Talk:Hamster/Archive 2

As a small note, I suggest removing cotton from a hamster's suggested bedding materials. My hamster immediately choked on cotton that was given to it; it couldn't take the large fibers out of its mouth to prevent it from suffocating. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 199.72.70.98 (talk) 08:29, 26 January 2009 (UTC)
 * I concur, cotton has never been mentioned as appropriate bedding material outside of this wiki page. For that matter, one could put anything here as suitable bedding. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.89.193.218 (talk) 10:18, 16 November 2009 (UTC)

Clean-up
I came to this article about an hour ago, and was apalled at its condition. Not only was it like some sort of how-to guide from hell, some of it was also long-standing copyvio from *ezinearticles.com blacklisted link removed*. I have tried cleaning it up (in other words, pretty much taking an axe to the thing), but it still needs work. Foremost, it desperately needs reputable citations. Also, if more info could be addressed about hamsters in the wild, and general info about hamsters themselves (rather than their care), that'd be fabulous.  Sarrandúin  [ Talk +  Contribs  ] 03:19, 9 April 2007 (UTC)

In regard to the "See Also" links at the bottom of the hamster page, I find the link to Richard Hammond is not relevant to the subject of hamsters, other than his nickname. Therefore I will remove the link, and if it is deemed appropriate to the subject of hamsters, someone may undo the edit. 67.177.232.68 (talk) 04:27, 21 June 2009 (UTC)

Esanchez7587 reverted a change I just made to an obviously erroneous claim that is contradicted in the body of the article -- that all pet hamsters decend from Syrian hamsters -- without giving a reason. Liontooth (talk) 04:57, 10 August 2009 (UTC)

Wikiproject
I have proposed the creation of Wikiproject Pocket pets, if interested, please visit the proposal page. thanks! VanTucky 05:07, 17 April 2007 (UTC)you must try

In popular culture
Where's the compulsory reference to hamster dance? 212.16.103.22 (talk) 20:04, 1 October 2008 (UTC)

Baby hamsters
Why do mother hamsters eat their babies after giving birth? I've witnessed this several times but I have no idea what's keeping them doing it. I had twelve hamsters before(6 males and 6 females) but I just decided to give them away because everytime the females get pregnant they ended up eating their babies after giving birth which I dont understand.Some babies lasted for a few days after birth but still they were all eaten alive.I hope someone can share what's the reason why does this happen. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Anyr24 (talk • contribs) 10:27, 28 May 2008 (UTC)

Guinea pigs
No mention is made in the article of Guinea pigs, and how both hamsters and guinea pigs are kept as childrens' pets, and also in primary school classrooms. I know the two are not that closely related in a scientific sense, but are often interchangeable when it comes to having a class pet. - Matthew238 03:10, 21 April 2007 (UTC)

We had baby chickens as class pets when I was in primary school. Other people I know had bunnies, frogs, lizards, fish, and turtles... --64.180.207.196 (talk) 07:58, 22 November 2007 (UTC)


 * Guinea pigs are a completely separate species and so shouldn't be mentioned in an article about hamsters. --Tb240904 (talk) 01:26, 6 February 2010 (UTC)

Hind paws and tail are super sensitive
This article should mention that hind paws and tails of hamsters are super sensitive, as like a tip or what not for pet owners. Hamsters get really annoyed fast and easily, if you touch their hind paws or tails whether they are walking around or if you are holding one in your hand. I can't find a good reference for it, so, if you're a hamster owner, try it out yourself... just watch it so that you don't get bitten, though. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Kwakkles (talk • contribs) 08:16, 1 May 2007 (UTC). <!--

Then mention it! JPBarrass 07:17, 8 May 2007 (UTC)

Merge proposal from dwarf hamster
I proposed this merge originally and, as I stated only a few minutes later, on withdrawing the proposal, I believe I was mistaken in making it. 59.15.61.147 11:28, 20 May 2007 (UTC)
 * Oppose. Every genus of mammal warrants an article and Phodopus should not be merged into Cricetinae.  I think the dwarf hamster page should be resricted to Phodopus, but it definitely shouldn't be merged into here.  --Aranae 13:38, 8 May 2007 (UTC)

How many per cage
there is no suggestion about how to house hamsters in terms of age, sex, number of animals. (aside from the obvious--separate males and females to prevent unwanted babies.)

I had heard that hamsters need &heart; to be kept one per cage when they are mature otherwise they are aggressive with each other and at risk of injury, death and cannibalism. Is this true?

what is the recommendation, how many mature hamsters can live together, and if they should be separated then at what age should they be separated? Working in a pet store I saw them kill and eat each other all the time (especially the older ones), and they weren't overcrowded or underfed...

How do they live in the wild? In communities or as solitary animals?


