Hamster-sitting?

Question

So I'm going away for a week in August, and was thinking of getting someone to come in and feed my hamster once a day while I'm gone. Do you think she would be OK without her cage being cleaned for a week? or should I ask the person to clean out the cage while I'm gone? I use shredded newspaper for the hamster's bedding, maybe it would be better if i got wood shavings or something? (I heard they absorb pee and stuff better...)

Answer 1

My friend used to have a guinea pig and I would help take care of it when she went out of town.

I think it should be fine. Make sure to clean the cage just before you leave encase your pet sitter doesn't clean it. I would have your pet sitter sprinkle extra bedding over really wet portions of the cage to increase your hamster's comfort.

Hope all goes well!

Answer 2

Also hamsters wont over eat, they will only take whats needed and store the rest away. just so you know.

Answer 3

She should be just fine as long as its only for a week. Just have a family member or friend give it water everyday and some food. Good luck! :)

Answer 4

Allow the sitter to overfeed a bit, and the sitter would only have to stop in every 2 days.  Go with cedar chips, and the hamster will survive just fine without a cage cleaning for a week.  It might be a wee bit smelly when you get home, but the hamster won't suffer at all.  Have a nice trip :)

Answer 5

I think it would be okay if it is not cleaned. Maybe you should just ask whoever is taking care of the hamster to sprinkle some more bedding on top of the used bedding every second day or something. I am facing the same problem. I am going away for a month in December and don't know what to do with my two guinea pigs.

Answer 6

Keep using the newspaper that your hampster is used to and ask your pet sitter to clean the cage in the middle of the week while you are gone.

Make sure to clean the cage just before you leave incase your pet sitter doesn't clean it. Also make sure to leave plenty of food and water.