long distance taveling

Question
I am going to be moving across the country soon and am taking my hamster with me. We will be driving about 6-7 hours a day and then stopping and staying in a hotel each night(bringing the hamster into the hotel an keeping him in his cage). With this cause harm to my hamster?

Answer
Hi Meg

Travelling with a hamster shouldn't be a problem as such.  The only real problems with travelling are: the temperature - make sure the temperature surrounding your hamster's cage is fairly constant - not too hot or too cold.  If you need to make a break on the journey and you leave your hamster in the car, don't leave him alone for long - as if it is cold and you turn your heater off (or if it hot and the air conditioning goes off) your hamster's body temperature could drop (or increase) quite quickly.

Another problem is that water bottles drip like crazy when you're in a car - this makes all the bedding wet.  Hamsters don't drink a lot anyway, but (depending on where you are writing from and what the climate is like right now) they do need moisture.  You could give some wet fruit/vegetables - i.e. apple, cucumber etc. so that he can get moisture for this.  If you stop at all for a break, then let him have his water bottle in case he needs a drink. Chances are he won't be bothered - especially as he will be able to drink when you get to the hotel that evening.

If his cage is in sections, make sure there is nothing that is likely to fall during the drive.  For some reason, they still love a run in their wheel even when the car is moving!

I've never driven this far before with a hamster, but often do drive backwards and forwards to the animal rescue with them and I find that whilst initially they are a bit nervous about what is happening after a very short time they are either eating/sleeping on running in their wheel.  Excessive heat or cold is always my biggest concern.

Good luck with this.

Regards