List of the best fruits for a dwarf hamster:
- Apple (no seeds)
- Banana
- Blackberry
- Blueberry
- Cantaloupe
- Coconut
- Cherry
- Grapes (seedless)
- Guava
- Honeydew
- Lychee
- Mango
- Melon
- Papaya
- Peach
- Pear
- Plum
- Raspberry
- Strawberry
What do dwarf hamsters like to eat?
In the wild, dwarf hamsters will regularly eat fruits, nuts, grains, seeds and insects. It’s best to try and recreate this diet as closely as possible. Purchase a good hamster food mix and some low sugar treats to keep your pet healthy and supplement fresh fruit/veg when possible.
What do you feed a baby hamster in a cage?
Scatter pellets and other hamster food throughout the cage and allow the mother to forage for food to feed the babies. As the babies age, you will see they begin to explore the cage and hunt for food themselves.
How do you take care of a dwarf hamster?
Clean the food bowl once a week when you clean your dwarf hamster’s cage. Feed your dwarf hamster at the same time each day. There is some debate as to whether hamsters should be fed in the morning of evening. A benefit to feeding them in the evening is that they will already be awake, since they are nocturnal animals.
What can I give my dwarf hamster for diabetes?
As mentioned, dwarf hamsters are very vulnerable to diabetes so be careful with the amount of treats you provide. Treats can be used as a means to reward your pet for good behaviour and speed up the taming process. Feel free to use a combination of insects, fresh fruit and your standard packaged treats.
What do you feed a baby dwarf hamster?
Hamster mothers require 60% more protein than normal to make the milk necessary to keep baby hamsters health. Feed the mother hard-boiled egg, cooked but unseasoned beef and chicken, and mealworms. Give mom vitamins for her milk. Allow a nursing hamster mom to have as many sunflower seeds as it wants.
How mother hamster feed their babies?
The mother hamster will nurse her babies for the first two to three weeks and then she will feed them by bringing them scattered food from around the cage. Scatter pellets and other hamster food throughout the cage and allow the mother to forage for food to feed the babies.
How do you feed a newborn hamster?
Feed them with Lactol; a milk formula as a replacement for mother's milk. Milk is to be given every hour until they are 7-10 days old using an eyedropper. Do not squirt the milk but instead, let a drop of milk hover on the dropper and let the pup suck or lick it.
How do you take care of a newborn dwarf hamster?
To care for hamster babies, start by leaving them alone in the cage with their mother for the first two weeks. Then, after a week, scatter some food around the floor of the cage to encourage the babies to explore the area. After two weeks, begin holding them so that they can get used to being handled by humans.
What milk is good for baby hamsters?
While adult hamsters can drink small quantities of milk, orphaned baby hamsters need milk that matches the mother's milk as closely as possible. Levels of fat and protein in hamster's milk are different from those in cow's milk.
Can Dwarf hamsters drink milk?
Like humans, hamsters would probably prefer whole milk, but whole milk has way too much fat. Skim milk is a much healthier option. You never want to give your hamster chocolate milk as it can be loaded with sugar, and chocolate is poisonous to hamsters. Also avoid other flavored milks, such as strawberry.
What should I feed my hamster after giving birth?
Mother hamsters need extra protein while they are pregnant or nursing. Feed them boiled egg, bits of cooked unseasoned chicken or beef, mealworms (usually available at high-end pet stores) and fruits or vegetables rich in vitamins A (natural A is good) and E.
How long do baby hamsters need milk?
Although baby hamsters start eating hamster foods when they're just days old, they still continue to nurse with their mothers for a little while longer. Dwarf hamsters -- like Chinese and Campbell's hammies -- typically are all through with weaning once they get to roughly 3 weeks old.
When can I clean my hamsters cage after giving birth?
Once the babies have arrived don't worry about cleaning the cage for a while. Leave mother and babies alone for at least 7 days, especially if the mother has never given birth before. 1 You can spot clean really wet spots if absolutely necessary, but avoid disturbing the nest, mother, and babies.
