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The FAQ List on those furry little rodents we all
alt.pets.hamsters
[1] NEW!! alt.pets.hamsters FAQ 1 of 2 (read before posting!)
ax611@FreeNet.Carleton.CA
Archive-name: pets/hamsters-faq/part1
Last-Modified: August 5, 1995
Version: 3-7
Here's Part One of the alt.pets.hamsters FAQ, posted on an
irregular basis.
Suggestions/comments/additions/corrections should be posted to
alt.pets.hamsters or e-mailed to ax611@Freenet.Carleton.CA
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Unless otherwise stated, everything in this FAQ has been taken
from messages in the alt.pets.hamsters newsgroup, or from my own
mailbox. Whenever possible, information from publications has
been acknowledged, with original authors credited. This edition
of the FAQ comes after about 2754 postings. Standard disclaimers
apply.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
(** indicates changes, !! indicates new question)
PART ONE:
**a1: What's with the newsgroup/FAQ?
b1: Do you know anything about the history of hamsters?
b2: Where do hamsters get their names from?
b3: Why shouldn't I use the microwave to dry off my
hamster?
b4: What should I use for bedding?
b5: What should I do if my hamster exhibits strange
symptoms?
b6: What is the life span of a hamster?
**b7: What do hamsters like (and not like) to eat?
b8: What do hamsters like to drink?
b9: Why does my hamster sleep all day?
b10: My hamster is having babies! What should I do?
b11: What are the two symmetrical spots on the hamster's
sides?
b12: Do hamsters really like those balls?
b13: How can I interpret the hamster's body language?
b14: How can I tame my hamster?
b15: How can I keep my hamster healthy?
**b16: Do hamsters make noise?
b17: Do hamsters have souls?
b18: Do hamsters hibernate?
b19: Jeepers! My hamster has escaped! Help me!
**b20: Should I be cleaning my hamster?
b21: Do hamsters get lonely?
b22: Can I brush/comb my hamster's hair?
b23: What if my hamster gets fleas?
b24: Can I travel in the car with my hamster?
b25: Should I buy a hamster or a gerbil?
b26: How can I stop the wheel from squeaking!!??
b27: What should I do if I find bugs in the hamster food?
**b28: Yuck. Should my hamster be eating his poop?
b29: What are the different breeds of hamsters that exist?
b30: Can I let my hamster swim?
PART TWO:
**c1-1: Are there any songs or poems about hamsters?
c1-2: What tv shows have hamsters appeared in?
c1-3: What Simpsons episodes have hamsters appeared in?
!!c1-4: What movies have hamsters appeared in?
c1-5: What computer games have hamsters appeared in?
**c1-6: Where else have hamsters popped up?
c2: Are there any good hamster books?
c3: Do you know anything about the hamster greeting cards?
**c4: Is there any ASCII hamster art?
**c5: Are there any Web sites with hamster info?
c6: Do you have any info on hamster associations?
**c7: I heard a rumour that hamsters might be bears...
**d1: Thanks and acknowledgements.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
**a1: What's with the newsgroup/FAQ?
The newsgroup, *alt.pets.hamsters*, is devoted to discussion
about hamsters. It was kindly created by the Ottawa-Carleton
Free-Net I requested it, in mid-October 1994. Although some have
expressed a desire to create separate groups for mice, rats,
guinea pigs, etc..., alt.pets.hamsters *IS NOT* a venue for the
discussion of things related to other rodents.
What *does* go over well in this group? Anything hamster
related, no matter how vaguely. Post your hamster problems,
solutions, questions, stories, ideas, hamster names... whatever.
The FAQ is an electronic source guide for information on
hamsters. It's not really a list of answers to "frequently asked
questions" it's more of a compendium of the information that
passes through the group. I hope you have a sense of humour.
The FAQ comes in two parts. The first deals with how to care for
your hamster, and the second with general hamster trivia and
interesting information. The two FAQs are always posted together
in alt.pets.hamsters on a weekly basis, give or take a few days.
This FAQ is also available on the world wide web. Please see
question #c5 for the web sites.
If you'd like to get on my mailing list and be the among the
first on the net to recieve Hamster FAQ updates, drop me a note.
You must have a good reason to get on this list, like maintaining
the FAQ on a homepage or something.
The FAQ is available in Japan on the BBS "NIFTY-Serve" in the pet
forum there. Please contact GBG00613@niftyserve.or.jp (Tetsuro
Oka) for more information. Keep your eyes peeled for a Japanese
translation of this FAQ, which should be posted to fj.rec.pets in
the near future.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
#b1: Do you anything about the history of hamsters?
The story of hamsters has been embellished and idealized
over the years... here is what probably happened:
In about 1930, a zoologist found a mother and litter of
hamsters in the Syrian desert. By the time he got back to his
lab, most had died or escaped. The remaining hamsters were given
to the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, where they were
successfully bred as Golden Hamsters.
The hamsters were shipped to labs all around the world. In
1938, hamsters are supposed to have first reached the United
States. All Golden Hamsters are descended from the original
litter found in Syria except for a few that were brought into the
States by travellers and military men who found them in the
desert.
Hamsters are now used for scientific research. Because
hamsters are so disease-free and breed so rapidly (they can have
a new litter every month!) and because they are so friendly and
easy to handle, they are a popular choice among scientists.
