Page:The Golden Hamster Manual.djvu/70

 one or more ounces daily. Disinfect, or wash with hot soap water, the water or milk jars as needed.

Standard germicides, disinfectants, and drinking water solutions used successfully with rabbits may be used with hamsters, although hamsters are remarkably free from native diseases peculiar to themselves. They are susceptible to disease, so if caretaker has common cold, he should wash his hands before tending or handling stock. Avoid dampness of nesting area, nesting materials and pen floors.

Being non-regurgitating rodents, hamsters may lick up nicotine or sulphur in sufficient amounts for fatality. Therefore, pyrethrins powders, without nicotine, appear best for lice, mites, and other insect control, if same may appear from association with poultry or infested small stock.

Clean pens, and the freedom from urine odors afforded by self-cleaning area in floors, make for satisfaction of hamsters, caretaker and visiting guests.

While nest culling may be satisfactorily done from the front door, the rear inspection doors afford ease of cleaning pens appreciated by those who care for the hamstery.