How many babies do dwarf hamsters have?
Litter size for Roborovski dwarf hamsters is usually small. There are typically between four and six pups in a litter but larger litters are not unheard of. Larger breeds of hamsters such as Syrians have been known to have litters of over 20 pups.
How do I stop my mother hamster from eating her babies?
How to Prevent this BehaviorDon't handle the babies until the mother finishes weaning. ... Make sure mom is getting well-balanced nutrition. ... Monitor her behavior very closely. ... Make sure the cage is clean and habitable. ... Separate the mother from all other hamsters. ... Don't let small children handle mom and babies early on.More items...
Can a mother hamster live with her babies?
Females and males shouldn't be living together because they'll breed too much. Make sure they live separately. Hamsters do not get “lonely.” Also, you said there's only one baby left; does this mean the mother killed the rest of them?
How long do hamsters nurse their babies?
A typical female hamster can give birth to as many as 20 pups in a litter, though six to 12 is average. The mother will nurse and care for her babies the first two to three weeks of life, after which they will be able to transition to a commercial hamster diet.
Will mother hamster eat their babies?
If a hamster is feeling excessively stressed, then it may eat its babies. 2 It may feel as though caring for its young is more than it can handle and unfortunately kill and eat its babies. This may be more likely to occur in young hamster mothers or if you are disturbing the mother too much throughout the day.
How long do baby hamsters need milk?
Although baby hamsters start eating hamster foods when they're just days old, they still continue to nurse with their mothers for a little while longer. Dwarf hamsters -- like Chinese and Campbell's hammies -- typically are all through with weaning once they get to roughly 3 weeks old.
How do I stop my mother hamster from eating her babies?
How to Prevent this BehaviorDon't handle the babies until the mother finishes weaning. ... Make sure mom is getting well-balanced nutrition. ... Monitor her behavior very closely. ... Make sure the cage is clean and habitable. ... Separate the mother from all other hamsters. ... Don't let small children handle mom and babies early on.More items...
What is the best food for a dwarf hamster?
Try pellets! Pellets prevent the hamster from selectively eating the tasty, but less nutritious, part of their food. The muesli-type hamster foods...
Why can't dwarf hamsters have carrots?
This is because carrots have a high sugar content, and in excess, could predispose a hamster to develop diabetes. However, be assured that carrots...
Can a Russian dwarf hamster eat red peppers?
Yes. These are safe for hamsters and contain lots of lovely vitamin C. However, introduce small pieces, as an an unaccustomed food risks upsetting...
What is the best food for a dwarf hamster?
Here are some of the best options when it comes to hamster food that’s best for dwarf hamsters: Kaytee Fiesta Hamster Food – this food mix is actually great for both dwarf hamsters and larger Syrian hamsters. It has natural veggies and fruits to add some variety and improve the nutrient content of the mix.
What to feed a hamster?
Provide your hamster with different types of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds on a daily basis. Don’t fear to reduce the sizes of your hamster’s meals if you notice that it’s gaining a lot of weight, as you don’t want it to become too fat. When you’re feeding your hamster, it’s best to use a food bowl.
What do hamsters eat?
It’s also important to add fiber to your hamster’s diet. Natural sources of fiber, such as timothy hay and alfalfa hay, are good sources of fiber. Another thing that you should know is that Syrian hamsters and dwarf hamsters absolutely love insects, and you should feed them (not all insects) if you can.
How long can a hamster live without food?
Know that hamsters can only live three to four days without food and/or water. You should feed your hamster twice a day, once in the morning, and once again in the evening. Your hamster should get a full tablespoon of hamster food mixture daily – so give your hamster half a tablespoon of mixture each time you feed it.
How long does it take for a dwarf hamster to get out of the house?
Fruits and vegetables can become spoiled and moldy very quickly, and it’s especially important to take them out after 24 hours. Something that you should keep in mind is that dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes. Their bodies are very small and it’s difficult for them to deal with high levels of sugar in their bodies.
