Gosport Ferry helps rescue hamster from threat of being fed to snakes

Darcie the dwarf hamster was found to be living in a ‘dirty cramped cage’ with two other hamsters. They were initially rescued by Gosport resident, Chelsey Chigdey, who managed to re-home one while another unfortunately died.

Underweight and suffering from a respiratory infection, Darcie needed medical attention and the care of a loving owner.

Darcie’s plight was brought to the attention of Rarity Hamster Rescue Centre in Petersfield where owner, Amy Farren, contacted Gosport Ferry to see if they could help transport the fury creature to safety.

Amy said: ‘Darcie had been placed on the online sales site, Gumtree, to try and find her a new home. While the advert said ‘free to a good home’, the danger is animals like hamsters and mice can often be obtained as live food by snake owners for their pets.

‘To save me time having to drive all the way round to Gosport I contacted the ferry company to see if they could help me out. They said they were only too happy to help.’

Darcie was placed in a secure container where she made the 15-minute crossing to be collected by Amy.

The one-year-old hamster is now making good progress at her temporary residence but Amy hopes Darcie can soon find a more permanent home.

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‘Darcie was very tired after her little adventure and as soon as we got to the centre she burrowed down for a sleep. The respiratory infection has now cleared and she has started to put on weight. Hopefully we can find an owner to give her a good home,’ said Amy.

The dwarf hamster is the smallest of the species reaching a maximum length of around 5 centimetres.

Anyone interested in welcoming Darcie into their home should contact the centre on Facebook or email [email protected]