Help
Options
Didn't know it?
click below
click below
Knew it?
click below
click below
Don't Know
Remaining cards (0)
Know
retry
shuffle
restart
0:00
Embed Code - If you would like this activity on your web page, copy the script below and paste it into your web page.
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Normal Size Small Size show me how
CAM - Small Mammals
Small Mammals
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What Factors Should Be Considered When Designing Animal Accommodation? | -Enclosure size and materials. -Enclosure lay out. -Substrate. -Temperature/humidity. -Food/water. -Shelter. -Bedding/nesting materials. -Location and enrichment. -Cleaning routine. |
| What Is The Lifespan For Rabbits? | 5-12 years. |
| What Are Rabbits Sleep-Wake Cycle And Diet? | -Crepuscular. -Herbivores. |
| What Is The Preferred Temperature Range For Rabbits? | 13-20 degrees. |
| What Is The Optimum Humidity Range For Rabbits? | 55-65%. |
| Do Rabbits Need Indoor Or Outdoor Housing? | -Can thrive in both. -If outside must be protected from extremes of weather. |
| What Is The Recommended Amount Of Space For Rabbits And What Are The General Indications That A Rabbit Has Enough Space? | -3m x 2m. -Should be able to stretch out fully, stand upright on hindlegs, perform at least three hops from one end to the other. |
| What Are Some Enclosure Features Needed For Rabbits? | -Multiple raised platforms for resting and hiding. -More than one shelter. -Items to gnaw. -Areas to dig. -Smooth flooring (not wire) to prevent pododermatitis (a bacterial infection and inflammatory reaction of birds’ and mammals’ feet). |
| How Much Exercise Does A Rabbit Need A Day Outside Of Their Hutch? | At least three hours. |
| What Are Some Requirements For Rabbit Enclosures Kept Outdoors? | -Avoid placing in direct sunlight – heat stress can occur above 28 degrees. -Enclosure should be raised off the ground to prevent damp. -Waterproof roof and a slatted panel to cover the mesh-fronted area in bad weather. -Protection from predators. |
| What Are Some General Health Provisions For Rabbits Kept Outdoors? | -Parasite control to limit the spread of disease by vectors (myxomatosis). -No contact with wild rabbits to limit the spread of disease transmission (VHD). |
| What Are Some Potential Hazards For Rabbits Kept Indoors? | -Electrical cables. -Poisonous house plants. |
| What Type Of Substrate Is Suitable For Rabbits? | -Untreated and dust free ) to prevent skin and respiratory infection). -Avoid sawdust. -Safe to be ingested and non scented. -Soft straw, wood shavings, pulp beddings, shredded paper. |
| What Are The Cleaning Requirements For Rabbit Enclosures? | -Housing should be scrubbed with animal-safe disinfectant and water once a week. -Depending on the number of rabbits, the bedding may need to be changed more often. -Litter trays should be cleaned frequently. |
| Should Rabbits Be Kept Alone? | -No, should be kept in bonded pairs. -Mixed sex pairs are the most compatible, though same sex pairs are possible. -Intact males (bucks) are likely to fight. *Should not be kept with guinea pigs* |
| What Is The Lifespan For Guinea Pigs? | 5-6 days. |
| What Are Guinea Pigs Sleep-Wake Cycle And Diet? | -Diurnal or crepuscular. -Herbivores. |
| What Is The Preferred Temperature Range For Guinea Pigs? | 16-24 degrees. |
| What Is The Optimum Humidity Range For Guinea Pigs? | 30-70% |
| Do Guinea Pigs Need Indoor Or Outdoor Housing? | -Can thrive in both. -If outside must be protected from extremes of weather. -Temperatures above 27-30 degrees can cause heat stroke, young do not grow well in temperatures below 13 degrees. -Do not tolerate high humidity and bright light. |
| What Is The Recommended Amount Of Space For Guinea Pigs? | Minimum of 0.9m2 per adult guinea pig. |
