Alfalfa, and hay?

Robolover21 · 03-01-2015, 07:16 AM

Does my hamster need this added into her musli mix? I can't find any info on whether to give it or not?
She is a robo on Harry hamster with few mealworms mixed in and I am looking for way that will benefit her and bring the protein content up

cypher · 03-01-2015, 07:48 AM

Hay is normally given for increased fibre rather than protein, they may nibble on a bit or use it for nests, there are arguments for & against using it, you do need to go through it carefully & get rid of any sharp bits that may damage their pouches & another thing I hadn't thought of until souffle mentioned it recently is the chance of having mites in hay but you could always put it in the freezer for a day or two if you were concerned about that.
I have read that alfalfa is too high in calcium & shouldn't be given but I'm really don't know if that's right or not.

If you want to increase protein you'd probably be better off switching to another mix, combining mixes or maybe using some of the things I mentioned in your other thread.

Robolover21 · 03-01-2015, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cypher

Hay is normally given for increased fibre rather than protein, they may nibble on a bit or use it for nests, there are arguments for & against using it, you do need to go through it carefully & get rid of any sharp bits that may damage their pouches & another thing I hadn't thought of until souffle mentioned it recently is the chance of having mites in hay but you could always put it in the freezer for a day or two if you were concerned about that.
I have read that alfalfa is too high in calcium & shouldn't be given but I'm really don't know if that's right or not.

If you want to increase protein you'd probably be better off switching to another mix, combining mixes or maybe using some of the things I mentioned in your other thread.

are hay cakes any good? or do they have lots of unnecessary stuff added in?

cypher · 03-02-2015, 12:58 AM

I really don't know, never really looked at them, they're probably just compressed hay but you'd have to check to be sure.

Thin Lizzy · 03-02-2015, 02:41 AM

I've seen those hay cakes and I was wondering the same thing!

cypher · 03-02-2015, 05:41 AM

I did a bit of googling & they do seem to be just compressed hay but they also look very much like those grass pellets in the mix that most hams refuse to eat so they could well be a waste of money!

Yzma · 03-02-2015, 04:58 PM

I may be way off on this one, so don't trust my word for it. Research it first. However, I think I read somewhere that Timothy hay is a really good type of hay for hamsters, if you are considering hay

Yzma · 03-02-2015, 05:00 PM

Googled a bit and think I found where I read about timothy hay the first time. Take a look if you want

Can Hamsters Eat Timothy Hay? | Animals - PawNation

Thin Lizzy · 03-02-2015, 07:30 PM

I've noticed A few treats with Alfalfa in them from P@H and my local pet shop.