Protein for older hamsters

[Lovelyness]

Am I right in saying that hamsters over the age of 18 months require less protein? Blossom will be 18 months old next month. She currently has a nugget of Science Selective to supplement her food each day. I’m thinking that at the end of next month I should be dropping this

 

[Socks' Mum]

She is a very active hammy though. I would offer it to her if she continues to enjoy it. SS has other things in it which are beneficial. I don't think it would do any harm.

 

[Maz]

It depends what her regular mix is really but a nugget of Science Selective daily will do no harm if she enjoys it

The main thing is that the protein level is less crucial to be high enough when they're older. Whereas it's more crucial in the first year of life. Too much protein can be bad for their kidneys as they get older but we're talking about high levels there, not average levels.

 

[Lovelyness]

Ah OK she would most likely notice it were missing and squeak at me lol Her regular food is Harry Hamster mixed with a more seed based food which came with her from the pet shop when I first got her. It's a blend that seems to suit her. Just didn't want to overdo the protein and cause her problems.

 

[Maz]

The seed based mix from the shop might not have the best quality ingredients. Do you think she'd just notice if it was Harry Hamster and science selective?

 

[Lovelyness]

It's why I added the SS...yes, I'm sure she would notice the difference. HH is much more biscuit based. Tbh, this is what she's had all along, and she's 17 months old now and doing really well, so I'm not going to change it now. Besides which, you know what she's like...she'd know!!

 

[Hank]

I still give Jas a couple of SS pellets, alongside her HH mix, she doesn't always take them. I have started to give a tiny bit of baby food each day as a treat and Jas really likes that. She will be 2 in a couple of days.

 

[Lovelyness]

That’s useful to know. I think Blossom always eats them…I have never seen any in her stash. I will keep on giving them to her I think