They are often used for cardio-vascular research, as their
cardio-vascular system is remarkably similar to that of the
human.
In their native habitat (ie, in the wild), hamsters are a
nuisance to farmers. Hamsters have been known to hide in excess
of 60 pounds of grain to feed them through the winter.
#b2: Where do hamsters get their names from?
Note that "hamsters" is spelled *WITHOUT* a "p". Hamsters got
their name from an old German word associated with storing food.
(The word "hamper" comes from the same root.) One of the
characteristics of the hamster, like many rodents, is to stuff
their cheeks full of food, as if they were hampers.
The Golden Hamster's scientific name is MESOCRICETUS AURATUS
AURATUS, usually shortened to CRICETUS AURATUS. It is also
referred to as the Syrian Golden Hamster.
#b3: Why shouldn't I use the microwave to dry off my hamster?
Timothy Ross put it quite nicely:
Microwaves found in your oven are electromagnetic waves like
radio waves except with a much higher frequency and density.
They heat things up by exciting particles that are
electromagnetically sensitive (such as electrons) and thus
produce kinetic energy. Matter that is in a liquid state is more
susceptible to this excitation because the chemical bonds between
individual molecules are weaker and offer less impedance to
excitation. As the kinetic energy increases the bonds become
even weaker and a pocket of increased heat will heat up even
faster. This is why microwaved foods cook "from the inside out"
- the initial heat trapped in the interior acts like a focus for
additional microwave energy.
Animals are mostly liquid, and if put in a microwave they
will begin to heat up internally resulting in organ damage
without any visible injury. Even brief exposure to dense
microwaves may damage the nervous system. All in all, not a good
idea.
#b4: What should I use for bedding?
For more info on this topic, check out the Bedding FAQ available
on rec.pets.
Generally speaking, that is non-toxic, dust free, absorbent,
fluffy, and non-staining is great for bedding.
Newspaper makes them inky, don't use it. Some hamsters are
allergic to cedar chips and the cedar can even be toxic, so be
careful.
One of the best way to set up their bedding is to set up an
aquarium-and-cage with sand in the aquarium part so they can do
their digging.
Other suggestions: wood shavings, crushed corn cobs, peat moss,
chaff, peanut shells....
It's been suggested that caution be used with kleenex/facial
tissue. Although hamsters love it for bedding, some can get
overly ambitious and put a little too much into their mouths,
then have problems getting it out. Moderation is the key.
#b5: What should I do if my hamster exhibits strange symptoms?
If your hamster is doing anything out of the ordinary that
worries you - coughing, wheezing, shaking, developing sores or
callouses, walking weird, or any other abnormal behaviour - SEE A
VET IMMEDIATELY.
Yes, post it to the group just so that others can read about the
symptoms and cures and whatnot, but don't use the list as a
direct source for advice or help. Problem with the group is that
responses will take at least a day to pour in, and that might be
too late for your furry pal.
From the postings, I can deduce that the best way for your
hamster to get better and overcome these symptoms of sickness is
to get help from a vet *as soon as possible.* Many hamsters have
passed away because their owners didn't act soon enough.
In any case, here are some symptoms of sickness. If you see any
of them, go to the vet immediately!
When animal is awake, it should look alert, not apathetic.
Anus should not be smeared with droppings. (This is a sign
of possible diarrhoea.)
Eyes should be clear, without signs of secretion.
Heavy or noisy breathing may indicate disease.
There should be no sores or bald spots.
#b6: What is the life span of a hamster?
It varies from species to species. Approximate life span is 3
years. (I have one source that says "1000 days", just under 3
years.)
**b7: What do hamsters like (and not like) to eat?
They will eat pretty much anything. Postings in the group as to
what hamsters eat have included broccoli, Kraft Dinner, yogurt,
and many other foods. Their favourite foods are foods native to
their dry habitat, like seeds/cereals (but make sure that it's
natural seeds - no roasting or salt, and that the cereal isn't
sugary). For protein and variety, they will eat some small
insects. They like vegetables, but be moderate in how much you
feed them. You might want to give them a dog bone to chew on -
it's healthy for them and is great for their teeth.
Try not to shock them too much. Give them a regular diet - like
a commercial small animal mix - but supplement it with treats to
give them some variety.
DO NOT feed them:
Anything poisonous to humans, raw beans, sprouting potato buds,
fool's parsley, poison hemlock. laburnum, canned/frozen veggies.
Make sure as well that the food is still good to eat - like, uhh,
don't let it go bad. That means vegetables can be going rotten.
Chocolate is a bad idea too, but there is a special variety of
chocolate that's sold at pet stores that's safe for animals.
#b8: What do hamsters like to drink?
Water (make sure they have a good supply - tap water should do
unless you have some strange nutrients in it), and, from an
actual scientific journal found on the Internet:
Hamsters have an extraordinarily high liking and tolerance
for alcohol. According to the paper, the tolerance is
equivalent to 40 times the human tolerance in proportion to
body weight. As a result hamsters have been used successfully in
trials of anti-alcoholism drugs by seeing if they were put off
their preferred choice of a 15% alcohol solution when given
the choice with plain water.
#b9: Why does my hamster sleep all day?
Your hamster is nocturnal.
