Lack of Food and Water

                    ----------------------



Partial or total neglect of hamsters by their owners is an

unfortunate but common problem.  Neglectful owners fail to

provide adequate supplies of food and water for their pets and

are unaware of any medical problems.  Potentially serious

dehydration, starvation, stomach ulcers, eating of bedding

material, and even cannibalism have all been reported as a

result of food and/or water deprivation.



Sipper tubes often become clogged or continually contact bedding

material, thereby draining the water bottles to which they are

attached.  Water bottles and their delivery tubes must be checked

constantly for these problems.



Parents must set a good example for their children and teach them

a routine of care for and maintenance of their pet hamster.

Careful observation and vigilant attention to their hamster's

every need should be emphasized.  Neglect to any degree is

intolerable and always results in some detriment to the hamsters.