what to feed syrian hamster

• A small quantity of hard boiled egg
• A little cottage cheese
• A small amount of Timothy hay – this provides a little extra fibre
• A small amount of sunflower seeds and peanuts – only given as very special treats because they are both high in fat!
• Natural treats are better than shop bought sugar-based ones like honey sticks

Full Answer

How much food should I Feed my Syrian hamster?

• Apples
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Pears
• Cabbage

Are Syrian hamsters the friendliest hamster type?

Today, Syrian hamsters are widely considered to be the friendliest hamster breed. Not only that they’re also considered the best breed of hamster for families with children. They are the most popular of the big hamster breeds. The main reason for this is because they almost never nip and are very easy to handle.

How often should you feed your Syrian hamster?

The healthiest feeding schedules should:

• Fit in with your hamster’s biorhythms, i.e., feed them during the evening hours.
• Provide them with adequate quantities of food; a hamster should never go more than 16 hours without food and should ideally have access to a continual supply of fresh food.
• Consists of a balanced diet with weekly snacks used for enrichment.

What food do hamsters like best?

The following foods are safe for your hamster to eat:

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Kale
• Cucumbers
• Celery
• Bok choy
• Sweet potatoes (should be removed of their skins before feeding, as molds can flourish in the skins and cause digestive tract upset and other ailments)
• Apples
• Cherries
• Strawberries

More items...

What should I feed my hamster daily?

A balanced diet for hamstersA compound pellet ration or mixture of different seeds formulated to meet their needs.Small quantities of greens, cleaned root vegetables and pieces of fruit such as apples. Don't give them grapes or rhubarb, as these can be poisonous to rodents.

How much should a Syrian hamster eat?

Hamsters eat, on average, only about one to two tablespoons full of food per 24 hours. They avidly put everything else into storage. Syrian hamsters—the larger ones, also called Golden Hamsters—may eat a little more; dwarf hamsters eat a little less.

How often should I feed my Syrian hamster?

Feeding Your Hamster. Feed your hamster once per day in either the morning or evening. Specialists differ as to whether it is better to feed your hamster in the morning or evening. It is important, however, that hamsters eat regularly.

What do Syrian hamsters eat as a treat?

Hamsters love apples, pears, strawberries, blueberries, grapes and bananas. Fruit should be offered in moderation, as a supplement to their regular pelleted diet. Remove any vegetables or fruits that are not eaten within 10-12 hours so they don't spoil.

What can Syrian hamsters not eat?

Foods You Should Not Feed HamstersApple seeds.Raw beans.Raw potatoes.Almonds.Citrus fruit.Garlic.Onions.Rhubarb leaves or raw rhubarb.More items...•

How often do I clean my hamsters cage?

Besides scooping out dirty bedding every day, plan to change out all of the bedding in your hamster's habitat once a week. This includes removing any food your hamster may have stored throughout the week, as well. Wash the entire habitat once a month.

Do Syrian hamsters like to be held?

The Syrian hamster is the most popular pet hamster. Often referred to as teddy bear, short hair or fancy hamsters they are known to be very docile and enjoy being held.

Can Syrian hamsters eat cucumber?

Cucumber is a good source of nutrients and fiber for humans, but is it good for hamsters too? Good questions! The short answer is yes, cucumbers make a great addition to any hamster's diet.

Can Syrian hamsters eat cheese?

Is Cheese Safe for Hamsters to Eat? Cheese should be perfectly safe for your hamster to eat. Regardless of the type of cheese involved, there should be nothing about it that makes it toxic for your pet.

What is poisonous to hamsters?

While fresh fruits and vegetables are an important part of a hamster's diet, there are certain foods that are toxic to hamsters. These include tomato leaves, almonds, avocado, potatoes, onion, garlic, chocolate, and apple seeds.

What do hamsters need in their cage?

For a quick look at the basics to set up a happy home for your hamster, you'll need the following:Small animal habitat.Small animal bedding and nesting fluff.Small animal bed or sleeper.Hamster hideaway.Exercise wheel and/or ball.Water bottle.Food bowl.High-quality hamster food.More items...

What human foods can hamsters eat?

What Human Foods Can Hamsters Eat?Sugarless breakfast cereals or grains.Greens.Seeds.Carrots.Apples.Raisins.Peas.Pepper.More items...•

Can you overfeed a Syrian hamster?

Too much food can lead to too much hoarding. If copious amounts of uneaten food are left in the hamster's cage, it can lead to mold or rot, especially if your hamster urinates on the unwanted food. This can cause the decomposition process to speed.

How much do I feed a Syrian?

0:383:40How MUCH & how OFTEN should you feed your hamster? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey need one of the more common schedules I see people use is feeding the hamsters 1 to 2MoreThey need one of the more common schedules I see people use is feeding the hamsters 1 to 2 tablespoons. Every 2 to 3 days. I think this is a great method because it does give your hamster time to eat

How long can hamsters go without eating?