Why is your hamster nocturnal? In a nutshell, the combined
energy produced by hamster wheels all over the world is enough to
keep the Earth spinning all night long. (see #c1-2)
#b10: My hamster is having babies! What should I do?
Calm down, it is perfectly natural.
Keep your hamster well-nourished. Added protein (possibly
in the form of insects) might be a good idea. It has been
suggested that one of the reasons hamsters eat their young is
because they need the protein from them after birth... but it
could also be due to territorial instincts thrown off kilter by
captivity.
To reduce the likelihood of the babies being devoured by
their parents, separate the father from them as soon as possible,
and when you deem it safe, separate the mother from 'em. You
should be aware that the time you separate the father from them
varies from species to species. Case in point: The Syrian/Golden
hamsters should only be together for mating, whereas dwarf
hamsters can be kept together because they mate for life...
I have been given these figures... they are all for the
Golden Hamster, but are probably pretty close to any other breed
of hamster:
Puberty: 4-5 weeks
Optimum beginning breeding age:
males: 10-12 weeks
females: 8-9 weeks
Estrus: Every 3-4 days
Gestation period: 16-18 days
Litter size: 6-8
Birth weight: 1/14 to 1/8 oz
Weaning age: 3-4 weeks
#b11: What are the two symmetrical spots on the hamster's
sides?
They are flank glands. Hamsters rub against things and mark
their territory with them.
#b12: Do hamsters really like those balls?
Lister seems to, and Fluff says he does.
On most brands, the directions tell you not to leave your hamster
in the ball unattended, or for more than about 20 minutes at a
time. I agree with the former... especially near flights of
stairs. The latter warning doesn't sit well with me - hamsters
are hardy creatures, they can survive more than 20 minutes in the
ball. Make sure they have plenty of water to drink when they get
back in the cage.
Hamsters would prefer just running around freely. If you have
got a closed room with not too much to get lost under or to chew
on, it should be okay.
#b13: How can I interpret the hamster's body language?
From "Hamsters" by Helga Fritzsche (see #c2), as typed in by
Fluff Hamster:
[Begin quote]
Body Language:
Convulsive movement, as well as sudden continual face
washing, signifies fright.
Defensive raising of both front paws can be observed in
males that have been unexpectedly attacked by females and have no
way of escaping. According to my observations, this gesture
prevents or at least delays an even more serious attack.
Puffing up the cheeks and showing the abdominal regions are
to be construed as a threat.
Lying motionless on the back shows resistance and fear.
Stiff-legged walking of a young animal, with its tail
stiffly stretched up and its hindquarters turned toward the adult
hamster, denotes fear and submission; it propitiates the old
animals. This can also often be observed in vanquished adult
hamsters.
Stretching and yawning with half-closed eyes is an
expression of cosiness and inner peace, just as much as frequent
and at the same time joyous and languorous washing. *Reciprocal
cleaning between mother and children, and also between males and
females, that live in harmony with each other indicates
affection.
Stroking the head with a paw, sometimes for a long period
and sometimes only quickly and in passing, denotes tenderness. I
observed this frequently with my striped hairy-footed hamster
couple; the male constantly stroked the female, which seemed to
enjoy this tender little act.
Reciprocal knocking over can have very different meanings;
fighting, if there is biting; coital foreplay, if the animals
lick each other's stomachs and genitals; playing, if the partners
cavort around with each other for a short time only.
"Sitting up" is sometimes noticed, if something excites the
hamster's particular attention.
[End quote]
#b14: How can I tame my hamster?
According to Anna Hayward...
Let your hamster have the first few days in a cage on
his/her own to get used to it. Put him in a quiet place so he is
not disturbed and give him plenty of bedding. Putting a small
cardboard box in the cage will also give him somewhere to hide,
and therefore a sense of security.
The first few times you get him out, do not go through the
cage door, especially if it is at the top. Take the whole top off
the cage and place the base on the floor. They sit on the floor
and scoop up your hamster. If he is young, he will probably be
very skittish so you will have to be very aware to stop him
running away, but let him run on your body. It is best if this
job is initially done by an adult or older child, as small
children do not have the confidence, usually. Always scoop up
your hamster firmly - it will make him more confident, and never
hold him without first sitting on the floor unless he is *really*
tame.
Pick up your hamster in this way once or twice a day,
talking in a soft voice and using lots of gentle encouragement.
Skittish young hamsters usually calm down with age.
Always wait until your hamster is awake before taming him,
and *never* pick up a sleeping hamster.
Most biting is as a result of fear, not viciousness.
Remember this if you do get bitten (it was probably your fault)
it does not mean the hamster is nasty. The most common reasons
for getting bitten are grabbing a hamster from above, picking up
a sleeping hamster and accidentally pinching a hamster when you
pick him up. After a biting incident, put the hamster back in the
cage and leave him for a couple of hours to calm down.
Remember that taming is easier if a hamster has been handled
since birth, but I have yet to meet an untamable hamster. It may
take months if the pet shop has allowed an animal to mature
without once being handled, but even an older animal can be tamed
with effort.
If at any stage the hamster starts biting and looking
anxious, try going back a step and repeating the process (ie
leave him alone for a few days).
Once your hamster runs on you without looking frightened,
place the cage in a busier area to get him used to people.
#b15: How can I keep my hamster healthy?
