lec 19 20 lab animal hamsters gerbils ferrets chinchillas hedgehogs sugar gliders

Lab Animal & Small Mammal

Husbandry

Copyright © 2010 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 3

HamstersHamsters Cheek pouches for food transportationCheek pouches for food transportation Flank glands for marking territory and in Flank glands for marking territory and in

mating ritualsmating rituals Physical naturePhysical nature

Have tendency to biteHave tendency to bite Must accommodate physical nature with exercise Must accommodate physical nature with exercise

wheel placed in cagewheel placed in cage

Introduction to Hamsters• One of common rodents kept as pets

– Rodents evolved 55 to 65 million years ago– Paramys is considered rodents’ ancestor

• Suborders of order Rodentia– Sciuromorpha: Squirrel-like rodents– Myomorpha: Rat-like rodents– Hystricomorpha: Porcupine-like rodents

• Hamsters in suborder Myomorpha

Common Hamster Types• Most abundant: Golden

– Often used in research, found in pet stores– Native to desert areas of Syria– Discovered in 1930– Rich mahogany or orange on back with white or creamy

underside and legs• Also common: Small desert or dwarf

– Like Golden, found in pet shops– Light gray with dark stripe down the back– Smaller than Golden, very active, possibly aggressive

Breeding• Life span 18 to 24 months• Puberty at 6 to 8 weeks• Gestation – 16 days• Litter size 6 to 8• Weaned at 3 weeks• Don’t disturb first 2weeks –will

cannibalize

Hamster Reproduction• Sexual maturity at ~6 weeks• Rapid reproduction

– Females in heat every 4 days– Litters in 16 days

• Fighting, female rear rubbing indicate non-compatible pairs

• Young born helpless without fur or sight• Weaning at about day 24 to 28

Characteristics of Hamsters

• Nocturnal• Carry food or young in cheek pouches• Territorial and protective of food• Solitary• Life span of 1 to 3 years• Prefer moderate temperatures (~70 F)

Anatomy• Well developed

cheek pouches• Flank Gland• Lots of loose skin• Hibernate

• Fatal reaction to antibiotics

• Blunt noses• Concentrated urine

Desired Qualities of Hamster Cages

• Large enough for exercise• Made of gnaw-proof materials• Water bottles hanging outside or in

protective wire hangers• Filled with plenty of clean, fresh bedding

Methods of Hamster Feeding

• Commercial pellets best/easiest option– Provide needed vitamins and minerals– Wear down front incisors

• Diet should include wide range of foods– Seeds like corn, millet, wheat, oats, sorghum– Carrots, potato pieces, fresh clover, alfalfa hay– Dried peas, beans, and nuts– Dry dog pellets or biscuits

• Diet should be consistent– No sudden changes– Greens and fruits in small amounts– Avoid spoiled and soft foods

Nutrition• Prone to obesity• Feed adults every other day• Hamster blocks• Blunt nose, must put food in cage not in

feeder troughs• Need fresh water, but decreased water

need

Behavior• Pugnacious• Nocturnal• Escape artists• Females cannot be housed with others• Nest builders• Hoard food

Handling of Hamsters• Do not disturb while sleeping• Use speaking as calming device• Do not force contact• Pick up with thumb and forefinger behind the front

quarters• Familiarize hamster with family members• Wait 14 days to handle young hamsters and

exercise caution• Heed warning signs like evasion, squealing,

or chattering

Hamster Diseases and Ailments

• Hamster enteritis• Tyzzer’s disease• Common diarrhea• Fleas and lice• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM)

Common Diseases• Pneumonia: Caused by Strep or

Pasteurella Open mouth breathing, discharge from

eyes and nose, wheezing. Often die, even when treated.

