Fluffy Exotics Flashcards
What are the two different types of poo and what should they look like/
- caecotrophs (should only see occasionally, very runny and smelly, rabbits normally eat these)
- faecal pellets (dry and not smelly)
What should a rabbit diet consist of?
5% pellet
85% hay and grass
10% leafy green veg
What should rabbits be vaccinated against?
VHD -> viral haemorrhagic disease
Myxomatosis
What should gerbil housing not have?
Metal bars
Sawdust
What housing should gerbils have?
Bedding of about 20-30cm deep so they can burrow
Have hiding places
Peat/ wood chip bedding
What social interaction should rabbits have?
Not alone, best in pairs
Not with guinea pigs
How should you pick up a rabbit?
- place one hand under thorax (chest)
Support rabbit hind quarters and back by place if one hand underneath the hind quarters
Hold close to your body
Once lifted you can support them from the ventrum
How should you pick up a rabbit?
- place one hand under thorax (chest)
Support rabbit hind quarters and back by place if one hand underneath the hind quarters
Hold close to your body
Once lifted you can support them from the ventrum
How should you sex a rabbit?
Apply pressure either side of genital opening and look at shape
Male- round and penis can be protruding
Female- v shaped vulva, points cranially (towards head)
How should you sex a guinea pig?
Look at genital region;
Male- penis may be extruded through
Female- Y shaped opening
What temperature would hamp]steps enter a state of temporary hibernation
Below 5
How to sex rats and gerbils
Look at how many holes behind tail;
1- male
2- female
How do you asses sex in gerbils and rats/
Anogenital distance
Big- male
Small- female
What are the roles of guinea pigs in society?
Pets —> companionship and mental health
Research
Food
Ecosystem —> eats grass and source of food for predators
What are the RSPCA require,ears for a rabbit enclosure?
Need somewhere to hide
Need to be able to stand up on hind legs and ears touch roof of enclosure
Can be fully stretch out
Can take 3 consecutive hops
What do the RWAF recommend for dimensions of enclosures for rabbits?
3m x 2m x 1m
Sleeping quarters of 6ft x 2ft x 2ft
What do the RSPCA recommend for guinea pigs for enclosure sizes
2m x 0.5m x 25cm high
What substrates must be used for enclosures for guinea pigs and rabbits?
Toilet area- absorbant substances like newspaper and dust free (non cedar) wood shavings
Bedding- insulating materials, like dust free hay and shredded paper
No mesh wiring unless buried
What enrichment should be given
Food puzzles
Enrichment
Forage
What is important to remember about a rabbits diet?
Not excessive calcium, as they metabolise calcium differently
Need lots of fibre as they’re hind gut fermenters and will help grind down teeth which don’t stop growing