Hamster: Your Happy Healthy Pet

by Betsy Sikora Siino

Overview

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 for
* Selecting and "furnishing" a home for your hamster
* Proper care and handling
* Keeping your pet stimulated and healthy
* Having fun with your curious little critter

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781620457849
Publisher:	Turner Publishing Company
Publication date:	12/18/2006
Series:	Your Happy Healthy Pet , #72
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	130
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.40(d)

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

The World of the Hamster     9
What Is a Hamster?     11
A Misunderstood Family     11
What Makes a Hamster a Rodent?     14
Types of Hamsters     16
Hamster History     21
The Source     21
Hamster Character     23
A Revolutionary Discovery     26
Hamsters in the Classroom     28
Hamster-Friendly Times     29
Why Have a Hamster?     31
Why Do We Love Them?     31
Golden or Dwarf?     34
Wanted: Responsible Owners     34
Caring for Your Hamster     37
Your Hamster's Home     38
Hamster Habitats     38
The Special Needs of Dwarf Hamsters     42
Where to Place Your Hamster's Habitat     42
How to Set Up Your Hamster's Home     44
Additional Supplies     45
Toys to Make a Hamster Happy     49
Choosing Your Hamster     52
Making Preparations     52
Where to Get Your New Pet     54
Choosing a Healthy Hamster     56
Welcoming Your New Pet Home     58
Day-to-Day Care and Handling     60
HouseholdUpkeep     60
Hamster Grooming     62
Gentle Hamster Handling     64
How to Tame Your New Companion     65
Feeding Your Hamster     68
Nutritional Needs     68
Safe and Nutritious Foods     74
How to Feed a Hamster     75
Keeping Your Hamster Healthy     79
Preventive Care     79
Hamster Warning Signs     80
Common Hamster Health Problems     82
How to Handle Wet Tail     86
Unexpected Pregnancy     90
When It's Time to Say Good-Bye     93
Enjoying Your Hamster     95
Your Hamster's Behavior     96
Hamster Highlights     96
Hamsters and Other Pets     102
The Great Escape Artist     102
Special Circumstances     104
How to Find a Hiding Hamster     105
Hamster Smarts     108
Having Fun with Your Hamster     110
Fun with Toys     110
Out and About     115
Caution! Hamsters Roaming     117
Sharing the Joy of Hamsters     118
Learning More About Your Hamster     121
A Few Good Books      121
Magazines     122
On the Internet     122
Index     124