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Post by edgar on Jul 25, 2006 10:22:49 GMT -4
Hi there I read at some forums that you can NOT feed your dwarf hamster corn or peas because of the sugar that's in there and the dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes. But also, at some other forums and sites are saying that there is not so much sugar in the dehydrated corn or peas (that some hamster mix foods contain) and so its not a problem to the hamster. What do you think about that? Is it good to feed them corn and peas? Looking forward for your answers  |
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Post by Die Fledermaus on Jul 25, 2006 10:29:49 GMT -4
Welcome to the forum! Pass the word about us! Starchy foods get turned into sugar - used as energy or later stored as fat. Applies to you or dwarfs. I do NOT feed my dwarfs any dried or fresh fruit, and I only leave a few kernels of corn in any mix even for a pair or trio of dwarfs. I would limit peas but not quite as much as corn. That is my opinion and what I do. They should be a very minor part of their diet, but a tiny bit should not cause diabetes. Again, my opinion. But I would never feed them, for example, raisins - too much sugar. Miine do get greens, though, and they seem to like brocolli. I also feed them occasionally crickets, big ones, either caned or live. A few each week. As for diabetes, rapid decrease in the water in their bottle can be a sign of that. And it is treatable. |
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Post by edgar on Jul 25, 2006 11:12:46 GMT -4
I changed the title of the thread cause I also want to ask something about the bedding. I've read forums that say that the pine and cedar woodshavings are bad and only use aspen. Some other sites though says that cedar is indeed bad and aspen and pine is fine. I now user pine (i think... this is the bedding that I use... (Link) and this is the unscented one (Link) These are pine, right?) and i think that pine was the bedding that they used in the petshop where I got my hamster. What's your opinion? |
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Post by noelani on Jul 25, 2006 11:45:25 GMT -4
If you must, use the whitest, most odorless, kiln-dried pine you can find, if you can't find aspen. In order to safely use pine bedding, the cage must be big and well ventilated. Also, if you are planning to continue using it, remember to pinch out any section of the bedding where the water bottle leaked or where ever it's wet as moisture releases more phenols.
You still may want to look into aspen, carefresh or some other hypoallergenic bedding. Avoid corn cob bedding as they eat it (empty calories) and it can impact the gut, not to mention the fact that it molds easier.
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Post by Die Fledermaus on Jul 25, 2006 11:55:35 GMT -4
noelani is correct.
Kaytee Soft-Sorbent is an excellent bedding especially for guinea pigs! But it is a little like corn cob in size and shape; therefore, dwarfs would have trouble burrowing in it. And they like to do that. I often put down a layer of aspen and then a thicker layer of Carefresh on top - the big chunks are good for burrowing into. Carefresh now comes in colors.
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