How much and when should I feed my hamster?

[Hammymoo]

Hi so recently I got my new Syrian hamster Coco, I have had her for 4 days now.

I feed her a mix that has pellets, sunflower seeds and all the usual things you find in a hamster mix. I have been wondering when it’s best to feed her as if I feed her in the morning she take it all and put it in her pouches. Does it matter when I feed her? I feel bad because when she wakes up in the night she has no food in her bowl but I know she has it stored.

Also how much should I feed her (in tea spoons/dessert spoons) I think I’m feeding the right amount but again I’m unsure.

I am only asking as many people say different things and I would just like a opinion.

[cypher]

A teaspoon is nowhere near enough for a Syrian, especially if she's still young & growing.
She needs enough to eat & extra to make a hoard, they should always have a hoard stashed away & will get stressed if they don't have enough to make one.
I would begin by giving a couple of tablespoons that should last two to three days, if it goes before that then top up the bowl again as she may be taking the extra for her hoard.
It doesn't really matter what time of day as her bowl should never be left empty.
After a while when she's made a stash she may need a little less but just see how she gets on with feeding that way for now.
Which mix are you using?

[Hammymoo]

I use a pets at home mix that she was fed when she was there.

So would you recommend 3 tablespoons every 2-3 days?

And when she has a store going on maybe 2 or 2 and a half.

I have been feeding her table spoons.

Also when I change her will I need to keep that store or throw it away.

[cypher]

You never throw the hoard away unless it has fresh food like veg mixed in with it or if it gets really old you can replace it with some fresh mix. (just in case you don't know you shouldn't be doing anything other than spot cleaning any pee you find for at least the first few weeks & never clean the whole cage at once.)
You don't need to stick to a set amount really just see how much she needs.
P@H isn't the best food so you might want to think about switching to Harry Hamster but if you do then do it gradually.

[Hammymoo]

Okay thanks, I will most likely be switching her soon, but as it is the food she was feed at P@H I will be keeping her on it for a few week so she has familiar food etc.

Also should I give her fruit and veg daily, if so which is very low in sugar and best for Syrians?

[cypher]

Fruit should only be a rare treat really but veg can be given daily, begin with a small piece once every few days & gradually increase to daily.
They all have their own individual preferences but there's a list of safe veg here.
Safe and Unsafe Food and Plants - Hamster Central WIKI