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Animal Management Y2 > Small Mammals > Flashcards

Small Mammals Flashcards

1
Q

What is the consequence of naked guinea pigs?

A

More susceptible to skin infections

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2
Q

How is guinea pig sex determined?

A

Anogenital distance is greater in male and female has typical Y shape.

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3
Q

Why should females be bred before a specific time?

A

Females should be bred from less than 6-8 months old if at all, ideally at 12 weeks. Public symphysis fuses after approximately 8 months, leading to dystocia if bred for the first time after this. Dystocia is also common due to foetal oversize and obesity.

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4
Q

Describe the guinea pig diet.

A
  • Ad lib hay and grass
  • Small amount of good quality guinea pig specific pellet. Ensure stored correctly and use as supplement and not bulk. Pellets have added vitamin C
  • Handful of leafy greens
  • 12-16% fibre
  • 18-20% crude protein
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5
Q

What should be avoided in guinea pig diets?

A
  • Be careful with fruit (high in sugar), gut problems if too much sugar
  • Avoid commercial treats as these are often bound with honey
  • Avoid mixes containing nuts and dried fruits
  • Any changes to diet must be made gradually over 10-12 days
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6
Q

Why must guinea pigs be provided with vitamin C and how?

A

Guinea pigs are unable to synthesise vitamin C.

  • Feed a complete species specific pelleted diet
  • Offer a range of leafy greens
  • Supplement where necessary – aging, lactating
  • Non-breeding adults: 10mg/kg
  • Breeding/lactating guinea and stressed/ill: 30-50mg/kg body
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7
Q

What is the daily water intake of guinea pigs? Why?

A

100-200ml/kg. This is high due to the way their guts work.

Better at drinking from bottles than rabbits. But better to provide bowls of water instead as it is a lot of effort to gain such a large amount of water.

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8
Q

How should guinea pigs be grouped?

A
  • Highly sociable
  • Single sex groups, pairs, harems
  • Not hardy, easily stressed
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9
Q

Describe guinea pig housing.

A
  • Ideal temperature is 20-22˚C
  • Well insulated and draught free
  • Solid flooring, smooth, easy to clean
  • Raised off ground if outside
  • Keep out of direct sunlight – provide shade
  • Cage sides at least 40 cm high
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10
Q

What bedding is used for guinea pigs?

A

Wood shavings, shredded paper. Windows closed to prevent particles moving around and being inhaled.

Bedding – dust free and absorbent. Shredded paper, hay/straw – but corneal lacerations common. Weigh up psychological benefit of being able to hide and damage to eyes.

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11
Q

Why should high humidity be avoided with chinchillas?

A

Originally from arid mountain environment

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12
Q

How is sex determined in chinchillas?

A

Smaller anogenital distance in female.

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13
Q

Describe chinchilla diet.

A
  • Grass-based chinchilla pellets (25-50g)
  • Ad lib fresh good quality hay and dried grasses
  • Fresh wild plants, herbs, flowers, berries, roots, shoots and vegetables
  • Introduce changes gradually
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14
Q

Describe chinchilla housing.

A
  • Large secure cage at least 2mx2mx1m
  • Wire mesh max 15mmx15mm
  • Multiple hides/nest boxes
  • Avoid plastic
  • Keep in pairs/harems, 1 male to 2-6 females
  • Keep draught-free and dry
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15
Q

What should chinchilla enclosures include?

A

Wooden toys, branches and platforms

Dust bath:
- Essential for maintaining coat
- At least 4-6cm deep
- Not for neonates

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16
Q

What substrate and bedding is used for chinchillas?

A

Substrate – wood shavings ideal

Bedding – shredded paper better than hay/straw

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17
Q

What temperature are chinchillas kept at?

A

Keep indoors at temps 10-15°C

Get agitated at 21°C, may die if more than 30°C

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18
Q

Name 4 hamster species.

A

Russian, Chinese, Roborovski, golden/Syrian

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19
Q

What are the species differences in hamsters?

A

Syrian hamsters have bilateral pigmented sebaceous glands on flanks, more prominent in males. Can become more prominent over time.

Russian dwarf hamster – ventral scent gland

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20
Q

How is sex determined in hamsters?

