Hamsters are extraordinarily standard pets on account of their small dimension and low upkeep wants. Nonetheless, many animal lovers are unfamiliar with how one can correctly take care of hamsters, particularly concerning their diet and food regimen.
One widespread query that sparks curiosity amongst animal lovers and hamster house owners is: Can hamsters drink milk?
As hamsters are mammals, they will technically drink milk, however it’s not probably the most appropriate drink for these rodents, as consuming it after a sure age might trigger a number of well being dangers.
On this article, we speak in regards to the potential dangers related to hamsters consuming milk and extra.
Ought to Hamsters Drink Milk? Is It Good for Them?
After delivery, child hamsters strictly feed on their mom’s milk as the principle supply of vitamins. Throughout this era, child hamsters can simply digest lactose. Nonetheless, as they develop and change into weaned, many hamsters lose the power to digest lactose, resulting in lactose intolerance.
Whereas milk just isn’t poisonous to those rodents, consuming it at an grownup age might trigger a number of well being dangers. Since grownup hamsters have difficulties digesting lactose, their our bodies can react poorly to exploit, resulting in diarrhea and abdomen upset.
One other challenge related with hamsters consuming milk is the potential of the milk getting spoiled or spilling in your hamster’s cage, resulting in germ and micro organism formation, which might simply make your hamster sick.
Hamsters ought to solely drink milk once they’re nonetheless infants, and it ought to solely be from their mom. After they’ve grown, it’s finest for hamsters to not drink milk.
Doable Dangers Related With Hamsters Consuming Milk
1. Digestive Upset
One of many greatest well being dangers related to hamsters consuming milk is digestive upset. Generally, consuming milk can lead to diarrhea, stomach upset, and abdominal pain.
If persistent, the diarrhea might ultimately trigger extra well being troubles, similar to dehydration, which is why it’s finest to maintain milk out of your hamster’s food regimen. Hamster’s are significantly prone to the consequences of diarrhea, so something that might upset their tummies must be prevented.
2. Dietary Imbalance
Hamsters are small creatures, and even the slightest dietary modifications might have a big effect on them. Consuming milk might result in a dietary imbalance, which might additional injury their well being and trigger extra issues.
Which Drink Is Appropriate for Hamsters?
The one fluid that hamsters need to intake daily is water. It’s important for correct physique functioning and general well-being, which is why your hamster ought to have fixed entry to contemporary consuming water.
There’s no want to supply some other drinks or fluids to your pet hamster.
Are There Any Options for Milk That Hamsters Can Eat?
Some folks would possibly wish to provide milk to their hamsters as a technique to spruce up their food regimen and have them consumption varied minerals and nutritional vitamins. Nonetheless, since consuming milk might trigger digestive upset in your hamster, it’s higher to search for safer options.
These things provide loads of the minerals and nutritional vitamins that your hamster wants for correct growth:
Last Ideas
Hamsters can drink milk as a result of they’re mammals and consume milk after birth. Nonetheless, as they mature, most hamsters lose their means to digest lactose, making them lactose illiberal.
Subsequently, solely child hamsters ought to drink milk, and solely from their mom. Grownup hamsters would do finest with out milk of their life stage and will drink water as a substitute.
Featured Picture Credit score: NataliaPopova, Shutterstock
