Hamster

As a hamster owner, you want to ensure that your furry friend enjoys a balanced and nutritious diet. One question that often arises is whether hamsters can eat strawberries.

The short answer is yes, most hamsters can safely eat strawberries. However, it’s important to note that dwarf hamsters, such as Roborovski and Russian hamsters, have a higher risk of developing diabetes. As a result, they should consume fruits with high sugar content, like strawberries, in moderation or avoid them altogether.

Can Hamsters Eat Strawberries?

Yes, it is safe to give strawberries to your hamster.

However, you should limit the servings to at most thrice per week to prevent stomach upsets, particularly diarrhea.

Additionally, strawberries are pretty high in sugar, which may affect your hamster healthwise. Remember, hamsters can also get lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and cancer, just like us humans.

Can All Hamsters Eat Strawberries?

Hamsters are not so commonly kept as pets, but those of us who have them know how cute and adorable they can be – with their big, expressive eyes and plump cheeks.

If you are looking to own a hamster in the near future, or already own one, you probably know that hamsters, just like other rodents, are very fond of grains, fresh vegetables and most types of fruits.

Not all hamsters are the same.

While some can eat dozens of strawberries per week, some breeds will get sick at the mere taste of a berry.

Can Chinese Hamsters Eat Strawberries?

Chinese Hamsters – They’re too susceptible to diabetes. Any sugary food should be avoided at all cost!

Can Russian Campbell Dwarf Hamsters Eat Strawberries?

Russian Campbell Dwarf Hamsters – First off, they’re too tiny (which means they have weaker immune systems), and just like the Chinese hamsters,they are prone to diabetes. You are therefore advised not to feed them sugary foods like strawberries.

Can Winter White Dwarf Hamsters Eat Strawberries?

Winter White Dwarf Hamsters – Same as the above breeds.

On the other hand, hamster breeds that can feed strawberries – on a controlled basis – without any problems include the two most common breeds: Syrian and Roborovski Hamsters.

Are There Any Risks Related To Feeding Your Hamster Strawberries?

Hamsters are small and very naive animals, and if you’re not careful and watchful, even a single strawberry could harm your hammy.

While strawberries can be a healthy treat for your hamster, there are some potential risks:

Sugar content: Strawberries contain natural sugars, which can be problematic for some hamsters, especially dwarf hamsters. Too much sugar in their diet can lead to obesity and diabetes.

Allergic reactions: Although rare, some hamsters may be allergic to strawberries or experience gastrointestinal issues after consuming them. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop feeding strawberries to your hamster and consult your veterinarian.

To prevent that, here are a couple of precautions to take when feeding them. These include:

1. Remove all the leftover fruits from your hamster’s cage as soon as its clear to you that they’re not going to finish. This is important as the hammy may stash leftover berries in their cheeks, or leave them in their mouth for too long, which can cause dental issues. Additionally, the fruit could rot after a few days in the cage, and the hamster could get very sick when they eventually eat them.

2. Make sure that you only feed your hamster purely organic strawberries without any pesticide traces. Remember, hamsters are very tiny animals (tinier than a normal puppy), and any chemical exposure is likely to make them very sick.

3. Even as you stick to the maximum 3 times a week feeding rule, you must also be careful not to feed too many berries to your little one, as too many of them can cause diarrhea in hamsters. The recommended portions are between 3-5 strawberries per serving, depending on the size of your hammy.

How to Safely Feed Strawberries to Hamsters?

To safely incorporate strawberries into your hamster’s diet, follow these guidelines:

• Serving size and frequency: Offer your hamster a small piece of strawberry, no larger than a fingernail, once or twice a week. This will help prevent overconsumption and ensure a balanced diet.
• Preparation tips: Always wash strawberries thoroughly before feeding them to your hamster. Remove the leaves and cut the strawberry into small, manageable pieces. Avoid feeding the green tops, as they may cause digestive issues.
• Monitor your hamster: Keep an eye on your hamster after introducing strawberries to their diet. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal issues, discontinue feeding strawberries and consult your veterinarian.

Are Strawberries Good For Hamsters?

Apart from being a safe snack (with our artificial sweeteners) that you can give your hamster as a reward or treat, strawberries are also super nutritious fruits.

For one, they are full of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, and carotenoids such as lycopene, lutein and beta-carotene.

As we all know, antioxidants help in neutralizing free radicals – which are harmful to the body – and help in the prevention of heart disease and several types of cancer as well as hastening digestion.

Additionally, strawberries also nourish your hamster with vitamin K, potassium and magnesium, all of which are essential to a strong immune system and in building strong bones.

Some studies also suggest that strawberries contain some properties that are useful in the prevention of atherosclerosis – a condition where the arteries get filled with fat.

How Many Strawberries Can a Hamster Eat?

The number of strawberries a hamster can eat depends on the size of the strawberry and the hamster’s size and species. As a general guideline, you should offer your hamster a small piece of strawberry, no larger than a fingernail, once or twice a week. This will help prevent overconsumption and ensure a balanced diet.

For dwarf hamsters, such as Roborovski and Russian hamsters, it’s essential to be even more cautious due to their higher risk of developing diabetes. If you decide to feed strawberries to a dwarf hamster, offer an even smaller piece, about the size of a pinhead, and limit it to once a week or less.

Remember, strawberries should be considered an occasional treat and not a staple in your hamster’s diet. Always monitor your hamster after feeding them strawberries and consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns about their diet or health.

Can Hamsters Eat Dried Strawberries?

Dried strawberries can also be a tasty treat for hamsters, but they come with some caveats. The drying process often concentrates the sugar content, making them even sweeter than fresh strawberries. Additionally, some dried strawberries may contain added sugars or preservatives, which are not suitable for hamsters.

