Author: Vivian Whiskerson

TL;DR Summary Yes, hamsters can eat pasta in moderation. Both cooked and uncooked pasta are safe when plain and unseasoned. Pasta provides carbohydrates for energy but lacks essential nutrients, so it should only be an occasional treat. Offer small portions, about the size of a fingernail, once or twice a week. Always monitor your hamster…

TL;DR Summary If your hamster’s eyes are closed, it could be due to normal sleep habits, as these creatures are often active at night and rest during the day. However, if they’re keeping their eyes shut during their usual active hours, it could signal health issues like eye infections, irritation from dust or bedding, allergies,…

TL;DR Summary Covering your hamster’s cage during the day can help mimic the dark, quiet environment they naturally seek for sleep. However, it’s important to ensure the cover is made of breathable material to allow for proper ventilation and to prevent overheating. A partial cover may be best to provide both shade and air flow….

TL;DR Summary Hamsters do not intentionally harm themselves. The misconception that they can engage in self-harm arises from misinterpreting their natural behaviors or responses to stress, inadequate living conditions, or illness. It’s crucial to provide hamsters with a spacious and enriching environment, understand their solitary nature, and ensure they have proper nutrition and exercise. Recognizing…

TL;DR Summary No, hamsters and gerbils should not live together. Despite both being small rodents, hamsters and gerbils have very different social behaviors, dietary needs, and communication styles, which make cohabitation risky and potentially harmful to both animals. Hamsters are solitary and territorial, preferring to live alone, whereas gerbils are social creatures that thrive in…

TL;DR Summary Yes, hamsters can eat parsley, but it should be given in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Parsley is nutritionally beneficial, offering vitamins and minerals that can support a hamster’s health, such as vitamin A, C, and K, along with iron and calcium. However, it’s important to introduce parsley slowly to avoid…

TL;DR Summary Yes, hamsters can eat sunflower seeds, but they should be given in moderation due to their high-fat content. Sunflower seeds are nutritious, offering proteins, vitamins E and B, and minerals beneficial to hamsters, but overfeeding can lead to obesity and nutritional imbalances. Treat your hamster to a couple of seeds every other day,…

TL;DR Summary No, hamsters cannot intentionally make their eyes fall out. However, they can suffer from a condition known as eye proptosis, where the eye may bulge or protrude abnormally, which can sometimes lead to the eye becoming dislodged from the socket due to severe trauma or pressure from underlying health issues. It’s a rare…

TL;DR Summary Hamsters can technically eat watermelon rind, but it’s not straightforward. If you choose to give your hamster watermelon rind, it must be organic, thoroughly washed, and the hard green outer layer removed. Serve only the white part in tiny, hamster-bite-sized pieces and in extreme moderation—no more than once a week and in very…

TL;DR Summary Yes, hamsters can enjoy mango as an occasional treat, but it must be offered in moderation due to its high sugar content. A small cube (no larger than a cubic centimeter) every couple of weeks is sufficient. Always ensure the mango is fresh, properly washed, and peeled to avoid any health risks. Introduce…