Rodents Flashcards
Overview Hamsters Gerbils Guinea Pigs
What does the word rodent mean?
mammals with continuously growing incisors
What are some examples of animals that are rodents?
mouse rat hamster gerbil guinea pig chinchilla
What are reproductive characteristics of rats and mice?
Gestation is 3 weeks
can breed again almost immediately after
Are mice and rats nocturnal, diurnal, or crepuscular?
nocturnal - but will adjust to human scedule
What are different coat types available for rats?
standard or normal
rex - curly
silky or satin - extra soft
hairless or sphinx
Are wire cages good for rats and mice?
Rats are better with wire cages
Mice are better with solid cages
What types of bedding should be avoided with rats and mice
dusty stuff - can get in lungs
What is an important thing to consider when purchasing an exercise wheel for rodents?
make sure there are no holes - solid edge
make sure back doesn’t bend when running
What is malocclusion?
teeth grow past each other and will not wear down
happens in all rodents
Why are tumors an important concern in rat keeping?
primary cause of death
- usually mammary or pituitary
- prevent with spaying and nutering
What is bumblefoot?
Bacterial infection of the bottom of the heel - hock
What are the common causes of rodent health problems?
management problems
mostly lack of exercise and enrichment
What is the most common type of pet hamster?
syrian or golden hamster
dwarf hamsters
Are hamsters seasonal or year round breeders?
Seasonal: April to October
What is the typical diet of a hamster?
omnivores
seeds, grains, fruit, roots, greens, invertebrates
Are hamsters or gerbils more social?
Gerbils are more social
What are some common behavioral characteristics of hamsters?
dig and burrow
nest builders
What is the most common type of pet gerbil?
Mongolian gerbil
Are gerbils seasonal or year round breeders?
Seasonal
How can you tell a male and a female gerbil apart?
difference in anus and genital area
larger for males than females
What are some common behavioral characteristics of gerbils?
Jumping to warn others or when excited
What type of cage is best for gerbils?
wire cage
What are some common health concerns for gerbils and hamsters?
Trauma Tumors Wet tail - awful diarrhea Bladder stones - hamsters Tail slip - lose tail when threatened epilepsy - from inbreeding - gerbils
How do you handle tame gerbils
often and carefully with stability
What were guinea pigs domesticated for?
food source
they were herbivores and could eat human scraps
What is the natural habitat for guinea pigs?
Andes
- no longer found in the wild
What should the habitat of guinea pigs in captivity include?
cages with solid floors
enrichment
other guinea pigs
What are some common behaviors of guinea pigs
scare easily freeze for long periods of time "stampede" small jumps can't climb good swimmers purr wistle
How do guinea pigs communicate?
whistle purr chutting or whine squeal or shriek chirp
What is to toxemia? What species does it hurt the most?
Guinea Pigs
build up of ketone bodies
first few pregnancies and obese pigs
What is the breed organization for guinea pigs?
American Cavy Breeder’s Association
What should be included in the captive guinea pigs diet?
Hay/grass
food pellets
vitamin C
What is caprophagy?
when an animal eats it’s own feces
technically called cecotropes
a way to put the stomach after the cecum to help further digestion