If you decide to offer dried strawberries, follow these guidelines:

• Choose unsweetened and preservative-free dried strawberries.
• Offer them in even smaller amounts than fresh strawberries due to their higher sugar content.
• Always monitor your hamster’s reaction to new foods and discontinue if any adverse effects are observed.

Health Benefits of Strawberries to Hamsters include:

Improved Eye Health – Constantly feeding your hammy with strawberries will enhance their sight and even make their eyes look brighter and healthy.

Better Fur – As an antioxidant, strawberries are known to give clearer skin to humans and nice and bright fur to hamsters and other animals.

Weight Loss – You probably leave your hamster locked up in their cage as you go to work every day. This lack of exercise, coupled with all the food you feed them, will not bode well for their body weight. Giving them enough strawberries weekly will aid in controlling their body weight.

Sounds good, right?

Alternative Fruits and Treats for Hamsters

If you’re looking to diversify your hamster’s diet with other safe fruits, consider the following options:

• Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, blueberries can be a healthy treat for hamsters.
• Raspberries: High in fiber and vitamin C, raspberries can support your hamster’s digestive and immune systems.
• Apple (without seeds): Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C, but make sure to remove the seeds, as they contain cyanide, which can be harmful to hamsters.
• Pear (without seeds): Pears are another excellent source of fiber and can be a tasty treat for your hamster.

In addition to fruits, you can also offer your hamster healthy treat options, such as:

• Carrots: High in vitamin A, carrots can support your hamster’s vision and overall health.
• Broccoli: Rich in vitamins and minerals, broccoli can be a nutritious addition to your hamster’s diet.
• Cucumber: Low in calories and high in water content, cucumbers can help keep your hamster hydrated.
• Cooked plain pasta (without sauce): Offering a small amount of cooked plain pasta can provide your hamster with additional carbohydrates for energy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, strawberries can be a delightful treat for your hamster when offered in moderation and following proper feeding guidelines. By providing a balanced diet and monitoring your hamster’s reaction to new foods, you can ensure their health and happiness. If you have any concerns about your hamster’s diet or wellbeing, don’t hesitate to consult with a veterinarian for professional advice.

Maybe you would be interested in these topics as well:

• Can hamsters eat blueberries?
• Can hamsters eat bananas?
• Can hamsters eat grapes?
• What do hamsters eat?

Can Hamsters have grapes? Hamsters, with their chubby cheeks, multicolored bodies, cute whiskers and big eyes, are extremely cute animals.

If you recently bought a hamster, or are planning to buy one, you probably know that being part of the rodent family, hamsters eat fruits, seeds and grains, and even vegetables. But what about grapes in particular, can you feed hamsters grapes? Let’s see.

Can Hamsters Have Grapes?

Yes, they can! Matter of fact, most types of fruits, including grapes, are safe, and actually healthy for hamsters. Remember, hamsters are herbivores, and fruits and vegetables are their main foods.

Don’t worry about kidney damage from grapes consumption, as that only happens to cats and dogs. The only fruits you should never feed your hamster are the citrus fruits – lemons and oranges – as they’re too acidic, which could affect your ham’s digestive processes.

Related: Can Hamsters eat Raspberries and Blackberries

How Many Grapes Can Hamster Eat in A Day?

As much as there are no known medical issues that would arise from serving grapes to your hamster, it’s always good to consult your vet on the maximum allowable quantity per day.

Of course, this will depend on the age and size of your hamster. Younger and smaller hamsters should only consume a few pieces per day, while bigger ones can eat a few more pieces.

Related: Can Hamsters Eat Apples?

How To Serve Grapes To Hamsters?

Remember to always peel off the skins of the grapes you feed your hamster to facilitate easy chewing and digestion. Moreover, remove all the seeds in the fruits to avoid your little ham choking on them.

To help save on time, you may choose to buy seedless grapes from your vendor.

Related: Can Hamsters Eat Bananas?

How to Introduce Your Hamster to Grapes?

If your hamster has never taken grapes before, she may be reluctant to eat them. Also note that there are some hamsters who just don’t like grapes, and won’t eat them no matter what you do.

So what’s the trick?

Firstly, test if your hamster likes grapes by giving them a small piece. If they gobble up the piece, you can then give them more pieces.

If they show any sign of discomfort or turn their face away after tasting the grape, then this could signify an issue. It could be that the particular fruit you offered was bitter or sour, or just a sign that they don’t like grapes.

To be sure, try buying grapes from another seller or a different brand and see how your hamster reacts to it.

Related: Can Hamsters Eat Blueberries?

Hamster Eating Grapes The First Time

Notably, just like humans, hamsters may fall ill when exposed to new foods, especially sugary and acidic products such as grapes.

On the first day, only feed your hamsters a few pieces, and then wait till the next day to see how she holds up. If she falls sick or gets diarrhea, visit your vet to establish whether it was caused by the grapes or not.

If your hamsters doesn’t fall sick or experience discomfort from the first serving of grapes, you can now proceed with the slow and consistent weaning process.

This basically involves adding one grape on each consecutive daily serving, until you hit the recommended maximum.

Can Dwarf Hamsters Eat Grapes?

Short answer – Yes. Dwarf hamsters are the smallest of all hamsters, but they have the fastest metabolism. Therefore they can eat almost anything other hamsters can and fruits such as grapes also. Start slow, give them small pieces of grapes until they are used to it and to see if they will like grapes anyway.

Related: Can Hamsters Have Strawberries – Are Strawberries Safe For Hamsters?

Balanced Diet

It goes without saying that you shouldn’t feed your hamster with grapes every passing day, as they also need a balanced diet!

You can, for instance, dedicate certain days of the week, such as Mondays and Fridays as Grape Days, where you give your hamster several servings of the fruit throughout the day.

Ideally, you should stick to at most two servings per week, as grapes contain high amounts of sugar, which can be harmful if consumed beyond the recommended amounts.

You can supplement the grape servings with other fruits and veggies, such as apples and carrots, to provide additional nutrients.

Related: What Can Hamsters Eat? Hamsters Food Guide

What Foods to Avoid

While hamsters, and rodents in general, are known to eat all sorts of things, there are some foods you should never feed your pet if you want them to remain healthy.

These include eggplants, onions, peanuts, chocolate (and any other form of candy) and garlic. Most of these foods are high in fat and calories, which leads to obesity – a fatal condition for Hamsters.

Also avoid giving your hamster bread as they contain yeast, which may be highly toxic to the rodent.

If possible, stick to recommended vegetables and fruits as they’re more healthy and contain low-calorie contents.

What Can Hamsters Eat?

The following foods are hamster safe and can be given to them a few times a week.

I highly suggest you provide a commercial grade hamster food that contains all the vitamins and supplements hamsters need.

You can add these foods several times a week along with their staple diet.

Fruits That Hamsters Can Eat

• Raspberries
• Cherries
• Blueberries
• Seedless Apples
• Cantaloupe
• Banana
• Blackberries
• Melon
• Mango
• Peaches (no center core)
• Plums (no center core)
• Strawberries
• Cranberries
• Grapes(seedless)

Vegetables That Hamsters Can Eat

• Asparagus
• Squash
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Bean Sprouts
• Corn on the Cob (uncooked, small piece)
• Cucumber
• Zucchini
• Turnips
• Sweet Potatoes
• Spinach
• Peas
• Green Beans
• Kale
• Bok Choy
• Cabbage (small portions)
• Celery
• Chestnuts
• Clover
• Parsnip
• Romaine Lettuce
• Bell Peppers

Meat and Insects

• Cooked Chicken or Turkey (not fried)
• Crickets (Pet Shop)
• Eggs (boiled or scrambled)
• Grasshoppers (Pet Shop)
• Low Fat Cottage Cheese
• Low Fat Yogurt (unflavored)
• Meal Worms (Pet Shop)
• Bread (whole wheat)

Hamster Treats:

These foods can be offered as treats a few times a week.

Remember these are treats, not foods to be given every day.

• Peanuts (no salt)
• Cooked Plain Brown Rice
• Dry Wheat Toast
• Flax Seed
• Pumpkin Seeds (unsalted)
• Sunflower Seeds (unsalted)
• Squash Seeds
• Bran/Wheat Germ
• Alfalfa
• Plain Popcorn (no salt or butter)
• Dry Oatmeal
• Sesame Seeds

For more information on What can hamsters eat please visit our post – What do hamsters eat.

Related:

• Can hamsters eat blueberries?
• Can hamsters eat bananas?
• Can hamsters eat strawberries?
• Can hamsters eat apples?
• Can Hamsters Eat Raspberries and Blackberries?

Have you ever considered getting a pet Hamster for your kid? Maybe you are unsure of the suitability of Hamsters as pets for child.

Hamsters are incredibly cute and super cuddly, and make great first pets for both children and adults because they are inexpensive to maintain and quite easy to take care of!

However that said, as with any pet, keeping a Hamster requires a commitment and responsibility from the owner during its entire life-span, which could last anything between 2 – 4 years.

Are Hamsters Great Pets for Children?

Well, it depends on the child, but mainly, it depends on the parents.

Before giving a Hamster as a pet to a child, consider the following:

Involve the Child in the Selection of the Pet

It is not a good idea to give it as a surprise gift to a child who has no interest in it. Bring the child to the pet shop and have him/her look at all the animals there (including Hamsters).

Remember that Hamsters are sensitive to loud noises, and would be stressed by shouting and rowdy playing. Hamsters are awake at night, mainly during the child’s bedtime. Hamster noises (mainly squeaky exercise wheels) might be a problem for children who are light sleepers.

Adult Supervision Required

Hamsters require daily handling and can’t be set aside because the child doesn’t feel like playing with it. Handling Hamsters always requires adult supervision. Hamsters are very delicate and might be squeezed by a child’s over-eager hand. Hamsters move very quickly and may be difficult for a child to control. An adult should be around when a child attempts to hold a Hamster.

Some Children are Not Suitable to Get a Hamsters

Children who have allergies to fur, or who might be sensitive to dust or seeds in the Hamster’s bedding and food, might develop allergic/asthmatic symptoms. In general, pets aren’t recommended for children who have weak immune systems or are undergoing immunosuppressive treatment.

Caring for a Hamster Can Be Hard Work

Hamsters require very little maintenance compared to other pets, but the cage needs cleaning once a week and adult supervision is required for this. The child should be able to help with changing food and water, otherwise he/she will not learn about the responsibilities involved in keeping a pet.

Coping with Losing a Pet

The lifespan of Hamsters is rarely more than 3 years, which means that the child will have to deal with a death of a pet rather early.

All these ‘warnings’ aren’t meant to discourage children and their parents from having Hamsters as a pet. What we are saying is that Hamsters shouldn’t be an impulse buy. We have seen Hamsters being advertised for sale because a child has lost interest in them.

This is certainly not good for the child, who learns that he/she has somehow ‘failed’ in fulfilling an assigned task; not good for the parents who now must find a new home for the Hamster; and definitely not good for the Hamster.

