TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Foreword 1
  • Acknowledgments 2
  • Table of Contents 4
  • Part 1 – Meet the Dwarf Hamster 12
  • How Do Hamsters Differ from Rats and Mice? 13
  • Why Choose a Dwarf Hamster? 14
  • History of the Dwarf Hamster 15
  • Chinese 15
  • Roborovski Dwarf 16
  • Russian Dwarf Hamsters 18
  • Winter White Hamsters 19
  • Campbell’s Dwarf Hamsters 20
  • General Physical Characteristics of Dwarf Hamsters 23
  • Vision 23
  • Hearing 24
  • Smell 24
  • Determining Gender 25
  • Personality and Behavior 25
  • Male or Female? One of Two? 26
  • With Children? 26
  • With Other Pets? 28
  • Dwarf Hamsters and Allergies 28
  • Dwarf Hamsters Are Clean 29
  • Pros and Cons of Owning Dwarf Hamsters 29
  • Part 2 – Buying a Dwarf Hamster 32
  • Is a Dwarf Hamster the Pet for You? 32
  • What is a normal day for you? 32
  • Do you have children? 32
  • Can you afford to purchase the following items? 33
  • Do you realize your hamsters need attention? 34
  • Finally, do you live in Hawaii? 34
  • How to Tell if a Hamster is Healthy 34
  • What is the hamster’s overall body condition? 35
  • What is the hamster’s attitude? 35
  • How does the animal’s coat look? 35
  • How does the hamster’s face look? 35
  • Can you get a look at the hamster’s teeth? 36
  • Is the breathing quiet? 36
  • How does the hamster move while playing? 36
  • What is the hamster’s reaction to people? 36
  • Assess the living conditions. 37
  • If possible, work with a breeder. 37
  • Transporting Your Dwarf Hamster 38
  • The Transition to a New Home 38
  • Where to Buy Your Dwarf Hamster 39
  • Part 3 – Caring for Your Dwarf Hamster 42
  • Designing a Home for Your Pet 42
  • Habitrails 43
  • Habitat Placement 44
  • Travel Box 44
  • Selecting a Substrate 46
  • Wood Shavings 46
  • Other Materials 46
  • Include a Sandbox 47
  • Nesting Material 47
  • Temperature and Lighting 48
  • Humidity 49
  • Cage Maintenance 49
  • Weekly 49
  • Monthly 50
  • Dealing with Plastic 50
  • Diet and Nutrition 50
  • Basic Required Nutrition 50
  • Commercial Diets 51
  • Treats 53
  • Grains and Seeds 54
  • Vegetables 55
  • Fruit 56
  • Other Types of Treats 57
  • Foods to Avoid 57
  • Hydration 58
  • Training and Socialization 59
  • Be Patient in the Beginning 59
  • Habitat Location is Crucial 60
  • Beginning the Taming Process 61
  • Overview of Training Tips 63
  • Handling Tips 64
  • Part 4 – Dwarf Hamster Health 66
  • Recognizing the Signs of Illness 66
  • The Eyes 67
  • The Nose 67
  • Skin and Fur 68
  • Teeth 68
  • Urine 68
  • Nails 69
  • Anal and Genital Region 69
  • Working with a Veterinarian 70
  • Keep a First Aid Kit on Hand 70
  • Medical Problems in Hamsters 71
  • Hibernation 72
  • Mange 73
  • Wet Tail 74
  • Growths and Lesions 74
  • Abscesses 74
  • Cysts 75
  • Cancer 75
  • Urinary and Digestive Issues 76
  • Bladder Stones 76
  • Constipation 76
  • Diarrhea 77
  • Eye Conditions 77
  • Cataracts 78
  • Glaucoma 79
  • Metabolic Disorders 79
  • Amyloidosis 79
  • Diabetes 80
  • Seizures or Paralysis 80
  • Clonic Seizures 81
  • Paralysis 81
  • Disorders of the Reproductive Organs 81
  • Penile Plug 82
  • Pyometra 82
  • A Final Note on Diseases 82
  • Dispensing Medications to Your Pet 83
  • Part 5 – Breeding Dwarf Hamsters 84
  • Selecting a Breeding Pair 84
  • Facilitating Breeding 86
  • Separate Enclosures in Close Proximity 86
  • Introducing the Breeding Pair 87
  • Caring for a Pregnant Female 87
  • Do Not Interfere with the Birth 88
  • Raising Dwarf Hamster Pups 89
  • Orphan Hamster Pups 90
  • To Breed or Not to Breed? 91
  • Part 6 – Frequently Asked Questions 94
  • Just how small is a Dwarf Hamster? 94
  • How long do Dwarf Hamsters live? 94
  • Are Dwarf Hamsters good pets for children? 94
  • Do I need to give my hamster a bath? 95
  • Why do Dwarf Hamsters need chew toys? 95
  • Why is it bad to wake a hamster up during the day? 95
  • Are Campbell hamsters susceptible to diabetes? 96
  • Should I get one hamster or two? 96
  • How can I tell if one of my hamsters is pregnant? 97
  • What do I do if my hamster escapes? 97
  • My hamster eats his excrement, should I be concerned? 98
  • Why should my Dwarf Hamster live in an aquarium? 98
  • Are wire cages absolutely out? 98
  • How often should I clean my hamster’s cage? 99
  • Do Dwarf Hamsters smell? 99
  • Are Dwarf Hamsters hypoallergenic? 99
  • Will my dog or cat bother my Dwarf Hamsters? 100
  • Afterword 102
  • Appendix 1 – Dwarf Hamster Breeders 104
  • Canada 104
  • United States 104
  • United Kingdom 105
  • Relevant Websites 108
  • Glossary 110
  • Index 118
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