Chapter_10.pptx

Chapter 10 Hamsters 10-1 Introduction • This chapter will discuss common types of hamsters • You will learn common management practices for maintaining hamster health • Common hamster diseases and ailments will be reviewed 10-2 History OVERVIEW • Rodents • • Evolved 70 to 60 million years ago...

Chapter 10 Hamsters 10-1 Introduction • This chapter will discuss common types of hamsters • You will learn common management practices for maintaining hamster health • Common hamster diseases and ailments will be reviewed 10-2 History OVERVIEW • Rodents • • Evolved 70 to 60 million years ago Paramys is considered the ancestor • Rodentia today • Contains 29 families • Pets • Two suborders 10-3 Major Groups GOLDEN HAMSTER • • • • Often used in research Commonly found in pet stores Native to Syria True Golden hamster • • Mahogany or orange back White or creamy-colored underside • Female hamsters very aggressive 10-4 Major Groups DWARF HAMSTER • Characteristics • • Light gray Four to four and one-half inches long • Very active • Make friendly pets • Fun to watch 10-5 Anatomy OVERVIEW 10-6 Characteristics OVERVIEW • • • • • Nocturnal Cheek pouches Protective of their territory Hoard food Solitary animals 10-7 Characteristics ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE • Prefer a temperature around 70°F • Much above 80°F • Estivation • Drops below 50°F • Hibernation 10-8 Housing and Equipment CAGE SIZE AND CONSTRUCTION • • • • 10 × 16 × 10 inches tall Gnaw-proof materials Hamster wheel Clean, fresh bedding • • • Ground corn cob Wood shavings Avoid cedar and pine 10-9 Feeding COMMERCIAL PELLETS • • • • Supplies vitamins and minerals Hard consistency Must gnaw on the pellet Wears down the front incisors • Continuously growing 10-10 Feeding MIXING RATION • • • • • • Seeds Carrots Pieces of potato Dried peas Beans Dry dog pellets 10-11 Feeding CONSISTENCY • Don’t change diet suddenly • Greens and fruits may cause diarrhea • Be cautious with soft foods • • • May spoil May lodge in the pouch Infection and illness 10-12 Handling OVERVIEW • Don’t disturb while sleeping • May bite in self-defense • Pick up with thumb and forefinger • More it is handled, it will become tame • Young hamsters move quickly 10-13 Diseases and Ailments OVERVIEW • • • • • Enteritis Tyzzer’s disease Common diarrhea Parasites Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) Cont. 10-14 Diseases and Ailments OVERVIEW • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) • • • • Usually spread by mice Can spread to humans Can be fatal if person has a weakened immune system Pregnant women should avoid any room where a rodent resides 10-15 Reproduction MATING • Sexually mature around six weeks of age • Reproduce rapidly • Females come in heat every four days • Place female in the male’s cage • When satisfied, female will bite the male 10-16 Reproduction GESTATION AND BIRTH • 16 days • Seldom varies • Litters • • Two to 16 young Six to eight being average 10-17 Reproduction THE YOUNG • Move about the cage at 10 days • Eyes open at 14 days • Should be weaned at about 24 to 28 days • Separate male and females • • Unwanted mating Inbreeding 10-18 Summary • The Golden hamster, Mesocricetus auratus, is the most important of the hamsters • Hamsters are nocturnal animals; they sleep during the day and are active at night • In the wild, hamsters travel long distances at night foraging for food • The easiest way to feed hamsters is to purchase commercially prepared pellets specifically designed for small animals Cont. 10-19 Summary • Hamsters are generally healthy animals, and there are only a few diseases that may cause problems • The most important disease is hamster enteritis, commonly called wet tail 10-20