Feeding & Raising a Newborn Hamster: Essential Tips

Part 1: How to Care for a Hamster?

Newborn hamsters are like tiny, pinkish balls of fluff, without ears and unable to hear or see. During this early stage, their world is a silent, dark void.

After about a week, hamsters will start to grow their natal fur, and by around two weeks, their eyes will gradually open. Once their eyes are open, in addition to mother's milk, you can introduce them to some solid foods. However, it's best to opt for easily digestible hamster pellets.

By the time they are about three weeks old, hamsters have a stable appearance and their teeth have grown in. If they continue to nurse, they might bite their mother, so it's advisable to wean them off the milk and transition them to a diet of pellets.

At four weeks, hamsters are fully grown and capable of taking care of themselves. It's recommended to separate them from their mother at this age, as keeping them in the same cage for too long can lead to the mother's resentment or even aggression.

Part 2: What Do Hamsters Like to Eat?

Hamsters typically enjoy a variety of foods, including mealworms, corn, and a mix of pellets. They also savor fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Here's a breakdown of their preferred food groups:

Animal proteins: Milk, mealworms, wheat worms, chicken, and boiled egg whites.

Cereals: Millet, wheat, corn, oats, and chickpea feed. Note that corn kernels are large and should be crushed before feeding.

Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, carrots, cabbage, radishes, and cucumbers, which provide hydration and fiber.

Fruits: Bananas, apples, and melons, which offer hydration and vitamins.

Seeds: Peanuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and pine nuts, rich in protein.

Plants: Dandelions and plantain are also on their menu.

Keep in mind that as omnivores, hamsters are generally open to trying new things. However, they should not be given spicy foods like chili, garlic, scallions, or chives. Also, when feeding fruit, always remove the seeds, as ingesting them can cause poisoning symptoms such as an accelerated heartbeat and shock.

For more information on feeding newborn hamsters and their dietary needs, check out "What Can Hamsters Eat for Calcium?"