How much are you meant to feed?

TheFluffyHammies · 02-01-2015, 02:04 PM

I was thinking yesterday about how often you are meant to feed a hamster vegetables and a source of protein. I then realised that I didn't actually know so here I am!!!

Thanks

**kyrilliondaemon** · 02-01-2015, 06:10 PM

I'd say never to adding a source of protein to the diet (unless the ham is pregnant or really young, or a if a treat is coincidentally high in protein anyway). How often you feed veg is up to you, it can be anywhere from 1-2 times a week through to daily, as long as you gradually increase the amounts its a personal decision really

cypher · 02-02-2015, 01:43 AM

I agree with Kyril, giving extra protein isn't necessary provided you're feeding a good balanced mix but giving a mealworm or two even daily won't hurt, any other protein like chicken or cheese should just be an occasional treat.
Just introduce your ham gradually to veg & see what they like & what they'll eat, I feed mine fresh veg every day but every few days should be sufficient.

Angie B · 02-02-2015, 02:11 AM

Skittle loves peas and sweetcorn - when given these he will sit and eat them up rather than pouch them! I just get one of each out of the bag from the freezer when doing our meal, let it thaw and then he has them later on when he wakes. Generally they've started to wrinkle a bit as they've been out for so long but he doesn't seem to mind, haha.

TheFluffyHammies · 02-02-2015, 01:46 PM

Thanks for all the replies!!!
The food that I am going to be feeding is Burgess Dwarf Hamster Harvest and 1 Science Selective pellet. Considering that mix already has mealworms in, is that ok for protein? The protein for the Burgess is 17.5% and I am not sure about the pellets but I believe it may be similar to the Oxbow Pellets. I used to feed my Syrian, who was on Harry Hamster, some mealworms each week as the Harry Hamster only has vegetable protein in.

Thanks for the advice about the veg! I guess I will experiment and then gradually build it up.

Thanks!

**DrKMcK** · 02-02-2015, 04:47 PM

Go slow in the beginning with veggies. Hamsters love them and will grab them as fast as they can. Start out with 1-2 small pieces every 3-4 days at first. If all goes well in the poop department

, try giving a small piece every other day. That's what I usually do for my furries...at least the Syrians. Almond, my dwarf gets only vegetables, no fruit because of the sugar, every 4 days or so. My guys love peas, baby spinach leaves, broccoli, corn, string beans, apple, carrot, pear, peach, watermelon, cantaloupe... Actually...there is a list of safe and unsafe foods...check out this link:

Safe and Unsafe Food and Plants - Hamster Central WIKI

Hope this helps.

**kyrilliondaemon** · 02-02-2015, 06:48 PM

Burgess is generally a mix you hear few little negative reviews of so chances are it'll be great

(That said harry hamster is generally regarded as fine health wise too, I'm not sure hams strictly need animal protein in their diet to be honest)

RubyDG · 02-03-2015, 01:19 AM

I give a small piece of veg 5 times a week and then 2 times a week I'll give a small piece of plain cooked chicken breast. It's not a hard and fast rule though, more of a rough guide really. One day veg, next day meat, then veg and then veg, and then meat etc etc Lol. I do know that for 'extras' it's better to give more veg than protein and that he doesn't really need more protein than what is in his mix (Burgess Hamster Harvest). However he is still growing so at this stage I think it's good to give him a little extra protein. Plus he likes it

TheFluffyHammies · 02-03-2015, 12:38 PM

Thanks everyone!
I will check out the safe foods list. As I am getting a dwarf hammie, I don't want to spend too much money on comercial treats when I can make my own and control the amount of sugar in them. I will need to buy mealworms anyway, so if there does seem to not be a lot in the bag of mix, then I can always add some if needs be.
As for veggies, I guess I will see which ones are a

and which ones are a

!

RubyDG · 02-05-2015, 05:53 PM

I don't have any experience with dwarfs but I believe the Supreme Science Selective pellets are good for them as a treat as they have no added sugar and are a complete nutritional pellet. I believe some people also crush them and bake them into homemade treats so that might be worth looking into. I think there is a thread on the forum about it floating around somewhere...