A detailed overview of how to provide appropriate care for small mammals including: ferrets, rabbits, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, and chinchillas. Includes terminology and definitions, determining the sex of the animals, housing requirements, common health issues, and restraint information.
Proper Handling
Proper Restraint: reduces stress to the animal and the handler
Active Restraint: Physically restraining the animal by scruffing, harness use of towels to wrap
Passive Restraint: Redirecting the animal towards something, such as a treat
Small Mammals- Terminology
Precocial: eyes open at birth
Altricial: eyes closed at birth
Coprophagic: eats feces as a source of nutrients
Substrate: bedding material for caged/captive animals
Insectivores: animals that feed mainly on insects
Ferrets
Member of the weasel family (rodents)
Scent glands have a strong, musky odour
Nocturnal
Highly trainable; can be litter trained
Very quick and agile, beware of bites- Especially if not used to handling; Carnivore dentistry!
Need high protein diet
Restraint: secure head and forelegs by scruffing neck, support rest of body with other hand
Very social- ideally house in small groups
Hob- Male
Jill- Female
Kit- Young
Kindling- Giving birth to ferrets
Business- Group
Determining sex:
Feel along belly for protrusion- Penis is almost a bump
Anogenital distance- Vulva and anus are close together, penis is further
Housing:
Chew on everything! Do not use toxic materials
Commercial cages for ferrets are good:
Generally coated-wire top with pan base
Shallow litter pan in corner
Hanging water bottle
Multi-level with lots of space for movement
Very good at escaping- Must be secure cage
Ferrets really enjoy hammocks- Good enrichment
, Small Exotic Mammals
Common health issues
Diarrhea- Symptom of illness or issues; can cause dehydration and weight loss
Intestinal foreign bodies
Parasites- Coccidia, Giardia
Heart disease
Various kinds of tumours
o Insulinoma- Pancreas
o Adrenal Gland
Canine Distemper- Require same preventative care as dogs
Heartworm- Require same preventative care as dogs
Rabbits
Rabbits have a very difficult time regurgitating and vomiting- Very bad sign
Can be gentle pets, but must be socialised
Vocalise with screams and growls when upset
Protect themselves by kicking and biting
Trainable; can be litter trained
Rabbits will chew anything
Herbivores (primarily hay/grass diet)- Need about 18% fibre
Restraint: Secure hind legs and press back against your body; set down gently
Buck- Male
Doe- Female
Kit- Young (blind, deaf)
Kindling- Giving birth to rabbits
Herd- Group
Determining Sex:
No difference in anogenital distance between sexes
Look for shape of penis or vulva
o Round protrusion; male
o Y-shaped slit; female
Housing:
Need solid floor- Prevent pododermatitis
Roof or high walls to prevent jumping escape
Enrichment is just as important as with less docile animals!
o Can enter agility training!
Common health issues:
Pasteurella- Upper respiratory infection caused by Pasteurella bacteria (often called the
snuffles); Swollen, red eyes
Parasites- All mammals should receive fecal check yearly to check for parasites
Overgrown Incisors- must be provided with things to chew on
Uterine Problems- Female, unspayed rabbits are prone to uterine cancer
Pododermatitis- Ulcers and abscesses on back ankles (often called sore hocks); caused by living
on inappropriate surface
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