Leaving Hamster alone for a week

Question
Hi,

  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.

Sorry I can't be more help.

Regards