Keeping hamster safe and calm during fireworks?

[aFunnyThingHappened]

It is what I like to call Obnoxious Boom Boom Sparkle Day here in the States, my first ever with a hamster. I've had (note past tense, I only have a hamster now) cats and dogs be stressed by this, but I'm unsure what to do to keep a hamster calm. On top of that, at least one friend has expressed concern that I should keep Laundry Hamper in his carrier for a quick escape if someone sets off fireworks in my very hot, very dry, very tree-covered neighborhood. Indeed, someone in my city just set a small park on fire by shooting off fireworks (in the daytime, for some unfathomable reason?). But I'm worried being in the carrier all night, even tho it is quite large, would just stress him out further. As far as getting to safety, he doesn't burrow and I know where he consistently nests, so it'll be easy to grab him--assuming the sounds and vibrations don't freak him out into suddenly burrowing to escape the noise.

Adding to this, last week there were military jet flyovers to prepare for the celebrations, and the noises of those repeatedly soaring overhead definitely made Laundry more skittish and shy for a few days afterwards, so I think a little worry here is warranted.

(Kicking myself for not asking this ahead of time)

 

[Socks' Mum]

Laundry Hamper is probably best off in his familiar nest with his own scents around him, but it is good that you are thinking about how to evacuated him if disaster strikes. But hopefully that won't happen. Some people play gentle classical music softly in the background. Keeping flashing lights out of the room if possible is good. Putting a lightweight blanket over the cage could also help. It is a difficult time for pets unfortunately

 

[aFunnyThingHappened]

Laundry Hamper is probably best off in his familiar nest with his own scents around him, but it is good that you are thinking about how to evacuated him if disaster strikes. But hopefully that won't happen. Some people play gentle classical music softly in the background. Keeping flashing lights out of the room if possible is good. Putting a lightweight blanket over the cage could also help. It is a difficult time for pets unfortunately

We have AC but it's barely keeping up in this 110F heat, I'm worried if I put something over his enclosure it'll get too hot

 

[Socks' Mum]

We have AC but it's barely keeping up in this 110F heat, I'm worried if I put something over his enclosure it'll get too hot

Yes, if it's very hot, best not to cover the cage

 

[Maz]

Hi. I think just do something like have soft music playing as Socks Mum says. They do tend to sleep quite heavily during the day. You could keep the pet carrier nearby, all set up, in case of fire or a crisis. So you could leave him somewhere in it but only for the day really and then he'd need to go back in a cage. So you'd either need to get his cage moved as well or buy a temporary travel cage to set up.

I hope it's not too bad.

 

[AnsWolf]

Just stopping by to appreciate Laundry Hamper's perfect name.

 

[aFunnyThingHappened]

I needn't have worried. Laundry is just inclined to chill in his mug.

[A large, long-haired golden Syrian hamster curls up in a very large Christmas-themed coffee mug in the corner of his enclosure.]