Read this FAQ over, and make sure you are using all the
suggestions contained within it, and your hamster should be
healthy. Here are some extra little tidbits of information to
help you along:
The adult weight of a (Golden) hamster should be about 150g.
Your hamster should be in a room with a temperature of about 20-
23 degrees Celsius.
Make sure your hamster has a wheel, as well as other sources of
exercise. Without exercise, paralysis may develop.
**b16: Do hamsters make noise?
Hamsters are among the quietest creatures there are - usually the
only sound you'll here from them is the squeaking of their
wheels.
Hamsters do vocalize (I'm *certain* mine said "hello" to me the
other morning) from time to time.
They squeak - this is a mating call.
They scream - when they are in distress.
They cough/sneeze - when they are sick.
You might notice your hamster making noises of its own for
certain things, but from what I've heard no generalization can be
made for all hamsters - the noises your hamster makes are unique.
#b17: Do hamsters have souls?
Yes.
#b18: Do hamsters hibernate?
Sort of. Technically it's not hibernation, but they will slow
down their body functions (they become "torpid") if the room
temperature of the room they are in gets unusually low, but
shouldn't just go into hibernation because it's the winter
season. If your hamster reaches this state, be sure not to
disturb them. Let them come out of it naturally. Golden
hamsters become sluggish at 59F and torpid at 50F. Dwarf
hamsters are less active at low temperatures.
I remember reading a post in the group about a family who put
their hamster in the fridge, thinking it was dead, and then being
surprised the next morning when the hamster was in the fridge
chewing on veggies, as happy as can be! My point is, your
hamster might not be dead, just hibernating.
#b19: Jeepers! My hamster has escaped! Help me!
Take a deep breath... count to ten... did you forget to close up
the cage? It happens to all of us, and we usually get our little
pals back.
To find your hamster:
Close all doors and windows, and try to figure out what room
your hamster is in. If you are having trouble, try placing a
bowl of food in each room. The hamster is bound to get hungry,
so you will be able to tell which room he's in by whichever food
dish is touched.
Once you have narrowed down your search, start looking under
chairs, beds, in corners... put yourself into the frame of mind
of the hamster.
You could get creative/inventive and devise some traps.
Apparently one of the best ways is to get some sort of deep
bucket with a ramp heading up to it, with some food as bait.
Hamster falls into bucket, cannot climb out.
Good luck.
**b20: Should I be cleaning my hamster?
Your hamster should not need cleaning. Hamsters can groom
and wash themselves with no difficulty. If your hamster is not
maintaining a quality level of personal hygiene, he might be
sick. Consult a vet before taking any further action.
Hamsters do not like water. They catch colds quickly, or
drown in it. If you feel you must wash your hamster, try
brushing a bit of chinchilla powder or cornstarch onto your
hamster, work it into the fur a little bit, then dust it off with
a dry towel. This will clean dirt off a hamster, but won't help
with fleas... perhaps I'll tackle the fleas problem in another
issue of the FAQ if somebody sends me a good solution.
**b21: Do hamsters get lonely?
Not the way we get lonely, no.
Many people will argue that hamsters will appreciate having
a companion of the opposite sex to live with, but I don't think
that hamsters will really mind too much if they are left by
themselves.
Dr. Bernie says, "One cage, one hamster". Hamsters will
harm each other if they are together. Males and females can be
together for mating, but not much longer than that without
risking some sort of fight.
Mind you, Dwarf hamsters are known to be quite sociable, and
can probably live in pairs without too much risk.
Females hardly ever get along with other females, but you
*MIGHT* be able to successfully raise two male hamsters together
if you get them from the same litter and raise them together from
as close to their birth as possible. I wish I could underline
and italicize *MIGHT*, because it's pretty rare that hamsters can
live together. I guess if you don't mind babies you could house
a male and female together.
You *MIGHT* be able to get two males to live together if
they are raised from birth together from the same litter. Let me
re-emphasize *MIGHT*. I am not endorsing it.
#b22: Can I brush/comb my hamster's hair?
Unless you have got a teddy bear hamster or a hamster with
extremely long hair, most hamsters can groom themselves. For
grooming purposes, pet stores sell special hamster combs.
Apparently toothbrushes work well, too.
If you think your hamster's hair is too long, you can safely clip
it with regular scissors. Be careful.
#b23: What if my hamster gets fleas?
Hamsters *usually* get fleas from other animals in the house who
have fleas. There is a special flea powder available at pet
stores that can be put into the bedding material - eventually it
gets into the hamster's fur. You can also apply it directly to
your hamster if she doesn't mind.
#b24: Can I travel in the car with my hamster?
Avoid it if you can. If you can't...
Make sure it's a short journey, on a nice smooth road. Take out
anything in the cage that can move around and hurt your hamster.
If you are using a special travelling cage, use bedding that's
familiar to your hamster.
Make sure there's plenty of food and water, and that the water
can't drip. Give your hamster a cucumber or similar wet food
before the journey.
Try to have a passenger watch your hamster and hold the cage so
that he can't escape. Keep the windows closed so it doesn't get
too drafty. Don't leave your hamster in the car or in the sun.
Stop if your hamster looks sick.
(Thanks, Fluff.)
#b25: Should I buy a hamster or a gerbil?
SteveEH sums up the general feeling of a.p.h:
"Gerbils have no brains or sense, and are useless. They do
not need us at all, nor do they appreciate us. I have 10 of the
ungrateful creatures, and three wonderful hamsters."
