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Old 01-23-2007, 02:57 AM   #1
daffee
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Default Which feed

We should be getting our first hamsters soon (a pair of roborovskis) and would appreciate some advice on feeding them. I've read a fair bit about them so know that they enjoy extras like millet and meal worms but on a practical note what should we be feeding them?

I've noticed from older threads that a lot of people fed Harry hamster. Is this still the case? I only ask as I have a natural wariness of this brand as the rat food (Reggie Rat I presume is made by the same people) is not all that great.

Also, as robos are really tiny I feel we might risk overfeeding them as we are used to feeding rats. Can hamsters be fed ad lib as much as they will eat or should we be feeding a particular amount? And what sort of amount would that be?

Any advice appreciated.
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Old 01-23-2007, 09:12 AM   #2
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We like the Harry Hamster and have always found ours do well on it. Some brands (like P@H) have added sugar which is not good for hamsters as some are prone to diabetes. I believe Wilkinson's own is quite good but have not used it. I would not feed ad lib as they then only eat the goodies and leave the other bits. A bit like us eating only our puddings. For two robos I would say about a small handful every second day would be OK. They only eat about a teaspoon a day and if you feed every second day they should eat a more balanced diet. The millet and mealworms are good and also the usual tiny bits of fruit & veg plus a bit of chicken, egg or tofu for protein. Do not use a bowl for food as they can get territorial over it. Scatter feed over the floor and have a good sized cage with two of everything. This does not guarantee peaceful living but can help them to get along.
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Old 01-23-2007, 10:24 AM   #3
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I don't think there is much more to say, souffle covered it all pretty well.

I know what you mean about other brands, eg Russel Rabbit isn't that great. But most of us use harry hamster and our hams seem to like it!
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Old 01-23-2007, 10:37 AM   #4
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Thanks for the replies.

Will look out for somewhere that sells Harry hamster.

Can I also ask (without wanting to come across as too dumb ) in what form millet is fed? Is this a pet shop buy or supermarket?

And with fresh food are we talking tiny amounts like half what they eat dry? Is going to take a bit of adjusting feeding such micro animals as we're used to stuffing handfuls of curly kale and whole boiled eggs in our rat cages!
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Old 01-23-2007, 11:25 AM   #5
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They seem to like the millet sprays as sold for budgies! Harry Hamster is available from Sainsburys and also cheaper at Wilkinsons.
Fresh food, we are talking a piece the size of a pinky nail! Only one type a day or maybe every second day. Too much can go mouldy in the store. They also like a bottle top of porridge like ready brek occasioally
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Old 01-29-2007, 06:10 AM   #6
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Thanks for that.

My Hamsterlopaedia arrived last week and have been reading through it looking for all the bits relevant to Robos. It sounds like we should be ok giving them micro portions of whatever we give the rats for their fresh dinners which will be nice & easy.

Am so excited at getting them, am like a little kid!
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Old 01-29-2007, 06:15 AM   #7
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I have Hamsterlopaedia on my amazon list! I want to eventually get that book for myself.
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Old 01-29-2007, 06:47 AM   #8
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I got it new off ebay for a pretty good price.

It's not got much on robos compared to other hammies but when you add it all together and then add the relevant general advcie for all hamsters it's pretty comprehensive. Of course it might be telling me the wrong stuff and I wouldn't know (rat books are notoriously inaccurate) but it seems pretty good to me. It has a massive section on health which is most important to me. I'd definitely recommend it.
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Old 01-29-2007, 07:41 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SnuggleHam
I have Hamsterlopaedia on my amazon list! I want to eventually get that book for myself.
I bought it on ebay as well, SnuggleHam - a signed copy from the author:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 8391288896

This listing has just ended but I'm sure they'll list the book again - and they post worldwide. There's another (cheaper) listing as well but the seller only posts within the UK.

It's a fantastic book that goes into far more detail than your average how to look after your hamster book and it's still very readable as well
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Old 01-29-2007, 07:59 AM   #10
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Thanks Holly, there are some used Hamsterlopaedia books on amazon around 8 dollars for a paperback. I dont have the cash to buy one now anyway lol, but once more cash comes in I will look into again. May be a while though

I probably dont really "need" the book seeing as I have a great resource right here. But I like to have books on hand when it comes to the animals I own. Dont know why.. just do.. for quick reference I suppose.
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