Hamster

Overview:

Hamsters are rodents that are in the Cricetinae subfamily. There are about 25 species within the subfamily. They have been domesticated as small pets for households, and are also used in labroatorys.

Behavior:

Hamsters are very active animals because they have high amounts of energy and rapid metabolism. It is very crucial that hamsters in captivity have the ability to move around (have a wheel of some sort) to be able to burn off their high amounts of energy. A special behavior hamsters engage in is called food hoarding, this is where they store their food in their cheeks to move around the cage in bury in various places.

Diet and Feeding:

Hamster diets require four groups of food, grains greens, vegetables and fruits. Often times in diets, these nutrients are compounded into pellet mixes for the hamster to eat. Examples of food that are acceptable for hamsters to eat are: sunflower seeds, nuts, carrots, celery, spinach, apples etc. These items can be used as fresh treats as well for hamsters.

Hamsters will typically be fed around 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of food everyday. (This is for a hamster that is not a baby nor pregnant). Fresh water should always be available in the cage for the hamster to consume at any time.

An example of this nutrient composition from Oxbow Animal Health:

Nutrient Analysis:

Crude Protein (min) 15.00%

Crude Fat (min) 4.50%

Crude Fiber (min) 10.00%

Crude Fiber (max) 15.00%

Moisture (max) 10.00%

Calcium (min) 0.60%

Calcium (max) 1.00%

Phosphorus (min) 0.40%

Copper (min) 20 mg/kg

Vitamin A (min) 19,000 IU/kg

Vitamin D (min) 900 IU/kg

Vitamin E (min) 190 IU/kg

This is based on a table spoon diet. It is a recommended diet that fits the requirements that a hamster needs to live a healthy life.