Customer Reviews

Dwarf Hamsters (Barron's Complete Pet Owner's Manuals)

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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 -A Complete Pet Owner's Manual- by Dr. Sharon Vanderlip, provides all of the essential information required to select, purchase, understand and care for this interesting group of pocket pets. The organization is clean and easy to use as a reference. Well-structured, readable tables present information on their taxonomy, biology, health care, reproduction and genetics. It is filled with good photos and illustrations. Of particular value to hamster owners, and veterinarians alike, is the advice given on how to gather the proper information and observations that will be necessary if a pet owner needs to seek veterinary care for their dwarf hamster. This compact, but information packed, book will be useful not only to pet owners, but for anyone involved with the housing and care of these species. It is an extraordinary value and written to be appreciated by first time hamster caregivers, pet fanciers, and by veterinarians.

Phillip T. Robinson, MS, DVM, DACZM

Director, VeterinaryReview.com

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.

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!

This book is absolutely fantastic. Every concern you could have about your dwarf hamsters is covered. Excellent pictures, descriptions, and information.

Dwarf Hamsters -A Complete Pet Owner's Manual- by Dr. Sharon Vanderlip, provides all of the essential information required to select, purchase, understand and care for this interesting group of pocket pets. The organization is clean and easy to use as a reference. Well-structured, readable tables present information on their taxonomy, biology, health care, reproduction and genetics. It is filled with good photos and illustrations. Of particular value to hamster owners, and veterinarians alike, is the advice given on how to gather the proper information and observations that will be necessary if a pet owner needs to seek veterinary care for their dwarf hamster. This compact, but information packed, book will be useful not only to pet owners, but for anyone involved with the housing and care of these species. It is an extraordinary value and written to be appreciated by first time hamster caregivers, pet fanciers, and by veterinarians.

Phillip T. Robinson, MS, DVM, DACZM

Director, VeterinaryReview.com

Very informative book on dwarf hamsters. Wife and daughter both thought it was a very good book to start out with. What information it didn't have we found online. Overall they like it very much.

This book was an great resource for my dwarf hamster and helped me learn all I need to know about taking care of it. I totally recommend this book.

Imformative little book, I bought it for my 9 year old daughter to know what she should & should not do. Very easy to follow format.

When I first adopted 3 female dwarf hamsters I bought this book. I'm glad I did too because I ended up with 2 females and 1 male. Needless to say I had babies!! As a nervous first time hamster mommy I referred to this book a lot. Glad I bought it! There may be better out there but this worked for me.