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what to feed my nursing hamster

by Orland Labadie Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Celery
  • Carrots
  • Apples
  • Broccoli
  • plums
  • Figs
  • Peas
  • Strawberries
  • Melons
  • Cauliflower
  • Beets
  • Cut Grapes
  • Plantains
  • Soy Sprouts
  • Pumpkin
  • sweet potato
  • Rose Hips
  • Cucumber
  • Zucchini
  • Dandelions

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.May 31, 2012

Full Answer

What kind of food should I Feed my hamster when pregnant?

Hamster Food Diet and Treats. The hamster food you should look for includes 12-15% protein and 3-6% fat. For Pregnant of baby hamsters, your should get hamster food that contains 18-20% protein and 7-9% fat. The reason pregnant mothers and babies need more protein is because they need all the protein to grow.

Can I Feed my hamster human food?

Fresh Foods and Treats for Hamsters. You can feed your hamster a variety of human foods as long as you limit the treats to no more than 10 percent of your hamster's diet. Skip the junk food and stick to healthy things like whole grains, fresh vegetables, and fruit (in moderation, otherwise diarrhea may result).

What can I give my hamster for protein?

Seeds and pits can be poisonous, so be sure to keep these away from your hamster. Once a week you can add some additional protein to your hamster’s diet with pieces of a hardboiled egg. Be mindful that food hasn’t spoiled and remove it from the cage when it begins to go bad.

What kind of seeds can hamsters eat?

Seed Mixes. A bag of mixed seeds is great choice if you want a large variety of options for your hamster to eat. Depending on the brand, theses mixes include not only seeds but also and other types of grasses/grains (oats, wheat) dried fruits and vegetables.

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How do mother hamsters 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.

Does baby hamster need milk?

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.

How long do hamsters nurse for?

At 4 to 5 weeks, all hamster species are fully weaned and capable of fending for themselves. Hamsters of the Syrian species are normally sexually mature as early as 4 weeks of age—a female Syrian hamster can conceive, and a male Syrian hamster can father a litter.

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.

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.

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.

Can I separate baby hamster at 2 weeks?

Removing the Pups You can remove weaned hamsters from their mother at approximately 3 to 4 weeks of age, though if a litter has exceptionally small hamsters or babies that failed to flourish, let them stay with their mother an extra week. Baby hamsters can safely go to adoptive homes as early as 3 weeks of age.

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

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 baby hamsters eat solid food?

Wee hamsters typically start taking in solid, dry hamster foods when they're about 10 days old. This is when the weaning process commences. As with many other animals, weaning entails the gradual transition from exclusive nursing with the mama hamster to eating only "normal" foods."

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.

How do you keep baby hamsters warm?

Keep them at a constant temperature of at least 70 F by either using a heat pad or keeping the room at that temperature.The babies will be comfortable in temperatures up to 80F. ... When the pups are in the nest, partially cover them with bedding to help keep them warm.

Can you give baby hamsters milk?

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 long do baby hamsters need milk?

three weeksShe'll need the food both physically and emotionally. Having plenty of resources to draw from makes a mother hamster feel secure and less stressed, which gives the hamster pups the best chance of survival. Hamster babies continue to nurse for almost three weeks after birth.

How do you feed a newborn hamster without a mother?

At around 7-10 days, the babies will be ready to get food and drink from a source other than the mother. Don't put a water bowl in the cage, as they may drown in it. Instead, place a sipper bottle with the nozzle about 1–2 centimeter (0.4–0.8 in) above the bedding.

How do you make hamster milk?

You can provide hamster pups with a milk formula when their mother is unable to nurse....Create a milk mixture.Combine equal parts evaporated milk and water.Heat the mixture to 90 degrees Fahrenheit before you give it to the baby.Use a syringe or specially designed feeding wick to feed the pup.

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?

[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 is the best way to feed a hamster?

Mineral or salt licks are a good way to provide your hamster nutrition as maintains its teeth.

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.

What do hamsters eat?

Good vegetables to feed your hamster include: turnips, carrots, chicory, spinach, parsley, pumpkin, endive, cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, and asparagus.

What to feed hamsters with seed mix?

It is important to pick a loose seed mix diet that contains a variety of foods such as grains and dried vegetables along with some seeds. Some loose seed mixed foods also contain a balanced pellet food as part of the mix (which is ideal). When feeding a loose seed mix, make sure your hamster empties the food bowl before adding more, not allowing your hamster to eat only its favorite things.

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 is a pelleted hamster?

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. A hamster can be picky with loose seed mixes, eating only their favorite items, resulting in an unbalanced diet. Pelleted diets prevent this from happening, but they are a bit monotonous and some hamsters will refuse them. A pelleted mix can be supplemented with a variety of other items as long as the pelleted food makes up the bulk of the diet.

