Rabbit and guinea pig nutrition

Question 1

Where do rabbits and guinea pigs acquire energy from?

Answer 1

breakdown of fibre

Question 2

Describe the natural diet of guinea pigs and rabbits

Answer 2

Grass, leaves, vegetation
High in fibre
Digestive system relies on:
- bacteria breaking down fibre
- fibre moving through gut at all time

Question 3

Describe the ideal diet for rabbits and guinea pigs

Answer 3

85% hay
10% leafy greens and veg
5% complete pellets

Question 4

What are the benefits of grass and hay to rabbits and guinea pigs?

Answer 4

high fibre - energy
Moderate protein
trace minerals
low fat, starch and sugar
Coarse and covered in silicas - abrasive for dental wear
ensures gut motility - prevents stasis
Stimulates appetite
Support healthy BCS
Enrichment

Question 5

What can occur by feeding rabbits and guinea pigs grass cuttings?

Answer 5

fermentation and bloat
Fresh grass preferable

Question 6

What is coprophagia?

Answer 6

eating faeces

Question 7

Describe normal guinea pig faeces

Answer 7

Large, round, even shape
can crush easily between fingers
not sticky

Question 8

Describe normal guinea pigs caecotrophs

Answer 8

Small cluster, round and even shape
shiny coating with pungent smell
Sticky
eaten directly from anus

Question 9

Describe abnormal guinea pig caecotrophs

Answer 9

no defined shape
often stuck around genitals and feet
sticky and dries into hard lumps

Question 10

Describe guinea pig stasis faeces

Answer 10

decreasing amount of small faeces
dehydrated, hard and angular
dark

Question 11

What are the common diseases and issues caused by poor nutritional provision in guinea pigs and rabbits?

Answer 11

Behavioural problems
Myiasis
Obesity
GI problems - gut stasis
Dental disease
Urinary problems

Question 12

Describe the features of an obese rabbit

Answer 12

Male with dewlap or female with huge dewlap
Fatty pads on shoulders, legs and groin
Large pot bellies
Wider than they are long
Cannot clean back end (lined to myiasis)

Question 13

Why is correct storage important in guinea pig food?

Answer 13

guinea pigs require Vit C from diet
Prolonged storage can lead to depletion of Vit C

Question 14

Describe alfalfa in rabbit and guinea pig diets

Answer 14

High in carbs, protein and calcium - useful for young, pregnant and lactating animals
Low fibre content
Doesn’t wear down molars or provide gut motility support

Question 15

Describe chinchilla diets

Answer 15

High in fibre
require access to good quality hay
additional stick material to chew on

Question 16

Describe the features of hospitalisation of small furries

Answer 16

Away from predators
separate, quiet area
dim lights
ensure you do not smell of predators before handling
hides in kennels and ground level housing
owners bring ordinary food
plenty of fresh, healthy treats
hide with 2 exits
plenty of fresh hay and water

Question 17

Should water be given in a bowl or a bottle to rabbits and guinea pigs?

Answer 17

Rabbits:
- both to ensure adequate drinking
Guinea pigs:
- bottles as they often contaminate bowls