A

Smaller anogenital distance in females and noticeable testicles in male.

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21
Q

Describe hamster diets.

A
  • Commercial hamster food: pellet better than mix
  • Small amounts fresh fruit and vegetables: apple, pear, carrot, broccoli, parsley, cabbage
  • Animal protein may be added once/twice per week: hard-boiled egg, live mealworms/crickets
  • Small amount Timothy hay

Hoard food so need to make sure to find these to prevent mould build up.

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22
Q

What must hamster enclosures have?

A
  • Escape proof
  • Safe
  • Enriched
  • Provide items to gnaw
  • Branches from untreated fruit trees, not plum and cherry
  • Commercial hamster chews
  • Areas to burrow and hide
  • Check for food hoards in cage regularly
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23
Q

What are the species differences of hamster housing?

A
  • Syrian hamster – solitary, hibernate at less than 5˚C, nocturnal
  • Russian dwarf hamsters – sociable, keep as single sex or mixed sex pairs or group
  • Roborovski and Chinese hamsters – can be housed on own or as pairs/group, mature adult Chinese hamsters may fight
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24
Q

How is sex determined in rats?

A

Only females have nipples. Males have prominent testicles and anogenital distance is larger than in females.

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25
Q

Describe rat diets.

A
  • Commercial balanced pelleted diet. Avoid commercial mixes (selective feeding)
  • Supplemented with small amounts of: fruit and veg
  • Avoid sugary treats and chocolate, risk of obesity and dental caries
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26
Q

How are rats fed?

A
  • Scatter feed – encourage foraging
  • Hide food/treats
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27
Q

How should rats be grouped?

A

Highly social – should be kept as single-sex groups. 2 females best, males often fight unless castrated, breeding pairs or harems.

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28
Q

Describe rat housing.

A
  • Intelligent and inquisitive. Need cage furniture/enrichment, ropes, tubes, ladders, hammocks, branches, cardboard rolls and boxes
  • Good ventilation very important, risk of pneumonia
  • Avoid dusty substrates and bedding, risk of pneumonia
  • Shredded paper usually works well
  • Escape proof and easy to clean
  • Indestructible (very good at gnawing)
  • Non-toxic paints and sealants
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29
Q

How often should rat cages be cleaned out?

A
  • Replace bedding 2-3 x per week to prevent odours
  • Ensure regular clean out and no areas of urine build up, as ammonia sensitises the respiratory system
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30
Q

How is sex determined in mice?

A

Smaller anogenital distance in females.

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31
Q

Describe mice diet and housing.

A
  • Similar to rats
  • Hiding places very important
  • Also highly sociable and inquisitive
  • Distinctive smell
32
Q

How is sex determined in gerbils?

A

Testes relatively obvious bit greater anogenital distance in males.

33
Q

What is the consequences of gerbil lateral ventral scent gland?

A

Infection and tumours common. More prominent in males.

34
Q

What is the Harderian gland in gerbils?

A
  • Lots of bedding increases humidity and predisposes them to increased secretions from this gland
  • Secretions mixed with saliva are groomed onto coat and help with thermoregulation
  • Hypersecretion of porphyrin pigment due to stress (overcrowding/high humidity) can lead to nasal dermatitis
35
Q

Describe gerbil diet.

A
  • Commercial pelted diets and rodent based mixes
  • Must be supplemented with small amounts fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Occasional treats – dried pumpkin seeds
  • Scatter and hide food to encourage foraging
  • Average daily water consumption for adult: 2-4 ml/100g body weight
36
Q

How should gerbils be grouped?

A
  • Social animals
  • Highly territorial – keep as single sex pairs/groups, introduced before puberty or breeding pair
  • Likely to fight if introduced at ages over 10 weeks old
37
Q

What is the temperature and humidity requirements of gerbils?

A
  • Out of direct sunlight
  • Away from radiators
  • Provide sand/dust bath for coat quality and thermoregulation
  • Ideal temps in captivity is 20 – 22°C
  • Humidity < 50%
38
Q

Describe gerbil housing.