• Proliferative Illeitis (wet tail) seen between 3 and 6 weeks of age. Signs, lethargy, anorexia, diarrhea, wet anal area

• Mange: More susceptible to demodectic mange than any other pocket pet. Signs are hair loss, scaly skin and itching. Treated with medicated shampoo

• Fractures: Leg fractures are common from injuries on exercise wheels. May heal on their own, or may need amputation

CHAPTER

Gerbils

11


GerbilsGerbils Active burrowing animals adapted to desert Active burrowing animals adapted to desert

environmentenvironment Life span 3.5 yearsLife span 3.5 years Gestation length depends upon lactationGestation length depends upon lactation Epilepsy is commonEpilepsy is common Diet similar to hamsterDiet similar to hamster

Introduction to Gerbils• Four subgenera and fourteen species• Best known type: Mongolian desert mouse

or Mongolian gerbil– In China, former Soviet Union, and Mongolia– Live in colonies and dig burrows for shelter– Are active day and night– Eat seeds, leaves, roots, stems, and insects

• First bred in captivity in 1935

Basics of the Mongolian Gerbil

• From 6 to 8 inches long nose to tail• Weighs 3 to 4 ounces• Short, thick body and hunched appearance• Walks on all fours, stands on hind legs

– Short forelegs with hand-like forepaws– Kangaroo-like hind legs and feet– Fur-covered tail provides support

• Reddish brown to dark brown

Characteristics of Gerbils• Scent gland on stomach

– Most visible on mature males– Slide stomach to leave scent

• Very quiet nature– Shrill squeak as alarm or female mating call– Squeaks of young diminish with age– Drumming as alarm or male mating call

• Short life span (2 to 4 years)

Gerbil Housing and Equipment

• Similar to that of hamsters– Gerbils more active, adept at escape/jumping– Need more cage space and cage cover

• Cage desirables– Each type (plastic, metal, wood)

has pros/cons– Wood chips/shavings for bedding– Sand area for digging and playing– Safe, solid toys for entertainment

Basics of Gerbil Feeding• Small-rodent commercial pellets easiest

option• Can prepare mixed rations

– Grains like corn, oats, wheat, and barley as base– Linseed, millet, canary, and other seeds for variety– Green foods like cabbage and carrots for minerals– Vitamin/mineral supplements when vet

recommended• Keep water constantly available

Handling Methods for Gerbils

• Little skill needed– Gerbils are gentle and curious, seldom bite– Slow, gentle movements are effective

• Technique– Place hand over gerbil’s back, encircle body with thumb

and forefinger– Calm gerbil before lifting– Avoid squeezing or lifting by tail– Be extra cautious with young gerbils– Exercise patience to hand feed

Gerbil Diseases and Ailments

• General– Gerbils are very hardy– Seldom affected by disease

• Possible afflictions– Respiratory infections (most common)– Nasal dermatitis– Tyzzer’s disease– Fleas, lice, mites– Seizures

Gerbil Reproduction• Sexual maturity between 9 and 12 weeks• Introduce mating pairs as soon as possible

– Generally monogamous animals– Pair bonds may last lifetimes

• Gestation takes from 24 to 26 days– Young born naked, blind, completely helpless– Three to four in average litter

CHAPTER

Ferrets

16

Introduction to Domestic Ferret

• Classification– Family Mustelidae– Genus Mustela

• Mustela genus includes weasels, ermines, mink, and polecats– Members of four subgenuses all have long,

limber, slender bodies

History of Domestic Ferret• Believed to descend from European polecat• Used in 1800s for rodent control• In United States for over 300 years

– Help wire airplanes– Used in scientific research– Make good pets

• No wild colonies remain– Black-footed ferret only wild species in U.S.

Major Ferret Color Groups• Sable (most common)• Red-eyed white• Silver mitt• Sterling silver• White-footed sable• Butterscotch• White-footed butterscotch• Cinnamon (rare)

Characteristics of Ferrets• Physical makeup

– Elongated, lean, muscular body– Short legs, feet with five clawed toes – Long tail about half as long as head and body– Dense, soft fur– Small, rounded ears– Long, oval heads and pointed snout– Bright, clear eyes though poor eyesight– Highly developed senses of hearing, smell, and touch– Strong, musky odor at maturity– Primarily nocturnal

• Sex differences– Males (hobs): 16 to 20” long, weigh 3 to 5 pounds– Females (jills): 12 to 14” long, weigh 1½ to 3 pounds

Ferret Reproduction• Females: First heat at ~6 to 12 months• During pregnancy

– Normal activity for pregnant females until delivery– Avoid allowing excess fat

• Average gestation period ~6 weeks• Average litter from 6 to 8 (may vary from 1 to 14)

