Hello from a semi-new hamster mom

[Xandra07]

Hi, I've just adopted a dwarf hamster and I'm not sure what sort of treats she should be eating. I had a fancy hamster a few years ago and I don't know if the care is much different. She doesn't seem to like the treats from the pet store.

But it could be because she's been neglected and was found in her cage near a dumpster. I'm trying to let her warm up to me without being too pushy.

[velma]

Oh no! Poor thing glad you were able to take him in. The main thing to bear in mind is that he will be a hybrid Russian hamster & therefor prone to diabetes so stay well clear of sugary treats. Not much fruit & no yoghurt drops. A few sunflower seeds or a monkey nut would go down well or a couple of freeze dried mealworms, that sort of thing.

[Amethyst_ice]

Hello and welcome. Sorry to hear your little one has had a tough start. Have a browse of the forum and you'll soon pick up general care tips. Take it slow and avoid the treats for now. Look forward to hearing about her x

[Xandra07]

Oh wow, thank you both. I didn't know that hamsters were prone to diabetes. And I'm trying to just let her get used to things for now.

[flowerfairy]

What is a fancy hamster? Heard of fancy mice, just not hamsters.

Good on you for taking on a neglected creature. Hope she settles very soon.

[Shannonmcn]

Well done rescuing a poor little ham! What a tough start I don't keep dwarfs myself but I've had much more success with fresh veg and "human food" than with anything from the pet shop. And like Velma says, you want to be avoiding sugary things with a hybrid to reduce the risk of them developing diabetes. Things like brocolli, carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, spinach leaves or a tiny bit of cheese, bread, rice or pasta go down pretty well with my ham. Basically anything off the safe food list!

Sometimes people call syrians "fancy" hamsters flower fairy! Not sure why, like panda bear and teddy bear hamsters, it's all just slang terms.

[flowerfairy]

Ah. Never heard that before. Its rather nice.

Loving the safe food list. Very useful.

[Xandra07]

Wow, thank you all so much. That safe list will really help I think. As an update, Polaris, the hamster, let me pick her up for the first time today! It felt like quite a victory.

[velma]

Good job! And cute name too