Most hamsters can survive for around 3-4 days without any food or water. That's because in the wild, hamsters are typically desert animals who will stash away resources for times of famine and drought, which means they likely already have some food hidden in their cage that you're not aware of!

What is the best diet for a Syrian hamster?

The best diet for Syrian hamsters. The best diet for Syrian or other types of hamsters will be a pelleted diet that is specially made for hamsters. If your hamster doesn’t enjoy pellets, you can look for a hamster seed mix instead. Or, you can often find a hamster diet mix that is a combination of pellets and seeds.

What is a Syrian hamster diet?

Your hamster should eat a pelleted hamster mix that is specially made for their dietary needs . Look for one that does not have artificial colors as that won’t be as good for them.

How much should you feed your hamster?

Experts recommend that your Syrian hamster eat a hamster diet of about 1/8 cup of pelleted hamster food per day. This is for a standard-sized Syrian or teddy bear hamster.

Can hamsters eat bread?

Bread is not good for them and white bread is the least healthy option. This should only be offered to them rarely, if at all.

Can hamsters eat carrots and other vegetables?

If you’re asking what can Syrian hamsters eat, you might be wondering about carrots. Carrots can be a wonderful treat for your hamster because it is good to gnaw on.

How much food should a Syrian hamster eat?

Experts recommend that your Syrian hamster eat a hamster diet of about 1/8 cup of pelleted hamster food per day. This is for a standard-sized Syrian or teddy bear hamster. Of course, each hamster has a different appetite and different metabolism. So, it’s important to monitor what they eat to be sure you aren’t over or underfeeding them.

What happens if a hamster doesn't like food?

This way, if your hamster doesn’t like the food, you haven’t wasted it. And, if it upsets their stomach or causes diarrhea, you won’t have given them a large amount. As long as your hamster likes the small test piece and it doesn’t make them sick, you can offer them a larger piece next time.

What Can Syrian Hamsters Eat?

There are varieties of food specially formulated for Hamsters, but each hamster has a different metabolism and appetite. It is crucial to acquire knowledge and monitor what they eat. You don’t want to overfeed them.

What is the best diet for hamsters?

There are varieties of foods perfect for Syrian Hamsters, but the best one that I found to be healthy and tasty is a wild harvest nutrient-based diet for hamsters and gerbils. It comes in two different sizes 2 LBS and 4.5 lbs.

Can hamsters eat eggplant?

EggPlant – The eggplants contain a mild amount of calcium, fat with little Phosphorus and acidic content with sugar. It is healthy for Syrian Hamsters to eat it on an occasional basis.

Can hamsters eat blueberries?

Blueberry – Portion control is very vital, but Hamsters can eat blueberries. Always remember to feed a small number of blueberries to your Syrian hamster because of its high sugar content.

Can a Syrian hamster eat all of its food?

Some may even poison your hamster. It raises the serious question – what can Syrian hamsters eat and what can’t. These adorable little hamsters can eat almost any food, but not all human foods are suitable for them.

Can you feed hamsters apples?

Apple – Apart from the dry palettes, you can feed Apple to your Syrian hamster in a small quantity as a treat.

Can you feed hamsters sweet potatoes?

Potato – You can feed regular potato, sweet potato, as well as cooked potato to your Syrian hamsters without any concern but in moderation. Always provide it in a small quantity.

What do hamsters eat?

Seeds. Grains. Nuts. You can also feed hamsters a small amount of good quality fresh fruit and vegetables to add variety to their diet which includes the following: Apples. Carrots. Broccoli. Pears. Cabbage.

How much water do hamsters drink?

Hamsters tend to drink quite a lot of water for such little creatures and will drink around 10 ml per 100g of body weight per day.

What to do if your hamster is putting on too much weight?

What to do if Your Hamster Puts on Too Much Weight. If you think your hamster is putting on too much weight, you need to take a close look at their diet and to see if you are feeding them a few too many "special treats".

What is the best hamster mix?

The mix should contain all the necessary ingredients which typically consist of the following: Seeds. Grains. Nuts.

Can hamsters eat fruit?

You also need to make sure all the fruit and vegetables that you do feed your hamster has been thoroughly washed to ensure there are no chemicals on them which could be harmful to your pet.

Can hamsters be a family pet?

Hamsters make lovely pets that for decades have been one of the most popular first-time family pets on the planet and thanks to them, kids get to learn a lot about responsibilities. If you are thinking about getting a Syrian hamster for the children, you need to bear in mind that looking after them needs to be a "family affair" ...

What is the main source of food for hamsters?

