How to Feed a Hamster Sunflower Seeds

Hamsters love crunchy treats. The extra work it takes to crack and peel open a sunflower seed is no problem for the rodents. They love seeds of many varieties, and sunflowers are no exception. Hamsters can be seen at pet stores holding sunflower seeds in their two front paws and carefully opening and enjoying the meat of the seeds. If you offer plain, unsalted sunflower seeds as a treat to your pet hamster, you can expect to make a furry friend.

Things You'll Need

  • Sunflower seeds
  • Water
  • Hamster pellet food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose safe sunflower seeds for pets to eat. Select plain, unsalted sunflower seeds that have very little processing. Unshelled, organic seeds can be found in bulk bins at pet retail stores or health food markets. Leave the flavored and salted varieties on the shelf at the grocery store, or buy them to munch on yourself.

    • 2

      Soak sunflower seeds in water for a baby hamster. Soften the shell of the seed to make it easier for the animal to peel. Rather than offer sunflower seed meats, allow a baby hamster that is starting to eat pellet food learn how to open the shells.

    • 3

      Make the environment quiet. Turn off radios, televisions and other noisemakers. Create a calm, quiet environment to make the hamster feel comfortable to come out and explore. Feed the seeds in the evening, when the nocturnal pet is getting up and starting its day.

    • 4

      Offer sunflower seeds by hand. Stretch out your hand, palm up, and place a few whole sunflower seeds near the tips of your fingers. Extend your hand toward the entrance of the hamster's cage. Allow the hamster to approach your hand and sniff your fingers and the seeds. Keep still, letting the hamster take the seeds from you. Building trust, a friendship and filling the hamster's tummy are possible when hand-feeding sunflower seeds.

    • 5

      Add sunflower seeds to the hamster's daily diet. Mix a pinch of sunflower seeds into the hamster's daily bowl of pellet food. Limit the daily intake to three to five sunflower seeds. Overfeeding of sunflower seeds can lead to obesity in hamsters. Feed the seeds sparingly and offer other treats such as fresh fruits and vegetables.