Hamster

The duration of capture and restraint during anesthesia and euthanasia influences glucocorticoid levels in male golden hamsters

Since the stress response of the HPA is sensitive to many unwanted and uncontrollable factors, these results must be interpreted with caution. The positive effect of deep bedding could be diminished by methodological problems during handling at the time that...

Year Published: 2007Animal Type: Hamster, Rodent

Citation: Gebhardt-Henrich, S. G., Fischer, K., Hauzenberger, A. R. et al. 2007. The duration of capture and restraint during anesthesia and euthanasia influences glucocorticoid levels in male golden hamsters. Lab Animal 36(4), 41-47.

Golden hamsters are nocturnal in captivity but diurnal in nature

Daily activity rhythms are nearly universal among animals and their specific pattern is an adaptation of each species to its ecological niche. Owing to the extremely consistent nocturnal patterns of activity shown by golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) in the laboratory,...

Year Published: 2008Topics: Natural BehaviorAnimal Type: Hamster, Rodent

Citation: Gattermann, R., Johnston, J., Mcphee, M. E. et al. 2008. Golden hamsters are nocturnal in captivity but diurnal in nature. Biology Letters 4(3), 253-255.

Novel food items as environmental enrichment for rodents and rabbits

This column discusses the use of novel dietary supplements as environmental enrichment for rodents and rabbits. Items are commercially available from lab animal supply companies. The purpose of enrichment is to encourage behaviors that are appropriate for a particular species...

Year Published: 2009Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Chinchilla, Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Mouse, Other Rodent, Rabbit, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Brown, C. 2009. Novel food items as environmental enrichment for rodents and rabbits. Lab Animal 38(4), 119-120.

Effects of bedding material and running wheel surface on paw wounds in male and female Syrian hamsters

The present study investigated the effects of bedding material (pine shavings versus beta chip) and running wheel surfaces (standard metal bars versus metal bars covered with a plastic mesh) on the occurrence of wounds on the paws of male and...

Year Published: 2009Animal Type: Hamster, Rodent

Citation: Beaulieu, A., Reebs, S. G. 2009. Effects of bedding material and running wheel surface on paw wounds in male and female Syrian hamsters . Laboratory Animals 43, 85-90.

Blood collection from the sublingual vein in mice and hamsters: a suitable alternative to retrobulbar technique that provides large volumes and minimizes tissue damage

Blood examination is a key element in studies of laboratory animals. In rodents, retrobulbar venous plexus puncture is a commonly used method for obtaining a blood sample. Although this technique yields large volumes of blood, the disadvantage is that it...

Year Published: 2009Animal Type: Hamster, Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Heimann, M., Kasermann, H. P., Pfister, R. et al. 2009. Blood collection from the sublingual vein in mice and hamsters: a suitable alternative to retrobulbar technique that provides large volumes and minimizes tissue damage . Laboratory Animals 43, 255-260.

Studies and snack bites

Veterinary technician Evelyn Skoumbourdis and environmental enrichment coordinator Casey Coke Murphy discuss proper feeding of small laboratory mammals.

Year Published: 2009Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Rabbit, Rodent

Citation: Skoumbourdis, E., Coke Murphy, C. 2009. Studies and snack bites. Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) Quarterly 58(1) Winter, 12-13.

Preference for bedding material in Syrian hamsters

This study aimed to determine whether Syrian (golden) hamsters, Mesocricetus auratus, prefer certain bedding materials and whether bedding material can affect paw condition, body weight gain and wheel-running activity. In a first experiment, 26 male hamsters had access to two...

Year Published: 2009Animal Type: Hamster, Rodent

Citation: Lanteigne, M., Reebs, S. G. 2009. Preference for bedding material in Syrian hamsters. Laboratory Animals 43, 85-90.

Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents (5th Ed.)

The Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents provides concise, up - to - date, reasonably comprehensive information to anyone concerned with the health, care, and management of rabbits and rodents. The book is intended for veterinarians, students, technicians, scientists,...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Husbandry & Management, Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Chinchilla, Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Hamster, Mouse, Rabbit, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Harkness, J. E., Turner, P. V., Vande Woude, S. et al. 2010. Biology and Medicine of Rabbits and Rodents (5th Ed.). Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, Iowa.

Preference of Syrian hamsters to nest in old versus new bedding

This study tested whether Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) have an aversion to old bedding (up to 14 days) by offering them the option to nest in a new cage. A secondary goal was to assess the relative value of shelters...

Year Published: 2010Topics: Environmental Enrichment, Housing, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Hamster, Rodent

Citation: Veillette, M., Reebs, S. G. 2010. Preference of Syrian hamsters to nest in old versus new bedding. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 125(3-4), 189-194.

Shelter choice by Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) in the laboratory

The preference of Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) for different in-cage shelters was tested. First, 15 males and 15 females were made to choose between a cage with a shelter and one without. Different shelters were tested consecutively: short (10-cm) or...

Year Published: 2011Topics: Environmental Enrichment, HousingAnimal Type: Hamster, Rodent

Citation: Veillette, M., Reebs, S. G. 2011. Shelter choice by Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) in the laboratory. Animal Welfare 20(4), 603-611.