Husbandry of exotic small carnivores Flashcards

1
Q

What animal are ferrets derived from?

A

Polecats.
They are domesticated small mustelids

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2
Q

What does the diet of the polecat consist of?

A

Rabbits (85%)
Rodents
Amphibians
Birds (including game birds)
Earthworms

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3
Q

What are ferrets often kept as?

A

Vermin control (rabbits, rats)
Companion animals

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4
Q

What features allow ferrets to get into confined spaces/tunnels?

A

Tubular body and short limbs

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5
Q

What problems do albino ferrets often have?

A

Sight/hearing problems

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6
Q

What is the size difference between male and female ferrets?

A

Males = 45-60cm
Females = 30-42cm

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7
Q

What is the name used for a male ferret?

A

Hob

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8
Q

What is the name used for a female ferret?

A

Jill

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9
Q

What is the lifespan of a ferret?

A

6-12 years

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10
Q

When do ferrets become sexually mature?

A

A year after birth

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11
Q

How long do ferrets sleep for per day?

A

18-20 hours

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12
Q

When are ferrets most active?

A

At dusk they are highly explorative and playful

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13
Q

Where does the scent of a ferret come from?

A

Skin and anal glands

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14
Q

What do ferrets require when housed?

A

Need safe resting and hiding places that are dark and enclosed
Require high level of enrichment to stimulate activity and interest - prone to boredom
Compartmentalised spaces = sleeping, latrine, food storage larder, multiple escape holes

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15
Q

What weather conditions are ferrets susceptible to?

A

Damp and heat stroke
Don’t thrive about 30 degrees Celsius (no sweat glands in skin)
Ideal temperatures = 15-24 degrees
Need well ventilated, dry, draught-free

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16
Q

Ferrets have a tendency to fall. What does this mean for housing?

A

Tubes and ladders need to be secured
Need solid floor

17
Q

What is the best bedding material for ferrets?

A

Cloth.
Multiple resting sites should be provided
Raised off ground
Out of direct sun

18
Q

Describe water provisions for ferrets.

A

Need fresh water for drinking/paddling that cannot be knocked over

19
Q

Describe the diet of a ferret.

A

Strict carnivore
Need high concentration of fat and easily digestible meat-based protein
Lactose intolerant
Vomit readily
Naturally eat little and often

20
Q

What diet is generally considered best by specialists for ferrets?

A

Bones and raw food diet (BARF or whole prey)
Most balanced e.g. mice, rats & chicks, raw chicken wings, minced beef, small amount of fruit & veg

21
Q

What is the problem with commercial diets for ferrets?

A

Insulinoma becoming very common
Most commercial diets do not indicate protein source/digestibility

22
Q

What is the gestation period of a ferret?

A

40-44 days

23
Q

When do kits eyes open from?

A

4 weeks

24
Q

When do ferrets hit puberty?

A

9-12 months old

25
Q

What does a Jill require to breed?

A

14 hour light period (Mar-Sep)
Induced ovulators

26
Q

What happens if intact females are not mated?

A

Serious problems, death
Due to continuous oestrogen

27
Q

Do otters hibernate?

A

Only specialist species hibernate

28
Q

What is the diet of meerkats?

A

Small insects/other invertebrates, fruits, reptiles, small mammals, eggs

29
Q

What adaptation do meerkats have that allows them to dig?

A

They have long claws on their forepaws

30
Q

What is the gestation period of a meerkat?

A

10-11 weeks

31
Q

Explain the heat required for meerkats when housing them in the UK and what happens if this isn’t provided?

A

They require heating in UK e.g. infrared lamps. Avoid drafts
Can lose tails from frost bite

32
Q

What do meerkats require in their enclosure?

A

Look-out posts
Digging substrates e.g. soil, pebbles
Many bolt-holes
Safe nest site
Avoid objects moving overhead