Dwarf Hamsters (Complete Pet Owner's Manual)

Phillip T. Robinson, MS, DVM, DACZM

Director, VeterinaryReview.com


Hamsers Revealed!   April 26, 2005
Mid-Prairie Teen
14 out of 14 found this review helpful

I have always loved animals, and when I first bought my adorable Siberian Dwarf hamsters, it w as no exception. But sometimes people need a little help every once and a while.

There were many things I didn't know before reading this book. My mother and I looked up information on the internet, but the websites kept contradicting themselves and other sites, which only lead us in circle after circle. When the opportunity came at school to order any book that we wanted, I found this one and chose it.

Dwarf Hamsters: The complete pet owner's manual was one of the most informative reading materials on hamsters that I've ever read. It explained in great detail how to house, feed, play with, and raise hamsters. They gave great examples to go along with these explanations, as well as gorgeous pictures of the animals in question. I liked that part of the book, since many of the pictured hamsters looked much like mine. All sixteen of them!

This book also gave good histories on the hamster species. I liked the tables that listed their scientific names, origin, life span, and appearance. It explained where they came from also and how they act in the wild. That also helps, in case owners need to prepare for instinctive behavior.

I liked the pictures of the pups (infant hamsters) also. I enjoy when my female hamsters have babies, and it is so fun to watch them grow up and develop into the adults I own today. The pictures accurately captured what they look like and do at certain ages, and the text gave good tips on what to do when your hamster has pups. Any first-time raiser of pups should follow what is written in this book, even thought it may seem wrong to do otherwise.

One thing I did not like about this book is the fact that the authors didn't focus on the Siberian Dwarf Hamsters enough. Most of the information about the species was for the Chinese and Roborovskii hamsters. The book could have used more information on the Siberians, but much of the information could go for them as well as the Chinese or Roborovskii hamsters.

This book gave nice tips on how to communicate with your hamster when you first purchase it, and as it continues to reside with the owner. For example, they state ways to pick up your little pocket pet in a way that won't startle it. They say to hold it at least a few minutes every day, so that the hamster can get used to your smell and won't be as jittery around you. Another important communication subject this book talks about is how to differentiate a healthy hamster from an ill one. To me, that is one of the most important things to know when keeping these pets.

All around, this book is a wonderful source of information for first-time raisers and seasoned raisers alike. I would suggest this book to anyone interested in hamsters of all species!



Dwarf hamsters   August 20, 2001
miss r r hughes (Bristol, North Somerset United Kingdom)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

This book is well written and ideal for new and experienced pet keepers alike. I have kept hamsters for 14 years and I found lots of helpful hints in this book, the section 'understanding your hamster' makes for an enlightened read. I can't recommend this book highly enough.


The best Dwarf Hamster book available!   October 28, 2000
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

I've read several dwarf hamster books but this is the one I keep coming back to for a reference, and for fun. The author is knowledgable and offers lots of good info on these little creatures.


Hamsters Rule   September 25, 2000
W. Han
6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Hamsters are without a shout of a doubt my favorite animal of all time, and this book gives you so much information on this specific breed of hamster. With high-res pictures and easy to comprehend material, this book is very delightful. Get it if you love hamsters!