https://www.chewy.com/education/small-pet/hamster/how-to-feed-baby-hamsters
*Hamsters may be tiny, but their care needs are important.The Hamster Education Hub walks you through habitat setup, handling tips, dietary guidance, and behavior cues - everything you need to give your hamster a safe, enriching home.
During pregnancy and nursing, a hamster’s dietary needs change significantly.
Pregnant and nursing mothers require additional protein to support their own health and the growth of their pups.
Foods such as boiled eggs, cooked unseasoned meats (like chicken or beef), mealworms, and fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A and E are excellent choices.
Vegetables like broccoli, sweet apple, peas, and cantaloupe are beneficial, and sunflower seeds, which are typically limited, can be offered in larger quantities during pregnancy to provide extra fats, folic acid, and vitamins.
It is essential to ensure that a mother hamster always has plenty of food, as it helps her feel secure and less stressed, which in turn benefits the pups’ survival.
Hamster pups continue nursing for nearly three weeks after birth, so keeping a steady supply of food is crucial.
As for feeding baby hamsters, the mother usually takes good care of them, but there are steps you can take to support their development.
For younger pups, wheat germ cereal and small seeds like millet can be offered near the nest.
In the event that the mother hamster dies or rejects a pup, you may need to step in and feed the baby yourself.
For orphaned pups, a mixture of evaporated milk and water or puppy/kitten formula can be used to feed them every few hours.
For dwarf hamsters, feeding should start with small drops every half hour, and for Syrian hamsters, you can increase the volume gradually.
At around 3 weeks, baby hamsters begin eating solid food and can be weaned off milk.
It is important to provide the pups with adult hamster droppings as they contain beneficial bacteria that aid in digestion, especially for those raised by surrogate parents.
Chewy editorial team lovingly shares thoughtful guidance to help you nourish your hamster through the vital stages of pregnancy and nursing, ensuring both mom and her babies have the best chance to thrive.
