Recently got a hamster, and was wondering if they need/like to eat hay like rabbits
2007-01-30 09:36:16 · 8 answers · asked by allyalexmch 6 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Sorry if you think this a dumb question but I actually don't know.
I know rabbits and guinea pigs need to eat hay, but I'm not sure about hamsters. I want to make sure my little guy has a healthy diet.
2007-01-30 09:43:12 · update #1
I use carefresh bedding already! It's great
2007-01-30 09:51:12 · update #2
No they do not NEED hay.
Yes, they may enjoy hay.
When I had my hamsters, I use the bedding (Carefresh) for them. They seems to enjoy it much better than hay. Researches say that hay 'may be' harmful to hamsters because it can poke into hamsters eyes. That sounds funny but I didn't even want to prove them wrong.
Put some facial tissue (tear them in a little pieces) for your hamsters. They love that too and they will make their own little house with those tissues. DO NOT use the colored 'extra soft' bedding (the pink / blue/ green) it contains dangerous fiber that could kill hamsters if they eat those fiber beddings.
Enjoy your new hamster.
Carefresh product : http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441805976&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302047882&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023695&bmUID=1170197310008&itemNo=4&In=Small+Pet&N=2047882&Ne=2
Colored Bedding (not recommended)
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441805998&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302047882&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023695&bmUID=1170197310152&itemNo=7&In=Small+Pet&N=2047882&Ne=2
2007-01-30 09:49:49 · answer #1 · answered by TnT 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not unless you aren't feeding them a normal hamster diet. If you are feeding a normal hamster/gerbil seed mix you will notice small, green pellets (like the kind typically fed to cavies and rabbits), these are alfalfa (hay) pellets. So they do need to eat hay and it's already in their food blend.
If the food you're feeding your hamsters doesn't have these pellets then it would be beneficial, if not necessary, to give your hamsters some timothy or alfalfa hay. Pleae be sure it's the kind commercial sold as it will be free of germs and parasites.
If you want to give it to your hamster for fun, by all means do! He will love it! Just be sure to make sure it's the "safe" commercial kind.
-Janice
http://www.holmdenhillhaven.com
2007-01-30 11:34:39 · answer #2 · answered by radiocricket 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have 4 hammies and I give them a big handful of fresh hay at least once a week. They seem to really like it - as soon as they find it they start nibbling, and they use some for bedding. I would definitely recommend it for your hamster - hay provides some nutrition, and fiber, and also nibbling enjoyment.
Just make sure it's good quality - it should smell fresh (not moldy) and it shouldn't be dusty. It would also be good if you could find organic hay, since traces of pesticide or fertiliser could be bad for your ham.
2007-01-30 21:51:20 · answer #3 · answered by Birdie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They like to roll in the hay
2007-01-30 09:44:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hello, just wanted to mention, I loved this discussion. valuable answers
2016-08-23 16:41:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes, and they eat apples and celery sticks to
2007-01-30 09:43:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes they do. That is what they are usually comfortable in.
2007-01-30 09:43:27 · answer #7 · answered by smile518 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes and no
2007-01-30 09:46:55 · answer #8 · answered by KINIYA C 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