Housing and In-facility care Flashcards
What are the consequences of a wild animal being comfortable with people?
Hit by a car, shot, or considered pests
Habituation
The animal learns not to respond to something it is frequently exposed to without any consequences (ex: no fear of people because we give them food, aka taming)
What can a tame raccoon be confused as having
Distemper
Why shouldn’t you raise wild animals with domestic pets
They may become habituated to them and this makes them vulnerable to predators
Imprinting
Young animals learn what species they are as a result of being exposed to sights and sounds of their parents/siblings during critical developmental periods. This is not reversable.
Why is imprinting so bad?
It is not reversable. The animal will attempt to socialize and mate with humans. Human-imprinted animals must be euthanized, they are not releasable.
What do you do if an object can’t be disinfected?
Throw it away
4 steps to disinfecting an area
- Remove organic material (dirt, loose fur, feces)
- Wash the area with soap and water
- Apply an appropriate disinfectant
- Rince and allow to dry
What qualities make a good disinfectant (6)
-broad spectrum of activity
-non-irritating
-non-toxic to animals
-non-corrosive
-inexpensive
-not readily inactivated after application
Why aren’t wire cages appropriate for birds
They can damage their feathers, feet, and beaks by flying into the cage wire.
Why can’t you house any species where raccoons have been?
Baylisascaris (raccoon roundworm). These eggs can remain alive for years.
How can you sterilize a surface exposed to Baylisascaris (raccoon roundworm)
Blow torching stainless steel surface
If an reptile or bird is caged outside, does it need UVb?
No, that is provided by the sun
What 3 things intersocial factors should be considered when housing animals together
-are they predator or prey?
-are they aggressive (regardless of age or sex)
-is one domesticated
Why should hay never be brought into an indoor animal facility
There are mold spores in the hay, and this causes fungal respiratory infections, especially in birds.
How to prevent Aspergillosis
-Do not use hay/straw
-Keep proper ventilation
-Provide prophylactic treatment for susceptible birds
How to prevent keel lesions and damaged feathers
Provide appropriate substrate, carpal bumpers, and tail guards. Do not use wire caging.
How to prevent bumblefoot in birds
Provide appropriate perching and substrate
How to prevent aspiration pneumonia
Mammals: feed when their legs are on the ground/table with their head/body at a 30-45 degree angle
Birds: ensure the glottis can be seen, and avoid it.
How to prevent diarrhea
Minimize stress. Do not introduce formula too quickly and make sure it is at the right temperature. Consult a vet, avoid dehydration.
What can happen if a feeding tube is placed improperly
Feed can enter the lungs
What should be done for an emaciated animal?
Start by providing appropriate hydration. Do not give a full, regular diet right away. Start with small amounts of easily digested foods
Why should you not feed wild dead animals to patients?
They can carry disease, parasites or poison (chemically euthanized animals shouldn’t be used as food either)
How can you prevent nutritional metabolic bone disease in young animals
Feed the appropriate ratio of calcium and phosphorus (2:1 Ca:P)
Make sure you know what animals need Vitamin D and UVb
Why might a reptile not absorb medication
they aren’t in their POTZ
