chinchilla

Question 1

explain the digestive system of the chinchilla 9mark

Answer 1

-monogastric herbivores
- large caecum for the breakdown of cellulose
11/1 CO/0 PM1/1 M3/3 = 20
-also have a small narrow oral cavity, -tongue is continuous with the soft palate and the entrance to the pharynx via the palatal ostium
- large simple stomach
-long intestine to digest plant materials -caecum is long and coiled and sacculated, -caecum also holds a lower % of the total intestinal contents than a go or rabbit -teeth are yellower than a gp

Question 2

explain the reproductive system in the chinchilla 4 for m/f

Answer 2

m
no true scrotum
testes remain in inguinal canal
3 pairs of mammary glands anogential distance is greater in males
f
seasonal polyoestrus and spontaneous ovulator
uterus has 2 uterine horns, each of which terminates in a cervix
two cervix leads into single vagina
3 pairs of mammary glands nipples protrude sideways

Question 3

how do house a chinchilla 9

Answer 3

can be kept signally, pairs or mixed sex groups minimal enclosure should be greater than 2 cubic metres
need vertical height to climb
don’t have cage made out of wood as will gnaw it
bottom of cage should be wire to prevent build up of moisture
have a nest box lined with hay, straw or shredded paper
provide a dust bath (5-10cm deep of sand) to keep fur in good condition environmental temp should not exceed 22C provide ramps to climb, branches to chew and a drainpipe to hide

Question 4

explain nutrition for chinchillas

Answer 4

they are herbivores
feed a pelleted commercial food diet
15% protein
low fat
30% of fibre
veg and fruits can be given in small quantities fresh water always

Question 5

how to handle a chinchilla

Answer 5

scuffing should be avoided
pick up calmly and quickly by placing one hand around the pectoral girdle from dorsal behind the front legs and supporting the weight with the other hand by cupping the hind legs