[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 9, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 9CFR3.29]

[Page 62]
 
                  TITLE 9--ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS
 
  CHAPTER I--ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF 
                               AGRICULTURE
 
PART 3_STANDARDS--Table of Contents
 
 Subpart B_Specifications for the Humane Handling, Care, Treatment, and 
               Transportation of Guinea Pigs and Hamsters
 
Sec.  3.29  Feeding.

    (a) Guinea pigs and hamsters shall be fed each day except as 
otherwise might be required to provide adequate veterinary care. The 
food shall be free from contamination, wholesome, palatable and of 
sufficient quantity and nutritive value to meet the normal daily 
requirements for the condition and size of the guinea pig or hamster.
    (b) Food comprising the basic diet shall be at least equivalent in 
quality and content to pelleted rations produced commercially and 
commonly available from feed suppliers.
    (c) The basic diet of guinea pigs and hamsters may be supplemented 
with good quality fruits or vegetables consistent with their individual 
dietary requirements.
    (d) Food receptacles, if used, shall be accessible to all guinea 
pigs or hamsters in a primary enclosure and shall be located so as to 
minimize contamination by excreta. All food receptacles shall be kept 
clean and shall be sanitized at least once every 2 weeks. If self-
feeders are used for the feeding of pelleted feed, measures must be 
taken to prevent molding, deterioration or caking of the feed. Hamsters 
may be fed pelleted feed on the floor of a primary enclosure.
    (e) Fruit or vegetable food supplements may be placed upon the 
bedding within the primary enclosure: Provided, however, That the 
uneaten portion of such supplements and any bedding soiled as a result 
of such feeding practices shall be removed from the primary enclosure 
when such uneaten supplements accumulate or such bedding becomes soiled 
to a degree that might be harmful or uncomfortable to animals therein.