What Size CC Syringe Do You Use to Feed a Hamster?

Like any pet, a hamster may develop a health problem that its owner needs to address. This can occur in the rodent's youth, if the hamster and its litter were orphaned, or later in adult life if it becomes infected with a disease. Knowing the right tools to feed your hamster with, including the syringe size, is crucial to nursing your pet back to health in its time of need.

  1. Syringes for Babies

    • If a litter of baby hamster lose their mother -- either to death or abandonment -- it's vital to give the pups food and nutrition. You should first try to find a surrogate hamster mother, who has had a litter of her own a few days after this litter was born and who will be able to naturally feed the pups. If a surrogate mother isn't available, the baby hamsters must be constantly fed with a 0.5 cc syringe or eye dropper.

    What to Feed Babies

    • Baby hamsters should be fed a milk replacement called KMR. This substance is sold at pet stores. It's typically marketed for kittens, although it can be used to feed baby hamsters, too. If you're not able to find KMR, buy baby formula and mix as directed, or mix 50 percent evaporated milk with 50 percent warm water. Give pups that are 12 days old or younger three drops of the formula from the syringe every hour around the clock. Baby hamsters 13 days and older should be fed the full 0.5 cc syringe every two to three hours until they are 21 days old and are able to eat solid foods.

    Syringes for Adults

    • Adult hamsters may stop eating for a number of reasons, including a common disease called wet tail. This bacterial infection is often caused by stress and an unbalanced diet, and is characterized by a wet-looking backside, lethargy and lack of appetite. If your hamster is sick with wet tail or another problem, take the hamster to a veterinarian. You can also give the rodent some needed nutrition using a 0.5 or 1 cc syringe or eyedropper.

    What to Feed Adults

    • Adult hamsters that need assistance eating should be fed liquified vegetables and hamster food. Blend these foods together to until they are liquified enough to fit in the syringe. Otherwise, purchase some baby food to feed the rodent. Mix in any medications prescribed by the veterinarian as directed. Never squirt the food into the hamster's mouth. Instead, slowly place one drop at a time around its mouth until the animal swallows the food on its own.