Hamsters

Treats

Pet shops now sell a range of treats for pet rodents,

including hamsters. The best ones to use as treats are

those that contain natural ingredients. Some can be

hidden in their bedding, or hanging sticks and sprays of

millet can be attached to the cage bars.

Do not give your pet human chocolate, potato chips, or

salted nuts as these are very harmful to hamsters and

will make them ill. Pet shops sell special pet choco-

late and yogurt drops. These should be given as extra

special treats as they are not very healthy for your pet.

Likewise treats that are covered in honey or sticky

sweet coatings should only be given sparingly. Ham-

sters can suffer from painful dental problems and also

can get fat and suffer from heart disease or diabetes.

A treat is a treat, not part of the hamster’s normal daily

diet. Use them when you are playing with or training

your hamster as a way to bond with him.

How much?

While it is normal for a hamster to hoard excess food,

this hoard should not be large—if it is, you are feeding

your pet too much. Weigh your pet regularly to make

sure he is not putting on weight (once he is adult). If

he is, then you are feeding it either too much, or, more

likely, too many sugary treats.

Hamsters