Diverse Species Flashcards
What additional requirement might some bird require?
Fresh and clean water- regularly change
Mineral/vit supplements
Grit- passerines
How many chambers are in a chelonians heart?
3 chambers
What diet is needed for ferrets?
Short GI, simple microflora, need high concentration of fat and easily digestible meat-based protein, lactose intolerant
30-40% protein 10-12% fat
Bones and raw food diet considered best- commercial better for most people- not dog food
What is the choanae useful for?
Swabbing for respiratory disease
What is the ratio of Ca:P in reptiles?
1.5-2: 1
What is the terminal portion of the GI, reproductive and urinary tract called?
Cloaca
Are ferrets young altirical or precocial?
Altricial- undeveloped
What is a copulatory plug?
Congealed sperm/mucus which hardens within cervix, for 8-12 hours follow copulation
What muscles are mainly responsible for jaw closing and opening in reptiles?
Pterygoideus and external adductor jaw closers
Depresson mandible jaw opener
What is a polyphydonty?
Teeth continually replaced
What is found in the the middle 1/3 of a snake?
Stomach, liver, lung, spleen, pancreas
What is semi-closed fish management?
Flowing fast continuous water (canal), maintains quality
Allows higher density of fish
Why do fish need filtration system?
Ammonia released is very toxic therefore needs to be removed
Mechanical, biological and chemical filtration
What is often a cause of weight gain in rabbits?
Clover- very high energy
What are the 3 different breeds of rabbit with fancy coats?
Angora- fluff balls, easily matted
Rex- short fur, prone to abrasions
Satin
Where would ferrets blood be sampled from?
Cephalic and jugular vein
What overlies the dermal bone plates?
Scutes
What immune organ do birds lack?
Lymph nodes
How many salivary glands to ferrets have?
5 salivary glands
How does the nasal cavity communicate with the oral cavity in birds?
The choanae
How do snakes allow enlargement of integument after a meal?
Scales are joined by small folded areas of skin allowing for explansion
What is the calamus of a feather?
Anchors feather into follicle
What is the normal nutrition for psittacines?
Wide variety- fruit, nuts
Commercial diets available but poorly balanced- usually selectively feed
Home made- 30% fruit, 30% veg, 30% sprouted pulses, 10% seed and nuts, vit and min supplement
What is the variation in GI tract for seed eating birds?
Seed eaters- well developed crop, proventriculus and gizzard, long intestine, distinct caeca
How are ferrets sexed?
Males much larger, obvious penis and testes, vulva under tail in females swells in season
How do birds cause inspiration and expiration?
Lungs are fixed and don’t expand, thoracic and abdominal muscles expand thoracic cavity
How many lobes does a bird liver have?
Bilobed- right larger
What problem does excess digestible fibre cause in rabbits?
caecal dysbiosis- lawn clippings
What family of birds are parrots?
Psittacines
What is a specialist in terms of husbandry?
Precisely adapted to ecological niches
range limited to specific diets, habitats, climates
Why is neutering advised in jills?
Pyometras common
What is the main characteristic of Lops?
Floppy ears
All rodents are duplex except … which has …
1- Guinea pig
2- Bicornuate
What is dysecdysis?
Failure to shed, usually husbandry related
What type of stomach do rodents have?
Monogastric- simple chambered (not hamster)
What is external anatomy of birds important for?
Identification, locating structures underneath, indicator of health
What special requirements to chinchillas have?
Need to be dry, require different levels for jumping, require dust bath, susceptible to heat stroke
Where is the coracoid process found in Chelonia?
Scapula
How can you detect the stage of oestrus in rodents?
Count lymphocytes, count epithelial cells and stage
What causes ferrets odour?
Sebaceous glands all over body
What are the 4 distinct periods of rodents oestrus?
Proestrus, Oestrus, metoestrus, dioestrus
What ocular organ do snakes lack?
nicitating membrane
How many vertebral scutes are there?
5
What is the function of the uterus/shell gland
Calcification of the shell
20 hours
Which birds are commonly referred to as the ‘song birds’?
Passerines
How can you stimulate certain breeds to hibernate?
Withhold food for 2 weeks, place in box with bedding, reduce temperature to below 10 degrees, monitor
What is the vane of a feather?
Either side of the central rachis, consists of series of interlocking barbs- fluffy bit
Do reptiles seek a higher or lower temperature when sick or stressed?
Higher temperature
Why do rabbits eyes stick out when frightened?
They have a large retrobulbar venous plexus, therefore stick out under increased blood pressure
What problems can keeping several cockatiels have?
Males can fight, but usually very sociable
When does ovulation occur in a rabbit?
10-13 hours after coitus
Do hystricomorphs or myomorphs have precocial young?
Hystricomorphs, myomorphs altricial
How should snakes be handled?
Can be aggressive- be careful- easily bruised/rib fracture
Thumb and second finger behind head, forefinger in top of head
Rodents have a large diastema what does that mean?
They have a large gap in-between incisors and cheek teeth
What are specialist features of a birds skull?
Lightweight
No teeth
Sclerotic rings support globe
What can be some potential problems with domesticated rats/mice?
Aggression between males, incisors (dental disease)
Name all relevant rabbit breeds- try 5
Lops, dwarf lops, mini lop, French and English Lop, lion head, Angora, Rex, Satin, Himalayan, Dutch, English, Netherland dwarf, Polish, New-Zealand red/white, Belgian hare, Continental giant, Flemish giant
What are the major skeletal modifications of the Chelonia?
Limbs project laterally, spine and ribs fused, pectoral and pelvic girdle vertical within ribcage
What is tonic immobility in rabbits?
Put on back and rabbits freezes, is a fear response- increases HR, respiratory rate, cortisol
What is the ventral flattened part of a shell called?
Plastron
What is the order of passerines?
Passeriformes
Where does the GI tract of reptiles terminate?
Cloaca
What is the difference in GI for fruit eating birds?
Shorter intestine, caeca less distinct
What shape is a rabbits stomach?
J- shaped
What are common signs of adrenal disease in ferrets?
Alopecia, muscle/weight loss
Why should over-handling after eating be avoided?
May regurgitate
Through which oral cavity to rodents breath?
Nasal cavity (mouth breathing shows respiratory distress)
How do female snakes produce young?
Oviparous or viviparous
Why should nail clippers not be used to trim rodents teeth?
Teeth can fracture
What are some poisonous foods to birds?
Avocados, onions, garlic, celery (causes impactions), tomatoes, mushrooms
What is a separate tank recommended for?
Feeding
Which of a ferrets teeth are rooted?
All of them! Got ya
What legislation applies to rabbit care?
Animal welfare act- 2006
Codes of practice
In England- rabbits are protected under welfare of farmed animals regulations 2007
How do you sex lizards?
Males- larger, more colourful, presence of prominent dewlaps, crest and spines, prominent femoral pores, cloacal bulge
Can use probe, ultrasound
What kind of breathers are rabbits?
Obligate nasal breathers
At what temperature does reptiles digestion stop?
