Hamster & Gerbil Forage Scatter Mix

Forage mixes are popular in the hamster community because they encourage natural searching behavior. Scatter a pinch in the bedding or a dig box.

Use food-grade dried flowers and herbs only.

Why your hamster will love this

• Hours of foraging
• Natural, no dyes
• Great in dig boxes

Ingredient notes

• Dried chamomile flowers Safe

  Dried flowers to forage.

• Dried dandelion leaf

  Food-grade.

• Millet spray, broken up Safe

  A natural seed hamsters love.

• Dried mealworms Safe

  Good protein source.

See every ingredient in the safety guide

How to make Hamster & Gerbil Forage Scatter Mix

Hamster & Gerbil Forage Scatter Mix takes about 5 minutes from start to finish and makes 1 cup. It is an easy recipe. You will need a glass jar. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.

Ingredients and why they are here

You need 4 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for hamsters.

• 2 tbsp dried chamomile flowers: Dried flowers to forage.
• 2 tbsp dried dandelion leaf: Food-grade.
• 1 spray millet spray, broken up: A natural seed hamsters love.
• 1 tbsp dried mealworms: Good protein source.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Mix the herbs and flowers in a bowl.
2. Break the millet spray into short pieces and add.
3. Stir in the mealworms.
4. Store in a jar and scatter a pinch daily.

Tips for success

• Buy dried flowers from tea or herb shops, not craft stores.
• Scatter in different spots each day for variety.
• Put some in a cardboard tube stuffed with paper for a puzzle.

How to store it

Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 months. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.

How much to serve

A small pinch scattered daily.

Why hamsters love it

Hours of foraging. Natural, no dyes. Great in dig boxes.

Feeding tips for hamsters

Hamsters and gerbils have tiny stomachs, so even healthy foods should be served in small amounts. Check their hiding spots every few days, since they stash food in the bedding and fresh food can spoil there. Dwarf hamsters are prone to diabetes, so keep sugary fruit to a minimum. Fresh water should always be available in a bottle or bowl.

Make it ahead

To save time, measure and prep the ingredients the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. Label containers with the recipe name and date so you always know what to use first. Most of the work in this recipe is hands-off, so it fits easily around a busy week.

What to watch for

Watch for wet fur around the tail, which can mean a serious digestive illness called wet tail and needs a vet right away. Weight loss, overgrown teeth or a messy coat are also reasons to book an exotics vet. Remove any fresh food that has been stashed for more than a day.

Shopping list

Before you start, check that you have dried chamomile flowers, dried dandelion leaf, millet spray and dried mealworms. Most of it is at the grocery store; hay, pellets, feed and supplements are at pet or feed stores. Buy fresh produce close to the day you cook.

Serving ideas

Make a simple dig box from a shallow container filled with coconut fiber or play sand, then scatter the forage mix on top and stir it in. Most hamsters will dig through it for an hour, which is great exercise.

Safety notes

Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your hamster. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

What is a forage mix?

A blend of dried herbs, flowers and seeds scattered for hamsters to search for.

Is it a full diet?

No. Keep feeding pellets or lab blocks as the base.