| What Are Some Enclosure Features Needed For Guinea Pigs? | -Hiding places and shelter (e.g. upturned boxes and tunnels) as nervous in large open spaces. -Items to gnaw. -Smooth flooring (not wire) to prevent pododermatitis. Multiple levels using ramps. |
| What Are Some Requirements For Guinea Pig Enclosures Kept Outdoors? | -Protection from predators. -Protection from entry of wild birds (and transmission of salmonellosis). |
| What Type Of Substrate Is Suitable For Guinea Pigs? | -Wood shavings, shredded paper or hay. -However aromatic hydrocarbons in wood shavings may cause respiratory distress. -Fleece liners popular for indoor guinea pigs. |
| What Are The Cleaning Requirements For Guinea Pig Enclosures? | -Guinea pigs are very messy and soil bedding quickly. -Not possible to litter train. -Must be cleaned out at least twice a week or more. -Hutch should be scrubbed with disinfectant and water once a week. |
| Should Guinea Pigs Be Kept Alone? | -No, should be kept in at least pairs. -Two or more sows will generally live harmoniously together. -Two sexually mature boars may fight for dominance. -Mixed sex groupings can be functional, but must be neutered. |
| What Is The Lifespan For Mongolian Gerbils? | 3-4 years. |
| What Are Mongolian Gerbils Sleep-Wake Cycle And Diet? | -Diurnal. -Omnivores. |
| What Is The Preferred Temperature Range For Mongolian Gerbils? | 20-24 degrees. -Avoid placing enclosure in direct sunlight or in a direct draught -Gerbils are sensitive to infra- and ultra-sound – minimise sudden irregular noises. |
| What Is The Optimum Humidity Range For Mongolian Gerbils? | 35-55% |
| What Is The Recommended Amount Of Space For Mongolian Gerbils? | -10 gallons per gerbil. -Depth of enclosure is important to allow burrowing. -A minimum of 25cm substrate, but ideally at least 40cm, is recommended. |
| What Are Some Enclosure Features Needed For Mongolian Gerbils? | -Deep substrate for tunnels. -Dark nest boxes. -With provision of enough space, exercise wheels are not necessary. If provided, ensure diameter of 30cm. -Secure platforms. -Sand or dust bath for cleaning coat. -Items to gnaw. |
| What Type Of Substrate Is Suitable For Mongolian Gerbils? | -Substrate needs to be loose but stable enough to support tunnel structures. -Organic soil or peat provide a natural option. -Can be combined with paper-based products for absorbency. -Nesting materials should also be provided e.g. shredded paper, hay. |
| What Are The Cleaning Requirements For Mongolian Gerbil Enclosures? | -Gerbils rely heavily on scent cues to communicate. -Spot cleaning is therefore preferred to avoid removing scent cues. -As gerbils produce small amounts of concentrated urine, full cleans can be extended to once every 1-2 months. Some old bedding must |
| Should Mongolian Gerbils Be Kept Alone? | -No, they should live in social groups. -Same sex litter mates to prevent fighting -Male groups tend to be more harmonious than female groups. -Avoid separating individuals from their social group, as they may fight when reintroduced. |
| What Is The Lifespan For Rats? | 2-3 years. |
| What Is The Lifespan For Mice? | 1-2 years. |
| What Are Rats Sleep-Wake Cycle And Diet? | -Nocturnal with some crepuscular activity. -Omnivores. |
| What Are Mices Sleep-Wake Cycle And Diet? | -Nocturnal but can adapt to diurnal husbandry patterns. -Opportunistic omnivores. |
| What Is The Preferred Temperature Range For Rats and Mice? | 19-23 degrees. |
| What Is The Optimum Humidity Range For Rats and Mice? | 40-70% |
| What Is The Recommended Amount Of Space For Rats? | 90cm (L) x 60cm (D) x 120cm (H) for groups up to 5. |
| What Is The Recommended Amount Of Space For Mice? | 80cm (L) x 50cm (D) x 50cm (H) for a pair of mice. |
