what to feed a nursing hamster

• Apples (no seeds)
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Cucumber
• Dandelion greens
Grapes
Kale
Peas
Potato (cooked)
Romaine lettuce
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet potato
Squash
Hay
Whole grain bread or toast
Whole wheat pasta (cooked)

Full Answer

What foods are harmful to a hamster?

Other Foods Not Suitable For Hamsters

• Dairy products
• Biscuits
• Bread
• Chips
• Chocolate (unless specifically made for hamsters)
• Dairy products
• Biscuits
• House and garden plants - not all, but better safe than sorry
• Jam
• Pasta

More items...

What fruits and vegetables are safe to feed hamsters?

• Pear – Pears are thought to be healthy and digestible for hamsters. ...
• Although many hamsters don’t like to eat it, it is still healthy and safe for Syrian hamsters. ...
• Apple – Apart from the dry palettes, you can feed Apple to your Syrian hamster in a small quantity as a treat.
• Apricot – Dried Apricot and its stone/seed should be avoided. ...

More items...

What type of foods can you feed a hamster?

• Wild Harvest Nutrition Diet and Advanced Nutrition Diet plan for Hamsters and Gerbils
• Supreme Tiny Friends Farm Hazel Hamster Tasty Mix 2lbs
• Sun Seed Vita Prima Dwarf Hamster Food
• Kaytee Forti Diet Pro Health Small Animal Food For Mice And Rats, 5-Pound
• Kaytee Fiesta Hamster And Gerbil Food, 4.5-Lb Bag

When and how often do you feed a hamster?

You should feed your hamster twice day, once in the morning and then again in the evening. It's very important to take out any uneaten food because this will quickly go mouldy and if your pet eats food that has any mould on it, they could get very ill.

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.

How do you take care of newborn hamsters?

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.

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.

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?

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.

When can you touch a baby hamster?

14 days14 days of age is “the ideal time to begin to familiarize your young hamster with being handled,” says Kohles. This should be a thoughtful process where you can help desensitize them to handling to minimize the stress of the baby hamsters.

What milk is good for baby hamsters?

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.

What do newborn hamsters eat?

Pellets. Before you give baby hamsters their earliest servings of hamster food, make a point to immerse the pellets in water beforehand. By doing this, you give the food a smooth and soggy feel, and therefore make it easier for the little guys to eat them initially.

What kind of milk can hamsters drink?

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.

Why is my hamster burying her babies?

Also, some hamsters are just pains in the butt - most mothers try to bury their children in the wood chips from the cage to either keep them warm or to suffocate the little buggers.

Can brother and sister hamsters have babies?

When you are breeding your hamsters, make sure that you don't breed brother and sister hamsters. The other combinations, such as father-daughter, mother-son, are usually fine....Tips on Hamster Breeding.•A Dash of Cinnamon, A Pinch of the Past, A Smidgen of the Future•A New Kind Of Patriotism» More on Most Popular Family Articles18 more rows

What do newborn baby hamsters eat?

Feeding Baby Hamsters 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.

How do you raise a baby hamster?

2:084:40Accidental Hamster Litter care! (Baby hamsters!) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow you can continue to feed her and give her fresh water of course try to have the water bottle andMoreNow you can continue to feed her and give her fresh water of course try to have the water bottle and food dish on the opposite side of the cage. So you can um change these out as quiet. And peacefully

Do hamsters eat their babies if you touch them?

Touching or handling the babies before they are weaned will make the mother think they're foreign, and not hers. She will reject or even eat them, so it's best to wait a few more weeks.

What do I need to know about a newborn?

Here are a few basics to remember:Wash your hands (or use a hand sanitizer) before handling your baby. ... Support your baby's head and neck. ... Never shake your newborn, whether in play or in frustration. ... Make sure your baby is securely fastened into the carrier, stroller, or car seat.More items...

Do you have to wash hamsters?

No. Hamsters are fastidious creatures and keep themselves clean, so they usually don't need to be washed. There are also risks associated with bath...

When is the best time of day to feed a hamster?

There is no hard and fast rule. Feeding in the evening, when the hamster is awake and most active, means that she has access to food when it's fres...

Can hamsters eat banana?

Yes. Small pieces of banana are a fun and healthy treat. However, like any food, it's best fed in moderation, and given as a treat, about two to th...

On what days do you feed a hamster?

A hamster should have fresh, unspoiled food offered every day. Hamsters do hoard food, so an empty bowl does not have to be topped up. However, be...

What's the best kind of hamster food?

Pelleted foods are better than seed mixes, as the former prevents the hamster from selective eating. The latter is the equivalent of only eating th...

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.

What do hamsters eat?

Round out the diet with greens in the forms of lettuces, grasses, fruits, and vegetables.

What do hamsters need to keep going?

Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates in your food mix is a must. Carbohydrates are what an active hamster needs to keep going. If your lab blocks or seed mixes don’t have them or not enough, you can provide additional carbs of the following in small amounts.

How do hamsters drink water?

Hamsters in nature rarely drink water but instead get their water from the things they eat (This does NOT mean you don’t need a water bottle though). Fresh greens, fruits, and vegetables not only provide your hamsters with the water they need, but they also provide extra vitamins and minerals they need. With that said, you need to be careful how much greens you add into the hamster food; too many greens and they can get a case of diarrhea. A rough guide calls for only feeding it about one square inch (2.54cm) of greens per day. There are greens, fruits, and vegetables that are great for hamsters and there are also ones that should be avoided. The following are some of the greens that are acceptable and some of the greens to avoid (If you collect these from outdoors, make sure there are no pesticides or toxic chemicals that could be on them. Always thoroughly wash them before placing them in your hamster’s cage.)