What is the most popular hamster?
Dwarf hamsters definitely top the group for the most popular hamsters in the world. They’re immensely popular all around the world, and their numbers only grow by the day. If you’re an owner of this furry species, then you have to know their dietary requirements, how much they need to eat, and what they’re eating.
Why does my hamster sneeze?
If you’ve noticed your hamster sneezing, they may be allergic to their bedding or something in their food. It could also be microscopic dust in the air. Try switching beddings, foods, to an unscented fabric softener, and use an air filter by your hamster’s cage to eliminate all allergens in that environment.
What is the best food for a dwarf hamster?
Protein is an important nutrient for your dwarf hamster. Fortunately, there are several great protein sources from which you can choose. For example, raw and unsalted seeds, such as sunflower, flax, and sesame, are high in protein. Lentils are another good protein source.
What to feed hamsters?
Give your hamster fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables add extra nutrition as well as variety to your hamster’s diet. Make sure to wash the fruits and vegetables thoroughly with fresh water to remove any pesticides or other chemicals.
What to do if my dwarf hamster is not eating?
If you notice that he's consistently not eating a certain food, switch it out for something else . For example, if you notice that he doesn't like one kind of fruit (e.g., apple), replace with it another fruit (e.g., banana).
How big are dwarf hamsters?
This article has been viewed 295,939 times. Dwarf hamsters are cute and very tiny animals that measure only about two to four inches in length. They are relatively low maintenance, which makes them great to keep as pets.
What is the best fiber for hamsters?
Natural sources of fiber, such as timothy hay and alfalfa hay, are good sources of fiber. Your dwarf hamster may not be a fan of hay, but you can give him a small amount to see if he will like it. ...
Can you feed a dwarf hamster pellets?
Commercial hamster food has a high nutritional value, but should not be the only type of food you feed your dwarf hamster. The pellet formulation allows your dwarf hamster to gnaw on his food, which can be good for his dental hygiene. Choose a commercial food that has about 15 to 20% protein.
Can a dwarf hamster eat watermelon?
A watermelon’s water content is too high for him. Almonds contain cyanic acid, which can make your dwarf hamster very sick. Fruit seeds can be harmful to your dwarf hamster. If you would like to feed your dwarf hamster fruits that have seeds (apples, peaches, plums), make sure to remove the seeds first.
The Good
Starting off with what they can eat, and it is good news! Hamsters can eat a wide variety of foods, and it is generally easy to provide them with all the nutrients and goodness they need.
The Best
Okay, so you know roughly what is good to feed your dwarf hamster, but for a lot of us, good just isn’t enough when it comes to our pets. We want the best. That is why we have selected four of the absolute best dwarf hamster feeds currently on the market, so you can get one with confidence that your pet won’t just survive, but thrive.
The Bad
Unfortunately, though, dwarf hamsters cannot eat everything, and there are a number of foods you should always avoid.
What to feed a hamster?
Feed them boiled egg, bits of cooked unseasoned chicken or beef, mealworms (usually available at high-end pet stores) and fruits or vegetables rich in vitamins A (natural A is good) and E. Broccoli, sweet apple (as opposed to sour green apple), cantaloupe, and peas are all good fruit and vegetable choices for your hamster.
How to care for a baby hamster?
Baby hamsters are usually well cared for by their mothers, but you can offer a few foods to help the hamster pups along. Baby hamsters will likely benefit from wheat germ cereal early in their development, so sprinkle a little close to the nest. Also small seeds such as millet are good for hamster pups, even those younger than 10 days old. Place a whole sprig of millet in the cage as an extra treat for the mother. This gives her something interesting to do, because she will need to gather the seeds off the stem.
How many pups can a hamster have in a litter?
Nursing 14 to 28 pups in a litter can sap a mother hamster’s reserves; she’ll be able to use the fat in the seeds to keep from losing weight. Always provide plenty of hamster food for a nursing mother hamster. She’ll need the food both physically and emotionally.