– Young born pink; covered with almost invisible thin, white fuzz; and eyes and ears shut

– Weigh about ½ to ¾ ounce and ~1½” long

Desirable Qualities in Ferret Cages

• Preferably 24” x 24” x 14”• Made of wood and wire screen (not glass)

– Good quality materials– Sturdy latches

• Means of outside observation• Earthenware food bowls• Large vacuum-type water bottle• Suitable toys (no soft rubber)

Methods of Feeding Ferrets

• Governing principles– Carnivores with quick metabolisms– Frequent feedings, food constantly available

• Basic dietary plan– Dry foods recommended (can use kitten food)– High in animal protein and fat, low in fiber– Plenty of fresh, clean water

• Supplements– Vitamin or mineral supplements usually unneeded– Meat-based treats in small amounts– Older ferrets may need vegetable oil


Ferret NutritionFerret Nutrition Ferrets are strict carnivoresFerrets are strict carnivores Food for ferretsFood for ferrets

Commercially available dietsCommercially available diets High-quality cat foodHigh-quality cat food

Handling and Training of Ferrets

• Lifting techniques– On approach, speak softly and gently– Youngsters: Life by nape of neck– Adults: Place one hand around body behind forelegs,

other behind rear• Training approaches

– Allow adjustment period before training– Voice and hands best training tools, but can use

Ferretone®, Linatone®, and Bitter Apple®– Discipline for biting, even when playful– Litter train when possible


Ferret Blood SamplingFerret Blood Sampling Chemical restraint commonly usedChemical restraint commonly used Sample sitesSample sites

Jugular veinJugular vein Cranial vena cavaCranial vena cava——preferred sitepreferred site Cephalic veinCephalic vein

Ferret Diseases and Ailments

• Canine distemper• Rabies• Chronic stomach inflammation• Bowel disease• Botulism• Ear mites• Fleas• Physical injuries


Estrogen ToxicityEstrogen Toxicity Can occur in intact female ferretsCan occur in intact female ferrets Toxic effects of bone marrow suppressionToxic effects of bone marrow suppression

Severe anemiaSevere anemia ThrombocytopeniaThrombocytopenia

OutcomeOutcome Potentially fatalPotentially fatal

Clinical signsClinical signs Hair loss, swollen vulvaHair loss, swollen vulva

TreatmentTreatment Spaying, if not intended for breedingSpaying, if not intended for breeding


Human InfluenzaHuman Influenza Ferrets are susceptible Ferrets are susceptible Show clinical signs of respiratory diseaseShow clinical signs of respiratory disease

Nasal and ocular dischargesNasal and ocular discharges CoughingCoughing SneezingSneezing

Differentiate from other diseasesDifferentiate from other diseases Canine distemperCanine distemper Bacterial pneumoniaBacterial pneumonia

TreatmentTreatment Antihistamines and decongestantsAntihistamines and decongestants

CHAPTER

Chinchillas

15

History of Chinchillas• Descended from Paramys (Paleocene and

Eocene epoch)• Incas used for fur thousands of years ago

– Fur reached Europe in 1500s– Became popular in 1700s– Animals nearly became extinct but were

revived on ranches– First organized sale in New York (1954)

• World now produces 150,000 skins yearly

Major Chinchilla Color Groups

• Standard• White• Beige• Black• Sullivan Violet

C. Brevicaudata Species• Native to Peru, Bolivia, and Northwestern

Argentina• Stocky appearance

– Thick neck and shoulders– Ears shorter than those of C. laniger– Nose flatter than that of C. laniger

• Heavy light gray, coarse hair that is often tinged yellow

C. Laniger Species• Type usually raised domestically• Native to Northern Chile• Smaller than C. brevicaudata

– Narrow neck and shoulders• Silky and medium to dark gray fur with a

bright bluish cast

Chinchilla Reproduction• Two breeding approaches

– Pair– Polygamous

• Females bred at ~8 months• Gestation period of 111 days• Litters vary from 1 to 3 (average of 2)