 * Mesocricetus auratus (Syrian or Golden Hamster) is a solitary species. Few people have managed to keep more than one (of the same sex) in a single cage. Females will attack males (1) if they are not sexually receptive, or (2) immediately after mating! Conversely, Phodopus spp. like company. I kept a pair together throughout their (short) lives, and two of their female offspring in another cage. Earlier attempts at keeping a brother and sister in individual cages resulted in the unhandled (female) one becoming very aggressive!—GRM 18:49, 15 May 2007 (UTC)

Unless you're a hamster whisperer, 1 per cage for Syrians, and dwarves should only be kept together if they are blood related. Syrians should be seperated when they become sexually mature (4-5weeks iirc). --64.180.207.196 (talk) 07:58, 22 November 2007 (UTC)

Safe/Unsafe Food
If anyone knows what is safe and unsafe to feed hamsters, could you please update the Diet section? It would be valuable information and much appreciated. Thank you.

Do we really need two pictures of a Hamster's vagina?
Just a thought.... --Bentendo24 18:09, 27 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Yeah, it would be more useful if one of those images was replaced with a picture of a male hamster's penis and testicles, at a similar scale and level of detail. 217.155.20.163 14:50, 1 August 2007 (UTC)
 * Personally, no. However, as an encylopedia, we have to acknowledge that sometimes an image explains something better than the text alone. As such, whether I like it being there or not is irrelevant to the fact that it serves a purpose. (On a similar note, I'm not sure we need BOTH images, so we could maybe decide on just one). spazure  (contribs) 09:34, 19 August 2007 (UTC)

Trivia section edit warring
Editors in favor of IPC section: 81.153.38.13

Editors against IPC section: Feezo, Jaellee, spazure

Please respect the group consensus and do not add a trivia section back to this article. I won't be reverting additionas anymore because frankly, I don't want to participate in the edit war any further, but I wanted to express my side on this matter. spazure (contribs) 06:03, 22 August 2007 (UTC)
 * I’ve added what I hope will be a compromise to the edit war I’ve been observing for the last few days. I changed “In Popular Culture” to a “See also” section, which includes the hamster-related links.  By the way, right now my opinion on the section is neutral, so I’m not going to declare support for either side of the argument.
 * To editor 81.153.38.13: It looks to me like you broke the three revert rule on 15 August 2007. This kind of behavior could get you blocked from editing, so please use caution in how you assert your opinion, and don't break Wikipedia policies. Jaksmata 20:00, 22 August 2007 (UTC)
 * Works for me. spazure  (contribs) 01:33, 23 August 2007 (UTC)

Sorry for breaking the rules but I felt it very important that those interested in the the hamster's impact on popular culture had a starting point to their research. I accept that I may have gone a little over the top and am pleased that we have reached, what in my opinion, is a very good compromise position.81.153.38.13 20:55, 22 August 2007 (UTC)

I seee that someone has reverted to see also - I think in Popular Culture is more accurate but I'm really saddened by the whole affair and don't have the heart for the fight no more. By the way Freezo et al, have you seen the Toaster page; now there's IPC section if I ever did see one. x —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.153.38.13 (talk • contribs) 15:42, 23 August 2007
 * Actually, your comment above on the 22nd says that you agreed to the "See Also" section that Jaksmata created. I also agreed to that, and nobody else made any comments. I honestly feel that this is the best compromise, as you get to have references to the content you want included, and the people adverse to a trivia section don't have to have one.  spazure  (contribs) (review) 07:56, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

Why are the external links being deleted?
I've added useful external links but they are being deleted. Why? I believe people should be able to find links to other hamster information here. Kbrocx 21:57, 27 August 2007 (UTC)
 * The external links section only contains SPAM, hamst███ic.com. (site has malware) See WP:External_links for what should be in an external links section. --Aranae 22:01, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

(edit conflict...looks line Aranae already covered what I was going to say, but here it is anyway...)
 * Have you familiarized yourself with WP:EL? I am not going to take a position on the Hamsterific website either way as to whether it meets the requirements of WP:EL, but that's why they are being deleted: Some people feel it runs afoul of that policy.
 * One thing that is very questionable about your edits is that it seems you are adding the link to Hamsterific to every article about hamsters that you can find, rather than just the main one about hamsters. Many people would say that smells like spam.
 * Anyway, like I say, I'm not going to take a position either way. But you should familiarize yourself with WP:EL and WP:3RR right away if you haven't done so already.  Cheers, and happy editing! --Jaysweet 22:02, 27 August 2007 (UTC)

