Chapter 20-Hamsters Flashcards
Which is the most commonly used hamster in laboratory research?
The golden or Syrian hamster
Name two other species of hamster used in research besides the Syrian hamster
1- Chinese hamster
2- djungarian hamster
Describe what a cheek pouch is in hamsters
Thin sacs of tissue on each side of the mouth
Describe what scent glands are in hamsters
Located on both right and left dorsolateral flanks
Describe a hamster stomach
Divided into 2 compartments, forestomach and glandular stomach
List the four mating systems used in hamsters
1- hand
2- harem
3- intermittent
4- monogamous
If a mother hamster with young pups is startled or disturbed, what might she do with the pups?
Hide them in her cheek pouches
Why is it important to provide nesting material to female hamsters before they give birth?
Pup survival
What else should be done to help ensure pup survival, especially for a females’ first litter?
Should not be disturbed until pups are 7 days old
True or False
A hamster can be restrained by grasping the loose skin across the back, above the shoulders
True
True or False
Hamsters can be moved around from cage to cage without danger of fighting
False
Hamsters are aggressive
True or False
Hamsters sleep very soundly and startle easily if awakened suddenly
True
True or False
Hamsters are the most docile of laboratory rodent species
False
Hamsters are aggressive
True or False
Larger hamsters will dominate smaller ones, no matter what sex they are
True
True or False
Only male hamsters have scent glands
False
Both male and female have scent glands