#b26: How can I stop the wheel from squeaking!!??
Try putting some vegetable oil, or chapstick, or vaseline on the
axle of the wheel. You might have a problem with these
lubricants attracting bedding material and dust, in which case
you should try using a dry powdered graphite lubricant, available
in most hardware stores.
#b27: What should I do if I find bugs in the hamster food?
This happens quite often. The solution is to put the food in the
freezer, to kill off the bugs. Then, either take the bugs out or
include the dead bugs with the food - your hamster appreciates
the protein.
**b28: Yuck. Should my hamster be eating his poop?
Yes. Hamsters aren't graced with as functional a digestive
system as we humans are. Hamsters are lagomorphs, producing two
types of excrement - one that's partially digested containing
lots of nutrients, and one that's just garbage. Hamsters
practice coprophagy, eating the nutrient-filled excrement to get
the nutrients from it and digest it fully.
#b29: What are the different breeds of hamsters that exist?
Most common is the golden hamster... in brackets are the lengths
of each breed.
Chinese hamster (12.5cm)
Common hamster (32cm)
Eversmann's hamster (16.6cm)
Golden hamster (18cm)
Longtailed hamster (16cm)
Migratory hamster (13.5cm)
Mouse-like hamster (16.5cm)
Rat hamster (26cm)
Roborovsky's hamster (9cm)
Rummanian hamster (varies)
Short dwarf hamster (16.6cm)
Striped hairy foot Russian hamster (9cm)
Striped hamster (13cm)
Tibetan hamster (varies)
#b30: Can I let my hamster swim?
No. No matter what you have heard, water is dangerous to
hamsters. Even if they do not drown trying to stay out of the
water, chances are they will catch pneumonia.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Be sure to read Part 2 of this FAQ!
Maintained by Glen Gower (ax611@freenet.carleton.ca)
This FAQ may be copied freely, as long as you don't modify it or
charge money for it. Let me know if you keep it on a web site or
are posting it to other newsgroups.
--
Glen Gower... ax611@freenet.carleton.ca
Total bike accidents so far this summer: 4.8 <Got a flat tire!>
Typing speed (in words per minute): 100
"Sirius-ly?"alt.pets.hamsters
[1] NEW!! alt.pets.hamsters FAQ 2 of 2 (read before posting!)
ax611@FreeNet.Carleton.CA
Archive-name: pets/hamsters-faq/part2
Last-Modified: August 5, 1995
Version: 3-7
Here's Part Two of the alt.pets.hamsters FAQ, posted on an
irregular basis.
Suggestions/comments/additions/corrections should be posted to
alt.pets.hamsters or e-mailed to ax611@Freenet.Carleton.CA
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Unless otherwise stated, everything in this FAQ has been taken
from messages in the alt.pets.hamsters newsgroup, or from my own
mailbox. Whenever possible, information from publications has
been acknowledged, with original authors credited. This edition
of the FAQ comes after about 2754 postings. Standard disclaimers
apply.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
(** indicates changes, !! indicates new question)
PART ONE:
**a1: What's with the newsgroup/FAQ?
b1: Do you know anything about the history of hamsters?
b2: Where do hamsters get their names from?
b3: Why shouldn't I use the microwave to dry off my
hamster?
b4: What should I use for bedding?
b5: What should I do if my hamster exhibits strange
symptoms?
b6: What is the life span of a hamster?
**b7: What do hamsters like (and not like) to eat?
b8: What do hamsters like to drink?
b9: Why does my hamster sleep all day?
b10: My hamster is having babies! What should I do?
b11: What are the two symmetrical spots on the hamster's
sides?
b12: Do hamsters really like those balls?
b13: How can I interpret the hamster's body language?
b14: How can I tame my hamster?
b15: How can I keep my hamster healthy?
**b16: Do hamsters make noise?
b17: Do hamsters have souls?
b18: Do hamsters hibernate?
b19: Jeepers! My hamster has escaped! Help me!
**b20: Should I be cleaning my hamster?
b21: Do hamsters get lonely?
b22: Can I brush/comb my hamster's hair?
b23: What if my hamster gets fleas?
b24: Can I travel in the car with my hamster?
b25: Should I buy a hamster or a gerbil?
b26: How can I stop the wheel from squeaking!!??
b27: What should I do if I find bugs in the hamster food?
**b28: Yuck. Should my hamster be eating his poop?
b29: What are the different breeds of hamsters that exist?
b30: Can I let my hamster swim?
PART TWO:
**c1-1: Are there any songs or poems about hamsters?
c1-2: What tv shows have hamsters appeared in?
c1-3: What Simpsons episodes have hamsters appeared in?
!!c1-4: What movies have hamsters appeared in?
c1-5: What computer games have hamsters appeared in?
**c1-6: Where else have hamsters popped up?
c2: Are there any good hamster books?
c3: Do you know anything about the hamster greeting cards?
**c4: Is there any ASCII hamster art?
**c5: Are there any Web sites with hamster info?
c6: Do you have any info on hamster associations?
**c7: I heard a rumour that hamsters might be bears...
**d1: Thanks and acknowledgements.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
**c1-1: Are there any songs or poems about hamsters?
Weird Al Yankovick: "Attack of the Radioactive Hamster from a
Planet Near Mars", on the UHF soundtrack.
