New Hamster!! 🐹

[Pooks]

Hi!
I'm new on here and a new hamster mum! I've not had a hamster since I was a child (about 20 years ago) so I'm sure a lot has changed since then!!

I collected my hamster today from someone who didn't want her any more (they had bought him/her for their 18 month old child and it didn't work out.....&#128553

I'm not sure what sex as the previous owner thought she is a girl but didn't know for sure and I've not looked yet as I wanted to leave her to settle after a stressful time being moved.

I've been to buy nugget style food rather than muesli (I know loads about rabbits and muesli is bad for them!) which I will gradually change over (if that's the right food), but what else can I feed her??
Any other hints or tips on what I should be doing??

Many thanks!

[Pygmypuff]

Hey there!

Sorry this post hasn't been replied to yet! You can feed hamsters a variety of foods including some veg, fruit, chicken, fish, hardboiled egg and scrambled egg. Check out this list ErinsHamsters

As for other hints or tips, just browse around this website and you will find loads! I'm not really a hamster expert so don't have any in particular except for if you have a question, don't be afraid to ask it! And it's always always better to be safe and double check things than to be sorry.

Congratulations on your new hammy!

[Kiki_3173]

Originally Posted by Pooks

Hi!
I'm new on here and a new hamster mum! I've not had a hamster since I was a child (about 20 years ago) so I'm sure a lot has changed since then!!

I collected my hamster today from someone who didn't want her any more (they had bought him/her for their 18 month old child and it didn't work out.....&#128553

I'm not sure what sex as the previous owner thought she is a girl but didn't know for sure and I've not looked yet as I wanted to leave her to settle after a stressful time being moved.

I've been to buy nugget style food rather than muesli (I know loads about rabbits and muesli is bad for them!) which I will gradually change over (if that's the right food), but what else can I feed her??
Any other hints or tips on what I should be doing??

Many thanks!

Welcome to HC and congratulations on your new ham I was the same as you...hadn't had a hamster since I was a child, but then ended up with one 20 years later! lol

There is a ton that has changed, but this forum is a wealth of knowledge and you could pretty much find a thread about any and all questions that you might have.

As for what you can feed your hamster...this is a great page that tells all the treats your hamster can and CAN'T have! My hamsters love different kinds of veggies, oats, a bit of cheddar cheese every once in a while, and some scrambled egg.

[flowerfairy]

Ooo congratulations. I love having hamsters again as an adult.

Cages have got much bigger (thankfully). I am really impressed with some of the beauties you can get online.

My syrian has a mix of science selective biscuits and harry hamster muesli. I have just ordered him some whimzee chews as well. He loves veg and the odd bit of apple but does tend to stash lots of food in his bed so I have to be watchful.

The range of hamster wheels is amazing.

This forum is full of great info. including really inspiring set ups.

I have four rabbits as well and love the rabbits united forum!

[Thin Lizzy]

Hi Pooks and congratulations on becoming a Hammy Mum! Good on you for taking in the hamster. I can't believe they bought the hamster for their 18 month old child. So irresponsible and stupid!
At least now this little ham will be looked after properly and loved.
Looking forward to hearing about your ham once he/she settles.

[Chezzu]

Welcome to the forum Pooks!
It's always exciting getting a hamster after not having one for a while!
The longest I've been without owning a hamster is 9 months.. that was a long time to me ahah!

As for food, I've found Harry hamster muesli or Burgess hamster harvest have always been the best for me! Though I always add dried mealworms to their food too!
It's important to give your hamster fresh fruit and veg too, there's plenty of people above that have suggested food pages!

My hamsters get muesli then I add a tablespoon of dried mealworms to their bowl. They get fresh fruit (only my Syrian) and veg in bowls 2 days a week. They also get fresh meat or eggs twice a week since they're both under 12 months old they need more protein in their diets! ♥
I feel this diet usually works great

[Pebbles82]

Hi and welcome. The muesli issue isn't the same for hamsters as it is for Rabbits. Hamsters forage naturally and the variety of food in muesli is more stimulating for them, so it can be a good thing. Many of us supplement as well (as above) which helps make sure they get enough nutrition. Harry Hamster does seem popular with hamsters and they eat most of it (except some black log things which apparently aren't so important). You could a tablespoon of muesli out a day and add some of the all in one mix as well. Or you could put the all in one mix in the food bowl and scatter feed some muesli.

The important thing with any all in one mix is that it is one specifically for hamsters and not for other species. Anything that says 'for hamsters and gerbils' eg probably isn't a good mix.