Three questions to ask, but I can't fit all. Please see description below.?
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ldyzenkei
Yahoo User
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 Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 11:01 pm Post subject: Three questions to ask, but I can't fit all. Please see description below.? |
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| I have a Blueberry Dwarf hamster named Wishbone and got him as a Christmas gift last year. Just want to ask a few questions:1) How do I keep him from biting/chewing on the bars of his cage? I have tried chew logs or some kind of chew toys made for hamsters, but that still doesn't deter him.2) What other foods can I feed him, as it seems like he doesn't like the normal hamster food. My mom and I have given him vegetables and fruit (sparingly), but he still doesn't eat them. The only food he likes are the Kaytee Nutra Nibbles treats.3) How do I cut his nails?Thanks. |
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Mosquito Algebra Fountain
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 11:19 pm Post subject: |
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| Hamsters are fairly smart. If a hamster for example chews on the cage bars once a couple times from curiosity, and each time you come, he learn that this is a way to attract your attention. Hamsters in the wild do not grind their teeth on wood, but instead on hard food they are trying to eat. A hamster wil never chew a regualr piece of wood for fun, it needs a purpose. You should be feeding him hamster blocks, rather than seeds (seeds are very unhealthy). Blocks are hard, so they must grind their teeth as they eat.You should actually avoid pet store treats because they usually have very high sugar and fat content. This is probably why he likes it, but it is unhealthy as well. Here's a site demonstrating healthy treats, as well as bad foods http://www.hamsterhideout.com/feeding.html#treatsOnly cut his nails on two conditions, if they have grown so long that they are interfering with him being able to stand properly, and if he is calm and stands still for a while out of his cage. Most hamsters never need their nails clipped, they wear them down on their own. One way to ensure this is by adding a rough surface, such as a clean brick. He will climb on it, and trim his nails in the process. I would not even attempt something like that if he is generally active because it's very easy to cut a blood vessel. Otherwise, you can use plain nail clippers. Keep a product that stops bleeding handy. |
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Anna M
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 11:21 pm Post subject: |
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| 1. Get a different cage, or edible chew toys. They should work. Plastic cages work good (the ones with tubes and fun stuff.) But also try buying flavored chew toys or ones that aren't as hard. Toilet paper roll cardboard works good because it's easy. The sticks and wood are a bit more of a challenge, try the cardboard, or lighter more soft wood.2. It's just your imagination. He may not like to eat when you're watching him, but he will eventually eat before starving himself! Look at the food you're buying, my hamsters like the kind with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dried banana and fruit pieces. It's more flavorful. Don't give him too many treats, because it will spoil him and he will think he doesn't need to eat the plain food because you will just give him treats. And more importantly it will make him sick. Stop the treats until he starts eating the regular diet, then give him the serving suggestion once a day. He will eat before starving himself so don't worry, and try the kind I suggested.3. They make trimmers for pets. You can order them here : http://www.westcoastpetsupply.com/2/Super-Pet-Pro-nail-Trimmer-for-Small-Animals/or here http://www.petco.com/product/105557/Marshall-Ferret-Nail-Clippers.aspxThe ferret nail trimmers work the same. As for making him cooperate, he will need to get used to him. Hold him down and hold out his paw. To calm him, cover his eyes and CAREFULLY trim the nails, avoiding chopping off bits of skin, and leaving a little bit of nail to make sure of it. If you need glasses to do this, USE THEM! You may need another person to help you hold your little guy down. If he's biting, wear gloves, and don't let him squirm away until the job is done, to get him used to it. (Unless he's going PSYCHO!)I hope this helped, and good luck! |
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Hannah S
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 11:22 pm Post subject: |
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| 1. hampsters always will bite their enclosure. if you want to deter him, give min hard treats that have a strong scent to them, and will taste good.2. my rat hates when i give her new food. i offer it, and if she doesn't eat it, leave it and don't give him anything else. he'll get hungery, and he'll give in3. you cut his nails causiously. hold tightly, not to the death or anything, just so you can keep him under control. don't cut close to skin, just farther away. if you draw blood or he starts squeeking, stop. it hurts him.if you are successful at that, then you must be a good handler. he will bite at you. be informed. but don't cut them unless he can't walk well, or is having trouble holding his food.cut them like you would a human nail. clippers. |
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0 -I--<
Yahoo User
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| Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 11:52 pm Post subject: |
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| 1) Try those plastic cages with all the colorful tubes and stuff. 2)He HAS to start eating hamster food. You should only give them treats one in a while. You might want to try leaving the hamster food by itself for a few days and eventually he will get hungryand eat it (sorry i know it sounds mean).3)You shouldn't have to cut his nails unless they get too long and i would have a vet do it. |
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