Weird Al Yankovick: "Harvey the Wonder Hamster":
"Harvey, Harvey, Harvey the Wonder Hamster
He doesn't bite
He doesn't squeal
He just runs around on his hamster wheel
Harvey, Harvey,
Harvey The Wonder Hamster
HEY HARVEY!"
Simon & Garfunkel: In the song "At The Zoo", there's the line
"And hamsters turn on frequently."
Jimmy Buffett: "Vampires, Mummies and the Holy Ghost", from the
album "Fruitcakes":
"I was never ever frightened
By the murderer on our block
He nurtured orchids and raised hamsters
The neighborhood is still in shock"
I remember reading something about a Smashing Pumpkins reference
to hamsters. Can anybody help?
Several of the members of this groups have written others:
Tofu H. Puppicus writes:
Mahatma Mahatma shake your little tail
Mahatma Mahatma shake your little tail
Wrinkle up your little nose
Stick it in between your toes
Mahatma Mahatma shake your little tail
But adds:
It's not really MY hamster song, because i stole it
from a song bout squirrels, but i like to sing it to my hamster
when he's going to bed at night...
I have written one about mine:
She's a hamster, named Lister.
If I'd brought her to the party she'd have kicked your ass
at twister.
She's Lister, the hamster.
And if you ask me bud, she's a darn good dancer.
I left her standing at my door,
And then she systematically ripped up my floor!!
She's Lister, the hamster.
Ask her any question, and she'll know the answer.
She's a hamster, named Lister.
Better watch what you're doin' or she'll get you, mister!
Basically it works with anything that rhymes with hamster/Lister.
It's a show tune, originally intended for my musical about
hamsters, but I ran out of ideas.
As for poetry, John Morgan sends along a poem written by his
guinea pig Piggy wig in honor of a Russian Dwarf Hamster named
Minsk, the World's Meanest Hamster.
To Minsk, the Meanest Hamster I Know
A hamster is a curious beast
of cunning and of guile
a fearless, brave conquistador
when trav'ling in her ball.
A hamster likes to motor on
and look not where she goes.
No piggy caution shall she take
propelled by furry toes.
To ram the wall--a jarring thud--
gives hamsters great delight,
then realigned, a new course set,
move on without respite.
A hamster is a fearsome beast:
agile, quick, and stout.
All piggies keep a watchful eye
when hamsters are about.
(Excerpted from Tomato Leaves and Other Notions of Love, Cavy
Press, 1995.)
#c1-2: What tv shows have hamsters appeared in?
Unfortunately, many references to hamsters on tv are defamatory.
The ones that are not feature hamsters for a very small period of
time. Hamsters have appeared in:
Kids in the Hall: Two pet hamsters of little kid Gavin.
Late Night with Conan O'Brien: References made to hamsters
quite often. The best that I can think of: Andy Richter, the
sidekick, brought a hamster up in a blimp to see if it would
survive the altitude. It did.
The Wonder Years: A hamster was sucked up in a vacuum
cleaner.
America's Funniest Home Videos: Hamster stuffing Alka-
Seltzer Tablets into its cheeks. (the more I think about that,
the less it's funny)
Tales from the Riverbank: A show starring a live hamster
called "Hammy" and his rodent friends - a guinea pig, mouse, and
rat. Originally aired from 1959 to the mid-1980s in Britain and
Canada and on German television in the late 1970s as "Hammy
Hamster".
The show is currently being re-made, and can be seen every
Friday and Sunday on YTV in Canada. It stars Hammy the Hamster,
along with GP the Guinea Pig, Martha Mouse (who used to be
Matthew Mouse in the original series), Turtle, Wise Old Frog, and
Granny Rabbit with her babies and ducklings and squirrels.
Dangermouse: an animated British tv program, featured
Dangermouse (a James Bond-esque character) and a not-so-bright
assistant named Penfold (a hamster). They fought a criminal frog
named Silas Greenback.
The Ren & Stimpy Show: (actual quote!)
Dear Dr. Stupid,
I've got a pet hamster called Dennis. When I come home from
school Dennis is always fast asleep in his little house. It's
only at night after I've gone to bed that Dennis comes out, then
he climbs into his wheel and starts to trundle around in it for
hours. Why?
--Gracie Banks, London.
What you have here, Gracie is a very rare hamster called the
Austrian Rotation Hamster. It's a little known fact that at
night the planet Earth starts to slow down. This is because the
planet is solar-powered and after eight hours of nighttime the
Earth is in danger of stopping completely. So every night after
the sun goes down, the Austrian Rotation Hamster wakes up and
starts to run around in its wheel. The combined energy produced
by these hamster wheels all over the world is enough to keep the
Earth spinning all night long!
And finally, "Vier gegen Willi": Translated, it's "Four
against Willi", a gameshow from West Germany on ARD. Hosted by
German comedian/singer Mike Krueger, two families of four members
each would go head to head in competition, taking part in some
zany contests, many of which included hamster-related events,
such as running around on a giant wheel. It was cancelled after
just a few shows, back in 1987.
#c1-3: What Simpsons episodes have hamsters appeared in?
[Thanks to Haynes Lee who meticulously went through the Simpsons
FAQ and culled these hamster references.]
