? about sticks

03-09-2005, 04:30 PM

hello I was wondering about the Vitakraft sticks for hamster. I had got a package from a pet store and put one in each cage for my hamsters. The package said there should be one at all times in the cage. My hamsters seem to like it - one ate the whole stick even with feeding them everyday. I was just wondering if anyone else uses them or if you should always have one in the cage. thanks.

carrie

hammydude · 03-09-2005, 04:33 PM

Is this a food stick or a gnaw stick?

03-09-2005, 04:42 PM

I keep one in at all times. Sometimes they chew on the stick, sometimes not, but it is alright for them. I t helps to keep their teeth healthy. Clover likes the popcorn ones, the other two like the nut stick.

03-09-2005, 05:03 PM

OK just wanted to make sure... I think I had the fruit one I don't remember exactly. I give them yogurt drops also. I have a mix of food that we give them. We are still learning things.

hammydude · 03-09-2005, 06:15 PM

I would keep one in at all times. Oh, and how long did it take for them to eat one?

Emma · 03-09-2005, 06:16 PM

I use these seeds/fruits on stick treats occasionally - some hams do love them. You certaintly don't need to have on in the cage at all times though, thats a manufacturer taking a little advantage of pet owners I think! I use them as occasional treats just as I use fresh fruits, veg, and other treats.

**babyboos** · 03-10-2005, 04:12 PM

I am not a fan of these gimmicks - they are not good for your little one's teeth due to their excessively high sugar content - if you are worried about length then a nice plain dog biscuit is equally, or even more effective, and are often cheaper. A great bone is manufactured by Nylabone - it is made from potato starch and completely safe for our little ones - no spices, onions, garlic or charcoal etc added. I like to put mine in the oven for 15 mns to give it a crispier texture. It is absolutely priceless watching them carrying their bone around the cage

You can break them into smaller pieces for Dwarves and Chinese hamsters but this is not necessary.

A final word of warning - be careful of giving Campbell's Russian Dwarf Hamsters too much sugar due to their propensity to develop diabetes.

Lynternette · 03-02-2012, 02:58 PM

Dusty adored rose petal sticks but they no longer make them. His favourite now is strawberry sticks and dandelion and fennel.

**Hamtastic** · 03-02-2012, 03:39 PM

This is a 7 year old thread, Lynternette! An impressive find

Lynternette · 03-02-2012, 03:55 PM

I never realised! I dread to think how many I've read while I've been incapacitated. I've learned so much!