Small Rodent Husbandry

Question 1

Define the order Rodentia

Answer 1

prey animals
nocturnal commonly
share a single pair of upper and lower incisors
popular pets due to lesser time and money needed

Question 2

Nutrition, name the herbivore and omnivore rodents, including what their diet should be made up of

Answer 2

Herbivores -> hamsters, guinea pigs
* high fibre, low energy
* 70% hay and grass
* 20% species-specific pelleted food
* 10% fresh fruits/veg

Omnivores -> gerbils, mice, rats, chinchilla
* 16% protein and 5% fat
* 75% pelleted food
* 20% fresh fruits/veg
* small amount of protein once a week (e.g. egg)

Question 3

Define and explain coprophagy

Answer 3

normal behaviour where they re-digest once digested feed from their faeces.
amount consumed depends on age, physiological status and diet

Question 4

Guinea Pig Husbandry

Answer 4

• do not require vaccinations
• docile, making good pets
• exhibit “thigmotaxis”, remain close to walls
• quite vocal
• supplement vitamin C feed (don’t make or store)
• large a cage as possible with hiding places
• companionship needed, not rabbits
• adequate bedding/insulation
• ad-lib water

Question 5

Chinchilla Husbandry

Answer 5

• seasonally polyoestrous
• can spray urine if irritated or frightened
• shy, need somewhere to hide
• dust bath needed for 30 minutes a day
• large cage required, very agile animals
• provide multiple floors and branches
• diet should be high in fibre
• “fur slip”, related to incorrect handling

Question 6

Hamster Husbandry

Answer 6

• naturally solitary animals
• known to bite if stressed or startled
• sleep during the day
• shallow burrows and often hibernate
• provide deep bedding for burrowing (40+cm)
• active chewers and skilled escape artists
• enormous cheek pouches for food storage
• cannibalism of babies can be an issue
• diet is vegetation, seeds, fruit and meat

Question 7

Gerbil Husbandry

Answer 7

• good pets due to good temperament and gentle demeanour
• easy to care for
• very sociable and should be kept with others
• enjoy burrowing
• provide nesting materials, e.g. shredded tissue
• sand baths can be provided to help keep fur clean
• don’t drink much (desert animals)
• will chew everything
• “tail slip” defensive mechanism

Question 8

Mouse and Rat Husbandry

Answer 8

• very intelligent, can be trained (R)
• common lab animals (M)
• wood shavings or paper-based bedding
• very smelly !
• should not house alone
• rats like larger and taller cages
• environmental enrichment important
• never house mice and rats together (zoonoses)
• omnivorous and scavengers
• formulated pellet diets with fruit/veg and occasional treats