Can hamsters eat peanut butter?

Hamsters also usually love peanut butter but it must be fed carefully (as with any other sticky food) because it can get stuck in their cheek pouches and cause severe problems. A very thin layer on a piece of wood is okay as an occasional treat, but peanut butter must be given with caution.

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.

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.

What is the best food for hamsters?

The best hamster diet consists of commercial pelleted food combined with a variety of fresh fruits, seeds, and vegetables.

What do hamsters eat?

Hamsters are omnivores, meaning they mainly eat food sourced from plants, but in the wild, they are known to snack on insects and small frogs and lizards. A hamster’s diet should consist of around 15% protein and no more than 5% fat. In general, the best food to give your hamster in order to provide them with all the essential vitamins and minerals that they need are commercial hamster pellets.

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 happens if my hamster doesn't eat?

If your hamster is not hoarding food and not eating, they are most likely sick and need to see a vet. This is usually accompanied by other symptoms, like weight loss and lethargy.

When to take supplements for 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.

Can hamsters eat pellets?

Credit: mordilla-net, Pixabay. Commercial pellets will give your hamster a healthy, balanced diet with every bite and prevent them from picking and choosing what they prefer. With loose seed mixes, hamsters will often only eat their favorite items and leave the rest, resulting in an unbalanced diet.

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.

What do hamsters eat?

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

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.

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.

Can hamsters eat pumpkin seeds?

You can pick out the fatty seeds like sunflower and pumpkin seeds and only give them out every so often. You might consider removing some of the corn or alfalfa since some hamster owners say they can cause cancer or liver damage but there is little research to back this up from what we can find. Additionally, dehydrated fruits can get stuck in their mouths or cause a cheek impaction. Finally, avoid mixes that have a lot of molasses in them since they are full of sugar.

How to feed a hamster baby?

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 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 long do hamsters stay with their mother?

Separate baby hamsters from their mother after 21 to 28 days. After three to four weeks, hamsters are generally old enough to be separated from their mother. If babies are left with their mothers for too long, the mother will start becoming aggressive.

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.

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.

What to do when a baby is born?

Once the babies are born, it's vital to make sure there is enough food and water to go around. The water dish or bottle should be full at all times and there should always be plentiful food scattered on the floor for the mother to bring the babies.

What vegetables should I feed my hamster?

Not all greens are good for hamsters, neither are all fruits and vegetables. Stick to broccoli, parsley, apple, pear, carrot and turnips while avoiding onions, garlic, chives, leeks, lettuce, raw potatoes and oranges. As hamsters can be prone to diabetes, you’ll want to give them fruit (which is laden with sugar) sparingly.

How to keep hamsters clean?

Hamsters need clean cages to keep them from getting sick with a number of conditions, including diseases that are transmittable to humans, Hess said. Follow these steps for cleaning your hamster’s cage: 1 Move your hamster to a safe area: as long as you can keep your hamster from rolling off somewhere while you aren't looking, an exercise ball would be an ideal spot to keep your hamster while cleaning it’s cage. A second cage or deep container that your hamster can’t get out of will also work. 2 Get rid of bedding: don’t worry about cleaning your hamster’s bedding, just throw it away and start fresh. Hamsters can sometimes hoard their food, Cribbs said, so tossing the bedding every time you clean will help prevent it from bolding. 3 Wash the cage: use regular soap and warm water to thoroughly rinse and clean your hamster’s cage or container. If you use vinegar, bleach or any other type of cleaning product on the container, make sure everything is thoroughly cleaned off and dried before adding new bedding and returning your hamster back to its cage.

How big of a cage do hamsters need?

A cage: purchase a cage at least 15 inches long by 12 inches high, but opt for something larger if you can to give your hamster more room to exercise and explore.

Why do hamsters need cages?

Hamsters need clean cages to keep them from getting sick with a number of conditions , including diseases that are transmittable to humans, Hess said. Follow these steps for cleaning your hamster’s cage: Move your hamster to a safe area: as long as you can keep your hamster from rolling off somewhere while you aren't looking, ...

How to set up a hamster?

Setting Up Your Hamster’s Home. Start by purchasing everything you need for your hamster, like its cage, food, water, bedding and exercise wheel, then bring your hamster home. You’ll want to make the transition as easy as possible as it can be stressful for a hamster to go from a pet store or a shelter or a rescue to your home. ...

How to tell if hamster has wet tail?

If you see any of the above signs, call your veterinarian immediately to have your pet examined and bring a stool sample to the visit for parasite testing. Do things right, however, and you and your family will probably love having a hamster.

How old do hamsters have to be to be separated?

Dwarf hamsters should be sexed and separated at about four to five weeks old; Syrians at about six weeks.

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