How to Feed a Hamster
Hamsters eat seeds, grains, vegetables, fruits and insects in the wild. These nocturnal animals live up to three years. Feed the hamster a good diet to maintain health and good appearance. Keeping toys and a running wheel in the cage help reduce fat. They enjoy human interaction and make nice pets. Read on to learn more.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Water bottle
- Large bowl
- Hamster mix
- Fresh vegetables
- Fresh fruits
- Knife
- Treat sticks
- Crunchy chews
- Cooked chicken
- Crickets
- Mealworms
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1
Purchase a hamster water bottle and heavy feeding bowl--preferably ceramic or plastic--and food supplies from a local pet store or outlet.
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2
Feed dried hamster mix daily, fill 3/4 of the bowl. A quality mix contains basic vitamins and minerals.
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3
Provide one teaspoon of chopped fresh vegetables daily. Carrots and dark greens like collard, mustard greens and kale provide good nutrition; switch with peas, broccoli, spinach and celery but always in small amounts to prevent diarrhea.
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4
Give a hamster fresh fruits in moderation, typically one teaspoon twice a week. Wash then with a knife slice and chop apples, bananas, raisins, melons or grapes for variety.
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5
Keep treat sticks and hard crunchy chews available in the hamsters housing at all times. Hamsters enjoy these and they help trim its teeth when gnawed on.
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6
Place a small cut piece of cooked chicken in the bowl when convenient.
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7
Consider feeding live crickets or mealworms purchased from a pet store if the hamster lives in an aquarium or other enclosed area. These provide protein.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Consider feeding in late afternoon or evening for these nocturnal animals.
Give fresh water daily.
Remove left over dried foods daily and fresh foods after 4 hours.
Experiment with the various dry mixes, fruits and vegetables to find what your hamster enjoys. You'll know by its eating habits what it likes and dislikes.
Never feed a hamster onions, garlic, chocolate and other sweets, raw potatoes or raw kidney beans.