How long do hamsters nurse after birth?
Hamster babies continue to nurse for almost three weeks after birth.
How to nurse a hamster?
Saving a motherless hamster pup involves more than just feeding it, but our focus is nutrition. Feed a pup evaporated milk mixed in a 50/50 solution with water. Warm the solution to 90 degrees Fahrenheit before feeding it to the baby hamster.
When do hamsters start eating?
Hamster pups start using their teeth at about 5 days old on smaller seeds. If you provide wheat germ by sprinkling it close to the nest, small hamster pups will lick at it. During the third week you should see hamster pups eating from the bowl of solid foods.
Do hamsters eat sunflower seeds?
Pregnant hamsters need the extra folic acid and vitamins as well as the fats and proteins that sunflower seeds provide, which is why mother hamsters can eat more. Protein needs for a hamster increase 60 percent during pregnancy.
How do dwarf hamsters stay healthy?
Dwarf hamsters are playful creatures and they need exercise to stay healthy, just like us! The best way you can do this is by providing plenty of opportunities for exercise such as hamster wheels, climbing frames and a large cage for exploration.
What do you need to bring a hamster home?
Before bringing your hamster home, it’s important to make sure you have all the supplies you need to provide a safe and healthy environment. Here’s a handy checklist: 1 Suitable hamster cage 2 Suitable bedding and substrate material 3 Hamster nesting area (hamster homes) 4 Food bowl 5 Water bottle 6 Toys for enrichment (climbing frames, tunnels, wheels, etc.) 7 Hamster ball (s) 8 Dwarf hamster foods and treats 9 Non-toxic cleaning products
How to get a dwarf hamster to explore?
Place your hand flat of the surface of the hamster cage and allow your pet to explore – place a treat in the middle of your hand to encourage this. Once familiar with your hand, gently scoop the dwarf hamster from underneath and lightly stroke him/her.
How do I set up a dwarf hamster cage?
Most cages will require some level of assembly but once put together, you’re good to go. Add hamster substrate/bedding first, be sure to use a safe and comfortable hamster bedding in your cage.
How long do dwarf hamsters live?
Check for clear eyes, good colouration, a happy temperament and no hair loss. Dwarf hamsters only live for around 2 years, finding a hamster that’s healthy will allow you to enjoy your pet for longer and create a true bond.
What is the most common dwarf hamster?
Campbell’s hamsters are probably the most common dwarf species that you’ll find in the pet store. These animals are now available in a wide range of colors thanks to selective breeding and are usually very sociable.
What is the substrate of a hamster?
Substrate = The material used on the bottom surface of your hamster enclosure to absorb waste. Bedding = The material used for warmth and comfort in your hamster’s nesting area. (these words of sometimes used interchangeably but this is the true meaning) Some hamster owners still use sawdust in their cages.
Foods You Should Avoid Feeding Chinese Dwarf Hamster?
There are different types of foods that can be dangerous for Chinese Dwarf hamsters. Following are the list of food that you should avoid feeding Chinese Dwarf hamsters:
How Much Food Should I Give My Dwarf Hamster?
Though they’re usually smaller than the average hamster, these furry rodents still require a substantial amount of food to survive. Therefore, it is important to provide your pet with a constant supply of high-quality food containing proper nutrients. However, the amount of food you should give your hamster depends on its age and size.
What Are The Best Food Options For My Chinese Dwarf Hamster To Eat In Winter?
Replace your Chinese dwarf hamster’s regular diet with a protein-based diet and fresh vegetables during winter. A protein-based diet is a priority.
Is It Okay If My Hamsters Eat Dry Dog Food?
Dry dog food contains a lot of fillers and carbs that are not good for Chinese Dwarf hamsters, just like many other rodents. If you want your pet dwarfs to eat something different than their standard diet, try switching them over from one type of rodent food (like rat pellets) to another (like mouse block).
What Should I Feed My Chinese Dwarf Hamster When It Gets Sick?
