Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep our little haystacks from sticking!
Prepare the Hay: If you haven't done so already, chop or grind the Timothy hay into fine pieces. You want it to mix well with the other ingredients.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped hay, oat flour, rolled oats, and ground flaxseed. Give it a good stir so everything is well distributed.
Add Carrot and Honey: Stir in the grated carrot. Then, add the honey. The honey helps bind everything together and adds a touch of natural sweetness.
Mix Wet Ingredients:Add the water and coconut oil (if using) to the mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but not too wet. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more water, one teaspoon at a time.
Form the Pellets: Scoop out small amounts of the mixture and form them into little haystack shapes or small pellets. You can make them any size you like, but aim for bite-sized pieces that are easy for your hamster to handle.
Bake: Place the haystacks on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are dry and slightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
Cool Down: Once baked, remove the haystacks from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. They will harden as they cool, becoming the perfect crunchy treat.
Serve:Offer a couple of these delightful Wholesome Haystack Pellets to your hamster and watch their little eyes light up with joy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to two weeks.