Hamsters are one of the most popular rodent pets. Whether you choose a Syrian (teddy bear, golden) hamster or a dwarf hamster as a pet, taking proper care of the hamster will help keep your hamster happy and healthy, and give you a more rewarding relationship with your pet. The following are my recommendations for books to help you take care of your pet hamster.
1. Hamsters A to Z
By Lorraine Hill (who also has good hamster information on her web site), this is an excellent all-around introductory hamster book. In addition to care information, Hill discusses the various species and colorations found among hamsters including dwarf hamsters.
2. Dwarf Hamsters: Complete Pet Owner's Manual
This book is fairly unique among hamster books since it is entirely about dwarf hamsters. By Sharon L. Vanderlip DVM, the book follows the format used by other books in the Barron's series and is packed with care and health information as well as helpful tips and great photos. An excellent choice for dwarf hamster owners.3. Hamsters: Complete Pet Owner's Manual
By Otto Von Frisch, this is a more general hamster book - while it touches on dwarf hamsters it is aimed more at the Syrian hamster owner. Like others in the Barron's pet care series, it covers lots of care information from choosing a hamster to understanding behavior. A good choice for a general hamster information and care book.4. The Hamster: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet
Another general guide to hamsters, from Betsy Sikora Siino. With lots of wonderful photos, the book covers the basics of caring for your hamster along with some natural history and suggested activities you can do with your hamster.5. Hamsters: How to Care for Them, Feed Them, and Understand Them
By Peter Hollmann, this is a book in the "Family Pet" series and is another choice as a general hamster care book. A basic care guide, it is aimed at children as well as adults so is somewhat simplified compared to some of the other books here. Packed with photos.6. Hamster (ASPCA Pet Care Guide)
Bright and colorful, this general care guide by Mark Evans is aimed at 9-12 year olds. Enough information on caring for hamsters to be useful, and the book layout and illustrations are designed to hold the interest of younger readers. Good choice if your child is interested in a pet hamster (geared toward Syrian hamsters).7. Training Your Pet Hamster
By Gerry Bucsis and Barbara Somerville, this would be an interesting addition to a general care book. While it covers the basics of housing and care, the book is aimed more at acclimating your pet to handling, providing toys, improving commercial housing to entertain your pet, and suggested activities. Not a great primary hamster care book, but an interesting read for hamster owners.