Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Companion Animals > Rodents > Flashcards

Rodents Flashcards

Overview Hamsters Gerbils Guinea Pigs

1
Q

What does the word rodent mean?

A

mammals with continuously growing incisors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are some examples of animals that are rodents?

A 
mouse
rat
hamster
gerbil
guinea pig
chinchilla
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are reproductive characteristics of rats and mice?

A

Gestation is 3 weeks

can breed again almost immediately after

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Are mice and rats nocturnal, diurnal, or crepuscular?

A

nocturnal - but will adjust to human scedule

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are different coat types available for rats?

A

standard or normal
rex - curly
silky or satin - extra soft
hairless or sphinx

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Are wire cages good for rats and mice?

A

Rats are better with wire cages

Mice are better with solid cages

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What types of bedding should be avoided with rats and mice

A

dusty stuff - can get in lungs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What is an important thing to consider when purchasing an exercise wheel for rodents?

A

make sure there are no holes - solid edge

make sure back doesn’t bend when running

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is malocclusion?

A

teeth grow past each other and will not wear down

happens in all rodents

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Why are tumors an important concern in rat keeping?

A

primary cause of death

  • usually mammary or pituitary
  • prevent with spaying and nutering
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What is bumblefoot?

A

Bacterial infection of the bottom of the heel - hock

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the common causes of rodent health problems?

A

management problems

mostly lack of exercise and enrichment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the most common type of pet hamster?

A

syrian or golden hamster

dwarf hamsters

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Are hamsters seasonal or year round breeders?

A

Seasonal: April to October

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What is the typical diet of a hamster?

A

omnivores

seeds, grains, fruit, roots, greens, invertebrates

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Are hamsters or gerbils more social?

A

Gerbils are more social

17
Q

What are some common behavioral characteristics of hamsters?

A

dig and burrow

nest builders

18
Q

What is the most common type of pet gerbil?

A

Mongolian gerbil

19
Q

Are gerbils seasonal or year round breeders?

A

Seasonal

20
Q

How can you tell a male and a female gerbil apart?

A

difference in anus and genital area

larger for males than females

21
Q

What are some common behavioral characteristics of gerbils?

A

Jumping to warn others or when excited

22
Q

What type of cage is best for gerbils?

A

wire cage

23
Q

What are some common health concerns for gerbils and hamsters?

A 
Trauma
Tumors
Wet tail - awful diarrhea
Bladder stones - hamsters
Tail slip - lose tail when threatened
epilepsy - from inbreeding - gerbils
24
Q

How do you handle tame gerbils

A

often and carefully with stability

25
Q

What were guinea pigs domesticated for?

A

food source

they were herbivores and could eat human scraps

26
Q

What is the natural habitat for guinea pigs?

A

Andes

- no longer found in the wild

27
Q

What should the habitat of guinea pigs in captivity include?

A

cages with solid floors
enrichment
other guinea pigs

28
Q

What are some common behaviors of guinea pigs

A 
scare easily
freeze for long periods of time
"stampede"
small jumps 
can't climb
good swimmers
purr
wistle
29
Q

How do guinea pigs communicate?

A 
whistle
purr
chutting or whine
squeal or shriek
chirp
30
Q

What is to toxemia? What species does it hurt the most?

A

Guinea Pigs

build up of ketone bodies
first few pregnancies and obese pigs

31
Q

What is the breed organization for guinea pigs?

A

American Cavy Breeder’s Association

32
Q

What should be included in the captive guinea pigs diet?

A

Hay/grass
food pellets
vitamin C

33
Q

What is caprophagy?

A

when an animal eats it’s own feces
technically called cecotropes
a way to put the stomach after the cecum to help further digestion

Companion Animals (9 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions