Small Mammal Care Flashcards
Should rabbits be kept alone?
No - social animals, need to be in pairs or groups
What is the max environmental temperature for rabbits?
> 23 will likely induce heat stress
What is the normal lifespan of a rabbit?
8-12 years
What is important to consider for an outside rabbit run?
Part-shaded, require secure top and base (can jump/burrow), need bolt hole (prey species)
Rabbit feeding requirements
- 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
Should rabbits have calcium?
Required for teeth and bone health but too much leads bladder stones
When do rabbits ovulate?
Induced ovulators
How long is rabbit gestation? (litter size?)
30-32 days (litter of 2-12)
How to avoid capture myopathy in rabbits?
Put in quiet dark safe space if rabbit becomes distressed
What type of shavings should be avoided with guinea pigs?
Pine-based (irritant)
Can you house rabbits and guinea pigs together?
No - rabbits will bully guinea pigs, can pass on Bordatella
Important in guinea pig nutrition
- High vit C requirement
- Dried grass/hay
- Leafy greens and herbs
- Pellets better than muesli
- Adequate fresh water at all times
When do guinea pigs ovulate?
Polyoestrous, need to breed young (pelvic fusion at 1yr), can breed at 12wks onwards
How long is guinea pig gestation? (litter size?)
60-72 days (litter of 2-6)
Which substrates are appropriate for small rodents?
Shavings, newspaper, straw, hay (avoid dusty bedding material)
How should gerbils be housed?
- Tank with mesh lid
- Deep substrate for tunnel building (not sand)
- Cardboard and wood for gnawing
- Sand baths for fur health
Which small rodents require sand baths?
Gerbils and chinchillas
What should small rodents be fed?
Seeds, grains, fruit/veg, rats and hamster can have occasional dog biscuit
How often are small rodents in oestrus?
Avg. every 4-5 days
Should odorous ferrets be bathed?
No - change bedding regularly and feed food designed for ferrets to reduce intensity of smell
What should ferrets be fed?
True carnivores - feed cat food, ferret pellets, prey species (rodents/chicks)
When are ferrets in oestrus?
Induced ovulator (feb-october)
What happens if a female ferret is unmated after oestrus?
Will stay in season - may lead to fatal anaemia
How long is ferret gestation? (litter size?)
42 days (litter of 2-6)
How can anaemia be avoided in unmated ferrets?
- Mating with vasectomised hob
- progesterone injection
- neutering (can cause adrenal disease)
- Deslorelin implants
