Small Mammal Care

Question 1

Should rabbits be kept alone?

Answer 1

No - social animals, need to be in pairs or groups

Question 2

What is the max environmental temperature for rabbits?

Answer 2

> 23 will likely induce heat stress

Question 3

What is the normal lifespan of a rabbit?

Answer 3

8-12 years

Question 4

What is important to consider for an outside rabbit run?

Answer 4

Part-shaded, require secure top and base (can jump/burrow), need bolt hole (prey species)

Question 5

Rabbit feeding requirements

Answer 5

• Grass/hay (not freshly cut grass)
• Leafy greens and herbs
• Small amounts of vegetable
• Limit fruit - sugary
• Limit pellets (25g/kg/day)
• Water freely available

Question 6

Should rabbits have calcium?

Answer 6

Required for teeth and bone health but too much leads bladder stones

Question 7

When do rabbits ovulate?

Answer 7

Induced ovulators

Question 8

How long is rabbit gestation? (litter size?)

Answer 8

30-32 days (litter of 2-12)

Question 9

How to avoid capture myopathy in rabbits?

Answer 9

Put in quiet dark safe space if rabbit becomes distressed

Question 10

What type of shavings should be avoided with guinea pigs?

Answer 10

Pine-based (irritant)

Question 11

Can you house rabbits and guinea pigs together?

Answer 11

No - rabbits will bully guinea pigs, can pass on Bordatella

Question 12

Important in guinea pig nutrition

Answer 12

• High vit C requirement
• Dried grass/hay
• Leafy greens and herbs
• Pellets better than muesli
• Adequate fresh water at all times

Question 13

When do guinea pigs ovulate?

Answer 13

Polyoestrous, need to breed young (pelvic fusion at 1yr), can breed at 12wks onwards

Question 14

How long is guinea pig gestation? (litter size?)

Answer 14

60-72 days (litter of 2-6)

Question 15

Which substrates are appropriate for small rodents?

Answer 15

Shavings, newspaper, straw, hay (avoid dusty bedding material)

Question 16

How should gerbils be housed?

Answer 16

• Tank with mesh lid
• Deep substrate for tunnel building (not sand)
• Cardboard and wood for gnawing
• Sand baths for fur health

Question 17

Which small rodents require sand baths?

Answer 17

Gerbils and chinchillas

Question 18

What should small rodents be fed?

Answer 18

Seeds, grains, fruit/veg, rats and hamster can have occasional dog biscuit

Question 19

How often are small rodents in oestrus?

Answer 19

Avg. every 4-5 days

Question 20

Should odorous ferrets be bathed?

Answer 20

No - change bedding regularly and feed food designed for ferrets to reduce intensity of smell

Question 21

What should ferrets be fed?

Answer 21

True carnivores - feed cat food, ferret pellets, prey species (rodents/chicks)

Question 22

When are ferrets in oestrus?

Answer 22

Induced ovulator (feb-october)

Question 23

What happens if a female ferret is unmated after oestrus?

Answer 23

Will stay in season - may lead to fatal anaemia

Question 24

How long is ferret gestation? (litter size?)

Answer 24

42 days (litter of 2-6)

Question 25

How can anaemia be avoided in unmated ferrets?

Answer 25

• Mating with vasectomised hob
• progesterone injection
• neutering (can cause adrenal disease)
• Deslorelin implants