Syrian Hamster only wants to eat lab blocks

[Jemsrof]

Hi there, I just have a quick question about my Hamster's diet.

Stanley was a rescue so I don't know his exact age but he had a check up at my exotic vet when I got him and she thought he was relatively young and not over 6 months. He is very happy, active and weighs about 145 grams which hasn't really changed since I've had him (about a month and a half).

His diet consists of Harlan Teklad lab blocks (18% protein) and seed mix. His seed mix currently has national geographic, Vitakraft Vitanature and then I've added in some old fashioned rolled oats and some different seeds.

However he really doesn't touch his seed mix except for the oats and the occasional sunflower seed. He loves his lab blocks though and will happily munch away at them. His mix is rarely touched.

I'm just wondering if this is ok? From my understanding the lab blocks provide a complete diet except they are a little low in fiber. I give him a little piece of some kind of vegetable every night, either carrot, cucumber, green pepper or kale.

Is there anything I should be doing or adding to his food or should I just not worry about it. He seems very happy and healthy!

[velma]

Hello! Welcome to HC I think generally speaking the muesli mixes are considered better as they encourage natural foraging, however some hams are extra picky so if it turns out the food he likes is the complete lab blocks, I'm not sure that's a bad thing. I'm not sure what you else you could add but maybe some millet spray to go with the sunflower seeds? And you could scatter his lab blocks to encourage natural behaviour? I'm no diet expert, I'm afraid but I'm sure you'll get some good tips from someone who is )

[cypher]

That's quite unusual! It's mostly the other way around but if he's happy eating his lab blocks I don't see that it should be a problem & the veg are definitely a good addition.
The fibre is very low, have you tried him with things like dried herbs & veg to increase that?

[Jemsrof]

Thanks for the input!

He just seems very picky but he does love veggies so I'm going to try and add some extra fiber that way. On top of that he does nibble at fresh Timothy hay so I make sure he always has a little bit in his cage.

I'll try breaking up his blocks and hiding them around the cage.

[M3gan]

Sounds good! It's all grand once their getting all the nutrients in the right amounts. It's a good idea to hide to encourage foraging.