A
  • Glass/plastic tank
  • Deep substrate to burrow – sawdust, peat, paper by products
  • Close fitting wire mesh lid
  • Or modular unit with chambers and plastic tunnels used – deep substrate in main chamber
  • Paper based bedding
  • Enrichment and toys
  • Good ventilation
39
Q

List the common UK rabbit breeds.

A

Dutch
English spot
Dwarf lop
English lop
Belgian hare
Lionhead
Angora
Netherland dwarf
Flemish giant
Rex
New Zealand white

40
Q

Describe Dutch rabbits.

A

Medium sized rabbit with prominent black and white or brown and white banding.

41
Q

Describe English spot rabbits.

A

Medium/large rabbit, dark points on nose, ears and around eyes, dark stripe from head to tail. Genetic predisposition to megacolon.

42
Q

Describe dwarf lop rabbits.

A

Small/medium sized rabbit lop ears, brachycephalic features. Predisposed to dental and ear disease due to conformation.

43
Q

Describe English lop rabbits.

A

Large rabbit with large lopped ears.

44
Q

Describe Belgian hares.

A

Large breed rabbit with long limbs and upright ears.

45
Q

Describe lionhead rabbits.

A

Small/medium breed rabbit with long, fine fur around the face and neck, often hiding brachycephalic features. Appears to be predisposed to GI issues, likely due to ingestion of hair during grooming.

46
Q

Describe Angora rabbits.

A

Medium sized rabbit with long fine fur over most of body surface. Require a lot of coat maintenance or regular clipping of fur to avoid matting.

47
Q

Describe Netherland dwarf rabbits.

A

Small rabbit with brachycephalic features and short, upright ears.

48
Q

Describe Flemish giant rabbits.

A

Large breed rabbit 6-12 kg with large upright ears.

48
Q

Describe Flemish giant rabbits.

A

Large breed rabbit 6-12 kg with large upright ears.

49
Q

Describe Rex rabbits.

A

Medium breed rabbit with short plush fur. Predisposed to development of pododermatitis lesions due to very fine fur on plantar aspect of hindlimbs.

50
Q

Describe New Zealand rabbits.

A

Large rabbit breed, often used in laboratories.

51
Q

Why are rabbit diets historically poor?

A

Rabbits reared historically for meat were fed a diet higher in protein to encourage rapid growth. This type of diet is not conducive to long term good dental and gastrointestinal health.

52
Q

Describe rabbit diets.

A
  • Designed for low nutrient, high fibre diet. Wild rabbits eat predominantly grasses and wild herbs.
  • 85% long fibre from good quality hay and fresh grass
  • 10% greens, plants and herbs
  • 5% complete species specific pellets
  • Pellets should be considered a supplement to make up for dietary deficiencies in the rest of the diet rather than a major food source.
53
Q

What is the life expectancy of rabbits?

A

Pet rabbit expected lifespan = 5-10, up to 18, years

Farmed rabbit = slaughtered for meat at 8-12 weeks old

54
Q

How should water be provided to rabbits?

A

Studies have shown that rabbits are more likely to drink appropriate amounts of water if it is provided in a bowl rather than a bottle.

55
Q

How should rabbits be grouped?

A
  • Social
  • Most stable pairing is a neutered buck and a neutered doe
  • Male/male pairings are highly likely to break down as they reach maturity, resulting in significant injury due to fighting
  • Female/female pairings can be unstable during the breeding season due to hormonal surges
56
Q

Why are rabbits and guinea pigs not housed together?

A

Rabbits and guinea pigs should not be housed together as they are different species with different origins, dietary requirements and behaviours. Rabbits often carry the bacteria Bordetella asymptomatically but can pass this on to guinea pigs resulting in significant respiratory disease.

57
Q

What temperature are rabbits kept at?

A

Heat stroke at temperatures above 27˚C. ideally ambient temperatures around 20˚C. sweat glands on lips only. Pant ineffectively.

58
Q

What are current guidelines on rabbit enclosure size?

A

Outdoor = 3m x 2m 1m single enclosed area

Indoor = 3m x 2m x 1m

59
Q

What is needed in outdoor rabbit housing?

