Dwarf hamsters are one of the funniest and most tender animal species. Then when they run, they look like wads of dust with a pair of adorable eyes, which splash at supersonic speed. Of course all that racing makes you very hungry! Follow these simple steps to better feed your fluffy dog.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Buying the Right Kind of Food
Step 1. Choose the right daily diet for your dwarf hamster
Dwarf hamsters have a similar diet to other hamster varieties. For the most part, their diet should consist of specific foods that can be found in pet stores. These are blends labeled "hamster food" and generally consist of seeds, pelleted feed, grains and corn kernels. The pellet is the most important part, as it serves to provide your hamster with a daily dose of the nutrients it needs to grow healthy.
If you prefer, you can learn how to prepare food for your hamster
Step 2. Try not to miss fresh food
Even though most of the nutrition is made up of dry food mixes, you can supplement your meals with fresh produce. In general, fresh fruits and vegetables are fine because they contain low amounts of sugar and water. Hamsters are prone to diabetes and water-rich products such as watermelon can upset their digestion and cause ailments, such as diarrhea. Delicious sticks like:
- Vegetables: Zucchini, green beans, carrots, broccoli, asparagus and cauliflower are all ideal foods for your little furry friend. Dark green leafy vegetables are fine too (but avoid iceberg lettuce.)
- Fruits: Berries, plums, pears, peaches and seedless apples are ideal for a delicious snack.
-
Foods absolutely to avoid:
Never give your hamster almonds, as they contain cyanic acid, which can cause serious harm to your hamster. Avoid bearing fruit with seeds or pits.
Step 3. Also add something to nibble on
This is to prevent the hamster's teeth from growing out of proportion. For example, try inserting a small twig or one of those chopsticks you find in pet stores (similar to dog biscuits) into the cage. In addition, in specialized shops you can find an infinite number of delicacies for your little friend.
Step 4. Don't forget, by the way, that your dwarf hamster needs water
Food is certainly essential for its survival, but water is also very important for its health. Purchase a hamster water dispenser from your pet supplies retailer. These dispensers are basically upside-down bottles of water with a ball at the mouth. The sphere is used to regulate the outflow of water every time the hamster is about to drink.
It is not recommended to put a bowl of water in the cage. This is because it could easily tip over and flood the cage. A humid environment leads to mold growth and could cause your hamster ailment
Part 2 of 2: Feeding Your Dwarf Hamster
Step 1. Feed your dwarf hamster at the same time every day
You can choose the time you prefer. However, specialists recommend feeding food both in the morning and in the evening. Hamster lovers disagree about which time is better.
- Feed your hamster in the evening: Hamsters are nocturnal creatures, so it is best to feed them at night when they are most awake and active.
- Feed your hamster in the morning: Some find it best to feed them in the morning, because even though they sleep most of the day, they occasionally wake up to snack.
Step 2. Choose the right type of bowl
There are several factors that determine the 'right' bowl. For example the size, material and location.
- Size: As you know, hamsters are small and tender creatures. As such, they don't need large bowls. If you buy a large bowl, you will be more likely to overfeed the hamster. In addition, it will unnecessarily clutter the cage.
- Material: Prefer ceramic bowls to plastic ones. Hamsters tend to gnaw on anything, so they will try to attack the plastic bowl as well, which means having to change it often.
- Position: try to position the bowl in a place as far as possible from the area that we could define "bathroom". Hamsters choose a place in the cage for their needs. Once you understand where that spot is, be sure to place the bowl in the opposite corner of the cage.
Step 3. Don't overfeed the hamster
Dwarf hamsters don't have such a big stomach. They need a spoonful of food a day and a few extra snacks once in a while. While a spoonful of feed may seem excessive, remember that dwarf hamsters have a very fast metabolism and can eat the same amounts of food as their larger cousins.
Don't be fooled by the empty bowl. The speed with which they empty it is impressive, but don't rush to refill it as soon as it is emptied. Hamsters love to hide food and store it in their cheeks as a stash. So, don't think they ate everything just because the bowl is clear. Try to feed the hamster once a day
Step 4. Let him get used to your presence
The administration of food is an important moment to create contact with him and get him used to your presence. When you put the food in the bowl, let the hamster sniff your fingers. It is important to create an association between food and your presence. This could be the first step in trying to pick him up.
