Lab Management Flashcards
What temperatures should adult and juvenile ferrets be housed at?
4-18C, 39-64.4 F.
What temperature should ferrets less than 6 weeks be housed at? What do kits at this age separated from the dam require that those housed with the dam do not?
> 15C. Heat source.
Generally, what temperatures do ferrets tolerate? Ferrets cannot be housed above what temperature? Why?
Generally, tolerate low temps well and high temps poorly. Cannot be housed above 30C/86F. Poorly developed sweat glands and susceptible to heat prostration. Signs of hyperthermia are panting, flaccidity, and vomiting.
What light cycle is used for non-breeding animals that will remain in the facility for a short time?
12h:12h
What light should breeding and lactating jills be exposed to? Ferrets maintained for breeding or for use beyond 6 months? Why?
Breeding/lactating: 16h of light daily
Maintained: Expose to ‘winter’ light with 14h of dark daily to maintain physiologic normalcy
Researchers receiving time-pregnant jills should house them at what photoperiod?
Same as they were exposed to prior to shipment, as failure to do so may cause inappetence with negative energy balance and preg. toxemia
Can recirculated air be used in ferret rooms? Can ferret exhaust air spillover to rodent housing areas?
No, due to strong odor and susceptibility to infections.
No, as rodents have instinctive fear of ferrets, which can disrupt rodent breeding and physiology.
Can female and male ferrets be socially housed?
Females can, but estrous females that are cohoused may become pseudopregnant. Intact males in breeding condition should be housed individually after 12 weeks of age.
What should the spacing of grid walls be?
1 x 0.5 inches apart, of 0.25inch if using wire mesh
What should sharp edges and galvanized steel be avoided in ferret enclosures?
Ferrets like to lick and bite. Can result in fractured teeth and zinc toxicosis.
Can litter boxes be used? What litter should be avoided?
Can use litter boxes, as they repeatedly urinate or defecate in one corner. Avoid clay litters as they can cause chronic URT infections from the dust.
Where do ferrets prefer sleeping?
In soft, isolated areas, such as snooze tubes or hammocks.