– Young born fully furred, eyes open, with full set of teeth and a lot of energy

– Should be handled only when dry and warm

General Chinchilla Characteristics

• Physical appearance– Broad head with large ears and eyes, very long, stiff whiskers– Short ears and short, bushy tails (3 to 10” long)– From 9 to 15” long total, weigh from 1 to 2 pounds

• Native habitat– Barren areas of Andes Mountains up to 20,000-foot elevations– Shelter in crevices and holes among rocks

• Feeding patterns– Diet of any available vegetation– Eat sitting upright with food in forepaws

• Behavioral patterns– Primarily nocturnal– Make little noise and are very clean

Chinchilla Housing and Equipment

• Location requirements– Quiet in daytime– Fairly dry– Adequately ventilated– Moderately heated

• Cage desirables– About 24” x 24” x 14”– Sides of metal and wire with small openings– Bottoms of wire mesh or solid material (pan)– Wood shavings for bedding– Hiding place (wooden box or large can)– Play toy (small wooden block)– Pan with bathing powder– Metal, creep-type feeder– Vacuum-type water bottle

Basics of Chinchilla Feeding

• Varied pelleted foods– Ground alfalfa hay, corn gluten, corn tailings,

wheat germ, and bran– Vitamins and minerals– Pelleted guinea pig feed as substitute

• Dietary supplements– Fresh, well-dried alfalfa or timothy hay– Grass, carrots, and celery– Raisins in limited portions as treats

• Constant source of clean, fresh water

Methods of Handling Chinchillas

• Overall approach– Allow animal to acclimate to surroundings– On approach, go quietly and speak softly– Choose nighttime interaction over daytime

• Handling techniques– Grasp tail close to body and lift– Place one cupped hand in front of animal

and one hand behind (gentlest option)

Chinchilla Diseases and Ailments

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa (bacterium)

• Eye inflammation (conjunctivitis)

• Inner ear infection (otitis)

• Pneumonia• Intestinal disorders• Reproductive disorders• Pathogenic organisms

• Intestinal parasites• Dermatophytosis or

ringworm• Impaction• Fur chewing• Malocclusionis• Dietary deficiencies• Mastitis

CHAPTER

Hedgehogs

21


HedgehogsHedgehogs Nocturnal spinal animalsNocturnal spinal animals Maintained much like rodentsMaintained much like rodents Are NOT rodentsAre NOT rodents

Insectivore-omnivore dietInsectivore-omnivore diet Common diseasesCommon diseases

Neoplasia, obesity, otitis externa, dermatitis, Neoplasia, obesity, otitis externa, dermatitis, external parasites, and respiratory diseaseexternal parasites, and respiratory disease

Anesthesia needed even for examinationAnesthesia needed even for examination

History of Hedgehogs• First brought to United States in 1900• Several small herds by 1993• North American Hedgehog Association

(NAHA) founded in 1993• NAHA replaced by International

Hedgehog Association in 1999

Hedgehog Reproduction• Sexual maturity

– Females: 8 weeks but no breeding until 6 months

– Males: 8 weeks but may be unable to impregnate until later

• Gestation period: ~35 days• Capable of several litters annually

– From 1 to 7 young, 3 on average– Young are born deaf, blind, and helpless

Characteristics of Hedgehogs

• Most common: White-bellied– From 7 to 10”, weigh 9 to 25 ounces– Long snout– Four digits on each foot, 36 teeth– Primarily nocturnal

• Spines over back, sides, and crown of head• Large eyes and ears• Short tails and usually short legs• Primary color: Mixture of brown, black, and white• Short life span (~5 years)• Very little odor• Only sounds some low grunts and clicks

Process of Anointing• Steps

– Encounters new smell or object– Licks at smell or object, producing foamy saliva– Stiffens front legs and swings head from side to side– Spits and smears spines with the saliva

• Theory– Reason unknown– May be form of protection from predators or method

of attracting a mate

Other Hedgehog Processes

• Hibernation– Helps animals survive winter’s cold by saving energy– Heart beat drops by 90%, body temp declines,

respiration slows– Fat reserves sustain animals– Period may last from few weeks to 6 months– Warm weather ends process

• Estivation– Like less-intense hibernation in hot, dry climates with

little food– Animals seek cool place, metabolism slows– May wake and enter/exit cool place several times

