Ivy has diabetes

[AmityvilleHams]

There isn't any diabetic friendly hamster food in the US anyways,so it's a matter of taking a risk with things that have some form of fruit or sugar in them or feeding something that is definitely safe.

Personally,I'd avoid resorting to US options and instead just put the money towards Burgess since you'd pay way more in vet bills down the line with not having appropriate nutrition.You'd probably not even have to buy it that often anyways,so while shipping is an initial investment it really isn't that bad since you'd only need to order it maybe every 3-6 months at most!

https://www.viovet.co.uk/Burgess_Dwa...arvest&sct_r=1

It is cheaper from Viovet.Shipping as mentioned isn't a huge expense if managed wisely and done as part of a bulk order,so don't knock it before you try it!

[Penguin]

Cinnamon Bear if you do decide to keep the hamster, you might want to look into getting some raw pancreas from a pig.
My vet got this idea, as they used to treat diabetes by eating pancreas, before they developed the meds we have today.
After a long search I ended up finding a butcher that was willing to sell it, but sadly my hamster died the same morning that I had to pick it up.
I was told to feed a bit of the size of a peanut twice a day and see if I could cut away the fatty parts.

I have no idea if this will work, but if you don't find it too disgusting you might want to give it a shot.

[Drago]

I found a bag of Burgess on ebay for pretty cheap. I think it's pretty pricey but I guess it's a matter of would you rather diabetes or spending a bit more on food?

Burgess Dwarf Hamster Harvest Complete Food Mix 700g | eBay

Burgess Dwarf Hamster Harvest Complete Food Mix 700g | eBay

[Cinnamon Bear]

Good news! I ordered 3 bags of Burgess & I placed my order for less than $10 including shipping.

So apparently I got a super cheap price. Hopefully there's no fine print? I don't think so tho, yay!

It must be meant for me to have her

Penquin, that sounds disgusting lol

[oreopopcorn21]

you could try violet
or make it your self with lots of seeds like Canary seed - high in protein, Red millet - nutritious and wholesome, White millet easy to digest, Yellow millet especially tasty, Oats highly palatable and rich in vitamins.meal worms or shrimp great protein you could make it in bulk then store it in a paper bag to keep it fresh

[Cinnamon Bear]

That's interesting Oreo

[AmityvilleHams]

Interesting,but incredibly difficult(much more difficult than people make it sound,especially in terms of balancing vitamins and minerals and the right nutrition)as well as far more expensive.Without factoring in vitamin/mineral suppliments to keep the right vitamin/mineral balance you'd be spending no less per batch and taking a huge risk of deficiencies and serious illness or a weakened immune system due to a homemade diet which isn't adequate It isn't something to take lightly or just play around with,nor is it something for the average hamster owner either.

[Cinnamon Bear]

Can diabetic hamsters be more susceptible to other illnesses, could I be at the vet alot with her?

[Drago]

I don't think diabetic hamsters have any more risk to illness than a hamster without it. Diabetes does affect the immune system, but as long as your hamster's environment is clean, they're kept free of stress, and on a good diet, I wouldn't worry yourself over it too much. I know it's hard having a new ham with diabetes especially after your experience with cinnamon bear, but I think Ivy Rose will end up living a normal life! Just with less treats than most hamsters would get and with a little more TLC!

[Penguin]

Cinnamon - it might, but if it improves the life of the hamster wouldnt it be worth a try? I mean, you probably cut raw chicken, beef and pork up anyway when you cook dinner. At least that was my excuse