"Start Raving Dad":
Meditations on Turning Eight, by Lisa Simpson.
I had a cat named Snowball --
She died! She died!
Mom said she was sleeping --
She lied! She lied!
Why oh why is my cat dead?
Couldn't that Chrysler hit me instead?
I had a hamster named Snuffy --
He died...
"Bart the Genius":
Teacher: [to Bart, with hamster] I wouldn't get too attached,
Bart. We're dissecting him next week.
Happily, Bart causes an explosion during chemistry call and the
hamster escapes during the confusion.
"Saturdays of Thunder":
Opening chalkboard sequence was "Hamsters cannot fly".
"Dog of Death":
The vet at Springfield Animal Hospital tries, but fails, to
resuscitate a hamster with electrical heart stimulation.
Realizing that the patient is lost, he says, "This is the part of
the job I hate." He takes the hamster and tosses it into a tiny
basketball hoop mounted over the waste basket.
"Treehouse of Horror III":
On a gravestone in the Pet Cemetery, there's a hamster in an
exercise wheel.
The next week at church, Bart walks slowly towards the Sunday
school room and enters.
Teacher: [watching children draw] Good! Very good! Ralph, Jesus
did not have wheels. [sees Bart, gasps] Bart Simpson?
Bart: Yes, ma'am. I'd like to return to your wonderful Sunday
school, please.
Teacher: [nervous] Uh, but Bart, we banned you from Sunday
school. You were happy, we were happy, everybody was happy--
particularly the hamster. [the hamster sees Bart and cowers]
Other episodes (names unknown):
Lisa performs a lab experiment comparing the intelligence of Bart
to the intelligence of a hamster. The hamster won.
!!c1-4: What movies have hamsters appeared in?
HouseGuest: The character played by Sinbad has a hamster named
Shaft. Sinbad brings it to the airport, lets it loose, and
screams that there's a rat on the loose. A little girl comes and
picks up the hamster.
#c1-5: What computer games have hamsters appeared in?
Day Of The Tentacle: At some point in the game you get a
hamster, that can be put into a "hamster generator", consisting
of a large hamster wheel and assorted apparatus. The hamster
runs in the wheel, producing electricity. A hamster also appears
in the introduction to the game, brining a message to the hero
asking for help.
!!c1-6: Where else have hamsters popped up?
Comics:
Every once in a while hamsters show up as subject matter in the
daily cartoon BIZARRO.
During the week of July 3, 1995 in the comic strip ADAM, we see
Adam's adventures in buying hamsters for his kids.
Newspapers:
The following article appeared in the August 1, 1995 edition of
WORLD WEEKLY NEWS:
_FIREMEN RUSH INTO BURNING HOUSE - TO SAVE PET HAMSTER!_
NICE, france - Heroic firemen risked their lives by rushing into
a blazing home - to save a 5-year-old boy's pet hamster! the
firefighters then used oxygen and a heart massage to revive
Pippi, the beloved pet of little Jean Paul Mannet, who had called
the emergency number. Within minutes, the rejuvenated rodent was
running around on her wheel again, say officials.
Calendars:
Janet E. Osborne's hamster Nell will appear as September's animal
in a Humane Society calendar. I think it's a 1996 calendar.
#c2: Are there any good hamster books?
Yes. Note that many people have posted messages to
alt.pets.hamsters and have referred to these books as sources,
therefore this can be considered an incomplete bibliography of
this FAQ. I'd like to credit all writers whose information has
been borrowed for this FAQ, and would appreciate help in tracking
down sources. (*) denotes a fictional book.
* Baker, Alan. _BENJAMIN BOUNCES BACK_. Andre Deustch (pub),
1983.
* Banks, Lynn Reid. _I, HOUDINI: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A SELF-
EDUCATED HAMSTER_, (illustrated by Terry Riley). New York:
Doubleday, 1978.
Barrie, A. _A STEP BY STEP BOOK ABOUT HAMSTERS_. New
Jersey: TFH Publications, Inc., 1987.
Barrie, A. _HAMSTERS AS A NEW PET_. New Jersey: TFH
Publications, Inc.
* Blegvad, L. _THE GREAT HAMSTER HUNT_. Harcourt, Brace &
World, 1969.
* Brandenberg, Franz. _THE HIT OF THE PARTY_. Greenwill Books,
1985.
Fritzsche, H. _HAMSTERS_. New York: Barron's Educational
Series, Inc., 1982.
* Giovannetti. _MAX_. New York: Atheneum, 1977
_INTERPET GUIDE TO GERBILS & HAMPSTERS [sic]_. London:
Salamander Books.
* Lingard, Joan and Jan Lewis. _CAN YOU FIND SAMMY THE
HAMSTER?_ Walker Books, 1990.
Ostrow, Marshall. _BREEDING HAMSTERS_. New Jersey: TFH
Publications, Inc., 1990.
* Pouyanne, Resie and Gerda Muller. _DODO: LE PETIT HAMSTER_.
Gautier-Languereau.
Roberts, M.F. _HAMSTERS_. New Jersey: TFH Publications,
Inc., 1987.
Vieira, Marcio Infante. _HAMSTER CRIACAO E TREINAMENTO_.
Brazil: Press Grafic, 1984.
#c3: Do you know anything about the hamster greeting cards?