Benefits for a Child to Have a Pet Hamster

For a child the advantages are equally impressive. Pets can improve your child’s social skills and self esteem, they also teach responsibility.

All things considered, there are more advantages than disadvantages in allowing a child to have a pet Hamster. The child learns about love and affection, companionship, empathy and responsibility. They also learn that there are interesting things out in nature, and a handheld animal can be more interesting than a handheld gaming console.

On the practical side, Hamsters make great pets for kids because they don’t smell (unless their cages have not been cleaned for a long time, of course), they don’t need baths, they don’t cost too much to feed or house, they don’t crave as much attention, and they don’t need to go outside for a walk.

Quite the opposite, a Hamster does not want to be cuddled too much, giving the child time for other important pursuits. The child can ‘practice’ being a responsible pet owner, making him or her better prepared for having more demanding pets like dogs and cats later in life.

The Hamster’s short lifespan can be an advantage because the family does not have to enter into a very long term commitment with an animal: maximum 3 years, more likely 2. Someone in the family should be able to assume responsibility for it until the end of its lifespan.

Hamsters for Child’s Age Under 4 Years

Behavior towards Hamster

The child tends to poke with a finger rather than pet a Hamster with an open hand. Laughs loudly or shouts when excited, which can be stressful for the Hamster. Can definitely NOT hold a Hamster in own hands, but can give it some food through the cage. Taps the cage to wake Hamster up.

Parent’s role

The child should not be allowed to touch a Hamster unsupervised. The Hamster cage might need to be secured against curious hands. The child should be taught that Hamsters are afraid of loud noises and rough handling. On the plus side, it is a great learning experience for a toddler to see an animal up close. Parents can use the opportunity to teach the child about animals (and how these, in particular, like to eat vegetables).

Hamsters for Child’s Age 4 to 6 Years

Behavior towards Hamster

Can pet a Hamster with an open hand. Can sit quietly with a Hamster and observe its activities. May be able to hold a Hamster.

Parent’s role

The child still needs adult supervision to hold the Hamster. Allow the child to help with feeding, changing water and some cleaning. Major cleaning responsibilities rest with the parents. Children at this age shouldn’t be scolded for ‘neglecting’ the Hamster.

Hamsters for Child’s Age 7 to 12 Years

Behavior towards Hamster

Able to hold the Hamster and participate in the process of taming it, but may need help if the Hamster is very quick.

Parent’s role

The child still needs gentle reminding about feeding the Hamster and cleaning the cage. A task-list might be a good idea to show what needs to be done per day of the week. The child should understand that the Hamster depends on him/her for survival. The tasks should not be seen as boring chores.

Also remember that the child is starting many new activities (school, sports, music, art, computer games, new friends…) that the old Hamster can easily take a back seat. Parents should ensure that the child does not lose interest.

Hamsters for Child’s Age Over 12 Years

Behavior towards Hamster

Can be fully responsible for Hamster care. May better understand the Hamster’s daily needs and its role in nature. Can also better understand the cycles of life, illness and death.

Parent’s role

Turnover more responsibility to the child, but check on the Hamster’s wellbeing regularly. Make sure that the child does not ‘experiment’ with new food, unsafe housing, or risky activities (for example, setting the Hamster on a high table without guards against falling).

Think twice before allowing the child to breed Hamsters. This might provide a great lesson in biology, but new homes need to be found for the babies. For Hamsters that might possibly be hybrids (winter whites with Campbell’s Hamster’s genes), further production is not a good idea. We strongly advise AGAINST breeding Winter Whites with Campbell’s.

It’s hard to say when is the best age for a child to have a pet, and how much responsibility can be given to a child. This is up to parents to decide, but we recommend that the Hamster be considered a family pet, with everyone (including at least one parent) contributing to its care. Parents should ensure that children learn to be responsible pet owners, and should be ready to take over when their children are not ready for the responsibility.

All in all Hamsters are great pets, especially if space or money is a concern. They do not require any exotic housing or specialised knowledge, nor do they require constant attention. They are in short, the near-perfect pet.

Should you decide to take on a Roborovski Hamster as a pet, you should know that they are the smallest and fastest breed of hamsters.

The Roborovski Hamster (Phodopus roborovskii) is sometimes referred to as the Desert Hamster or shortened to Robo or Robs Hamsters. But either way it is the smallest of all the Dwarf Hamsters.

Roborovski Hamster Size

On average, Roborovski Hamsters can measure anywhere between 4 and 5 centimeters in length.

Roborovski Hamster Lifespan

Their average lifespan is about three years and the breed comes in one color only: golden brown, with a white patch on their stomach and light eyebrows and whiskers.

Roborovski Hamsters have a very short coat and this breed actually originated in Mongolia. As compared to other breeds of Hamsters, they are the ones with the longest lifespan.

Temperament of the Roborovski Hamster

If your kid is requesting for a Hamster to take care of, for example, Roborovski Hamsters make for an ideal pet. This is due to the fact that they are extremely fascinating to watch.

Be careful when allowing younger kids to take Roborovski Hamster as pets, though. They do not generally like to be held or cuddled – so they’re basically a type of pet that you only need to observe from afar.

To make up for the fact that they’re quite easily startled, the good thing about Roborovski Hamster is that they very rarely bite.

Roborovski Hamster Facts

Roborovski Hamsters are the smallest of all the Hamster families commonly kept as pets.

They are easily distinguished from all other Hamsters by their characteristic white spots where their eyebrows should be.

Their ‘Agouti’ colouring (also called ‘normal or ‘wild’), is a sandy color with the actual roots of their hairs being a distinct greyish color.

