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Old 04-20-2016, 08:15 AM   #1
SugarFairy123
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Question How to help a hamster lose weight

Minnie seems to be a bit overweight so my question is how do I get her to lose a bit of weight and just be healthier in general . I know one of the obvious ones are letting her run on her wheel but what other options do I have ?? Sorry this post was so short
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Old 04-20-2016, 08:31 AM   #2
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Default Re: How to help a hamster lose weight

Hi, you could try scatter feeding to encourage more exercise or feeding veggies instead of seeds if you are feeding her seeds for treats? I'd have to ask what you are feeding her? Sugary yogurt drops could be eliminated if you are feeding her those? Maybe get her an exercise ball (not all hams like them however & can make them feel stressed) but you can usually tell if your hammie likes the ball or not, just give him a choice whether he wants to go in it or not? Some hammies love the ball. So that's an option!

Also do you have a good size wheel where her back isn't arching? My hammies ran on their wheel more if they liked their wheel. I ordered the Silent Runner for 2 of my Russian dwarves and they have definitely increased their activity level.

Last edited by Cinnamon Bear; 04-20-2016 at 02:38 PM.
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Old 04-20-2016, 08:37 AM   #3
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Default Re: How to help a hamster lose weight

Invest in a playpen.Do not use a ball,they offer way less stimulation and cost far more than a playpen and really they aren't worth buying.

Definitely make sure you have a good quality mix and also make sure that you're feeding the healthiest treats possible.Things like vegetables,occasional extra seeds and nuts,certain fruit,and some animal protein are very good for hamsters but yogurt drops and the majority of store bought treats are not very healthy due to added sugars,artificial flavors and colors,unnecessary chemicals,etc.

Aside from a good mix and a playpen and healthy treats,provide as much extra stimulation as you can inside the cage.This includes tunnels,climbing toys,different levels within the cage,and more.These are good for overall physical health as well as mental health!
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Old 04-20-2016, 08:52 AM   #4
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Default Re: How to help a hamster lose weight

A playpen could be seen as just another cage by the hamster. Balls can be good when used correctly.
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Old 04-20-2016, 08:56 AM   #5
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Default Re: How to help a hamster lose weight

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A playpen could be seen as just another cage by the hamster. Balls can be good when used correctly.
There are more than enough reasons for balls to not be used.However,playpens provide all the "benefits" of a ball with less stress,less health and safety concerns,more stimulation,more freedom,and even more true exploration.That's not even considering that balls cost twice or more than a playpen,especially if you just build a playpen and don't buy one.
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Old 04-20-2016, 08:57 AM   #6
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Default Re: How to help a hamster lose weight

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Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams View Post
Invest in a playpen.Do not use a ball,they offer way less stimulation and cost far more than a playpen and really they aren't worth buying!
Have to disagree, the balls are inexpensive and they are fun for the hamsters. If you can invest in both that would be even better or you could make your own playpen using cardboard as an example that would be free But a hammie would obviously get more exercise in an exercise ball rather than playing in a play pen or taming bin. I'd say try the ball, it's worth a try with high probability that your hammie will love it if you don't already have one that is?
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Old 04-20-2016, 08:59 AM   #7
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Default Re: How to help a hamster lose weight

They can travel more in a ball than a playpen. It's almost the same as free range but without the risk of them getting under or behind furniture.

Amenityvillehams. You do not know as much as you think. People can have different opinions than you. We all do things differently and work with how our hamsters react to different things.
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Old 04-20-2016, 09:01 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by Cinnamon Bear View Post
Have to disagree, the balls are inexpensive and they are fun for the hamsters. If you can invest in both that would be even better or you could make your own playpen using cardboard as an example that would be free
Free,or around 25 dollars.There's a huge price difference there,and considering how little stimulation a ball offers in comparison it's hard to justify spending that much which could be put towards more things inside the cage!
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Old 04-20-2016, 09:13 AM   #9
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Default Re: How to help a hamster lose weight

Most hamsters would rather be out running in a ball than being in a cage with lots of toys. They have more running space outside of a cage and can run further without having to chance directions due to toys being in the way.
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Old 04-20-2016, 09:28 AM   #10
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Default Re: How to help a hamster lose weight

Ok so let me try to cover everything . I already scatter feed her but I am suspecting maybe I give her too much food . I will definitely try to give her more veggies but I am afraid she might get diarrhoea . Minnie's not a huge fan of the hamster ball but I make her go in there occasionally and she has a wheel where her back isn't arching .
I have a playpen but she always tries to escape from in there . I will also try to feed her less yoghurt drops .
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