Hamsters are natural hoarders, and pick and choose their favorite pieces from their food mix. Which is why the MAIN source of food should be lab blocks . Lab blocks do not have to be limited to just picky hamsters. You know how much your hamster is eating, and if they are meeting their nutritional values. Lab blocks are high in protein, vitamins, and important minerals your hamster needs.

Can hamsters eat lab blocks?

Your hamster will pick and choose what they want to eat and not get all of the nutrition they need. However, you can feed them a seed mix 3 times a week along with the lab blocks. This is just so that the hamster doesn't get bored. Make sure your hamster is eating the lab blocks before you give him the seed mix.

What to feed a Syrian hamster?

Feed your Syrian hamster a diet of nuts, grains, and seeds (this is typically what's in the commercial food blends) supplemented with fruits and vegetables, such as apples, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and pears.

What is the most common health issue with a Syrian hamster?

Syrian hamsters are generally hardy animals. However, there are a few conditions to watch out for. Wet tail —a gastrointestinal infection usually associated with stress and bacteria proliferation—is the most common health issue affecting this hamster.

How big should a hamster cage be?

At minimum, the cage should be 1 foot by 2 feet and at least a foot tall. In general, you’ll have your choice of a cage that is wire on the top with a plastic base or a standard glass or plastic aquarium with a tightly fitting mesh top. 2  The wire cages allow for better airflow, though they offer less protection against drafts.

Why are hamsters vulnerable?

In the wild, their population is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss. But captive-breeding programs have existed since the 1930s, both for science and the pet trade. Thanks to their popularity as pets, diets specially formulated for Syrian hamsters can be found in most pet stores, making that a straightforward component of their care. Plus, their housing doesn't take up that much space and is pretty simple to set up and maintain.

What to put in a hamster enclosure?

In the enclosure, include plenty of hamster toys for enrichment. An exercise wheel that has a solid surface (not bars) is ideal, as this minimizes the risk of injuries. Other options include tunnels and bridges for hiding and climbing, as well as wooden chew blocks for dental hygiene. Also, add a nest or sleeping hut (pet shops typically have several options) in a corner of the enclosure.

How to pick a hamster?

The seller also might be able to wake their hamsters for you to pick one by offering a desirable treat. A healthy hamster will be active and curious. Its fur should look clean, its droppings should be well-formed, and its eyes should be clear and bright. Red flags include labored breathing and a dirty bottom.

Can hamsters get mites?

Hamsters can also contract fur and ear mites, especially from unsanitary conditions. If your hamster has mites, you might notice itching and loss of fur in patches . If so, contact your vet as soon as possible for treatment. Furthermore, some hamsters can develop overgrown teeth that make eating difficult.

What can be used as the base of feed mixture?

Cereals such as barley, buckwheat and millet can be used as the base of the feed mixture but try and include as much variety as possible!

What herbs are available in supermarkets?

Herbs are often available in supermarkets. You can offer coriander, basil, parsley and more

Do hamsters need protein?

Hamsters do require a good supply of protein in their diet. They are not true herbivorous animals despite the majority of their diet consisting of seeds and other plant sources (some plant sources provide protein but not enough as an only protein source).

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.

How much food should a Syrian hamster eat?

Ideally, a normal sized Syrian hamster will eat around 1-2 tablespoons of food a day . In the winter they may require slightly more food as they are much more lethargic and need extra calories in order to keep warm.

What foods are safe for my hamster to eat?

There are a whole host of fruits, vegetables and herbs that are suitable for your hamster and which they will find truly scrumptious when washed beforehand and given in small amounts. These include:

What does a hamster eat?

Hamsters will eat anything given half a chance (including jumpers as we recently found out) and we should be mindful of giving them foods which can lead to dietary deficiencies, weight gain and other health problems.

Why do hamsters like Oscar?

Just like kids, hamsters like to be kept entertained at mealtimes, and in the wild hamsters would spend a great deal of time foraging for their food. Therefore, making Oscar work for his meal is a great way to keep him active and stop him from getting bored. Just like a traditional scavenger hunt, we love hiding his food around his cage, within his tubes and under boxes.

What fruits can hamsters eat?

Fruits including apples, pear, peach, melon, mango, blackberries and banana are all great tasty treats but steer clear of citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons or grapefruits. Make sure they are consumed quickly and not left to rot in your hamster’s cage.

What time of day should I feed my hamster?

There is still much debate over the best time of day to feed a hamster. Personally, I would say pick a time, either morning or night, that suits you best and stick to it so that your hamster becomes used to the same routine.

Do hamsters eat three meals a day?

Hamsters are not like humans and do not require three meals a day. In the wild hamsters forage and store food in their cheek pouches and close to their nest, as a survival instinct for when food is scarce. Therefore, your hamster will have the same compulsion, and you may notice it emptying its bowl the minute you fill it up. But, hamsters only tend to eat little and often throughout the day so, resist the temptation to keep topping it up and only fill the bowl once a day.