Typically, they will have an off-white colored tummy and quite distinctive, bushy whiskers.

Also, they will lack of any dorsal stripe that would normally be seen in all the other Dwarf Hamster breeds.

They have the longest lifespan of any other domestic Hamster breed – living, on average, three years.

Roborovski Hamster History

The Roborovski Hamster originates from the wilds of the Mongolia desert and Northern China. Their natural habitat is burrows beneath the sand. These burrows will be some 2 – 6 feet deep in semi-arid areas that have very little vegetation.

The name itself comes from Lt. Roborovski who first reported on these Hamsters whilst on expedition near Nan Shan back in July 1894. However, the first studies were made by the zoologist Konstantin Saturin at the turn of the century around 1903.

These Hamsters were not introduced into the United Kingdom until the 1970′s. The breeding was unsuccessful and it was not until the 1990′s, when they were imported from Europe, that successful breeding was achieved.

The Roborovski Hamster was not introduced to the United States until 1998. A group of Hamster breeders imported the first breeding pairs, so they are still quite a rare pet there.

Roborovski Hamster Characteristics

Through living in the arid deserts, these Hamsters have become very efficient in their ability to economize their water needs. So much so that they are able to survive on less water than any other Dwarf Hamster breed.

Interestingly, they are quite sensitive to heat.

Living in burrows, they love to dig – and this is something you must provide for in their living habitat.

Roborovski Hamster Behavior

Believe it or not, Roborovski’s generally have a good behavior. They rarely bite, have a good settlement to fellow cage-mates and can become very tame.

However, even Roborovski’s can get anti-social and can have fights with other Hamsters, as well as biting quite often. Remember to keep their teeth trim by letting them have plenty of things to gnaw on, or else you’ll be seeing them gnawing everywhere!

Double Trouble

If you see two little Roborovski’s eating together in a pet shop, you will be tempted to buy both of them. However, if you buy two separately, that is not the good case.

However, if you buy two at the same time, it can still be Double Trouble with you and both of them. They will fight over the wheel, the treat, the nesting space etc, even over nothing.

But, always in the end, you will see both of them giving each other good company.

When the fight, it would be a paw-to-paw combat, or either one decide’s to grab the end of it’s tail and stay their following it until the other one fights back.

Sometimes, if your lucky, one of them will go on its back and lie down, still fighting!

Although it may seem like that, they still share the same things, like to talk to each other nose-to-nose, and are actually quite happy Robo’s in their own way.

There is always a risk that two Hamsters in the same cage will start fighting. When this happens it can be very serious and severe injury can occur.

However, they will normally enjoy each others company and will play, eat and socialize together for the rest of their lives if introduced properly at a very young age.

Roborovski Hamster Activities

Studies have shown Roborovski Hamsters cover huge distances each night. And it has been documented that they will run the equivalent to 3 human marathons each night. So it goes without saying you must provide a large cage for them.

As well as active and fast, they are also very curious creatures who love a challenge. Also love sniffing around and discovering new places, especially if it involves a bit of burrowing.

On the down side, they can be quite easily startled and are, at first, quite timed. As a result you will find they don’t ‘squeak’ much, certainly not as much as the other Hamster breeds.

As with most Hamster species, they will be predominantly more active during the night. However, a Roborovski Hamster will be out and about a lot more during the daytime than most other breeds.

But remember their dislike to heat and do not keep their cage in any form of direct sunlight during the day. They will most certainly not emerge to play during the daytime if there’s sunlight anywhere on the cage.

Roborovski Hamster Size

You can expect an adult to grow, on average, 2 inch long and weigh in at 1 oz (20-25 grams). Being the smallest of all the Dwarf Hamster breeds are also masters of escaping.

That means they can quite easily squeeze themselves through the bars of a standard cage. You must ensure your cage will prevent this from happening.

Roborovski Hamster Feeding

When feeding a Robo Hamster food you should always remember not to give them too much or too less food. You can read our detailed story about what can hamsters eat to learn more.

The normal Roborvski Hamster food is Hamster muesli, which normally consists of nuts and seeds. However you can feed your Robo other different types of food.

The smallcut up pieces of apple or different chopped up pieces of fruit and maybe even a meal worm or two.

Normally you would put the food in a food bowl but sometimes you can just scatter the food around their cage/aquarium. So they can look around for their food just like they would in the wild.

Also it is vital to always give your Robo Hamster water in a drinking bottle that they can reach it easily .

Always empty out their feeding bowl and water bottle so the can have fresh food and water every day.

Roborovski Hamster Cage

Due to their miniature size, make sure that you will get a cage where they cannot easily escape. Instead of going for a metal cage, you can choose a glass or plastic aquarium cage.

You can use hay or shredded paper as bedding for the bottom of the cage, any other material may cause their tiny feet to get stuck.

The Roborovski Dwarf Hamster is one of the fastest and most active Hamster breeds to own. That means you must have an adequate sized cage for them to run off all that energy.

An engaging habitat that offers a variety of challenges is essential to keep them interested and active – therefore, try to think ahead and buy a cage that will be easy to extent whenever possible.

Roborovski Hamster Cage need to be a little different from the ‘normal’ Hamster cages you buy at a pet shop. Your Hamster is very small, in the dwarf class, you must make sure the cage is suitable and the bars are closer together.

Buying cage as big as you can afford will give your Hamster a good lifestyle. Initially buy as big as possible with the ability to expand and create new runs and different areas for your Hamster to explore.

Roborovskis love burrowing and you can buy Interactive Burrowing and Nesting Accessory to add-on to their habitat.

It gives an ideal area for your Hamster to play in, but remember, it’s an add-on, not a cage (far too small) – but as an area where your Hamster can practice digging and burrowing and making a mess… it’s ideal.