Behaviour section
Hi there I was a bit confused about the line that hamsters will try to get out of your hands if you have not washed you hands.....Hamsters in my experience always try to wriggle out of your hands whether you have washed them or not.. The only time it has mattered whether I have washed my hands when handling my hamster is if I have handled food before and my hamster can smell it... and then tries to 'nibble' my finger. Your comments please. Bamboopidge 10:51, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

I vaguely remember reading that it was discovered only recently that hamsters make a high-pitched noise when they're being tickled or played with --- too high for human ears to hear --- as if giggling or squealing with delight. Am I imagining having read this? 38.115.185.2 (talk) 20:53, 23 January 2008 (UTC)LN/Chicago

Deviant behavior expansion
Here's a link to an important source on hamster genes that may explain some deviant behavior of hamsters, such as back-flipping, pacing, lap-running, and waltzing. It would be nice to expand on this because a number of people wonder why some hamsters backflip (some all the time). Soulrefrain (Talk) 08:02, 24 September 2007 (UTC)

Lock?
What is so dangerous about this page? It's only hamsters. Why can't I add information to it?LeyLineLaura 16:34, 29 September 2007 (UTC)
 * This article was constantly vandalised by anonymous (IP address) users. Semi-protection may be necessary if that is the case. You can wait until 7th October, when it is unprotected, or if you really need to make an edit, place editprotected on this page and state the edit you wish to have made or request an edit on WP:RFPP. You can also wait until your account is "autoconfirmed", which I believe is a week after you sign up.  NA SC AR Fan 24 (radio me!) 16:57, 29 September 2007 (UTC)

Telling hamsters apart
How do you find out whether your hamster is male or female? I have a hamster, but he (if it is a he) doesn't like being picked up, is there another way of finding out? Melon247 (talk) 19:23, 31 December 2007 (UTC)
 * Males usually have obvious (pea to marble sized) testicles which protrude on either side of the tail, especially when walking. They probably won't be visible when it's curled up or sitting. I don't see any pictures in this article or in Wikimedia Commons that are obviously male - It looks like people usually photograph the other end... If your hamster doesn't have them, it's female. I'd put this in the article, but it would probably be marked as original research. –  j ak s mata  16:31, 2 January 2008 (UTC)

Pictures
I realize that every hamster owner on this site wants to have a picture of his hamster on this page, but are all these pictures really necessary? Seems like some could be removed. Maybe I'll just do it myself. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.11.234.132 (talk) 22:07, 5 January 2008 (UTC)
 * Unfortunately, it's like that on basically any pet article; the number of pictures in Cat got so large that there's a Commons category devoted to cat pictures. Besides, it's not like there's anything wrong with a lot of pictures.  N F 24 (radio me!) 22:12, 5 January 2008 (UTC)

Except that pictures take up webspace and the more webspace taken up, the bigger the yearly donation bar gets every year.

Useful Website.
Thought I would just leave a note, or request for a new link in the EL section of Hamsters. I would of just edited it and put it in there but It said to come here to have it approved.

My reasons for having this site included in that specific section is because its non-biased and not completely ad orientating. It has a lot of verified information and provides credit to the people who have contributed information to the site.

Site

What is the next step to getting it on there?

Thanks —Preceding unsigned comment added by Groovygramp (talk • contribs) 00:29, 26 January 2008 (UTC)

Is hamster bite poisonous?
--Neil edward (talk) 09:24, 29 January 2008 (UTC)What if you were accidentally bitten by a hamster, what will happen to you? What first aid tips you can give just in case you were bitten by a hamster?
 * Nothing. Their bites are not toxic. The worst that can happen is maybe a break in the skin, perhaps some blood but nothing serious. Xenon54 22:11, 1 March 2008 (UTC)

Hamster bites poisonous? Is this serious?

Dwarf hamsters are the tiniest type of the hamster family. There are these kinds kept as pets: Cambells, Winter White, Roborovski, and Chinese. NOTE: Chinese hamsters are illegal in every state. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.5.132.248 (talk) 15:07, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Why Cedar and Pine are Bad
Cedar is used probably the least but some people still use pine. Here are the problems with pine and cedar: one, Just because it smells good doesn't mean it's great. Think about it if you were in a tank with only that smell wouldn't you want a break? Phenols are toxic chemicals that can get in your pet's kidneys and liver. The kidneys can take a little toxin and get rid of it but with all the phenols the kidneys will be shut down and eventually the body will be shut down. This is why not to use cedar and pine. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.229.179.200 (talk) 20:54, 16 March 2008 (UTC) Just abot evey hamster youget (first time handling) will bite so keep that in mind before getting a hamster. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.236.130.236 (talk) 19:06, 18 March 2008 (UTC) I have found that Roborovski hamsters will bite a lot. But some can get as tame as a Syrian. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.229.191.141 (talk) 18:07, 26 March 2008 (UTC)