7 degrees
Where is the thymus locates in birds?
Neck
What are all the lobes of a rodents right lung?
Cranial, middle, caudal, intermediate
What can happen if a Jill ferret doesn’t mate during season?
Causes prolonged secretion of oestrogen which causes anaemia (suppressing bone marrow) and potentially death
What are the major anatomical differences of birds hindlimbs?
Fused bones- Tibiotarsus, Tarsometatarsus
Proximal muscles long tendons to digits
When do young rabbits start to take solid food?
18-21 days
What is the feather shaft?
Combination of calamus and central rachis
What is essential for lighting?
Timing
What are the differences in GI tract go herbivore reptiles?
Cecum and colon large
How do sharks detect pressure changes in the water?
Head and lateral line contains pores with neuromast cells which contain sensory hairs
Also contains electroreceptors ampullae of lorenzini to detect electrical impulses of fish under sand
What is the usual cause of adrenal disease in ferrets?
Early neutering or abnormal photoperiods
What are carnivores like snakes usually fed?
Rodents, rabbits
monitor lizards- rodent, fish, eggs
What type of uterus does a ferret have?
Bicornuate
What are the 4 types of feathers?
Contour feathers
Semi-plumes
Down feathers
Powder down feathers
How is a rodents respiratory system optimised?
Short airways, increased respiratory rates, increased alveoli, high chest compliance (higher vital capacity/lower residual lung capacity)
What are Chondrichthyes?
Cartilagenoius fish- sharks
What are the 4 methods of snake locomotion?
Lateral undulation, rectilinear, concertina, sidewinding
What are the two suborders of Chelonia?
Pleurodira
Cryptodira
What shape are rodents incisor teeth?
Chisel shaped
What are the differences between a male and female Chelonia?
Males have concave plastron for mounting
Presence of phallus in males
Cloaca further from plastron in males
Longer broader tails in males
Why are male rabbits castrated?
Stop breeding, easier litter training, reduced aggression
What is the name of rabbits extra ocular muscle?
Rectus dorsalis
What is unusual about a birds thoracic vertebrae?
Notrarium- fused to resist twisting forces of flight
What does ectothermic mean?
Metabolism and physiological function is directly related to environmental conditions
What are insectivores fed?
Mealworms, wax worms, crickets, locusts
Gut load insects with fruit and calcium supplement
Do birds have a nicitiating membrane?
Yes
How would you describe the structure of a ferrets skull?
Large cranium, short jaw, typical carnivore
What is ingestible fibre vital for in rabbits?
Gut motility
When does a rabbit reach sexual maturity?
small 4-5 months, large 5-8 months
Where do budgies originate, what is their normal weight, life expectancy?
Originate from australia
Weight 35-55g
Life ex up to 10 years
What family are rabbits in?
Leporidae
What are the names for a ferrets 5 salivary glands?
1- Submandibular 2- Parotid 3- Sublingual 4- Molar 5- zygomatic
What are the different techniques for wing clipping?
Bilateral/Unilateral
Some do primary feathers some secondary some both
What is the function of the isthmus in birds repro tract?
Shell membranes produced
75 mins
What is different about a rabbits calcium absorption?
Rabbits absorb all available dietary calcium through the gut and excrete excess via kidneys
What do the ureters attach to?
Ureters open directly into cloaca
What extra tooth do some reptiles have?
Egg tooth for rupturing membranes and leathery egg shells
How often does moulting occur?
Generally once a year, requires increased energy, affected by season, temperature
How many chambers of the heart do most reptiles have?
Three- , 4 in crocodiles
What are the four pairs of salivary glands in rabbits?
Parotid, Sublingual, Zygomatic, Mandibular
How do some fish have partial endothermy?
Counter-current heat exchange between venous blood leaving and cold blood from gills
What are the different humidities for reptiles?
Species dependent
Lower for desert species- 20-30%
Most 50-70%
Higher for rainforest species- 70-80%
What are the social differences of finches and canaries?
Canaries best singly, finches very social
What are common problems of Netherland dwarf rabbits?
Very easily startled, prone to dental disease
What dental disease is common in rabbits?
Buccal spur
What happens to reptiles if plasma calcium is low?
Parathyroid hormone mobilises calcium causing metabolic bone disease
What is meant by altricial and precocial?
Altricial- young born undeveloped
Precocial- young born in developed advanced state
How many chambers are in birds hearts?
4
How many lobes does a birds kidney have?
3- cranial middle caudal x 2
What is different on rabbits feet compared with a dog/cat?
No footpads
What accessory glands are present in male birds?
none
What are the different kinds of egg layers?
Continual- hens
Determinate- produce a clutch then cease for period
Intermediate- produce clutch but ‘replace’ lost eggs
What does mouth breathing mean for a Chelonia?
Sign of distress- nasal breathers
What are the three phases to a reptiles reproductive cycle?
Quiescent
Vitteline
Gravid
Which muscles are used for wing depression and elevations
Pectoralis major- wind depressor
Supracoracoideus
What is normal % of bw for ferrets blood?
5-7%
Are ferrets obligate nasal breathers?
No but they do prefer it
How long does it take mice/hamsters/rats/gerbils to reach sexual maturity?
6-8 weeks
Which two digestive organs do ferrets lack?
No caecum/appendix
Why do reptiles have a kinetic skull?
Allows for a wider gape
What are canary birds bred for?
Song, colour and type
What type of skull do reptiles have?
Diapsid- snakes, lizards, crocodiles
Anapsid- Chelonia
How would you decide the living environment for reptiles?
Think about their wild habitat
Terrestrial, Arboreal
Aquatic
Hide area important
What is the light requirement for temperate reptiles in summer and winter?
Summer- 15 hours
Winter- 9 hours
Describe a lion head rabbit appearance
Small mane around the face
When do birds beaks stop growing?
Never- continually grow
What kind of roots do rodents teeth have?
Open rooted- Aradicular
What are the different heat sources required for temperature management of reptiles?
Primary heat source- low end of POTZ, provides background/ambient, not a light source
Secondary heat source- higher temperature in specific areas, shouldn’t exceed high end of POTZ
What is the rachis of a feather?
Hollow central tube- contains capillaries during growth bur loses them and becomes hollow as feather matures
What do rabbits caecotrophs contain?
Protein, vitamin B and K
What snakes are found in the families colubridae?
Corn snakes
King snakes- superhans
What is the gland called that is located in the dorsum of the tail in ducks for waterproofing?
uropygial gland
What monitors humidity?
Hygrometer
Which of ferrets teeth are long and curved?
Canines
Whats the ph of rabbits urine and what problem could this cause?
ph 8-9
Predispose the formation of calcium precipitates
What are the 2 breeds of tiny rabbits?
Netherland dwarf
Polish
How do some reptiles do prehension of food?
Oral cavity- mucus secreting glands, modified to venom in some
Teeth- in lizards and snakes
Which rodent is likely to have an impaction?
Hamsters cheek pouches
What enzymes are rich in rabbits saliva?
Amylase rich
What is the crop of a bird used for?