Your Hamster will be full of fun and just love exploring new things. Once they have acclimated to their area and feel safe enough to come out they will be very inquisitive and nosey, exploring everything and anything that you put in their cage.

They will also have a little gnaw on just about everything too. So always make sure that everything you put in their cage is safe for them – if in doubt, do not put in in their cage.

Roborovski Hamster Handling and Safety

Some Roborovski Hamsters do not like to be held, but others love to climb all over you. It depends on the individual Hamster’s personality.

If you want a Robo Dwarf that you can hold, you should ask the workers at the pet store if you can hold them to see how they interact.

When you are holding them, you must make sure there are no other animals around, and that there is nowhere they can hide if they escape.

Most Robo Dwarf Hamster owners prefer to keep them in a ball so that they can run around their house, but they will not have to worry about losing the little guy.

These are some of the most important, but basic, things you will need to know about Robo Dwarf Hamsters.

They really do make great pets, and are a ton of fun to have around–especially if you have small children.

But remember that small children probably shouldn’t hold them, as they can be easily hurt. You may have better luck with a larger breed of Hamster.

Upon determining that your hamster is pregnant, or if you have suspicions that your hamster is pregnant, there are certain preparation that you can begin to make immediately that may prove beneficial in the coming weeks.

If you take nothing else from this guide, please remember that the benefits of human intervention (handling, photographing, cage cleaning or otherwise disturbing) rarely outweigh the risks. Aside from providing fresh food and water, keep disruption to a minimum. Do not make attempts at interacting with baby hamsters until they are around 14 days old, doing so may endanger their lives.

How Many Babies Do Hamsters Have?

The first step is to stay calm. This may be a surprise, but try not to become anxious or stressed over the matter. Your hamster is an extraordinary creature, she will do the majority of work herself. Furthermore, while every pregnancy and labor carries a risk, complications are surprisingly rare in hamsters.

That said, caring for a mum and her pups can still be taxing. Syrian Hamsters have large litters, with around 5-10 ‘babies’ being average, though the actual number varies considerably. Litters as few as 1 or as great as 20+ have been recorded. Caring for the mum and hamster babies will undoubtedly require resources; money, time and effort.

What Should You Do If Your Hamster is Pregnant?

Locate Support – If you got your hamster from a breeder, they may be willing to guide you through the process, pet shops may or may not also offer this support. Other breeders, stores or shelters may have hamster experts who can offer you practical and personal support.

Locate a Vet – You may not need a vet, but it’s much better to have one on hand than be running around trying to find one when your hamster needs urgent care. Using local services or the internet, you preferably want to locate a vet who specializes in small animals. These vets are often known as ‘exotics’ specialists. Furthermore, also look for a nearby 24/7 emergency vet, they may be your only source of help outside of office hours.

Locate Additional Cages – Syrian Hamsters are solitary creatures and become sexually mature very young. This means that the pups need separating into their own cages to avoid fighting or more pregnancies. You’ll require 3 cages around 4 weeks of age (one for mum, one for females and one for the males) and by around 5-6 weeks the pups will require a cage each before fighting begins.

Locate Potential Buyers – To avoid the need (and cost!) of housing all the pups separately, you ideally want to locate buyers as soon as possible. Though you do not want to sell pups before they are at least 4-5 weeks old. You can do this through a variety of channels, such as advertising online or in the paper, through social media and through word of mouth etc.

Pet shops are often assumed to be good outlets of baby animals, but remember that these stores have their own suppliers and may not need or want your stock.

Be conscientious about who you allow to adopt your hamsters.

Some people may seek rodents to use as food for reptiles, while others are buying on behalf of children who may be unable to meet a hamsters needs etc. I personally feel that if people are unwilling to to take your advice or accommodate your requests, then they may be unsuitable.

While you will generally not be required to do anything during the delivery of the pups, there are a few changes to be made when caring for a pregnant hamster to reduce risks, and to improve outcomes.

How To Tell If A Hamster Is Pregnant?

Is She Pregnant? – The gestation period (length of pregnancy) for Syrian hamsters is just 16 days. Your first question is likely ‘Is she actually pregnant?’. Unfortunately it can be difficult to determine, you can’t perform a pregnancy test as such and the only physical indications come in last few days of pregnancy, if at all!

You may notice an enlarged abdomen anywhere from day 10 (often becoming pear shaped in the latter days) her nipples will become more prominent and she may display nesting behavior.

She may also become less tolerable of humans (she may not want to be handled. If there is any doubt, simply treat your hamster as if she is pregnant. It is better to care for a non-pregnant hamster as if she was pregnant then treat a pregnant hamster as if she wasn’t.

Proper Diet for Pregnant Hamster?

Her Diet – Hamsters are self-selecting when it comes to their diet, this is why it is safe to provide an excess of food. The hamster will not only limit the quantity of food consumed to an appropriate amount, but will adjust their macro nutrient intake (carbohydrates, protein and fats) as well.

As a result, there is no evidence to suggest that if an abundance of a good staple mix is provided, that significant supplementation should be required, she will take what she needs. Furthermore, evidence suggests that pregnant hamsters will hoard significantly more food than non-pregnant hamsters, and that a large hoard of food positively correlates to reduced incidence of cannibalism.

Therefore, ensure that an abundance of good quality mix is available. Please note, it is important to actually use a mix, and not a pellet as you can read from our What can hamsters eat article. Hamsters are unable to vary their micro-nutrient intake if provided with a pellet and consequently consume less than if offered a mix.

Proper Cage for Pregnant Hamster?