Fluff Hamster posted about a new series of greeting cards called
"Harbottle & Co.", produced by Gordan Fraser and designed by
Peter Cross.
Each card features Harbottle the hamster and his friends.
There's an environmental theme, as evidenced by the passage on
the back of the card:
"Harbottle the Hamster, like us, cares about the
environment. Every greetings card he chews up is stored in
his large cheek pouches, before being recycled into a
manageable pulp which he uses to insulate his nest."
For more info, phone:
UK: +44 1234 272800
US: +203 426 8174
**c4: Is there any ASCII hamster art?
Yes, from Dawn Marie Williams:
,~~v~~,
,'. .',
=== + ===
/ ~ \
/\_m m_/\
..\ /.
/ \
/ \
`\m/ \m/'
And ladawson@nbnet.nb.ca presents this one:
|\__/|
/o=o'`.
{o__, \
/ . . ) )
`-` '-' \`
.( _( )'
'---.~_ _ _|
**c5: Are there any Web sites with hamster info?
Yes. An asterisk ("*") indicates that this FAQ is available at
the site.
* http://netvet.wustl.edu/0n:\rodents.htm|/
* http://weber.u.washington.edu/~phage
* http://www.helix.net/hamster/
http://www.macshack.com/johns/hamster.html
http://www.stud.mdh.se/~ltd92fsk/clubs/shf.html
http://www.warwick.ac.uk/~xuuat/
Nils Magnus has kindly converted the FAQ into HTML format,
making it much easier to browse through on the web. You can
find this HTML FAQ at
http://wwwagr.informatik.uni-kl.de/~magnus/hamfaq.html.
Neil K. Guy maintains a page that contains not only the FAQ,
but links to each and every page listed here in the FAQ. It can
be found at
http://www.tela.bc.ca/hamster/
(I'm working on a web page of my own, but my provider only
allows for read-only text. It's very boring. If you want to try
it, point your browser to http://www.ncf.carleton.ca/~ax611.)
I'm sure there are more out there...
#c6: Do you have any info on hamster associations?
The British Hamster Association prints up a journal on a bi-
monthly basis. Their address is:
British Hamster Association
P.O. Box 825
Sheffield
S17 3RU
United Kingdom.
The Swedish Hamster Foundation is a national club with about
100 members. Their magazine, "Gnagarbaldet" is published on a bi-
monthly basis. Their address is:
SHF
c/o Agneta Lonnquist
Vitmarav.9
S-194 60 Upplands Vasby, Sweden
Also in existance is The Swedish Hamster Club (it's not the
same as the Swedish Hamster Foundation, is it?). You can write
to them at:
Svenska Hamsterforeningen
c/o Agneta Lonnquist
Vitmaravagen 9
S-194 60 Upplands Vasby, Sweden
They have a homepage at:
http://www.stud.mdh.se/~ltd92fsk/clubs/shf.html
**c7: I heard a rumour that hamsters might be bears...
Dr. Ivor Harfbrayne of Llantrisant University, England has
recently published a paper in 'Small Animal Physiology Journal'
which finally proves what all hamster owners have suspected:
hamsters are actually a kind of bear!
The comparisons are obvious once they are pointed out:
Both are brown and furry
Both stand on their hind legs
Both hibernate
Both can be vicious if provoked
Both are solitary
Note that in the June 16, 1995 issue of Science, the cover story
is about a suggested evolution path from hamster to rabbit to
bear to monkey to human, based on studies of the brain. Hmmm...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
**d1: Thanks and acknowledgements.
Thanks to all the contributors of the newsgroup, especially:
Brent Adolph (badolph@Direct.CA)
(EProuty@aol.com)
Fluff Hamster (fluff@jagnet.demon.co.uk)
Anna Hayward (anna@ratbag.demon.co.uk)
Julian Hayward (julian@ratbag.demon.co.uk)
Joao (videojob@embratel.net.br)
(ladawson@nbnet.nb.ca)
laurie4072@aol.com
Kostas Kritikos (kritikos@athena.compulink.gr)
Takao Kumagai (je1cka@dumpty.nal.go.jp)
Steve "Beast" Lebourveau (bd918@FreeNet.Carleton.CA)
Haynes Lee (lee@hp.rmc.ca)
David J. Liu (liudj0@minerva.cis.yale.edu)
John McCammant (johnmc@macshack.com)
Nils Magnus (magnus@informatik.uni-kl.de)
John Morgan (RJM10@psuvm.psu.edu)
Steve Nagler (nagler@phys.ufl.edu)
Candace Rutar (crutar@gpu.srv.ualberta.ca)
Filip Sebek (ltd92fsk@idt.md.se)
SteveEH (hyman@tenet.edu)
Hugo Wang (hugg@ocf.Berkeley.EDU)
Dawn Marie Williams (dmw134@duke.usask.ca)
Andrew Witham (andrew@rescue.demon.co.uk)
( if you don't want your name on the list, let me know )
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Be sure to read Part 1 of this FAQ!
Maintained by Glen Gower (ax611@freenet.carleton.ca)
This FAQ may be copied freely, as long as you don't modify it or
charge money for it. Let me know if you keep it on a web site or
are posting it to other newsgroups.
--
Glen Gower... ax611@freenet.carleton.ca
Total bike accidents so far this summer: 4.8 <Got a flat tire!>
Typing speed (in words per minute): 100
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