Feeding Methods for Hedgehogs

• Basis of diet– Insects, but also worms, snails, bird eggs, and small

invertebrates (frogs and snakes)– Diet must include proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, and

fiber– Commercial foods preferred– Supplement with small pieces of fruits/vegetables or

earthworms, wax worms, crickets every 2 to 3 days• Maintain original diet, change slowly if needed• Feed at night

Handling Methods for Hedgehogs

• Animal unfamiliar with handler– Rolls into ball as natural reaction to danger– Use gloves when lifting

• Animal familiar with handler– May walk into cupped hands– To lift, place one hand on each side of

body and under belly

Desirable Qualities ofHedgehog Housing

• Appropriate housing– Aquariums– Large plastic tubs– Plastic cat or dog carriers

• At least 2 square feet of floor space– More allows room for litter pan, nest box, exercise wheel– Aspen shavings best floor covering

• Nest box• Litter box• Heavy, sturdy food bowl• Vacuum-type water bottle

Hedgehog Diseases and Ailments

• Mites• Intestinal threadworms• Intestinal worms• Coccidia• Eye infections• Diarrhea• Overgrown toenails

CHAPTER

Sugar Gliders

22


Sugar GlidersSugar Gliders Unusual pets with unique qualitiesUnusual pets with unique qualities Social nocturnal marsupials from AustraliaSocial nocturnal marsupials from Australia MalnutritionMalnutrition

Most common problem diagnosedMost common problem diagnosed Hypocalcemia and hypoglycemiaHypocalcemia and hypoglycemia Commercial glider pelleted diets not readily Commercial glider pelleted diets not readily

availableavailable

Introduction to Sugar Gliders

• Small arboreal marsupials– Native to NE regions of Australia, Tasmania,

Indonesia, New Guinea• Live in groups with 1 to 2 males, several females• Omnivorous

– Hunt insects, small spiders, worms, eggs of nesting birds

– Feed on sap and gum from eucalyptus and acacia trees, nectar and pollen

• Nocturnal• Life span of 5 to 8 years

Physical Characteristics ofSugar Gliders

• Total body length of 10 to 12”– 5 to 6” body length– 5 to 6” tail length

• Weight of 3 to 5 ounces– Males slightly larger than females

• Triangular head with short muzzle, rounded nose, large eyes

• Soft, gray fur with cream undersides• Thin, furred membrane from wrists to ankles• Abdominal pouch on females

Principles of Sugar Glider Selection

• Check laws and renting guidelines• Plan on multiples as animals are social• Opt for local sources• Choose recently weaned young• Check for signs of health and vitality

Desirables of Sugar Glider Housing

• Minimum size: 20” x 20” x 30”– Large enough to allow exploration and movement (climbing,

gliding)• Large bird cages or aviaries may work• Wire-mesh openings max of 1” square• Large door• Plastic or litter box for waste below• Branches/limbs for exercise/aesthetics• Nest box• Safe bedding (shredded paper, hardwood shavings)• Cloth pouch• Heavy, sturdy food bowl

Feeding Methods for Sugar Gliders

• Basis of diet– Should be 75% fresh fruits/vegetables/grains

and 25% protein (meats, eggs, insects)– Include commercial diets– Light treats of crickets, grasshoppers, meal

worms, wax worms– Plentiful clean, fresh water

• Make food available at dark

Sugar Glider Reproduction• Sexual maturity at ~8 months• Sexual differentiators

– Females: Abdominal pouch– Males: Scent gland on head

• Pair or colony mating• Gestation period of ~16 days

– Usually 1 to 2 young per litter– Young crawl to mother’s pouch and remain for

~60 to 70 days– After pouch exit, cling to one of parents’ backs

Sugar Glider Diseases and Ailments

• Broken bones• Dehydration• Bacterial infections• Behavior disorders

– Anxiety– Over- or undereating– Cannibalism– Priapism

• Aflatoxicosis

• Constipation• Leptospirosis• Actinomycosis• Hypocalcemia• Obesity

lec 19 20 lab animal hamsters gerbils ferrets chinchillas hedgehogs sugar gliders

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