Husbandry - Rabbits & Ferrets Flashcards
Why is dental diseas common in rabbits?
Breed, Diet
What diet are rabbits teeth + gut designed to deal with?
Low nutrient + High fibre
How would a rabbit who is kept for meat’s deit differ to a pets?
Increased protein levels to enocurage rappid growth (no concern for long term health)
Expected lifespan of pet rabbits
5-10 years (up to 18)
When are farmed rabbits slaughtered?
8-12 weeks
What should rabbits eat?
85% Grass + Hay, 10% Green plants + Herbs, 5% Pellets
Water bowl or bottle for rabbits?
Study now show that rabbits are more likey to drink froma bowl vs a water bottle
Would you house rabbits individually on in pairs?
Social, Most stable pairing = neutered buck + neutered doe
What is the minimum measurement guidelines for outdoor enclosures for rabbits?
3m x 2m x 1m
What should be included for rabbit ourdoor areas?
Enclosed hides, Shelter from direct sunlight + draughts, Access to grass + exercise
What is the minimum measurement guidelines for indoor enclosures for rabbits?
3m x 2m x 1m
How to ensure indoor enclosure for rabbits are safe when owner is not there?
Rabbit-proof wires, Plants are non-toxic, Can be trained: Catflap + Litter tray
At what temperature are rabbits suseptible to heat stroke?
> 27
What is the ideal temperature for rabbits?
Around 20
How do rabbits thermoregulate?
Sweat glands on lips only + Panting ineffective
Normal rabbit behavours
Social, burrowing animals, Territorial marking, Entire females ~aggressie, Dig, Chew, Explore, Crepuscular
What is meant by bunkying?
Happy jumpy running behaviour response (like ferret dukies)
What things could you use for enrichment in a rabbit enclosure?
Tunnels, Hides, Dig boxes, Variety of hay + forage, Scatter feeding, Companionship
What vaccination can rabbits have?
Myxomatosis, Viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD)
What must you check daily with rabbits?
Fly strike
What are male ferretes called?
Hobs
What are female ferretes called?
Jills
What happens if an entire jill is not mated?
Stays in oestrus (induce ovulatorys), Lead to anaemia, Life-threatening
What are the solutions when housing a jill?
Breeding pair, Jil with vasectomised hob, Ovariogysterectomy, Medication; Proligestone by IM at start of oestrus season & Deslorelin a GnRH depot implant well before breeding season
What is a downside of housing an entire jil with a vasectomised hob?
May get pseudopregnancy following mating can become territorial + aggressive
What are ferrets diet?
Obligate carnivores
What two ways can you feed a ferret?
Whole carcases with vitamin supplement if from frozen or A complete dry diet (like kibble)
Outside housing requirements for Ferrets
Secure, Good ventilation, Waterproof, No direct sunlight, Rasied off ground, Escape-proof, Provide nest box/tubes/hammocks
At what temperature do ferrets overheat?
> 30
Indoor housing requirments for Ferrets
For when unsupervies, Ventilation, Escape-proof, Provide nest box/tubes/hammocks, Supervised when around house as destructive, Litter tray
What bedding can be used for ferrets?
Good quality hay/straw, Shredded paper/newspaper
How often should you clean laterines?
Once daily
Where does the ferret smell occur from?
Well-developed anal sacs + muscy oils from glands throughout skin
Can you ‘de-scent’ a ferret in the uk?
No - considered a mutilation
Why would anal-sac removal not alter day to day smell?
This is due to the glands still present in the skin
What soultions can you provide for the ferret smell?
Neuter/GnRH agonist infection, Feed an appropraite ferret diet, Bath less + Wash bedding mor
Ferret Behaviour
Sociable, Handle from early age, Love to play, Very inquisitive, Daily exercise (play/harness waks)
Enrichment for Ferrets
Tunnels, Hide food, Scattered feed, Occational treats (whole egg/raw bone)
what vaccinations can ferrets have?
Distemper (canine vaccinr), Rabies for overseas travel
What human ailment are ferrets susceptible to?
Cold/Flu virus
What breed of rabbit is this?
Dutch
What breed of rabbit is this?
English spot
What breed of rabbit is this?
Dwarf lop
What breed of rabbit is this?
English lop
What breed of rabbit is this?
Belgian hare
What breed of rabbit is this?
Lionhead
What breed of rabbit is this?
Angora
What breed of rabbit is this?
Netherland dwarf
What breed of rabbit is this?
Flemish giant
What breed of rabbit is this?
Rex
What breed of rabbit is this?
New Zealand White
From A + B, can you distinguish what gender this ferret is?
Hob - Male ferret intact
Label A + B, can you tell what gender of ferret this is?
A - vulva
B - anus
Jill in oestrus
What coat colour is this ferret?
Polecat/Sable
What coat colour is this ferret?
Dark Polecat/Sable
What coat colour is this ferret?
Albino
What coat colour is this ferret?
Black/Dark Eyed White
What coat colour is this ferret?
Sandy
