Synopses & Reviews
The authoritative information and advice you need, illustrated throughout with full-color photographs--now revised and redesigned to be even more reader-friendly!
Alert and active (especially in the evening), hamsters are fascinating and fun. Your hamster will probably fit in the palm of your hand and with gentle, regular handling will quickly begin to love playtime. Hamsters are easy to tame and care for. This guide helps you do it right with advice on: Types of hamsters and characteristics to look forSelecting and ""furnishing"" a home for your hamsterProper care and handlingKeeping your pet stimulated and healthyHaving fun with your curious little critter
Synopsis
An affordable full-color guide to these popular pets
Hamsters have a wide appeal because of their affordability, small size, cuddly appearance, good hygiene, and entertaining antics. Cute, quiet, and zany, they re ideal for apartment dwellers and make great first pets for children. This guide helps readers make their hamster at home with information on choosing a healthy hamster, preparing a safe, interesting habitat, and providing toys, exercise equipment, and bedding material. It covers all aspects of hamster care, including feeding, grooming, handling and socializing the critter, and more.
Betsy Sikora Siino (Orchard Park, NY) is an award-winning writer who has covered animals as diverse as birds and wolves. She is a regular contributor to Dog Fancy and Horse Illustrated magazines and the author of The Essential Hamster (1-58245-076-5).
About the Author
BETSY SIKORA SIINO is an award-winning author. She is a regular contributor to ""Dog Fancy"" and ""Horse Illustrated"" magazines, and is the author of ""Happy Healthy Pet"" books on the gerbil and the Siberian husky.
Table of Contents
Part I: The World of the Hamster.Chapter 1: What Is a Hamster?
A Misunderstood Family.
What Makes a Hamster a Rodent?
Types of Hamsters.
Chapter 2: Hamster History.
The Source.
Hamster Character.
A Revolutionary Discovery.
Hamsters in the Classroom.
Hamster-Friendly Times.
Chapter 3: Why Have a Hamster?
Why Do We Love Them?
Golden or Dwarf?
Wanted: Responsible Owners.
Part II: Caring for Your Hamster.
Chapter 4: Your Hamster’s Home.
Hamster Habitats.
The Special Needs of Dwarf Hamsters.
Where to Place Your Hamster’s Habitat.
How to Set Up Your Hamster’s Home.
Additional Supplies.
Toys to Make a Hamster Happy.
Chapter 5: Choosing Your Hamster.
Making Preparations.
Where to Get Your New Pet.
Choosing a Healthy Hamster.
Welcoming Your New Pet Home.
Chapter 6: Day-to-Day Care and Handling.
Household Upkeep.
Hamster Grooming.
Gentle Hamster Handling.
How to Tame Your New Companion.
Chapter 7: Feeding Your Hamster.
Nutritional Needs.
Safe and Nutritious Foods.
How to Feed a Hamster.
Chapter 8: Keeping Your Hamster Healthy.
Preventive Care.
Hamster Warning Signs.
Common Hamster Health Problems.
How to Handle Wet Tail.
Unexpected Pregnancy.
When It’s Time to Say Good-Bye.
Part III: Enjoying Your Hamster.
Chapter 9: Your Hamster’s Behavior.
Hamster Highlights.
Hamsters and Other Pets.
The Great Escape Artist.
Special Circumstances.
How to Find a Hiding Hamster.
Hamster Smarts.
Chapter 10: Having Fun with Your Hamster.
Fun with Toys.
Out and About.
Caution! Hamsters Roaming.
Sharing the Joy of Hamsters.
Appendix: Learning More About Your Hamster.
A Few Good Books.
Magazines.
On the Internet.
Index.