What can I feed my Hamster

Happy_Hamster · 01-18-2013, 05:05 PM

The more I seem to read about hamsters, the more confused I get. There are so many different opinions on what you can and cannot feed your hamster I decided to write my own article about it.

I would be interested to see what everyone else thinks about the article.

What can I feed my Hamster

**kyrilliondaemon** · 01-18-2013, 05:44 PM

Er... I know you wrote it, but I think it could be a lot better. You list foods, but you don't really explain pros/cons of anything and I found it wasn't very helpful to be honest

Happy_Hamster · 01-19-2013, 01:48 AM

Thanks for the feedback...this article is aimed at the complete beginner which I probably should have made clear. I am currently working on a more in depth article which will hopefully address some of the areas you have highlighted.

Once again thanks for the feedback, I will take your comments on board and try to make improvements. I want to know what people think and if it is not good enough, I will re do it

**kyrilliondaemon** · 01-19-2013, 02:44 PM

In all honesty, I think even for a complete beginner its still a bit too basic. If someone is wondering what to feed their ham, they'll probably have started with a mix and being wondering if something else could be better. Or they'll be happy with what they have and just checking its ok.

Happy_Hamster · 01-19-2013, 04:22 PM

I disagree...I think if you are content with just providing your hamster with the contents of a bag then you will never get the most out of your pet. Like I say in my post...feeding is not simply a repetative action to keep the hamster alive. Personally, I like to try out lots of different things with Littlefoot and love seeing his reaction to something he enjoys.

**kyrilliondaemon** · 01-19-2013, 05:14 PM

Oh I feel the same way, but the majority of beginners probably won't understand why they shouldn't be happy to just feed whatever is in the bag. Your article doesn't really explain much in terms of why they shouldn't - or which foods are good/bad for which reasons.

And having just reread it more carefully... Extra sunflower seeds can lead to a fat hamster so is probably best avoided. Adding other things I can understand, but adding more of an already eaten item seems unneccessary to me.

Also more rereading, you should really warn about the risk of diabetes if you're going to encourage feeding fruit - for some species thats a really bad idea.

Under treats you could mention the variety of seeds e.t.c which tend to be healthier treats than pet store ones, and most find their hamsters enjoy them more than pet store treats too - ours definetly do.

Under protein you should really warn about the risks of too much protein if you're going to suggest adding more if your hamster wants it.

One final point - you should mention that your bad foods list isn't at all complete.

I'm not trying pick holes here but you asked... And yeah, in all honesty I don't think its a very helpful article at all at the moment - for anyone, beginner or otherwise.

Happy_Hamster · 01-20-2013, 01:29 AM

There are some really good action points that you have identified here. Thank You for taking the time to write such a detailed response. I did ask for opinions yes and that is because I want to provide value to people. I really appreciate your honesty

CharlieB · 01-20-2013, 06:03 AM

I think you should include the things that syrians can have but are more detremental for dwarfs. Dwarfs are more prone to Diabetes so sugar levels in food is very important. A couple of the fruits you say are safe I would disagree with due to the sugar level in them. Also the pellets may be an answer theoretically, but a lot of hamsters wont eat them. I agree with everything kyrilliondaemon has said! I think it needs more work before it can be used as a useful tool. The theory behind it is brilliant but a lot more information is needed