Hamsters need a transition period when changing their food. When changing a hamster's food, a transition period is necessary. You can't replace all the old food with new food at once. Otherwise, the hamster may not adapt to the new food, which could cause indigestion or other health problems. The correct way is to gradually mix the new food with the old food and replace it proportionally, allowing the hamster to get used to the new food slowly. Usually, this process takes about a week. When the hamster eats the new food most of the time, you can consider the transition complete.
Specific Methods of Transitioning Food
- Gradual Replacement: Start with 5% new food and gradually increase the proportion to 20 - 30%, while gradually reducing the proportion of the old food. This process usually takes 1 - 2 weeks.
- Observe Reactions: During the transition period, closely monitor the hamster's eating and physical conditions to ensure it adapts to the new food.
- Mixed Feeding: During the process of mixed feeding of the old and new food, you can gradually reduce the proportion of the old food according to the hamster's acceptance until the new food completely replaces the old one.
Precautions for Changing Hamster Food
- Avoid Sudden Changes: Suddenly changing the hamster's diet may lead to problems such as indigestion and diarrhea.
- Choose High - Quality Ingredients: Ensure that the quality and nutritional components of the new food are similar to those of the old food to meet the hamster's nutritional needs.
- Diversify Feeding: To prevent picky eating, you can try diversified feeding methods. Mix various types of hamster food and give some snacks and nutritional supplements at the right time.