Temporary storage, for feeding young
Where do finches originate?
Australia, Indonesia, Americas
How slow can digestion of a Chelonia be?
2-4 weeks
Where on a rat can blood be taken venously?
Lateral tail vein, lateral saphenous, ventral tail artery
What is the waxy structure found as the base of the beak in some species of birds?
Cere- raptors, parrots, owls
What extra features of integument do some lizards have?
Spines or horns for defence
Flaps for courtship
What is the innapropriate maturation of follicles called?
Follicular stasis
How do snakes thermoregulate?
Behaviour Tapor at below 10 Heat stress at 35 Bask in sun Hide in shade
What id the function of the proctodeum in the cloaca?
Houses bursa of fabrics on dorsal midline
Name the plastron scutes from head to tail
Intergular, gular, humerai, pectoral, auxillary, marginal, inframarginal, abdominal, inguinal, femoral, anal
What cages are recommended for rodents?
Wire sides- good ventilation and easy to clean
Tank- protection from draughts, needs mesh lid for ventilation
Why should ferret housing not be super clean?
they make a territory
Which vertebrae lack a rib in a snake?
the first two
What are the two types of boidae commonly kept?
Pythons
Boas
When is a higher humidity for reptiles required?
Ecdysis- shedding
When so snakes reach sexual maturity?
1-5 years depending on size
Where are reptiles testes found?
Internally
How many digits are on a rabbits hindlimb and forelimb?
5 digits on fore
4 digits on hindlimb
Which rodent has yellow incisors and why?
Rats due to iron pigment
What are Russian hamsters prone to?
Diabetes
What is a swim bladder?
Small pocket of air below spine for buoyancy
What roles other then respiration do lungs play in snakes?
Buoyancy
Vocalisation
Display
How are feathers defined?
Areas which they’re found- pterylae
Which fins do fish use for the following: Hovering, manoeuvring and backing Fast acceleration Cruising Complex habitats
Hovering- dorsal/anal/pectoral fins
Acceleration-caudal tail
Cruising- caudal fins
Complex habitats- trunk (eel)
What is the cause of most diseases in reptiles?
Poor nutrition and husbandry
When do ferrets go through puberty?
6-9 months
What substrate is recommended and what shouldn’t be used for reptiles?
Astroturf/washable carpet squares good alternative
Newspaper- cheap, digestible, disposable
Avoid things that can be ingested- gravel
What is the pectoral girdle?
Supports the large flight muscles
How can a Guinea Pigs genitals be distinguished between sexes?
Females- Y
Males- I
What controls the thermoregulation in reptiles?
Controlled by the hypothalamus- pre optic nucleus receives information from central and peripheral thermoreceptors
What does a females reptiles reproductive tract enter ?
Urodeum
How do Chelonia masticate?
Beaks
How are caecal contents protected from stomach?
Mucus
How do reptiles retain water?
Cloacal reflux into colon/bladder
How often do rabbits malt?
twice
How many lobes does a ferrets left lung have?
2- cranial and caudal
Where is urine excreted from in Chelonia and how can it conserve water?
Excreted into urodeum
Can be refluxed back into colon for water conservation
Which side of the oviduct regresses in most birds?
Right side regresses, left ovary and oviduct fully develop
What is the function of the ventriculus?
Muscular stomach, sometimes contains grit for grinding food
How often would large snakes be fed?
once every 2-4 weeks
What are the three compartments of the cloaca
Coprodeum
Urodeum
Proctodeum
What is problematic about muesli?
Calcium balance wrong, dental disease, high protein, boredom, obesity
What is the gestation length of guinea pigs?
59-72
What is the gestation length of a chinchilla?
111 days
What is the kingdom, phylum and class of birds?
Kingdom- animalia
Phylum- Chordata
Class- Aves
What is likely to cause urethral blockage in ferrets?
Enlarged prostate- associated with adrenal disease
Whats a normal respiratory rate for a rabbit?
30-60 bpm
What do ferrets lack the ability to digest?
Fibre- higher then 4% causes problems
What are the three methods of fish management?
Open, semi-closed, closed
What are omnivores usually fed (terrapins and turtles)?
Earthworms, pinkies, fish, green veg, commercial food
What is unusual about ferrets acid secretion in stomach?
Large spontaneous secretions
How do lizards thermoregulate?
Colour change
Body posture
Behaviour
What are the 4 infaorders of lizards?
Iguania- iguana
Gekkita- geckos
Scincomorpha- skinks
Varinoidea- komodo dragon
What are the major anatomical differences of a birds eye?
Cornea thinner, lens softer, retina thick and avascular
Where are Chelonias kidneys located?
Under caudal carapace- lobulated
How is uric acid secreted?
Mixed with copies mucus
What respiratory muscle do reptiles lack?
Diaphragm
How many chambers does a lizards heart have and what extra blood vessel system do they posses?
3 chambers
Renal portal system
How can rodents gnaw and chew?
Gnaw- lower jaw can move forwards, incisors aligned
Chew- lower jack back, opposed molars
Why are snakes susceptible to pneumonia?
Simple unicameral lung
Which bones make up the pectoral girdle?
Scapula
Clavicle
Coracoid
Sternum
What is the difference between myomorph and hystricomorph cheek teeth?
Myomorph- erupt and stop
Hystricomorph- continually erupt
How does the skeletal system support flight?
By reducing weight- fused bones, light structure, no teeth
Providing attachment for flight muscles
Describe a ferrets adrenal glands
embedded in fat, right gland much larger
What is a ceca in birds?
Outpouching of large intestine- size varies in species
What are the 5 functional regions of the reproductive tract in female birds?
Infundibulum Magnum Isthmus Uterus (shell gland) Vagina
What does the pancreas secrete?
Exocrine- amylases, proteases, lipases
Endocrine- insulin, glucagons, somatostatin
What % of a rabbits diet should grass be?
80%- fresh, dried, hay
What are the pros and cons of stimulating normal hibernation?
Pros- stimulates normal thyroid function and reproductive behaviour
Cons- harmful in young, ill or underweight animals
What is needed to be known about fish for good husbandry?
Environment, Oxygen, temp tolerance, salinity, pH requirements, water hardness, behaviour, space, shoaling, aggression
What problems are female lizards prone to in the reproductive tract and why?
Follicular stasis as mature oocytes fail to ovulate
Egg binding- oocytes remain on the oviduct
What type of penis do rodents have?
Os penis
Describe the structure of the trachea and lungs in birds
Trachea bifurcates into left/right primary bronchi
Primary bronchi further subdivide into secondary bronchi, then parabronchi, parabronuhi open into atria which contains air capillaries (like alveoli)
When cleaning what should be preserved in rabbits housing?
Scent markings
How many pleural scutes are there?
4 on each side (8)
Which part of the reptiles GI is simple and has muscular walls?
Stomach
Why do male bird testes dramatically increase in size?
When breeding
Other then ano-genital distance how can gerbils be sexed?
Pigmented scrotum, more obvious ventral scent gland
What legislations applies to keeping exotic mammals?
