The Hamster Handbook (B.E.S. Pet Handbooks)

Cute book with some useful info, but there is a mention of intentional killing of a hamster on page 10. Very upsetting for my child to read.

After having a recent problem with a Hamster, I did as much reading as I could to try and solve the problem (biting, anxiety, don't ask...). But as a result, I got the opportunity to read all the top rated books here. If you're trying to decide which one book to buy, this is the one.A few others are very good too, but lack in different ways. Hamsters for Dummies has a lot of good info, but it's all black and white and no color pictures, which I think is important. This book is all color with tons of pictures. It includes all the basic info you want, like housing choices, food options, treats, behavior, common ailments, etc. and also has more extensive info on the the history, different breeds, breeding, etc. It's well layed out, with a good index. The author clearly knows her hamstmers and tells it as she sees it in the first person.It's also worth mentioning that this is a good book for an adult, or older child. So many hamster books are written for children. That's nice, except me as the mother will be the one actually buying everything and probably doing most of the care anyway.So, if you're looking for that one book to either help decide if you want a hamster, or have a reference while taking care of these pets, I think this is the best choice.

Great advice for the new pet owner. I got my first hampster two months ago and often turn to this book for many questions. Helped a lot with set up, beginning care, and understanding how to start handling. Books alone are not enough so make sure you speak to your petstore employees before deciding which pet is right for you. Books only tell us so much

....although I must do the reading. He’s 10 years old and has a short attention span. I find the information very useful.

Very nice book! Colorful!

Great reference for children.

Very good book. Full of good useful information. A must have for a hamster owner.

Very detailed book about the history and care of all variety's of hamsters.

I was frustrated with trying to find a good hamster guide which wasn't aimed at very young children. I wanted an informative interesting book, and this is definitely a good guide which is written for adults. The authors get a good balance between having plenty of text to read and lots of lovely colour photographs. It covers everything from a brief history to nutrition, housing, toys etcThe reason I chose this book is that it contains lots of practical ideas of DIY ideas not usually found in other books. The author goes out of her way to explain lots of different ways to keep your hamster (and your kids!) entertained by encouraging readers how to make their own toys, hanging treats, bridges, ramps, platforms etc which gives you the confidence to try it rather than having to always buy the (expensive) commerical toys. Another really good thing, is how she explains 'Cage Enrichment' The book explains lots of simple ways to keep your hammies active and motivated, and compares it to how zoo keepers come up with new ways of keeping an environment stimulating. There are lots of new ideas here even for owners who have kept hamster for years.A huge benefit of this book, is that there a lots of detailed colour photographs on very page. Another bonus is that the author doesn't just concentrate on the more common Syrian (or teddy bear hamster) but also discusses each of the dwarf species individually so you can make an informed choice about which pet would be best for you. It is well written for example even the (could be boring) history of the hamster is written in a lively way which is interesting to read. There is an interesting section for people considering showing their hamsters or wanting to join a club for more information.The only negatives about the book, is that the author recommends quite small cage sizes, which from my own experience I have discovered is too small. There are also a few references to the lab conditions hamster are kept in, which perhaps didn't need to be in there as the book is for loving pet owners.But it is an interesting, informative book with lots of beautiful pictures. If you don't mind not having photos, it would be also worth considering the Hamsterlopaedia guide which have even more detailed information about health care, breeding, showing etc which is my favourite refernce book designed specifically for adults. It can be found here:  HamsterlopaediaHamsterlopaedia

This is one of the best hamster books I have ever read. Full of scientific bits as well as good guidance,It is a good read. Each page has a hamster picture on it and it gives good advice on hamster care. (Excluding where it recommends pine wood shavings) Overall, this book is concise and long enough to document the hamster properly, even providing a full story of the discovery of the Syrian hamster!Would highly recommend to any hamster breeder of hamster fanatic.

We bought this for our son, to learn some information on hamsters before getting one. there was so much information and we all enjoyed it. we learned a lot and i would recommend!

It really is detailed and clear, with some humor. Has some true life information that makes the story heart-warming.