The Cage – If you suspect your hamster is pregnant, a few changes may need to be made to ensure her home is suitable. Modular cages or multiple-tiered cages are generally not recommended due to the possibility of pups falling, becoming stranded or otherwise becoming injured. Furthermore, the bar sizing on some Hamster cages may not be suitable for very young hamsters and permit escape.

It is advisable that your hamster is kept in a very quiet and consistent environment, you don’t want loud televisions or music players near the cage, nor do you want people constantly walking back and forth around the cage. Be sensible and consider if a relocation may be best sooner, rather than later.

It’ll only be a matter of weeks before the pups can use the water bottle. Ensure that this essential supply of water is easily accessible to the short-statured pups.

Plastic tubes are also undesirable, partly due to the risk they pose to the mother and her enlarged body but also due to the risk they pose to pups. If you suspect your cage is unsuitable then consider making a simple bin cage. It is also advisable that her exercise wheel is removed due to the numerous dangers they pose to pups, also remove toys or other objects that you suspect may be unsuitable.

Do Not Disturb It

Your aim is to disturb the cage as little as possible after delivery and so the cage cannot be cleaned safely until the pups are at least 2 weeks old.

It is therefore important to prepare the cage in advance by cleaning it particularly thoroughly and providing greater than usual amounts of fresh substrate and nesting material before birth, you may want to maintain the nest she has likely worked hard to create.

This is usually done around 12-14 days into the pregnancy. If you do not know her estimated due date then simply perform the clean as soon as she starts ‘showing’. Or to be safe, simply perform the full clean immediately and then leave her be, besides obviously subtly providing food and water.

The Delivery/Birth of Hamster Babies

The delivery of the pups often occurs during night, you may never even know she is in labor, the best advice is to simply leave her be to do her own thing. Your hamster will inherently know what to do, she will deliver the babies herself, gnaw the umbilical cord and perhaps even eat placentas for nutrition.

Hamster babies are born one by one, with short gaps between births, during this time the mother may nap or even make some last minute adjustments to the hoard or nest.

At birth, the pups are immensely vulnerable and entirely dependant on their mother. They are born both blind, naked and even deaf, their sole source of nutrition is her milk and they are predominantly kept warm by her body.

Hamster Eating its Babies

If for some reason you do happen to witness part of the labor, do not interfere. Keep your distance and remain quiet. Only under the most extraordinary circumstances should you approach the mother, any intervention may cause her to cannibalise the babies.

Regardless, she may still appear to eat one or more of her young, this may be due to the pup being born dead or with significant abnormalities. Do not try to ‘save’ the pups, any attempts at hand-rearing at this point would be redundant.

How to Take Care of a Hamster That Just Gave Birth

When the babies are first delivered, it might be a few days before you even catch your first glimpse of them. The mother will ensure that the pups spend all of their time safely tucked away in the nest. She herself will rarely leave the nest, only taking short voyages out to retrieve food, to drink or to perhaps toilet away from the nest.

She will promptly return to ensure the babies are fed and kept warm. You will want to subtly change the water bottle every day or two and delicately place food in the cage, but otherwise stay well away. After a few days, the possibility of infanticide (killing her young) is still present, but the likelihood is reduced.

Unlike during pregnancy, lactation causes a dramatic increase in calories consumed. Continue to provide an abundance of complete hamster mix. Adequate calcium supply is critical, though only a finite quantity can be effectively used, and so supplementation should only be minimal/moderate, if at all.

Having a cuttlefish bone in the cage will compensate for the deficient if needed. Please note that non-solid food such as porridge or baby food should only be provided in thin layers, as a pup could easily become stuck and drown in a deep amount.

How to Care for Hamster Babies

Aside from providing water and food, your input to the hamster family will be minimal until around 14 days. However, hidden behind the nest are rapidly developing hamsters, and it won’t be long before you can begin handling them.

At around 10 days old the pups have grown considerably and will have some coloring present as fur begins to develop, if they have inherited any patterning then this may also begin to show. If you catch a good glimpse, you may even begin to notice that some of the pups (females) have a row of teats present, it might even be possible for eye color to be seen beneath the lids.

Despite their eyes still being closed, particularly adventurous hamster babies might begin to explore, although most mums will promptly return them to the nest. In addition to the supplementation for mum, you can begin to provide the hamster babies with additional food.

You might want to sprinkle wheat germ into the nest, or provide very thin amounts of porridge or small pieces of bread soaked in milk for them to enjoy – although mum might snap it up first! The pups will likely not use the water bottle just yet, but it should be accessible anyway.

How to Clean a Hamster Cage with Babies In

At around 14 days, the hamster babies are fully ‘fleshed out’ and look like mini-hamsters. The eyes will begin to open and their efforts to explore maybe more prominent.

The opening of eyes is usually accepted to be your first opportunity to possibly handle the babies! If the the mother appears particularly protective then consider waiting for a couple of days, otherwise you can have your first handling session.

Given that the cage is likely quite messy at this point, you will also want to partially clean it out at the same time. Wait until the mother is awake, at which point you should place her alone in a playpen, travel carrier or similar (she’ll likely appreciate the time alone!).

You then want to wash your hands with just plain water, and then rub your hands all in the substrate (so that your scent is disguised somewhat). You may then begin to transfer the pups by hand into another cage or similar, be conscious that the pups will be quite scared.

Never raise the hamster babies too far from the ground, as they are likely to make attempts at leaping from your hands. When every pup has been transferred (count them carefully!) you want to partially clean the cage (a full clean cage may upset the mother) scoop out the toilet corner and exchange some of the old substrate with fresh, remove some old nesting material and add plenty more.