| What Are Some Enclosure Features Needed For Rats and Mice? | -Enough space to compartmentalise eating, toileting and resting -Require 3D complexity and climbing structures. -Foraging, digging and gnawing areas -Dark shelters/hiding spots. *Sensitive to bright light, unpredictable noises and/or ultra-sound* |
| What Type Of Substrate Is Suitable For Rats and Mice? | -Must be dust-extracted. -Wood-based bedding may cause respiratory illness. -Also provide nesting material e.g. shredded paper, hay. |
| What Are The Cleaning Requirements For Rats and Mice? | -Ammonia can be a potent respiratory irritant. Must be limited with cleaning protocols – full clean every 1-2 weeks. -Frequent cage cleaning can cause stress from removal of scent cues. Spot cleaning and reuse of clean, old bedding important. |
| Should Rats and Mice Be Kept Alone? | -No, rats and mice are both social species. -Keep in groups of same sex litter mates. -Neutering may reduce aggression. -Mice and rats should not be housed together. |
| What Is The Lifespan For Syrian Hamsters? | 1.5-2 years. |
| What Are Syrian Hamsters Sleep-Wake Cycle And Diet? | -Nocturnal. -Omnivores. |
| What Is The Preferred Temperature Range For Syrian Hamsters? | 19-23 degrees. -A temperature below 10°C will induce hibernation. -Temperatures which exceed 30°C will cause stiffness, lethargy and immobility, known as Sleepers Disease. If disturbed the hamster will shake its head violently. |
| What Is The Recommended Amount Of Space For Syrian Hamsters? | 80cm (L) x 50cm (D) x 50cm (H). |
| What Are Some Enclosure Features Needed For Syrian Hamsters? | -Nesting box with two entrances. -Solid exercise wheel, at least 30cm. -Items to gnaw. -Multiple levels for climbing – hamsters have poor depth perception, so avoid big drops. -Deep substrate (40cm) to allow for digging and nesting behaviour. |
| What Type Of Substrate Is Suitable For Syrian Hamsters? | -Must be dust-extracted. -Wood-based bedding may cause respiratory illness. -Nesting material also required: kitchen towel, paper, hay or cardboard. Don't use bedding that can cause impaction or strangulation e.g. synthetic or cotton wool type bedding. |
| Why Are Exercise Balls Not Recommended For Syrian Hamsters? | -Potential stress, injury, abnormal locomotion and poor ventilation. |
| What Are The Cleaning Requirements For Syrian Hamsters? | -Full cleans should be completed 1 – 2 times per month. -With spot cleaning twice a week, including removal of food hoards. -Cleaning can cause stress from removal of scent cues, so old, clean bedding should be returned to enclosure. |
| Should Syrian Hamsters Be Kept Alone? | -Syrian and chinese hamsters are solitary animals, so adults must be housed individually. -Dwarf varieties can be kept in single sex pairs of males or females - pairing should be done when they are young, and not be separated and reintroduced. |
| What Is A Complementary and Complete Diet? | Complete diets = provide all of an animal’s daily nutritional needs, should be fed as the sole source of food. Complementary diets = provide some of an animal’s daily nutritional needs, but should be fed alongside other foodstuffs. |
| Muesli Mixes Vs Pellet Mixes? | Muesli mixes = consist of multiple components (e.g. oats, maize, peas). Allows animals to selectively feed which can lead to health problems. Pellets = combine ingredients into uniform mono-components; preventing animals from selectively feeding. |
| What Are Some Ways In Which Food Can Be Presented To Small Mammals? | -Scatter feeding. -Feed enrichments. -Hay racks (avoid soiling of hay feed). -Ceramic rather than metal bowls to reduce ultrasound noise. *Any changes to food type must be gradual* |
| What Are The Nutritional Requirements Of Rabbits? | -Hind gut fermenters = require a high-fibre, low nutrient diet. -Large quantity of grass and hay (ad lib). -Small amounts of pellet mix and greenstuffs. |