How much food does a Syrian hamster eat?

A Syrian hamster will only eat one to two tablespoons of food per day . Dwarf hamsters have higher metabolisms so they will consume the same amount. Expired bags of hamster food might have moth eggs hatch inside. Store the feed in a cool dry location to ensure freshness.

What is lab block for hamsters?

A lab block usually contains a mixture of seed and grains and vitamins and minerals. These are a preferred type of hamster food if you want to make sure your little guys or girls are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. If you could only get one type of dry food, these would be them.

How long does hamster food last?

Most feed won’t last more than three months before it goes bad. A Syrian hamster will only eat one to two tablespoons of food per day.

Why do hamsters lick rocks?

In the wild you could observe a hamster licking different rocks or minerals that contain salt. They need salt to help retain water and stay healthy. You can provide your hamster with a salt lick or a mineral salts. These come in various forms and are sometimes added to their accessories as a form of play.

What to feed hamsters?

[2] Leftovers can rot, contaminating the cage. Good vegetables to feed your hamster include: turnips, carrots, chicory, spinach, parsley, pumpkin, endive, cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, and asparagus.

What does it mean when a hamster is feeding in the morning?

Feeding in the evening, when the hamster is awake and most active, means that she has access to food when it's freshest. Feeding in the morning means she has access to food for a snack when she wakes sporadically during the day.

How to keep hamsters from scratching plastic?

2. Purchase a small ceramic bowl. Hamsters can scratch up plastic bowls, creating crevices which foster the growth of bacteria. A small bowl is preferable to a large one, because it will leave space in the cage for your hamster to play.. Place the bowl at the opposite side of the cage from your hamster’s bathroom area.

How to tell if a hamster is obese?

Monitor your hamster's weight. Because they have so much extra skin, it can be difficult to tell when a hamster is becoming obese. A Syrian should weight approximately one ounce per inch of length. Also, if your hamster appears slow and sluggish, it is possible you should modify its diet.

How to keep hamsters from knocking over water?

Purchase a water bottle. Hamsters are liable to knock over a water dish, creating sanitary problems. At the pet store purchase a bottle that can hang on your hamster’s cage. Refill regularly with bottled water. Be sure to clean the water bottle at least once a week.

Do hamsters need to be washed?

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. No. Hamsters are fastidious creatures and keep themselves clean, so they usually don't need to be washed. There are also risks associated with bathing a hamster, such as his inhaling water, drowning, or catching a chill.

Can hamsters eat sunflower seeds?

After a few weeks, slowly transition it to a different food source, should you choose to. If you are feeding your hamster a seed mix, make sure that it does not only eat the sun flower seeds. Hamsters prefer these, but they will not satisfy all of your hamster’s nutritional needs. ...

What is the best diet for hamsters?

The Best Hamster Diet. The ideal diet for a hamster is a pelleted diet that is supplemented with a variety of other safe and human foods. If your hamster won't eat the pelleted diet then sprinkle some seed mixture onto the pellets or find a seed diet that already has pellets in it.

What do hamsters eat?

Pelleted hamster foods offer a completely balanced diet in every bite, and they are often recommended for this reason. 1  Pelleted diets can come in many shapes but usually look like small biscuits, cookies, or cereal.

Can hamsters eat honey?

Store-bought treats such as yogurt drops and honey/seed sticks are too sugary for a hamster and they should be avoided. Since dwarf hamsters are somewhat prone to diabetes it is also especially prudent to avoid sugar in their diet, so avoid fruits altogether as treats for them.

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.

What to use for hamsters?

Food Dish and Water Bottle. We recommend using a heavy, ceramic food dish, as it is difficult to tip over. A water bottle with a drinking tube is preferable since it ensures the hamster does not drink water containing poop or bedding. Image Credit: JessicaGirvan, Shutterstock.

What is hamster food?

Image Credit: piotr.ma, Shutterstock. High-quality commercial hamster food is the way to go since it contains a mix of grains, seeds, cracked corn, and is fortified with minerals and vitamins, providing your pet with a good nutritional balance.

How long do winter white dwarf hamsters live?

These hamsters are social, meaning they prefer living in groups. Unfortunately, winter white dwarf hamsters are difficult to handle. They have a lifespan of 2 years .

What is the tiniest hamster?

A post shared by 𝗳𝗹𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗯ä𝗹𝗹𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗻 🌸 (@flauuuschebaellchen) The Roborovski dwarf hamster is the tiniest of all hamster species. Like other dwarf species, they tolerate living with others. Unfortunately, Roborovski Dwarf Hamsters are more inclined to bite than other species.

How long do hamsters live?

Syrian hamsters are friendly, easy to care for, and can live for up to 3 years. However, they are a solitary species, meaning they prefer living alone; they fight when housed together with other hamsters.

How to get hamsters to bond with family?

It also allows the hamster to bond with the family. We recommend setting up an open roof pen with lots of toys and treats.

How much does it cost to maintain a hamster?

The annual cost of maintaining a hamster is around $260. Let’s break it down. The little guy is not expensive, as he costs a maximum of $25. However, supplies will be your most significant expense, as litter and bedding for a year amount to an average of $210.

What Do Baby Hamsters Eat?

The mother hamster usually takes good care of the hamster babies. However, there are some additional foods that you can offer to the babies to help them in their development.

What Should a Mother Hamster Eat?

When a mother hamster is expecting hamster babies they require a diet that is high in protein. It is a good idea to feed your hamster egg, unsalted chicken or beef, and mealworm (available at pet shops).

To sum up

Whether you are looking after a motherless baby hamster that has been rejected or has lost its mother, or you want to give your baby hamsters the highest level of care, there are a few things that you can do.