Trouble According to Humphrey (22 page)

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Authors: Betty G. Birney

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• Different pets need different types of care. If you have a pet, what are ten important things to know about caring for that animal? (If you need help, check out a book in the library, go on the Internet, or ask a veterinarian.) If you don’t have a pet, pick an animal you like or write down what is important to know about taking care of Humphrey. (For some hints, check
out the chapter endings in the first book,
The World According to Humphrey.
)

• What is a pet you don’t have but think you’d like to own? On a piece of paper, make two columns. List the advantages of having such a pet on one side. List the disadvantages of having that pet on the other side. Which list is longer?

• Did you ever want a certain pet and your parents said no? Why do you think they said no?

Grandma Dot

• Seth’s grandmother can remember her town before a lot of modern changes were made. Ask adults in your area (teacher, parents, grandparents, relatives, neighbors) what changes they’ve seen in your community. What buildings now exist that weren’t there when they were growing up? What things are gone that they miss? What changes do they see as being good? What changes do they see as being bad?

• If you could see into the future, what might your school look like in 25 years? In 100 years? How about your street? What changes would you like to see?

Answers According to Humphrey

Humphrey’s Answers to Dr. Drew’s Hamster Care Quiz

1. False.	NO-NO-NO! Hamsters often bite when threatened. If your hamster bites you, perhaps you picked it up awkwardly, squeezed it too tightly, or moved too quickly. Punishment would do no good and would make the animal even more excited, so please be kind. Especially to me!
2. False.	We hamsters love—and need—a wide variety of yummy things to eat, including a little lean raw meat (preferably ground beef) once or twice a week.
3. False.	Are you kidding? Of course we love to be petted! But not all the time. It’s best to pet us when we’re wide awake, usually in the evening. (It’s not a good idea to wake up a hamster—even during a spelling test!) And as much as we like a little petting, we’re not toys to be carried around all the time. Hey, I need my rest so I can help my friends.
4. True.	Hamsters are loners when it comes to other hamsters, although I did enjoy getting to know Winky! But NEVER-NEVER-NEVER put two hamsters in the same cage. Never.
5. False.	Don’t bathe your hamster. Water is bad for us! Besides, we’re extremely good at keeping ourselves clean with our intricate grooming routines. And it’s fun to watch us groom.
6. False.	EEEK! These questions are making me jittery! Do not pick up a hamster by the back of its neck unless you want an unpleasant surprise. (See Dr. Drew’s tips on the right way to do it.)
7. False.	WRONG-WRONG-WRONG. When a hamster lies on its back, it’s trying to tell you it’s scared; and if you approach it, it might bite you. When you think someone is about to hurt you, what do you do?
8. True.	Hamsters don’t do well in sunlight. We like shady, leafy places.
9. False.	Don’t bother. We’re so good at chewing and breaking down food, we can eat things that are almost as big as we are. (And don’t forget, we like to save food in our cheek pouches or in hidden places in our cages.)
10. True.	No wonder we’re so handsome!
11. True.	Yummers. I don’t know why humans think they’re yucky. I’ll bet they’ve never tried them.
12. False.	On the one paw, hamsters can eat a wide range of foods, including fruits, veggies, yogurt, cheese, and meat … and we like a lot of variety, too. But raw beans, potato eyes, and canned or frozen foods are not for us. Neither are pickles, alcohol, or toffee!