What's the best way to secure a gerbil cage in my car for a trip?

In most instances a cage is recommended over an aquarium for small mammals because there can be inadequate ventilation with glass aquariums and ammonia from the urine can build up within the cage and cause respiratory problems. A wire cage with small bar spacing is often recommended with a thick layer of paper bedding (such as Carefresh bedding) and plenty of areas to climb and hide.

Thanks for your question about your guinea pigs. It depends on how far you are going. If it is only a couple of hours or so, the crate that you have in the photo should be okay. I would recommend having a place for them to hide, a towel or bedding on the bottom, and some access to food/snacks. If you are making a longer trip, such as overnight, then you’ll need a larger area for them. You’ll still need to include the same components - place to hide, bedding, and food - but you’ll want to include hay for them to access at all times, and then when you stop for breaks you can offer them pellets or greens so that they can eat while the vehicle is stopped. You’ll also want to offer them water at stops so they can drink. I also recommend covering part of th travel cage with a towel or blanket so they feel more secure. I hope that gives you a place to start, and good luck with your travels!

Many of our exotic companion mammals, such as hamsters, will do well in the car if their environment is kept stable. Since you are taking her in her cage, that may help. Other things that you will want to do is remove the water bottle while you are actively driving, but if you stop to take a break (ex: for gas, for you to eat something, or to use the bathroom), make sure that you put the water bottle in to give Mamy an opportunity to drink. Ensure that she has food available at all times as well. I would also recommend removing her wheel while you are actively driving so that she doesn't hurt herself on it. One of the most important things for you to do in the car is to make sure it does not get too hot or too cold. I would recommend running the air conditioner in your car to get it to the temperature that your house would typically be, but make sure that the vents are not blowing directly on Mamy. With Mamy being a hamster, hopefully she will sleep the majority of your time on your drive (unless you plan on driving at night). If you notice that she is restless or seems stressed, then I would recommend evaluating the temperature first. This is often the most stressful part of traveling for these little guys. If you plan on staying in a hotel (which for that long of a drive it may be a good idea, just to give her a break), then you can have her cage set up as you normally would during that time. I hope that helps, and that your trip is a success!

Hello. If you can fit the original cage in your car, that would be best. You have a relatively short trip, so I do not think this will be overly stressful for him. Remove the food & water, make sure the cage is well anchored in case you have to hit the breaks & cover the cage with a light sheet. At your destination, place the cage in the quietest room possible & try to keep curious family members from attempting to engage your bird. Try to keep to your normal schedule with Sunny as much as possible & everyone should do great. Have a good visit & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This could be stressful to some pets, depending on their personality. I would suspect a prey-species such as a hamster would be more affected by the constant movement/change of scenery just because they may be more alert/aware of their surroundings. Whatever pet you decide to get, you will need an appropriate travel carrier to be sure the pet doesn't get loose in your car. Or even better, if your car is large enough to move the cage between the two households this may be easier on your pets so that the actual cage itself isn't changing regularly. Covering the cage with a dark sheet can be calming for some pets during travel, so they aren't alarmed by the light/noise on the trip.

This is a great question, and I am very glad that you are thinking about this! To help to keep Gus cool during this time, you can utilize ice packs around the carrier or cage while the A/C is turned off. If you plan to utilize these, I would recommend ensuring that Gus does not come into direct contact with the ice packs, as he may try to eat them, or may get too close and get "burned" by the more extreme cold. I hope that gives you a place to start, and good luck with your move!

Thanks for reaching out. Some animal tame better than others. The key is gaining their trust, often with the use of treats. Once they're used to your hand in the cage with slow and deliberate movements, leave the hand flat and allow them to crawl over it. Next your can attempt to lift them from below. Grabbing them from above often results in fear biting. Not sure if your asking about breeding or bedding. The bedding should be spot cleaned daily, as gerbils will often choose a corner to use as a toilet. The flooring should be a solid bottom to prevent leg damage. It can be covered with a softer material such as recycled paper products, which are absorptive and non-toxic. Many of the wood products are aromatic and damage lungs if inhaled over long periods of time. Good luck.