Dangerous wild animals act 1976- revised 1984/2008
Zoo licensing act- 1981
Animals (scientific procedures) act 1986- protect animals against research
Where would you inject a bird intramuscularly?
Pectoral muscles, except in ratites and nestlings
Avoid thigh/leg muscles
How often would a small snake/lizard be fed?
1-2 times per week
Describe a birds integument
Feathers, thin and elastic skin, scaly skin on legs, reduced glands- no sweat/sebaceous
Why is catheterisation of ferrets nob difficult ?
J shaped cock
What are the main features of tails in lizards?
Site of fat storage, Can shed as defence
How should you handle small birds?
Bare hands/ fine cloth
Restrain head with 1st and 2nd fingers gently
Wrap wings with hand/cloth
What are the 9 different air sacs found in birds?
1 intraclavicular 2 cervical air sacs 2 anterior thoracic air sacs 2 posterior thoracic air sacs 2 abdominal air sacs
What external features do Chondrichthyes have?
Unpaired medial fins- first dorsal, second dorsal, caudal, anal fines
Paired fins- lateral and pectoral
pelvic fins- claspers in male fish
What does the mesometrium store in rabbits?
Fat
What are the different types of pythons found?
Ball python
Burmese python
Reticulated
What is the relation between heart size and body mass in birds?
Heart size inversely proportional to body mass
What is different about a pygmy hedgehog to a normal European one?
Don’t hibernate
What is the topography of a rabbits stomach?
Left of midline
Describe a female chelonians reproductive organs?
Paired ovaries and oviducts
Ova travel down reproductive tract and egg is formed
Oviparous
Which reptiles have external ears?
Crocodiles
What is the name for a neutered and non-neutered male ferret?
Neutered- Gib
Non-neutered- Hob
Why are outdoor systems well suited for ferrets?
Good space and enrichment and natural light cycles
Indoor requires large cage and daily excercise
What type of ovulators are rodents?
Polyoestrous spontaneous except chinchillas
Where is the bursa of fabrics located in birds?
Located in dorsal cloaca
What range of temperature should rabbit housing remain at?
10-20 degrees
How many lobes does a ferrets right lung have?
4- cranial, middle, accessory, caudal
Where are kidneys located in lizards?
Caudodorsal celom
What do Chelonia excrete from their urinary system?
Different in different species- urea or uric acid
How many marginal scutes are there?
12
What size are rodents lungs relative to size?
Large lungs
What are the 5 parts to a feather
Vane Rachis Calamus Feather shaft Barb
What are the different lobes of a rabbits lungs?
Left- Cranial, Middle, Caudal
Right- Cranial, Middle, Caudal, Accessory
Where would you take blood from Chelonia?
Jugular vein
Dorsal coccygeal vein
Which of the large parrots species are endangered?
All of them- illegal to import
What are the three types of water requirements different fish have?
fresh, brackish and marine
What is closed fish management?
recirculating agriculture systems, water re-conditioned and re-circulated, marine or fresh
High fish densities
Highly trained staff
High green house gas emissions
Why can female chinchillas not be bred until fully grown?
Malocclusion will occur and cause slobbering, eye discharge and death
What are the major adoptions of chelonians respiratory system?
Short trachea
No diaphragm
Head and limbs move to alter internal pressure to assist breathing
What is the optimal calcium level for rabbits health in diet?
0.6-1%
510mg for 2.5kg
Which of a ferrets small/long intestines are short and long?
Both small and large intestine short
How often does a dam feed its kit in rabbits?
Fed once or twice a day, 3-5 mins, milk has higher fat, protein and calories
What reproductive organ do snakes and lizards possess?
Paired extraclocal hemipenes- can prolapse
Whats a normal resting heart rate for a ferret?
180-250 bpm
Which bones in birds are pneumatic?
Humerus, skull, clavicle, keel, pelvic girdle, lumbar and sacral vertebrae, varies with species
What is the name for a female ferret?
A Jill
Where does sperm and eggs leave in fish?
Genetic pore
Do rabbits have a third eyelid?
Yes
What are the most commonly kept type of finches?
Zebra, Gouldian, Society
Which of a ferrets teeth have 3 roots?
Upper 3rd premolar
What is egg binding?
Takes longer then normal to pass an egg causing dystocia
What is the gestation period in rabbits?
30-32 days
How should chelonians be handled?
Hold shell just infront of hindlimb- like a hamburger
Why can it look like rats cry blood?
When rats are stressed they can release porphyrin
What is the normal permanent dental formula for ferrets?
I 3/3, C 1/1, P3/3, M1/2 = 34
Is reptiles skin waterproof?
Yes- evolutionary advantage
What is the alula?
Name given to the first digit, located on carpometacarpal joint, support stiff feathers for flight stability
What kind of uterus does a rabbit have?
Duplex- two uterus
What of the urinary system are Chelonia prone to?
Prone to cloaca stones/ bladder stones
Why can rabbits not vomit?
Well-developed cardiac sphincter
Why are rabbits prone to ulceration on their feet?
No footpads
What muscle makes up a ferrets oesophagus?
Striated muscle throughout
What is a barb of a feather?
The individual structures that make up a vane, have interlocking barbules
What are the minimum recommended requirements for rabbit housing indoor?
Space to sit up with ears erect, hop and lie down fully stretched out, play, eat and drink, maintain hygiene
Variety of levels and spaces
Scent marking surfaces
Access to outside
Where are a reptiles kidneys located?
Caudal coelomic cavity
Why do ferrets have binocular vision?
Laterally placed eyes give good peripheral vision
Where does a rabbits fur not cover?
Nose, scrotum and inguinal
Why is identification of taxonomy and phylogeny important for husbandry?
To allow comparison of shared requirements
For animals ecological niche
Where does a snakes tongue lie and how can it protrude without opening its mouth?
Lies in a sheath below glottis, protrudes through lingual notch
What problems can occur with birds air sacs?
Susceptible to arterial infection
Trauma can result in sub-cutaneous emphysema (bubble wrap)
What are common problems of continental giant rabbits and flemish giant?
Problems with their skeleton and weight
What urinary organ do lizards have that most reptiles don’t?
Bladder
What are the three phases of respiration in snakes?
Inhalation, Exhalation, rest
What are the different type of contour feathers and what are the differences?
Coverts- small contour on wing
Remiges- large contour (flight feathers)
Retrices- tail feathers
Can ferrets vomit and why?
They can vomit, there is no true oesophageal sphincter
In which species of rodents can presence of nipples be used to distinguish sex?
Mice and rats
What are the different fur types in rabbits?
Satin, rex, wool, normal
What is the name for a juvenile ferret?
Kitten or Pup
Is a ferrets PCV low, ‘normal’ or high?
Packed cell volume- High
What are the 4 families of snakes?
Colubridae
Boidae
Viperidae
Elapidae
What vaccinations should a rabbit have?
Myxomatosis
RHD
Do rabbits have tapetum?
No
Where are semi-plume feathers found and what are there function?