If your hamster gets sick and cannot eat independently, you feed them liquid food using a syringe. You should blend protein-based food with added water such as – hardboiled egg, cooked chicken, nuts, etc.
How To Feed A Baby Chinese Dwarf Hamsters?
You should know several things about when it comes to feeding a baby Chinese Dwarf hamster, so I will cover those points in this section:
Did I Answer Everything You Wanted To Know About What Can I Feed My Chinese Dwarf Hamster?
There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to feeding your Chinese Dwarf Hamster. It’s not as simple as opening up the fridge and grabbing whatever food is handy. There are many foods you can feed your Chinese Dwarf Hamster, but Not all types of food are good for them.
What to feed hamsters to keep them healthy?
Still, this can get monotonous for your hamster, and you should supplement this with seeds, nuts, vegetables, and fruits occasionally.
How much food do hamsters need?
Dwarf hamsters will need a bit less, roughly 1 tablespoon, while larger hamsters like Syrians will likely need a bit more. If your hamster is gaining weight and storing loads of food, you may need to reduce the amount. If your hamster is finishing all their food and not storing much, you’ll need to slightly increase their daily amount.
What to do if your hamster is not eating?
However, they could also simply be hoarding their food! Check their bedding for food that they may be keeping for a late-night snack, but do not remove it.
Can you remove hamster food from a cage?
In general, you should not remove your hamster’s stash. This will cause them stress when they find that their stored food has suddenly vanished! Dry, pelleted food and seeds can last for quite some time, and it’s advisable to put their stash back exactly where you found it after cleaning their cage.
Can hamsters hold food?
Hamsters can hold a large amount of food inside their cheeks. Some people estimate that they can hold as much as the equivalent of their own bodyweight in cheek storage! Stashing food away is perfectly normal behavior for hamsters, but if you notice them storing large amounts of their food away, you are probably giving them too much. ...
Do hamsters need vitamins?
Some hamster owners give their hamster extra vitamin supplements, but with a healthy lifestyle, these won’t help much. Also, it’s exceedingly difficult to judge how much they need, and they could end up having too many certain vitamins.
Is vitamin C safe for hamsters?
Water-soluble vitamins, like vitamin C, are safe, though arguably unnecessary in healthy hamsters. The only time when supplements are potentially helpful is when your hamster is having certain health issues and they are recommended by a vet. YouTube. Victoria Raechel.
How long do hamsters nurse babies?
You do not need to worry about feeding newborn hamster babies yourself. The mother hamster will nurse her babies for the first two to three weeks and then she will feed them by bringing them scattered food from around the cage.
How to keep hamsters quiet?
Be quiet when checking the cage. While it's important to keep the hamsters well fed, you want to make sure you don't disturb the mother. Peace and quiet is important for the first few weeks. ...
How many babies do hamsters have?
Mostly, a mother hamster will have four to eight babies at a time. You do not need to do much to care for the babies as the mother will instinctively protect and care for her young. However, you should provide adequate food and water.
How to tell if a hamster is pregnant?
If you know the mother is pregnant ahead of time, you can work on preparing her for birth. You can tell a hamster is pregnant if she has gained weight and is engaging in nesting behaviors, such as piling wood shavings and other material in one corner of the cage.
Why should you separate hamsters?
If babies are left with their mothers for too long, the mother will start becoming aggressive. You should separate the male and female hamsters to prevent inbreeding. In general, hamsters of the same gender should be able to share a cage. However, if fighting occurs frequently, you may have to separate the hamsters.
How to encourage weaning?
Encourage naturally weaning by providing an adequate supply of food. Weaning usually begins at two to three weeks. The babies will eventually transition naturally to solid food as their mother discourages them from nursing. Providing enough food during this time can help the process run smoothly.
How to keep a baby in a cage?
It is vital to keep the food and water supply plentiful, especially just after the mother gives birth. If the mother feels resources are scarce, she may kill her babies to spare them from starvation. Be proactive about filling food and water bowls in the cage.