamsters and I foster litters and 'difficult' hamsters for a rescue centre. My job is to tame hamsters ready for re-homing, which is extremely rewarding. I also enjoy looking after new litters and raising the pups. I have co-written a book on hamsters with my local vet and have a website: www.thehamstersite.com
Publications Hamsters in Sickness and in Health - Sheila Adby and Dan O'Neill ISBN186163218-5 (Capall Bann Publishing)
Education/Credentials Educated to A Level standard in the UK.
I noticed you answered similar question before but it was for 3 days. I have a winter white dwarf hamster. I have to be away for thanksgiving break, and I assume it will be hard to find someone that is on campus to look after him for me. Hence, I am wondering, if it will be okay for me to leave him with PLENTY of food and water supply?
Thanks!
Answer Hi Victor
I've never left a hamster unattended for so long before. It's probably fine for the odd night or two, but it is difficult to say if he will be OK for a whole week. The key thing is making sure the temperature in the room doesn't change that dramatically as you're away, and also there is plenty of food and water. The problem sometimes is that water bottles can get drained and so the hamster is left with soggy bedding and nothing to drink. If you can't find someone to actually look after him is there anyone who could at least pop in every couple of days to make sure he is OK? Will the room temperature remain constant while you are away or will the temperature suddenly drop? I don't know what the climate is where you live - in the UK now it is starting to turn a bit colder and we're already thinking about putting our heating on in our houses in the evenings.
When I go away I always get someone to pop in and check on my hamsters every evening and give them some fresh food. I don't think the hamsters are even aware I'm away and whilst they would probably be fine if left on their own for a week it is a tremendous peace of mind knowing that someone will look in on them and make sure they have plenty of food and water and that there are no problems.
Is there no way you can take him with you? Even if you didn't take his cage with you perhaps you could get a large carry case which would be OK for him to live in just for the week - especially if you can accommodate his wheel either in the carry case or another box when you are at your destination - just an idea.