Under contour feathers, loose structure and provide insulation
How many lobes make up the left and right lungs of rodents?
Left- single lobe
Right- four lobes
What is the difference between oviparous, viviparous and parthogenesis?
Oviparous- layer with yolk sac
Viviparous- eggs develop and hatch in body before being born
Parthogenesis- live young
What reproductive organs do mail lizards posses and where are they found?
Abdominal testes
Paired hemipenes- stored at tail base, only one used in each copulation, protrudes from cloaca
Describe a ferret eyes
Large domed cornea, spherical lens and tapetum lucidum, horizontal pupil slits
Where does the oesophagus extend to in rabbits?
Cardia of the stomach
What function do rabbits ears perform?
Thermoregulation and funnelling sound
What is needed for ferret housing?
Susceptible to damp and heat stroke don't thrive above 30 degrees they are easily enclosed not good jumpers- use tunnels and burrows need dry separate sleeping off the floor Out of the sun
How often would iguanas/chelonians be fed?
Daily
What is normal serum calcium concentration in rabbits?
1.25-1.6 mol- higher then other mammals
How should lizards be handled?
Hold around neck and upper body with one hand
Other hand supports pelvis and hindlimb
What makes up a beak?
Bony projection with keratinised sheath
How do snakes avoid occlusion of breathing while swallowing?
Glottis is rostral
What do lizards use their large volume of lungs for?
Respiration- obvs, Buoyancy, Display, Vocalisation
What is the mekels diverticulum?
Remnant of yolk sac attachment, junction between jejunum and ileum
Where are the venepuncture sites of rabbits?
Jugular, Lateral saphenous (back leg), Cephalic (front leg), Marginal vein (ear)
Whats a normal life span of a ferret?
6-9 years
Do myomorphs and hystricomorphs usually have large or small litters?
Myomorphs- large
Hystricomorphs- small
What are the three suborders of rodents?
Myomorph, Sciuromorpha, Hystricomorph
What causes excessive egg production in birds?
An overactive reproductive tract
What urinary organ do snakes lack?
Bladder- ureters direct into cloaca
What would be recommended for passerines housing?
Bigger the better
Cages for confinment over night or when supervised
Ideal aviary to allow flight
Provide enrichment but not at expense of space
What is the difference in birds RBCs?
Nucleated due to evolution
What is the gestation length of hamsters?
15-18 days
What are the two main orders for veterinary of reptiles?
Chelonia- shelled
Squamata- snakes and lizards
What kind of oestrus cycle do rabbits have?
Induced ovulators- no defined cycle
What is the function of powder down feathers?
Specialised down feathers where tips of barbules disintegrate during preening, seen mostly in in birds with absent uropygial glands- pigeons
What kind of light are ferrets eyes adapted for?
Low light conditions, nocturnal
How do reptiles control heat loss?
increase or decrease HR Vasodilation Lungs can be bypassed to reduce heat loss by water Body position and shape Burrowing/hiding Pigmentation
What do Chelonia lack in their kidneys?
No loop of henle or renal pelvis
What is a very distinguishable feature of the animals in the order of Rynococephalia?
Pronounced third eye
How are a ferrets salivary glands likely to get damaged?
Fighting, trauma, dental disease
What two types of light is essential for reptiles?
UVA- reproductive behaviour in lizards
UVB- required for conversion of Vit D3 and calcium metabolism
What is open fish management?
Caged environments in rivers, lakes, open sea
rely on natural system
Pollution and health risks
Where can a ferrets heart be auscultated?
6-8th Rib
What respiratory structure is easily identifiable in reptiles?
Larynx
How can you describe rabbits oviducts?
Long and convoluted
What is the normal lifespan of a rabbit?
5-10 years
How do rabbits subtly communicate?
Scent markings and body language
How long is a ferrets gestation?
42 days
What are jawless fish called?
Agnatha
What urinary organ do snakes lack?
Bladder
What is different about birds and reptiles RBCs?
Nucleated
What are the three subsections of a rabbits proximal colon?
3 haustra (three leaved clover), single haustra, fusses coli
What can cause Chelonia to struggle to cool down?
Their shell
What is the main way Chelonia gain heat and what is this called?
Basking in the sun
Heliothermic
What composes the shell in most Chelonia species?
Keratinised plates called scutes
What urinary systems is similar to a ferrets?
Dogs/cats
Why are rabbits prone to fractures and osteoporosis?
Low calcium diets, reduced exposure to sunlight, lack of exercise
What membrane near ferrets eyes in well developed?
Nicitating
What is the problem with rabbits absorbing all dietary calcium?
Forms calcium carbonate crystals in urine once reabsorptive capacity of kidney is reached
What is the difference between normal and down feathers?
Down feathers have no barbs
What do flying squirrels require?
require tall aviary, highly nocturnal, needs fruit and nuts and a calcium supplement
Which kind of feather are the outmost and what is its function?
Contour- gives colour and shows shape, protects from elements
Where are rodents not naturally found?
Antartica and New Zealand
What are the 6 commonly kept lizards?
Geckos Bearded dragons Iguana Chameleons Skinks Chinese water dragon
What does elodont mean and give an example?
Teeth that continually erupt like hystricomorphs premolars and molars
What are the two main ways reptiles acquire heat?
Heliothermy
Thigmothermy
What variation is their in meat and fish eating birds GI tract?
Caeca and gizzard rudimentary
Well developed pancreas and proventriculus
How can cardiovascular performance be measured in a ferret?
Urine output/pulse pressure
Why do birds have high cardiac outputs?
High metabolic demand for flight
How can nutrition help rabbits stress levels?
Increase dietary fibre
What is a pecten found in birds eyes?
Out-folding of retinal surface, rich blood supply
What are the basic features that distinguish reptiles?
Vertebrates Heavily keratinised skin Ectothermic Internal fertilisation Nucleated RBCs
What is the standard dental formula of a myomorpha rodent?
I1/1, C0/0, PM 0/0, M3/3 = 16
What causes the variety of beaks in birds?
Diet and lifestyle
Where does blood from rabbits eyes drain?
External jugular
How many different lung types are there in lizards?
3
Unicameral, Paucicameral, Multicameral
Where do African greys originate from?
West Africa
What does aneldont mean and give an example?
When teeth grow for short period then cease like in myomorphs molars
Where are chelonians testes?
In the caudal coelomic cavity, cranial to kidneys
What is the concentration of a Chelonia urine compared to its blood?
Hypo or iso tonic
What are the most commonly kept passerines?
Finches and canaries
How can food enrichment be produced for rabbits?
Scatter food
What extra organs do birds posses for respiration than lungs?
System of air sacs
How does a rodents O2 binding curve differ to humans?
Shifted to the right (lower affinity), released more readily
Describe the structure of the syrinx in birds?
Last few tracheal rings, first few left and right bronchial rings with a central ‘tympanic’ membrane
What does motlitin cause in rabbits GI tract?
Stimulates motility in SI, Colon and rectum
What does crepuscular mean and what animals are?
Most active at dawn and dusk- rabbits
What are the 4 types of lops?
