I just got 5 hamsters and need to know how to care for them and what kind they are?
The lady I got them from had cancer and couldn't care for them anymore, so I said I would take them. It started off, I was going to get rabbits(which I know), then the hammies got added in when I went to pick them up. I gave some(2 males and 1 momma with 3 babies) away on the way home when I had to stop for food for them. So that left me with 4 females and 1 male. I have researched online some, but would love to chat with an experienced, long term owner if possible. I just don't want to hurt these little guys. I have 100 questions like: What should they eat? I bought hamster/gerbil food on the way home. It was all I could find. Is it ok, or do they need something else? What kind are they? I can email pics, but don't know how to post them here. I usually answer rabbit questions, so I don't know much about asking questions here. Do they need hay or anything to keep their digestion in good order? Rabbits do, but hammies? What should they NEVER eat? What should they eat a lot of? How much and when to feed? I feed my rabbits at night. Are they nocturnal like rabbits? Do they need a dish to drink from or can they have a small bottle? What do I give them to chew on? Is it ok to give twigs off my apple branches I give my rabbits? I've read certain kinds can't be kept together and will fight to the death. The lady I got them from had all the males together and all the females in another cage. Is this ok since they seem to get along ok? I have about 1,000 more questions. Can someone please help? Thanks so much. Please send a private message if you can help me.
Thanks nomm81. but what is a pettle? The food I bought has whole corn, lots of seeds, and some pellets. It is Hartz brand Hmaster and Gerbil food. Forgot to put that.
March 9th, 2011 - 17:14
Hey so about the food you bought you do not have to change anything, hamsters love food that had corn piecesand different seeds they can open. Hamsters do not have to eat anything else except the pettles , but you can feed them carrots,lettuce, apples and stuff like that, but not too much!
Hamsters do not need hay. And they can drink out of little bottle they do not need a bowl.
About feedin I suggest giving them fresh food everyday. Just fill up the bowl every night. Hamsters are nocturnal so try will be awake at the same time like the rabbit.
I believe you can feed them apple tree twigs. And try so need a chewing stick from a local pet store of one of those salty rocks that they sell for a dollar.
I also suggest keeping the males and females separated from each other unless you do want them to have more babies.
If you have any aditional questions you can email me to nvnoam@gmail.com
good luck
March 9th, 2011 - 17:50
Hamsters of course, need Hamster-Gerbil food and that is fine. To give them extra nutrients, you can feed them many fruits like apple,banana,watermelon, or cucumber. Don’t feed this fresh foods too often otherwise your hamster may become ill. Twice a week will do.
Just make sure you put “hamster” in the subject so I know it’s not spam.
You can send your pics. to kittenlover965@yahoo.com, and I will identify them for you.
Hamsters don’t need hay, but you can purchase it as an extra treat if you’d like. Some hamsters won’t even it hay. They don’t need any extra vitamin supplements either.
Never feed them citrus fruits(oranges,lemons,etc), chocolate, iceberg lettece, and if your’re unsure about something don’t feed them it.
Fill their food bowl to the top about three times a week. You can adjust your schedule to the amount your hamsters eat. (The more there are in a cage, the more often you need to refill) Feed them in the early morning or late evening, but anytime will due.
Hamsters are nocturnal. Do not put a water dish in their cage, they can drink from one temperarely put need a water bottle for full-time use. Buy chews and toys for them to chew on at your nearest pet store. An empty toliet paper roll can also be placed in their cage. You can give them twigs from your apple branches as long as you wash them first.
Send me an email with all your questions and pictures! I will be glad to help!