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Many people relate guinea pigs and hamsters to each other because they are both parts of the larger rodent order. If you owned a guinea pig at the same time as a hamster or before, then you might wonder if hamsters need hay like a guinea pig.
Although there are many hamster toys and objects for a hamster enclosure made from hay, is it safe for them to eat? In brief, yes, but what else, if anything, do they typically do with it?
Can Hamsters Eat Hay?
The short answer is yes. Hamsters can eat hay, but they don’t need it like guinea pigs do. This is because while guinea pigs are herbivores and hindgut fermenters that require large amounts of fiber in their diet, your hamster is an omnivore. This means that while hamsters can get a few nutritional benefits from eating hay, their diet will not be much more balanced if they eat it.
Hamsters get some nutritional benefits from eating hay, although their diet will not be much more balanced if they eat it.
Some hamsters will chew hay instead of eating it. They will not swallow, so the fibrous materials will help file down their teeth. They will do a similar thing with wood in their cage, which works better, anyway.
Some hamsters simply do not like the taste of hay. If that’s the case, they won’t give it a second look after trying it for the first time.
Nutritional Benefits of Hay for Your Hamster
Hay doesn’t have many nutrients left in it, since most of them were chemically broken down during the drying process. The most significant aid that hay gives your hamster is a healthier digestive tract. It helps them maintain a good flow because it is so fibrous.
By supporting digestion, hay can contribute to a hamster’s overall well-being. While not essential to their diet, hay offers fiber that may help promote gut motility and encourage natural foraging and chewing behaviors. This can aid in preventing boredom and may indirectly support a healthy weight when used as a low-calorie alternative to high-fat or sugary treats.
Types of Hay That Your Hamsters Can Eat
Hamsters can eat most hay types, although it is typically best to stick to the more common varieties. They can safely eat timothy hay, clover, alfalfa, and orchard grasses. Hamsters can eat Timothy hay as a good source of fiber and a low source of calcium, both beneficial for their digestion and general well-being. Although some hamsters might like alfalfa, Timothy hay is a better choice for everyday feeding, particularly for adult hamsters, because alfalfa has more calcium and protein, which can be excessive for adult hamsters and may contribute to urinary issues or weight gain if fed regularly.
Hay is safe enough that there is no maximum quantity that your hamster should eat during the day. Feel free to leave a small bundle in their enclosure that they can pick on whenever they want.
Hay is safe for hamsters, and you can leave a small bundle in their enclosure for them to forage, chew, or use for nesting. Although there isn’t a maximum amount, hay should be considered supplemental enrichment rather than a main food source to ensure they still consume a balanced diet.
Potential Dangers of Hay for Hamsters
Hay is generally considered a safe and healthy food and enrichment item for hamsters. However, some potential dangers exist, which can usually be avoided by choosing hay carefully and handling it properly.
Since hay can be dusty, it is best to air it out for your hamster before putting it in their cage. The hay won’t hurt them, but too much stirred-up dust could cause them to have breathing problems. This is more likely to happen with low-quality hay. Moldy hay is also a risk to their respiratory health.
Stalky or coarse hay can scratch eyes or irritate skin, especially when used for bedding or burrowing. Softer options such as orchard grass or finely chopped Timothy hay are less likely to cause these issues.
Hay not certified safe for small pets could have harmful residues. It is important to ensure you only provide hay that is free of pesticides, herbicides, and artificial preservatives.
Although this is unlikely, it may happen in rare cases, so keep a close eye to ensure hay is not consumed in large amounts by your hamster. This can not only result in digestive issues but may also prevent your hamster from consuming a complete and balanced diet for their species. After all, they are not herbivores but omnivores.
Summary
If you see your hamster using the hay as a source of bedding instead of chewing it up or eating it, don’t be surprised. Hamsters like to use anything that they deem soft and comfortable for their beds and nests. They will collect all kinds of things, and putting hay in as a bedding supplement encourages them to forage, strengthening their instincts naturally.
Hay is generally safe for your hamsters as long as it is aired out, pesticide-free, not moldy, and not covered in dust. It is best to get it from a pet producer and not take it from a farm, since you can never be sure what chemicals have been used in its production.
Whether or not your hamsters like the taste of hay, they are bound to use it for something. Test multiple types out to find their favorites.
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Featured Image Credit: congerdesign, Pixabay
