Treats/Snacks

[RolyRocks]

Hi Guys
I have another food related question, this time regarding treats.
Are the nut/seed sticks that attach to the cage safe for Syrian hamsters to have regularly or just as an occasional treat? My hamster loves them and I feel it's a good way to get him to use his teeth as he is still not a big chewer. He also loves to pull the corn off cobs and eat the middle bit of the corn. I just wondered if he can have these types of things all the time or are they not very good for him?
I have tried wooden chew toys, whimzee's, dog biscuits and none of them really appeal to him.
Are there any healthy snacks/treats apart from fruit and veg that hamsters love?
I suppose I'm trying to kill two birds with one stone, find a nice enjoyable treat that he loves and is great for his teeth at the same time!
Many thanks!

[Ria P]

Yes, i've been wondering about this too and i can imagine that opinions will differ.

My Syrian also has these things in his cage plus a millet spray. He likes stripping the sweetcorn off but doesn't eat all of it. He always eats his fresh veg though. I avoid the sticks with honey because of the high sugar content.
Personally, i believe that hamsters don't overeat and aren't greedy like us humans so can't see any harm in these seed sticks and a stick lasts for ages anyway.
Nuts in their shells (slightly cracked), various seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, linseed etc, dried herb mixes etc from the pet shop go down well too. The odd Shreddie or Cheerio, a piece of pasta, cracker, cheese or boiled egg gives a bit of variety.
Must go and give my newest hamster a piece of pasta, he's never tried one.........

[RolyRocks]

Thanks Ria P.. I didn't know you could give them dried pasta so I will definitely try that! He loves monkey nuts, but I believe peanuts are quite high in fat so I don't give them to him that often. I've started to see walnuts in their shells in stores now with Christmas just around the corner so I will see what he makes of one of those. He does loves various types of seeds, especially sunflower and pumpkin seeds and loves his fresh fruit and veg. I will also try him with millet spray, I can imagine he'll love that too!
Thanks for your advice, hope your new little one enjoyed his dried pasta!

[stan]

I've wondered about this too, and as Ria says, I think opinions could vary. It would also depend on the type of hamster you have too, with Russian hybrids more prone to diabetes than Syrians and Roborovskis.

I have three or four types of millet sprays in my Syrian's cage all the time. He also has a little carrot and millet stuffed log, and a hanging seed thing. He nibbles occasionally at these things, but doesn't go over the top with them. I sometimes have to take his yellow millet out as he occasionally strips it completely and stuffs the whole thing in his nest.

He gets a walnut or peanut in a shell about once a week. Walnuts seem to be more of a challenge to get in. He also gets a piece of fresh veg everyday - usually just one of the veggies we've chopped up for dinner.

If he seems to go crazy over something I will take it out. He doesn't get the corn on the cob for that reason. He just hides and strips the whole thing. I caught him chilling out on a mound of the stuff in his nest one morning. He could barely fit in the nest anymore

[Ria P]

Yes, i must add that i don't give new boy Percy the dwarf Hybrid any of those things because of the diabetes risk. In fact, i don't give him fruit or carrot either but he likes his mealworms for treats and daily fresh greens.

Gordon the Robo is just too small to get his chops round those sticks but likes various millet sprays and his cucumber.

Like Stan says, it depends on the hamster. Had to laugh at Stan's hamster improvising on nesting material. My Syrian Henry does that, surrounds himself with allsorts.

Everything in moderation is the key. Same as with humans.

I give Henry a bit of cooked spaghetti sometimes and we play tug of war. He always wins.