A
  • Enclosed hides – as prey species rabbits need the security of an enclosed safe area for their emotional well-being.
  • Shelter from direct sunlight and draughts – as a burrowing species, they do not cope well with significant temperature fluctuations.
  • In the wild, they retreat to deep burrows in order to deal with the extremes of temperature in the environment.
  • Access to grass and exercise is vital for well-being in this intelligent and lively species.
60
Q

What is needed in indoor rabbit housing?

A
  • Safe enclosure for when owner is not there
  • Rabbit proof wires
  • Ensure plants are non-toxic
  • Can be trained to use a cat flap and litter tray
61
Q

Describe rabbit behaviour.

A
  • Social, burrowing animals
  • Territorial marking
  • Entire females can be aggressive
  • Dig
  • Explore
  • Crepuscular
  • ‘Binkying’ – involves sudden movements, often with all 4 feet off the floor, they can be used to evade predators but will often occur when a rabbit is happy or excited.
62
Q

What health issues must be monitored in rabbits?

A
  • Vaccinate against myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease VHD. This is a combined annual vaccination.
  • Check daily for evidence of fly strike – most likely in immobile/unwell animals
  • Fibrous plant material helps to keep the teeth evenly worm and discourages overgrowth.
63
Q

When do ferrets reach sexual maturity?

A

Ferrets reach sexual maturity in the first spring following their birth.

64
Q

When is jill oestrous behaviour?

A

Jills develop significant vulval enlargement when in oestrous, usually starting February/March:

65
Q

What is the consequence of jill oestrous behaviour?

A

Unmated entire jills stay in oestrus (induced ovulatory). Leads to development of anaemia and is life-threatening.

66
Q

What are the solutions to the consequences of jill oestrous behaviour?

A
  • Breeding pair
  • Jill with vasectomised hob – may get pseudopregnancy following these however, leading to territorial and aggressive behaviour.
  • Ovariohysterectomy
  • Proligestone by intramuscular injection at the start of oestrous period and again 2 months later well before breeding season (November/December).
67
Q

List the common ferret coat colours.

A

Polecat/sable
Dark polecat/sable
Albino
Black/dark eyed white
Sandy

68
Q

What are the 2 possible diets for ferrets?

A

Feed whole carcases – ferrets require ad lib feeding in order to maintain their blood glucose effectively during the day. They have short digestive tracts typical of obligate carnivores and rapid gut transit time.

Feed complete dry diet – various commercial diets are available. These are a good option for adlib feeding and scatter to encourage foraging behaviours. Most feline diets are not appropriate as they can often contain bulking agents such as grains.

69
Q

Describe bedding and cleaning of ferret housing.

A
  • Bedding – good quality hay or straw, shredded paper/newspaper
  • Latrines – clean latrine at least once daily
  • Check for food stashes
70
Q

What do outdoor ferret enclosures require?

A
  • Secure shed
  • Enclosed
  • Good ventilation
  • Waterproof
  • Not in direct sunlight as they will overheat in over 30˚C
  • Raised off ground
  • Escape proof
  • Provide nest box/tubes/hammocks
71
Q

What do indoor ferret enclosures require?

A
  • Enclosure for when unsupervised
  • Ventilation
  • Escape proof
  • Provide nest tox/tubes/hammocks
  • Supervise when out in the house as they are destructive
  • Litter tray
72
Q

What is ferret ‘smell’?

A
  • Well-developed anal sacs and musky oils
  • De-scenting considered a mutilation in the UK
  • Anal sac removal doesn’t change day to day smell as it is in the skin
73
Q

What are the solutions to ferret smell?

A
  • Neuter/GnRH agonist injection
  • Feed an appropriate ferret diet
  • Bath less and wash bedding more
74
Q

Describe ferret behaviour.

A
  • Sociable
  • Handle from early age
  • Love to play
  • Very inquisitive
75
Q

Describe ferret enrichment.

A
  • Daily exercise- play/harness walks
  • Provide lost of tunnels
  • Hide food in boxes and toys
  • Scatter feed
  • Occasional treats – whole raw egg or raw bone
76
Q

What are the health considerations in ferrets?

A
  • Vaccinate against distemper with canine vaccine – none licensed for ferrets in the UK
  • Rabies vaccination for overseas travel
  • Susceptible to human cold and flue viruses

Animal Management Y2 (16 decks)

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