You can then spend a few minutes handling each pup before returning them to the spruced-up cage, let them settle back in for a while and then return the mother. She will hopefully not be too distressed by the cage being cleaned or by the pups having some of your residual scent.

However, ensure that she is greeted by a healthy portion of her favorite food upon being returned, this will distract her. You should now continue to handle the pups every day. It may not be necessary but I still prefer to ensure the mother is removed from the cage before handling them directly still. Around day 16 I would complete a much needed full cage clean.

At around three weeks, the pups have likely made good progress to becoming fully weaned, they may still suckle but this will likely be more for comfort or out of habit than actual nutrition dependency. Continue to provide plenty (you’ll be amazed at how much a mother and her litter can consume) of staple mix and soft foods. Also ensure you make every effort to tame the pups as much as your schedule permits.

When to Separate Baby Hamsters

It is usually advisable to keep the babies with mum for another week or so, although under some circumstances it may be wise to do this prematurely – such as if she became ill or displayed signs of agitation.

Around four weeks the pups will need separating from the mother, partially because she may be beginning to reach her tether and partially because it is reported that females may begin ovulation from 28 days. As such, the males should have their own cage, the females theirs, and poor mother finally allowed to live alone again. Now is the good time to start brainstorming some hamster names for your young hamsters.

Between 5-6 weeks the baby hamsters can now be re-homed individually to new owners. Despite being less than two months old, they are well developed and can generally be cared for much like any other Syrian. If the pups reach 6 weeks and are still together, it will be time to separate them into individual cages. It’s possible that they would coexist for a little while longer without fights. But given that they are inevitable, it is safest to separate them into separate cages.

Hamsters are very delightful creatures to keep as pets since they hardly cause any trouble. Nevertheless, selecting the right diet for your pet hamster requires a lot of thought, considering how fragile these tiny cute animals are. If you are wondering whether it is safe to feed your hamster raspberries and blackberries, you have come to the right place.

Today, we are going to go over the health benefits of raspberries and blackberries to hamsters. We will also discuss the different ways in which various species of hamsters respond to these fruits in their diet.

So, can hamsters eat raspberries?

While raspberries are no doubt delicious and healthy fruits (which most people enjoy), Hamsters too can derive a lot of health benefits from consuming raspberries. Before we answer the question on whether hamsters can eat raspberries, let us go over some of the potential nutritional benefits of raspberries to hamsters.

Raspberries nutritional value

Raspberries are generally rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K. In addition to this, they contain essential minerals such as calcium, iron, manganese, and potassium.

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that removes toxins and protects against chronic illnesses. Vitamin E helps to support the immune system of growing hamsters while Vitamin K helps in regulating metabolism and aids in blood clotting.

The calcium and manganese contained in raspberries promote bone health, whereas potassium regulates blood pressure.

Can all hamsters eat raspberries?

In light of these health benefits, you may be wondering, can hamsters eat raspberries? Well, this depends largely on the species of the hamster. Different species, due to their varied sizes respond differently to sugars and acidity in their diet. Before you feed raspberries to your pet hamster, therefore, it is essential to understand the potential health implications of your particular species.

Syrian hamsters, which are larger than most breeds, can tolerate little amounts of sugar and acidity in their diet. They can, therefore, be fed raspberries in low quantities once or twice a week.

Campbell’s Dwarf hamsters, which are smaller compared to most species of hamster, cannot handle a lot of sugars and acidity in their diet. I would not recommend feeding raspberries to this breed.

Roborovski hamsters are larger, and can tolerate some amount of sugar and acidity in their diet. You can feed them small portions of raspberries a few times a week. Winter white dwarf hamsters, on the other hand, should not be fed raspberries due to their low tolerance for sugars and acidity.

Are there any risks related to feeding your hamster raspberries?

Raspberries are high in sugar and acid. Feeding too much raspberries to Syrian and Roborovski hamsters can lead to health problems such as obesity, diarrhea, and diabetes. Smaller species such as the Winter white dwarf and Campbell’s white dwarf cannot handle sugars and acidity and should therefore not be fed raspberries under any circumstances.

Can hamsters eat blackberries?

While hamsters can eat blackberries, they should only be fed in small quantities to avoid putting a strain on their sensitive digestive system. Luckily, blackberries are one of the many fruits that are safe for hamsters to consume, as they pose no risk of poisoning.

Even if your hamster eats a lot of blackberries at once, it is highly unlikely that they will experience any negative reactions or health problems. However, it is important to limit your hamster’s intake of blackberries, as this may cause health issues if consumed over long periods of time.

What are the Health Benefits of Blackberries to Hamsters?

Blackberries, like other types of berries, contain Vitamin C which boosts metabolism and promotes healthy bones. In addition to this, blackberries have several antioxidants which help get rid of free radicals, thereby supporting the immune system. This can also help to fight chronic illnesses in hamsters.

Due to their low-calorie content, blackberries are very diet-friendly and can be consumed by hamsters without putting too much strain on the digestive system. These sweet fruits are also natural and organic, which makes them far more healthier and easier on the digestive system than processed foods.

A Final Word

Fruits such as raspberries and blackberries are undoubtedly a great addition to a hamster’s diet. These sweet berries contain plenty of vitamins and minerals which are essential for the health of hamsters. Most importantly, they are natural and non-toxic, which means that they are unlikely to strain the digestive system of hamsters.

However, caution should be taken not to overfeed these fruits to hamsters since it could result in health problems. Ideally, you should feed your hamster minimal amounts of these berries only occasionally. I would also recommend only feeding your hamster with these fruits after their main meal since too much fruit can fill up your hamster really quickly.