Is hay okay?

Ria P · 03-23-2019, 09:34 AM

Hi, i've just bought a bag of Timothy hay + dandelion in case my hamster needs it but have kept receipt. Do hamsters eat hay or is it not a good idea? Expert input would be really appreciated. I'm still so clueless and most shop assistants aren't much help.......

mangoandmimi · 03-23-2019, 10:08 AM

Yes it’s fine. The best way to use it is to layer it in with the bedding, it’ll help hold their burrows. If you just put a pile of it in they’re unlikely to eat it so it acts as extra enrichment more than anything. Just make sure there aren’t any particularly spiky bits.

Ria P · 03-23-2019, 10:46 AM

Thank you for your prompt response. I'll do that when he wakes up.

cypher · 03-23-2019, 09:19 PM

I would freeze hay before use, for a minimum of 48 hrs but preferably for a week just in case of mites, bugs etc.

hisnameispip · 03-24-2019, 03:20 PM

The hay works wonders for giving structure to burrows as it's pretty solid and straight, lol. Just have to watch out for sharp bits as they do pop up. Both my hamster and my gerbils enjoy arranging it after I give them small piles.

Ria P · 03-25-2019, 04:30 AM

I gave his cottage a hayloft meaning I put hay in an open woven basket on top of the cottage roof then watched his reaction. Henry sniffed his way up then jumped into the basket. A definite winner.

alpacassei · 03-25-2019, 08:50 AM

Thst sounds so cute! Some of my hamsters like if I scatter food in piles of hay for them to forage through

Vectis Hamstery · 03-26-2019, 05:04 AM

My hamsters are enjoying their hay (I got it for the harvest mice, but thought I'd try it with the hammies). It's handy for making scatter feeding more interesting, and for stuffing in enrichment feeding boxes. The mums and pups also seem to have eaten it, as at the 2 week clean out for all 3 litters there has been barely a sign of the hay left!