Caring for the Three-Line Hamster: Diet & Proper Care T

Part 1: What Does a Russian Dwarf Hamster Enjoy Eating?

1. Foods Suitable for Hamsters

① Vegetables: Carrots, bok choy, and pumpkin.

② Fruits: Strawberries, apples, bananas, grapes, and cherries.

③ Nuts: Peanuts, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and pine nuts.

④ Feed: Special hamster food, chicken feed, bird feed, wheat, corn, and millet.

⑤ Hay: Dandelion hay, clover, timothy hay, and plantain.

⑥ Animal Protein: Bread worms, unsalted dried fish, goat's milk, beef, chicken, egg whites, and cheese, among others.

2. Foods to Avoid for Hamsters

① Vegetables: Onions, scallions, garlic, leeks, chives, ginger, chili peppers, celery, tomatoes, and the stems of potatoes. Note: Onions can cause hemolytic poisoning in hamsters, and raw tomatoes and potato stems are also toxic. Other vegetables can be quite刺激性 as well.

② Fruits: Loquat, peach, plum, apricot, and all kinds of fruit seeds (fruit seeds contain cyanide, which can lead to poisoning in hamsters, causing symptoms like difficulty breathing and gastrointestinal paralysis).

③ Plants: Narcissus, morning glory, iris, lilies, Platycodon grandiflorus, ferns, orchids, and ferns.

④ Other: Milk, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, cookies, and various human snacks.

Part 2: The Ideal Living Environment for Russian Dwarf Hamsters

1. Feeding Bowl: It's recommended to use bowls made of glass or ceramic, as they are sturdy and less likely to be knocked over. Ensure the edges of small bowls are smooth to prevent injury to the hamster.

2. Treadmill: Russian dwarf hamsters are quite active and require daily exercise. A treadmill can be placed in the cage, along with slides for playtime.

3. Water Bottle: Hamsters should not drink from bowls, as water can easily be spilled and wet the bedding. A water bottle that can be clipped to the cage is ideal, with a ball valve being the best choice.

4. Nest: A nest provides a place for the hamster to hide and rest. You can either make one yourself or purchase one readymade.

5. Litter Box and Bathing Area: Prepare a bath with hamsterspecific sand and a simple bath bowl for regular bathing. Additionally, a small litter box should be provided for the hamster to use as a toilet.

6. Cooling: As hamsters have poor heat dissipation, it's important to provide cooling measures during summer, such as marble, heat sinks, and ice packs in plastic bottles.

7. Heating: In winter, use cotton, warm packs, or socks to keep the hamster cozy.

8. Bedding: Hamster bedding comes in various types, such as pine shavings, white poplar shavings, and corn cobs. Choose bedding with good insulation for winter, and consider using cat litter and corn cobs in summer for their absorbency and cool feel. Avoid scented wood shavings to prevent respiratory issues in the hamster.

These are some essential tips for caring for Russian dwarf hamsters. Remember, hamsters are solitary animals and should be kept separately, except during breeding season.