Question on temperature and food?

Chesterspal · 02-22-2022, 07:01 AM

I have read the best temperature for the area the hamster is kept in (mine is a Syrian Fancy) is between 18 and 26 degrees C or 65 and 78 degrees F.

Is this correct?

Is is OK to leave the dry food out if the hamster has not finished it from one day to the next?

I have been leaving 2 tablespoons of dry food mix... Kaylee brand... but he/she does not eat it all... at least not so far... but still new to me.

souffle · 02-23-2022, 05:23 AM

If the temperature in your home is comfortable for you then it should be fine for your hamster. I've never had to keep the home at a constant temperature just for the hamsters and the house temp does fluctuate as the heating comes on and off. Make sure your hamster has plenty bedding and that they have a hide to go in if they want. They tend to build big warm nests when they feel cooler and more open nests when it is warm.
Leave the food in the cage. For their mental well being hamsters do need to have enough to make an adequate store as they are hoarding animals. Two tablespoons is too much though per day. They only eat a little. We actually only feed every third day and give a scoop. This helps them eat all types in the mix and not just their favourites all the time! It makes the diet more balanced. When you clean out check they have a reasonable store but not pounds of food stashed away. If they do then reduce the amount you are feeding.

Chesterspal · 02-23-2022, 08:19 AM

Understood and thanks!

AmityvilleHams · 02-23-2022, 10:45 AM

I would definitely get off the Kaytee food as soon as possible - it's very low quality stuff and definitely not the kind you really want to be feeding to hamsters or any pets for that matter. Higgins Vita Garden(not Sunburst, as that has dried fruit which is better avoided for a variety of reasons) is the proper diet in the US & Canada and is far better in terms of ingredients etc than any Kaytee product.

Chesterspal · 02-23-2022, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmityvilleHams

I would definitely get off the Kaytee food as soon as possible - it's very low quality stuff ...

I'm feeding their FortiDiet Pro hamster and gerbil food

What specifically is the issue with this product?

AmityvilleHams · 02-23-2022, 01:28 PM

FortiDiet hamster and gerbil is pretty low in protein, contains artificial dyes, and also has added sweetener(at least molasses). It's the hamster equivalent of junk food really, and not the basis of a healthy diet by any means unfortunately.

Chesterspal · 02-23-2022, 01:38 PM

I see.

OK, thanks for the heads up. Will order the Vita Gerden today.