The Common Hamster is a fascinating species that differs from other hibernating small mammals in several aspects. Females have up to three litters per season and under favourable conditions both males and females are sexually mature in their first year. The ability to cache food changes the need for fattening prior to hibernation and consequently can alter the pattern of reproductive activity. The Common Hamster has lived in agricultural areas in close association with humans for centuries. During the last few decades, the loss of suitable habitats and modern agriculture technology have brought the species close to extinction in many areas. It has thus been listed as a highly threatened species in several European countries. Preventative measures require detailed knowledge about the biology of the species and a "hamster-friendly" management scheme in agricultural areas. In this volume, contributions made at the 13th Meeting of the International Hamster Workgroup have been summarized. Studies investigating burrow architecture, population dynamics, predation pressure, life span and reproductive activity underline the environmental flexibility of the species. The results of conservation programs are presented and discussed. Reports of breeding regimes with selected light-dark-cycles that can be used to optimize reproductive output and may benefit reintroduction projects have also been included. Generally the presented results should help broaden our knowledge about the Common Hamster and promote international networks to plan, implement, coordinate and evaluate management programs.

Providing accurate, at-a-glance information on managing the diseases of birds and exotic pets, Clinical Veterinary Advisor: Birds and Exotic Pets is the only comprehensive resource on the market covering birds, reptiles, small mammals, and other non-traditional pets. Concise summaries of hundreds of common medical problems help you consider differential diagnoses, recommend diagnostic tests, interpret results mindful of unique species differences, utilize important concepts of species-specific husbandry and nutrition, prescribe treatments, and provide follow-up care. With contributions from recognized avian and exotics experts and edited by Jörg Mayer and Thomas M. Donnelly, this clinical reference provides all the information you need in one book! Six-books-in-one format includes six separate sections: Diseases and Disorders, Procedures and Techniques, Differential Diagnosis, Laboratory Tests, Clinical Algorithms, and Zoonoses. In-depth, cutting-edge coverage includes all exotic species - birds, reptiles, pocket pets, amphibians, and fish - in one comprehensive resource. Concise summaries feature a definition of each problem, epidemiology, physical findings and clinical presentation, etiology, differential diagnosis, diagnostic workup (such as laboratory tests and imaging studies), treatment, prognosis and patient follow-up, zoonotic potential, and references. Diagnostic and treatment algorithms provide easy-to-follow, step-by-step guidance to clinical assessment and treatment planning. A companion website includes the complete text from the book, making the entire contents fully searchable, along with 250 full-color illustrations, client handouts, and the ability to print out any pages.

Exotic Animal Laboratory Diagnosis is a practical, user-friendly guide to diagnostic testing in a wide range of exotic species. Offers complete information on obtaining samples, performing tests, and interpreting laboratory results in exotic animals Presents information on each species using a similar format for easy access Emphasizes details on clinical biochemistries, urinalysis, and common laboratory diagnostic tests not found in other resources Draws together information on selecting, performing, and using diagnostic tests into a single easy-to-use resource Covers a wide range of species, including small mammals, primates, reptiles, aquatic animals, and wild, laboratory, and pet birds

A volume in the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine series, this second edition has over 40% new material, including the addition of six new topics and many others that are completely rewritten. The book comprehensively covers the biological and disease aspects of laboratory animal medicine while examining other aspects such as the biohazards associated with the use of animal experimentation and factors complicating the bioethics of animal research.

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.

Eight species of hamster are found in Europe. The Common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) and the Golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) are popular pets but the others occur solely in eastern Europe living in agricultural or steppe-like habitats. The increase of agricultural production has led to an increase in their distribution. Some species are in decline but some species in some parts of Europe are regarded as pests. This study aims to give a summary of the status of hamsters in Europe. It summarises the biology, distribution and conservation status and analyses the causes of decline of the Common hamster and the state of the Romanian hamster. Ways of dealing with the conservation or management of the species are proposed

In the years since the third edition of this indispensable reference was published, a great deal has been learned about the nutritional requirements of common laboratory species: rat, mouse, guinea pig, hamster, gerbil, and vole. The Fourth Revised Edition presents the current expert understanding of the lipid, carbohydrate, protein, mineral, vitamin, and other nutritional needs of these animals. The extensive use of tables provides easy access to a wealth of comprehensive data and resource information. The volume also provides an expanded background discussion of general dietary considerations. In addition to a more user-friendly organization, new features in this edition include: A significantly expanded section on dietary requirements for rats, reporting substantial new findings. A new section on nutrients that are not required but that may produce beneficial results. New information on growth and reproductive performance among the most commonly used strains of rats and mice and on several hamster species. An expanded discussion of diet formulation and preparationâ€"including sample diets of both purified and natural ingredients. New information on mineral deficiency and toxicity, including warning signs. This authoritative resource will be important to researchers, laboratory technicians, and manufacturers of laboratory animal feed.