Hamsters are excellent house pets with good-natured personalities. They don’t mind being handled and are often friendly and responsive to their owners. Hamsters are relatively easy to maintain and make gentle companions for children. This book offers practical advice for hamster selection and care, as well as information about behavior, learning capabilities, and preventative health care.
Different Types of Hamsters
The Syrian Golden Hamster is the most popular breed, sporting reddish-golden fur and large, black eyes. Russian Hamsters generally have white fur with dark markings, and become tame very quickly. Teddy Hamsters can be short- or long-haired and are easily kept with other good-natured hamster species. Golden Hamsters make good pets for beginners, since they are the most hardy species. It is important to research different species before making a selection.
Daily Hamster Care
Hamsters need free space for daily exercise. If not provided with variety in their equipment and activities, they can become dull and apathetic. Hamsters should be handled daily so they will become tame, but there are guidelines to follow when handling them. Never pull the hamster out of a deep sleep, press it hard, or squeeze it. Children should be supervised at all times when handling hamsters. Offering proper nutrition is vital for hamster care; commercial foods are a staple, and fresh fruits and vegetables can be given as well.
Hamster Behavior
Hamsters generally spend a lot of time grooming. Grooming helps them to maintain their coats, and they must never be disturbed when cleaning themselves. A peculiar behavior of hamsters is hoarding. Hamsters stockpile food, which is a behavior they exhibit in the wild, for times when food is scarce. This book offers information about how hamsters communicate and how they learn. For example, hamsters learn to know their caregiver very well and imprint his or her scent.
Preventative Health Care
The author states that “about 80 percent of all small animals’ visits to a veterinarian result from improper maintenance conditions.” Problems that can lead to poor health include an unbalanced diet, damp litter, and a lack of facilities for climbing and digging. Possible hazards for the hamster include leaving them on chairs or sofas (where they can be crushed), falling from high places, and being crushed in doors. It is important to supervise them carefully at all times and be aware of potential dangers.
Become Educated about Hamsters Before Buying
There are many other books about hamsters that offer practical advice for the new pet owner. It is always a good idea to learn about the characteristics of a potential pet before buying. Try Proper Care of Hamsters by Marianne Mays, Hamsters: First Pet Series by Kate Petty, and The Hamster: An Owner’s Guide to a Happy, Healthy Pet by Betsy S. Siino.
Kristi McCabe - Kristi is a former editor and teacher who now takes great pride in being a stay-at-home mother. She is the queen of her domain, and ...