| What Role Does The Caecum Play In Hindgut Fermentation Of Rabbits? | -Fermentation chamber where microorganisms break down cellulose, forming caecotropes. -Caecotropes excreted via the colon and immediately re-ingested (known as coprophagy). Nutrients from fibre in caecotrope are then absorbed in small intestine. |
| What Functions Does Fibre Have In A Rabbits Diet? | -Maintains good digestion. -Provides mental stimulation which prevents boredom. -Provides dental exercise and wear. |
| What Type Of Hay Is Recommended For Rabbit Diets? | -Timothy, orchard or meadow hay. -Alfalfa hay is high in protein and calcium so should only be fed as a treat to adult rabbits. |
| What Is The Nutritional Composition Of Suitable Rabbit Pellet Mixes? | -Grass-based. -High in fibre (at least 20% DM). -Low in protein (l2 – 16% DM). -Low in fat (less than 2% DM). -Low in calcium (less than 1% DM). |
| What Branches Can Be Fed To Rabbits? | -Apple. -Aspen. -Birch. -Hazel. -Maple. -Pear. -Willow. |
| What Foods Should Not Be Fed To Rabbits? | -Grass clippings rapidly ferment in GI tract. -Plants such as ragwort, buttercups and daffodils are poisonous. -Spinach can cause goitre (swelling of thyroid gland). -Succulent fruit and vegetables, such as lettuce can cause diarrhoea. |
| What Are The Nutritional Requirements Of Guinea Pigs? | -Hind gut fermenters = require a high-fibre, low nutrient diet. -Large quantity of grass and hay (ad lib). -Small amounts of pellet mix and greenstuffs. -Vitamin C! |
| What Is The Nutritional Composition Of Suitable Guinea Pig Pellet Mixes? | -Grass-based. -High in fibre (at least 20% DM). -Moderate protein (16 – 18% DM). -Low in fat (less than 2% DM). -Low in calcium (less than 1% DM). -Specifically formulated with vitamin C. |
| What High In Vitamin C Greenstuffs Should Be Fed To Guinea Pigs? | Kale, cabbage, dandelions and parsley. |
| What Are Guinea Pigs Water Requirements? | 100ml of water per kg bodyweight per day. |
| What Are The Nutritional Requirements Of Rats, Hamsters, Gerbils and Mice? | -Commercial pellet diet. -Small quantity of greenstuffs. -Occasional healthy treats. |
| What Is The Nutritional Composition Of Suitable Gerbil Pellet Mixes? | -Moderate protein (16 – 20% DM). -Lower in fibre (6 – 10% DM). -Low in fat (2 – 5% DM). -Require around 5 – 6g per day. |
| What Is The Nutritional Composition Of Suitable Hamster Pellet Mixes? | -Moderate protein (at least 16% DM). -Moderate fibre (at least 15% DM). -Low in fat (4 – 5% DM). -Require around 10 – 15g per day. |
| What Is The Nutritional Composition Of Suitable Rat Pellet Mixes? | -Moderate protein (around 16% DM). -Moderate fibre (at least 20% DM). -Low in fat (4 – 5% DM). -Require around 15 – 20g per day. -Feed twice per day (morning and evening) to mimic natural behaviour pattern. |
| What Is The Nutritional Composition Of Suitable Mice Pellet Mixes? | -Moderate protein (around 14% DM). -Moderate fibre (at least 18% DM). -Low in fat (4 – 5% DM). -Require around 3 – 5g per day. |
| What Greenstuffs Can Supplements The Diets Of Rats, Hamsters, Gerbils, and Mice? | -Carrots, broccoli, pumpkin and fennel. -Fruit, pumpkin seeds, boiled or scrambled egg, mealworms, lentils, beans or peas can be given as a healthy treat. |
| What Foods Should Be Avoided In Rats, Hamsters, Gerbils, and Mice? | -Sunflower seeds and peanuts are addictive and may lead to obesity due to high fat content. -Rhubarb, potatoes and grapes are poisonous. |
| What Are The Water Requirements Of Rats, Hamsters, Gerbils, and Mice? | -Water is best provided via a water bottle. -Gerbils only consume around 4 – 5mls of water daily. -Rats and hamsters consume around 10ml per 100g bodyweight. -Mice consume around 15ml per 100g bodyweight. |
Created by:
aimee_knows_nothing
Popular Veterinary sets