Dwarf, mini, French and English
How does the structure of the SI vary between bird species?
Highly coiled in herbivores/omnivores
Shorter in meat eaters
Where are the lungs of Chelonia located?
Lungs lie under the carapace- aids buoyancy
Why are snakes teeth only used for prehension?
Just swallow
What are the most commonly kept psittacines?
budgies, cockatoos, cockatiels, lovebirds, African greys, amazon, macaws
When should hibernation take place?
November to march
What is the name for a vasectomised male ferret?
Hoblet
What order are rabbits in?
Lagomorpha
What is motilin stimulated and inhibited by in rabbits?
Released in response to fat, inhibited by carbohydrates
Where do Macaws and amazon parrots originate?
South America
What is the name for a neutered female ferret?
A Sprite
Why is reptiles holding their breath relevant for anaesthesia?
During breath holding pressure in the lungs increases and therefore causes blood to bypass the pulmonary circulation
What are the different feathers of the wing?
Primary remiges, greater primary coverts, alula, secondary reminges, greater secondary coverts, median secondary coverts, lesser secondary coverts, tertiary remiges, scapulares
What are some rules of thumb of temperature monitoring?
Ambient temp shouldn’t exceed PBT
Heat source should not exceed POTZ
Min and max thermometers essential
What is the function of the parietal eye?
No role in vision
Detects light
Where are the testes located in snakes and what other reproductive organ do they possess?
Cranial to kidneys
Paired hemipenes
What are the three types of black and white rabbits?
Himalayan, Dutch, English
What are the two distinct areas of a birds stomach?
Proventriculus, Ventriculus (gizzard)
What are some different breeds of tortoises?
Mediterranean spur-thighed
Horsfield
Hermanns
Marginated
Where do cockatoos originate from?
Australasia
What kind of retina do rabbits have?
Merangiotic- blood vessels defined in the retina
Where are immune cells produces in birds?
Embryonic liver, yolk sac, bone marrow
Which vitamin do guniea pigs require (cannot produce)?
Vitamin C
What drains fish urine from kidneys?
Paired archinephric ducts
What is a possible cause of pseudopregnancy in rabbits and what treatment is required?
Infertile/presence of males, causes secretion of progesterone by corpus luteum which regresses naturally
What is the difference between a pleurodira and cryptodira?
Pleurodira has a snake like neck that flexes at three pints and cannot be drawn into the shell
Crytpodira has a neck that flexes at two points and can be fully drawn into shell
What sort of order do follicles develop in, in birds?
Sequential
What protects a birds ear?
Auricular feathers- no external pinna
What type of teeth do snakes have?
pleurodont teeth- fused to inner surface of the jaw
Where are B cells/ T cells matures in birds?
Bursa of fabrics- B cells
Thymus- T cells
What happens during inspiration in birds?
Air flows down trachea, along bronchi, into posterior air sacs, simultaneously air moves from lung parabronchi into anterior sacs- 2 respiratory cycles
What reproductive organ to male Chelonia possess?
Single phallus
Why might a female rabbit be spayed?
Stop pyometra, mammary tumours, reduced aggression
What are the three types of teeth found in reptiles?
Acrodont
Pleurodont
Thecodont
When should bunnies be sexed?
best from 5-8 weeks
What is the function of the vagina in birds?
Adds egg cuticle, site of storage for sperm
How does a ferret come into season?
Increased photoperiod (day length)
What is specialised about most Chelonias GI tract?
Large colon and distinct caecum
What is the POTZ of a reptile?
Preferred optimum temp zone- the range of temp required for thermoregulation- different required
How is the fore stomach separated from the glandular stomach in rodents?
A Ridge
Which region of the cloaca receives faeces and digestive waste?
coprodeum
What tumour are rats prone to?
Mammary
What is the normal colour of rabbits urine?
Pale yellow to dark red
What kind of muscle makes up the iris of a snake?
Skeletal muscle, so no responce to atropine
What part of dentition do reptiles lack?
Peridontal ligament
How do terrestrial tortoises grow their shell?
By adding additional keratin layers at the base
Where are VFA absorbed in rabbits?
Caecal wall
How do snakes detect thermoreception?
Infrared sensors, between eye and nostril
What is the easiest way in most rodents to differ sex?
Ano-genital distance, larger in males
How do bones support the respiratory system?
Hollow bones house extension of air sacs
Where are reptiles not found in the world?
Antartica
What are the three reproductive strategies of lizards?
Oviparous
Viviparous
Parthenogenesis
How many sets of inguinal scent glands do rabbits have?
Anal glands, submental glands (chin), Inguinal glands
Which gland of the eye do birds lack?
Meibomian gland
What is the end product of metabolism in birds?
Uric acid
What additional lung lobe does a hamster have?
Caudal accessory lobe
Describe rabbits skin?
Thin and elastic
Why is it difficult to inject ferrets under their necks?
Thick skin for mating and fighting
What is the name for the dorsal domed part of the shell?
Carapace
What do the caudal vertebrae not involved in the synsacrum make up?
Pygostyle- attachment of tail feathers and musculature
What happens during expiration in birds?
Air flows from posterior air sacs through parabronchi, air from anterior air sacs expelled through trachea- 2 respiratory cycles
Why is a potential blockage in a rabbits circulation very dangerous?
Little collateral circulation
What are the three regions of the cloaca from anterior to posterior?
Coprodeum
Urodeum. CUP
Proctodeum
What is the variable number of cervical vertebrae in birds
11-25
How is a normal reptiles ventricle sub-divided?
Cavase arteriosum, cavar pulmonale, cavae venosum
How do lizards breathe?
Rely on respiratory muscles- no diaphragm
Where is the oesophagus entrance found in birds?
Lateral to glottis, right hand side of birds
What ensures full mastication in rabbits?
Strong tongue
What is the normal requirement for light for reptiles?
12-14 hours
Where are the ovaries in birds located?
Cranially to kidney, tightly attached to dorsal body wall and adhered to caudal vena cava
How often would young large boas/python be fed?
3 times per week
What are the two types of boas found?
Boa constrictor
Rosy boa
What gland produces very stable tear film in rabbits?
Harderian gland
What allows range of vocal sound in birds?
Syrinx
What clinical environment should birds be handled in?
Get rid of owners
Quiet darkened room
Towel for protection
Approach the bird from the back
Why can rodents not vomit?
Ridge in the stomach combined with a strong oesophageal sphincter and weak diaphragm
What do kept birds require legally for space?
Must be able to stretch and flap wings
True or false ferrets chew before swallowing?
False- no chewing
What is found in the caudal 1/3 of a snake?
Intestines, kidneys, gonads
What are the different categories of teleosts?
Cyprinidae- carps, goldfish
Gobiidae- gobies
Salmonidae- salmon
Characidae- piranha
Where is 99% of reptiles calcium stored?
Bones
What can birds HR reach in some species?
800 bpm
How are rabbits sexed?
Males have no nipples, males have two hairless sacks either size of urogenital area
What is the normal nutrition of passerines?
