Porridge Pouch

[Past_member_10071]

Obi seems intent on pouching his porridge. I've tried making it more watery but then he'll pouch any tiny solid bits he can find amongst the watery mass! Trouble is he really likes porridge and is clearly keen to make sure nobody steals it.

Can anyone tell me if he'll be able to remove the tiny porridge particles and should I stop giving it to him? (he won't be happy!)

[fluffymunchkins]

How often do you feed porridge?
I always find my hamsters eat it straight away as it is only an occassional treat and they can't wait to eat it.

Otherwise, maybe you could make him feel safer while eating it, placing the porridge in a house or under a ledge so he doesn't feel he has to hide it

[mrnibblesmommy]

i make it occasionally and mine gobble it right up too infact they wake up when they smell it and come out to eat it

[wofunny]

Stella pouches hers when i give it to her out of her cage, but when i give it too her in the cage she eats it straight away, Maybe you could give it to her in her cage? x

[suga]

Or from a spoon may help.

[Past_member_10071]

Thanks all, I give him less than a teaspoon once a week maximum in his cage so still not entirely sure what to do. He's tame now and relaxed in his surroundings and with us - I was joking a bit about his being fearful of the porridge theft!

It's a fairly new treat for him so perhaps he's just a bit over-excited!? If he doesn't stop pouching it should I stop giving it to him?

[Past_member_10071]

I thought I'd add he sort of eats some and pouches some simultaneously in a kind of -'I must get this stuff in me one way or another as quickly as possible' -way with a poppy-eyed look on his face! (i know this look from other pets meaning 'I didn't know food could be this good!). Don't know if this helps.

Was planning on trying him on some baby food next week but I'm having my doubts now - can't imagine what will happen if he tries to pouch this!

Suga, did you mean to sort of hand feed with a spoon?

He likes the porridge and I think he looks very glossy since I started giving it to him so I'll be sad to have to stop but don't want to risk an impaction.

In 2 minds whether to try placing it in a more hidden place fm - it does sound like a good idea but I wont be able to see if he pouches it and he has a tendency to coat it in megazorb (which he also eats sometimes - I know its not good for him - he eats anything he can eat - we've had other hamsters but never had one like obi for being so food obsessed!).

I appreciate your thoughts

[Womblehands]

quick question? can hamsters have ready brek? and is it best to make with water for them or soya milk

[suga]

Yes ready brek is fine

[Past_member_10071]

Thanks all, I think I'm just going to give food that's either pouch-friendly or can't be pouched at all, for the time being.

Have read up about hamster nutrition and porridge comes up often as a good foodstuff partic. for elderly and poorly hams so shame to have to omit.

Any ideas on a porridge aternative I might give for now? (womblehands I think I read soya milk fine for hams too so probably ok to give with either) x