Do you know your Syrian hamsters from your Skinny Pigs? Whether you own a hamster, rat, or guinea pig, this guide to everything rodent is packed with essential information from the usefulness of rodents in history to how to look after different kinds of rodents to other fascinating facts.

This is a single volume, comprehensive book sanctioned by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM), covering the rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, gerbil and other rodents often used in research. This well illustrated reference includes basic biology, anatomy, physiology, behavior, infectious and noninfectious diseases, husbandry and breeding, common experimental methods, and use of the species as a research model. It is a resource for advancements in the humane and responsible care of: rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, gerbil, chinchilla, deer mouse, kangaroo rat, cotton rat, sand rat, and degu Includes up-to-date, common experimental methods. Organized by species for easy access during bench research.

"Discusses the selection, housing, diet, handling, grooming, and health of a new hamster, gerbil, guinea pig, rabbit, ferret, mouse, or rat"--Provided by publisher.

Ever since hamsters arrived in the United States in the 1950s, they have topped the list as America’s favorite critter. Hailed as “the ultimate pocket pet,” hamsters are “small, cute, fuzzy, clean, and easy to care for,” in the words of author Virginia Parker Guidry. Filled with terrific color photographs, this Complete Care Made Easy Hamsters encapsulates all the virtues of these flawless little mammals and gives owners practical advice about how to better understand them and properly care for them. Deciding to add a hamster to one’s household is the subject of the chapter “The Right Choice,” which discusses the virtues of these easy-to-tame children’s pets and the commitment they require. The chapter “Locating a Healthy Hamster” offers solid advice about selecting the right pet, where to purchase or adopt, and whether two (or three) is better than one. Two complete chapters on the hamster’s homecoming offer the reader excellent advice about acclimating the new pet to the home, selecting the best cage, accessories, setting up the hamster’s habitat, and finding a good vet. In “Life with a Hamster,” the author discusses the hamster’s nocturnal nature, various physical behaviors, temperature requirements, handling, and basic husbandry. The hamster’s feeding requirements are discussed in “Dinnertime!” which outlines the ideal diet of dry mix, fresh foods, and occasional treats. Sidebars about common poisonous items, including certain people food and household productions, are requisite reading for all hamster keepers. Preventive care is discussed in the chapter “The Healthy Hamster,” along with common health concerns (such as colds, wet tail, abscesses, etc.) and breeding. The final chapter “Hamster Fun” explores games, toys, activities, and showing. The appendix includes lists of clubs, organizations, and websites. Glossary of terms and index included.

“Compact, easy-to-care-for, and a bundle of fun” is how author Virginia Parker Guidry describes the irresistible guinea pig. Ideal pets for families with children, cavies (as they’re often called) are clean, odorless, gentle, loving, and entertaining. This Complete Care Made Easy Guinea Pigs encapsulates all the virtues of these perfect small mammals and gives new owners practical advice about how to care for them. In chapter one, “A Guinea What?” the author talks about the guinea pig’s natural history—they’re neither pigs nor from Guinea, but rather a rodent from Peru—and how scientists classify this very unique mammal. To decide whether the guinea pig is right for you, chapter two discusses who makes the ideal owner and presents thirteen popular breeds of longhaired and shorthaired guinea pigs and the colors available to pet owners today. The chapter “Finding a Healthy Guinea Pig” offers solid advice about selecting the right guinea pig, where to purchase or adopt, and the preferred sex. A complete chapter on preparing for the guinea pig offers the reader excellent advice about acclimating the new pet to the home, selecting the best cage and hutch, and pig-proofing the home. The subject of understanding guinea pig behavior is discussed in the chapter “Living with a Guinea Pig,” which also covers daily-care topics such as feeding, grooming, handling, exercise, and litter box training. Keeping the guinea pig healthy is discussed in “Staying Healthy,” a chapter that covers preventing illness, choosing a veterinarian, and common ailments. The final chapter “Just for the Fun of It!” explores games, toys, activities, and showing guinea pigs. The appendix includes lists of pig-specific clubs, organizations, and websites. Glossary of terms and index included.

Featuring useful guidance throughout, this is the perfect guide for young guinea pig owners and those who are thinking of getting a pet guinea pig.

A complete practical guide to pet-keeping, covering all aspects of choosing and caring for kittens and cats, puppies and dogs, and popular small mammals. It includes rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils and jirds, chinchillas, rats and mice - plus birds, herptiles, invertebrates and fish. Each chapter features the most popular breeds in each species, based on general availability and suitability. Find out how to choose the best pet for your lifestyle plus practical tips on buying a pet; housing and exercise; foods for a balanced diet; pet health and what to do when your pet is sick. This is a perfect reference book on petcare for any owner. . Expert advice on choosing and buying a pet, the breeds, housing, feeding, handling, showing and health care. . Helpful information and fascinating insights about every aspect of caring for the most popular pet species. . How to select the right pet for your lifestyle, including choosing exotic species and the most suitable pets for young children and families. . Maintaining a pet's health, plus the equipment needed to house, feed and exercise pets correctly, and detailed advice on training, handling, showing and breeding pets.