Grain or seed eaters- commercial diets available
Supplemented with soft or egg food- extra min/protein
Supply grit
What are the 4 species of large parrots?
African Grey
Macaw
Cockatoo
Amazon
What secondary tissues of immunity are found in birds?
GALT, Caecal tonsils, RALT, CALT, spleen, hardaerian gland
How does the crop differ in pigeons?
Double sac, produces crop milk
What are the breeds of rabbits called which are huge?
Continental giant, Flemish giant
What is important to note about reptiles diet?
Calcium phosphate ratio
Describe the structure of air sacs of birds?
Muco-serous extensions of secondary bronchi
Thin walled poor blood supply
What is the light requirement for topical reptiles in summer and in winter?
Summer- 13 hours
Winter- 11 hours
What category of therm are reptiles?
Ectotherm
What is the structure below and above birds beaks such as chickens?
Comb and wattle
What family are ferrets in?
Mustelidae
What is found in the cranial 1/3 of a snake?
Heart, trachea, oesophagus, thyroid, Proximal lung
Where are testes in male birds found?
In abdominal cavity, above cranial lobe of kidneys- function at body temperature
What additional route do some reptiles have for excretion?
Salt glands
Why are rabbits selective with food?
Browsing creatures
How do birds without phalluses achieve fertilisation?
Cloacal kiss
Why can ferrets cause damage to their dams teats?
Teeth erupt from 3-4 weeks
Why is auscultation of a chelonians heart difficult?
Heart lies posterior to pectoral girdle so the shell can make it difficult
How can the sex of a reptile be influenced?
Incubation temperature- high temp = more male lizards and more female Chelonia
What part of the light spectrum doe reptiles require?
300-400nmn- UVA
290-320nm- UVB
What are the 2 New-Zealand breeds?
New Zealand red and white
What does blinking show in birds?
Ill health- they rarely blink
How long is a ferrets gestation period?
42 days
What does the beak house?
Nares
How does ingestible fibre effect motility in rabbits?
Fibre encourages motility and reduces time in caecum
What is the choanae?
Opening of dorsal oral cavity from nares
What should herbivores be fed?
tortoises, spiny tailed lizards, green iguana
Green veg, flowers, succulents, calcium supplement, UVB essential
Do beaks have a blood and nerve supply?
Yes
Which vertebrae do not have ribs in lizards?
Cervical
What is the dental formula of rabbits?
I 2/1, C0/0, PM 3/2, M3/3
How many gill slits does a Chondrichthyes have?
5 gill slits 4 internal gill arches
What kind of stomach do Chelonia have and what organ is it near?
Simple stomach
Near bilobed liver
What muscle makes up a rabbits oesophagus and how many layers are present?
three layers of striated muscle
Why can snakes jaws ‘walk’ over prey?
Independent movement of upper and lower jaw
What order are lizards found in?
Squamata
What is the function of the infundibulum in birds?
Receives ovulated follicle- fertilisation takes place
Site of formation of chalaze (albuminous cords which holds yolk in place)
15-17 mins
What are the 4 generic categories of birds?
Passerines- perching/song birds
Psittacines- parrots, budgies
Raptors- birds of Prey
Poultry and waterfowl- domestic and wild
What is the gestation length of rats?
21-23 days
What is the standard dental formula of a hystricomorpha?
I 1/1, C0/0, PM 1/1, M3/3= 20
What controls motility of the GI tract in rabbits?
ANS with the fusus coli
What problems commonly occur with marsupials?
elongates claws, obesity in males
Why can ferrets be given blood transfusions easily?
no cross matching required
Where would you take blood from a lizard?
Ventral coccygeal (tail) Axillary Venous Plexus Ventral abdominal vein
What do rabbits develop under their face when they become obese?
Dewlap- large
What support the eye sockets in birds?
Scletortic rings
What factors influence rate of digestion?
Temperature, disease, diet
What frequency of sound do snakes detect well?
Low frequency sounds
What position should housing for psittacines be?
Eye level in busy part of house, no draughts, warm 25 degrees, not kitchen
How do bones support egg production?
Medullary bone provides a source of stored calcium for times of peak egg production
What accessory male sex glands do rodents have?
Seminal vesicles, prostate, coagulating gland, bulbourethral, preputial gland
How do birds uptake water after passage through kidneys?
Mechanism into colon from cloaca
What type of cervix to rodents have?
Duplex (two cervixes)- except guinea pig
How much of a birds cranial volume do eyes take up?
50%
What is the proventriculus responsible for?
Glandular stomach, secretes enzymes
How many air sacs do birds usually have?
9
How does the small intestine of reptiles compare to mammals?
Short
What is the integument of most lizards like?
Heavily keratinised and waterproof
How many kits can a rabbit have a year?
Up to 60 kits
What difference is there in birds which fly less?
Powerful leg muscles
Which colon is elongated in rodents?
Large colon
How often do rabbits produce caecotrophs?
Every 8 hours
What does increased urea in mean in a ferrets serum?
Kidney disease, creatine doesn’t rise in parallel
What is chronic hypothermia in reptiles?
Impaired metabolism function and immune suppression
Where is the terminal end of the ilium in rabbits?
Sacculus rotundus
What is the order of lizards?
Squamata
What bones make up the forelimb of a bird?
Humerus- pneumatic (air sac)
Ulna and radius- ulna larger
Radial and ulnar carpal bones- support primary flight feathers
Carpometacarpus- supports three digits
How long is a ferrets intestinal time?
3-4 hours, rapid
Where are rabbits blind spots?
Tip of its nose and behind
What options of heat sources are recommended?
Heat mats
Heat tape
Incandescent bulbs
Ceramic lamps
Is fertilisation in reptiles internal or external?
Internal
How should a rabbit be handled?
From a young age, supporting hindlimb
Where do canary birds originate from?
canary island
What are common problems of the crop?
Sour crop- yeast infection
Crop impaction
What is the difference between heliothermy and thigmothermy?
Heliothermy- sun
Thigmothermy- conduction from surface
What is the difference between dwarf/mini lops and French and English lops
English and French lops have long floppy ears
What makes up the synsacrum of birds spine?
Comprised of fused lumbar, sacral, some caudal vertebrae
What key information is needed for husbandry of exotic mammals?
Taxonomy/Phlogeny
Purpose of keeping
What is the main function of the LI in birds?
Reabsorption of water and electrolytes
Where do immune cells mature in birds?
Primary lymphatic organs
How many sub orders of rodents are there?
5 sub orders
What should you do if bitten by a snake?
Don’t panic, push hand deeper into mouth immerse snakes head in water
Can use isopropyl alcohol if this doesn’t work
What produces ferrets natural mustelid?
Skin gland secretions
How should large birds be handled?
Hold wings to prevent flapping
restrain head
hold legs with other hand above claws
What kind of diet causes dental disease in rabbits?
Low fibre diets
Which vain should be used to take blood from hamsters?
Jugular and cephalic
How is a ferrets skull optimised for slicing and shearing?
No lateral movement
What is the crop of a bird?
