Questions about Teklad blocks

mickapoo · 07-22-2014, 09:48 AM

We wanted to try the Harlan Teklad lab blocks on our (approximately) 2 month old Syrian and have some questions:

1. What formula do we use for him given his age?
2. Can this be his main food source (with some treats of course) or is it meant to be supplemental?
3. Is "Native Earth" the same thing, did it used to be Harlan Teklad?

Thanks everyone!

**DrKMcK** · 07-22-2014, 09:57 AM

Native earth is Teklad, and it can be the main food source, although I also use a mix for variety...Ecotrition for my dwarfie and Hazel Hamster for the Syrians. At 2 months old you want to make sure he has enough for his still developing body. I give mine 2-3 blocks of the teklad with a tablespoon of the mix daily. If I find that the hammy's food stash gets extensive I will cut back a bit. You get to know after a while how much your hammy eats. Start with a bit more than you think he'll eat and go on from there. Better too much than too little.

Esmy · 07-22-2014, 10:02 AM

Oh and just to add to DrK, it's the 2018 formula for the Harlan Teklad.

mickapoo · 07-23-2014, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esmy

Oh and just to add to DrK, it's the 2018 formula for the Harlan Teklad.

Thanks guys, I talked to my local feed store about ordering it and he told me Native Earth (which he said was formerly Teklad) has a 4018- is this the same formula? I just want to be sure.

Thanks!

Esmy · 07-23-2014, 05:54 AM

2018 has
Protein- 18%
Fiber 3.5%
Fat 6.2%

4018 has
18% protein
Fiber 5%
Fat 5%

Recommended I think for hamsters is appx: 19% Fat 6% Fibre 8%

I'm not sure actually why 4018 wouldn't be the better choice. Hopefully others will chime in.

**DrKMcK** · 07-23-2014, 07:36 AM

It should be fine. In fact, maybe a wee bit better.

mickapoo · 07-23-2014, 07:48 AM

Great, thanks for the help guys!

mickapoo · 03-20-2015, 03:47 PM

Ok so when we first got our hamster, he was 9 weeks old and we started him on this:

Harlan Teklad blocks
* 2018 - Vegetarian Growth, Pregnant/Nursing Up To 8 Months Old - 18.6% Protein

So does this mean when he's over 8 months old we need to switch to a different formula? Which one would we use?

Thanks everyone!

Hekomi · 03-21-2015, 09:40 AM

I would just add in a lower protein mix but 16-18% is really what I keep everyone on. Since the protein is a bit too low for me I add oxbow in once they're older. Otherwise I cut it with our mix (21-22%) and as they get older add in more oxbow.