An out-pouching of the oesophagus, muscular sac
Which species of birds have phallus?
Ducks, geese and ratites
What can be abnormal about a snakes lungs?
Left lung is often vestigial or absent
What extra requirement do aquatic species of reptiles need?
Heated and filtered body of water
What happens to faeces in rabbits before being excreted?
Hard is moved into centre of colon and more water ins absorbed, smaller particles move into periphery and return to caecum for more fermentation
What will frequency of feeding depend on for reptiles?
Weight gain and condition
What is the function of UVB light for reptiles?
Conversion of vit D3 to and calcium metabolism
What reproductive organ to male Chelonia have?
Single phallus which protrudes from the proctodeum
When does a glottis in lizards open?
Only for inspiration/expiration
What are the the 4 families of snakes?
Viperidae
Elapidae
Colubridae
Boidae
What does PBT mean of reptiles?
Preferred body temperature- optimum for all systems
What do herbivore lizards require?
Microorganisms and high ambient temperature
Describe a snakes eyelids?
Fused transparent eyelids
How do fish release metabolic waste?
release ammonia from the gills and urine
Which out of hystricomorphs and myomorphs have long gestation periods?
Hystricomorphs, myomorphs have short
What does the pineal gland do in snakes?
Pineal gland
Which rodent often doesn’t have descended testicles?
Chinchillas
What is a normal life expectancy of a large parrot?
30-50 years
What is the gestation length of gerbils?
23-26 days
What can reduce rabbits gut motility significantly?
Gut motility
What is the difference in cells in the stages of oestrus in rodents?
Proestrus- large round nucleated epithelial cells
Oestrus- flattened, no nucleus
Metoestrus/dioestrus- more WBCs
How does air pass through the upper respiratory tract of birds?
Air drawn in through nares and travels through conches and paranasal sinuses
What are the three layers of integument?
Stratum corneum, intermediate layer, stratum germinativum
What kind of diets do lizards have?
Ominovers/ insectivores/herbivores
What are the three functions of the skeletal system?
Respiration, Flight and egg production
What order are psittacines in?
Psittaciformes
Which species of reptiles don’t stop growing?
Chelonians, snakes, crocodiles
What are the 2 sub orders of rodents containing pets?
Myomorpha (mouse, gerbils, hamsters)
Hysticomorpha (procupine, ginea pig)
What affects structure of feet in birds
Lifestyle- perching, running, grasping
What is the gestation length of mice?
19-21 days
What are the suborders of the Squamata?
Serpentes- snakes
Lacertilia- lizards
Amphisbaena- worm lizards
What can overhanding of young reptiles lead to?
Food refusal
Why are ferrets prone to heat stroke?
No sweat glands
How can budgies be sexed and how are they best kept?
Females have brown ceres
Males have blue ceres
Best kept in pairs
What can be given to growing rabbits due to high protein and calcium?
Alfalfa
What type of ovulators are ferrets?
Seasonal monoestrus, reflex ovulators
What do the caecal contents leave as?
Caecotrophs
What organ detects olfaction in reptiles?
Jacobsons organ
What is the function of the magnum in birds reproductive tract?
Egg white (albumin) develops around follicle/yolk 180 mins
What order are crocodiles and alligators found in?
Crocodilia
What organ do rats and horses lack?
Gall bladder
What is the life expectancy of canaries and finches?
9-10 years- canaries
5-10 years- finches
What is the upper and lower beak called?
Rhinotheca- upper
Gnathotheca- lower
What is needed for mechanical, biological and chemical filtration?
Mechanical- filter matts, swirl filters, brushes, sand filters
Biological- bacteria to convert ammonia to nitrate, ammonia oxidising bacteria, nitrate oxidising bacteria (think a level biology)
Chemical- carbon granules, zeolites remove ammonia and are recharged, phosphate granules prevent algae
What is the approximate weight of canaries and which sex usually only sings?
20g
Generally only males sing
What do reptiles excrete as a product of the urinary system?
Uric acid
How does dental disease occur in rabbits from the wrong diet?
High CHO low fibre diets causes elongation of crowns, causing teeth to touch at rest, this puts pressure onto the bone and makes chewing difficult, up and down chewing causes buccal spurs, jaws forced apart and incisor teeth wear incorrectly causing malocclusion and elongation
What is unusual about renal portal system in reptiles?
External iliac veins enter a large renal portal vein therefore blood returning from the hindlimb enters kidneys and is filtered before returning to circulation
What is the kingdom, plylum and class of reptiles?
Kingdom- animalia
Phylum- chordata
Class- reptile
Where do cockatiels originate, what is their normal weight, life expectancy?
Originate from Australia
Weight 70-120g
Life ex 20 years
How many recognises breeds of rabbits are there?
60
Where can guinea pigs blood be taken venously?
Vena cava and jugular
What controls the rate of a reptiles breathing?
Temperature
What is the minimum enclosure size recommended?
6ft x 2ft x2ft plus access to an outdoor run of 8ft
What controls ecdysis?
Thyroid gland
What is recommended for housing of psittacines?
Cages should be square, with horizontal bands
Door large enough for parrot and hand
Non-toxic perches
What are the most common colours of macaws?
Blue and gold, scarlet and green winged
What are the three hair types on rabbits?
long guard hairs, short guard hairs, undercoat
Where is the pancreas of birds found?
Duodenal loop
Why are rodents teeth chisel shaped?
Hard enamel rostrally, soft enamel caudally when ground down forms chisel shape
What is the rabbit breed which isn’t a hare?
Belgian hare
Where is the epiglottis relative to soft palate in rabbits?
Rostral
What enzyme does rabbits SI secrete?
Motilin
How is food moved through a snakes body?
Axial muscles
What is the function of down feathers?
Provide insulation
What does the metabolism of reptiles depend on?
Diet, size, species, body temp
Where are snakes kidneys located?
dorsal caudal abdomen
What is behavioural fever in reptiles?
Sick reptiles will seek out higher temperatures
Which region of the cloaca receives ureters and produces of reproductive tract?
Urodeum
Why is a hygiene important for rabbits?
Can predispose to flystrike/myiasis, pododermatitis, respiratory disease
How is the mixing go blood in reptiles heart minimised?
Muscular chamber divisions and timing of contractions
Where is the liver of a bird located?
caudal to heart (no diaphragm) close to spleen and proventriculus
How long is a rabbits gestation?
30-33 days
How do you sex a snake?
Probe cloaca- bigger in males
Eversion of hemipenes
Tail base broader in males
Males have larger spurs
How can rabbits increase caecotrophy?
Hight fibre, low protein diet
What is a ‘generalist’ and what impact does that have on husbandry?
Able to adapt to a wide range of environments/conditions
Typically wide ranging broad diet
What is ecdysis?
Shedding of old skin
Describe the nitrogen cycle in aquaria?
Food eater
Fish water contains ammonia
Excess food and decomposing plant matter release NH3
ammonia oxidising bacteria- NH3 to nitrite
nitrite oxidising bacteria- nitrite to nitrate
