Small carnivore husbandry

What is the typical activity pattern of ferrets

• Short bursts of activity

• Sleep for 18-20 hours a day

• Most active at dusk

What is the natural behaviour of ferrets

• Inquisitive

• Playful predators

What are the social housing recommendations of ferrets

• Neutered ferrets in social housing

• Intact males should be single in breeding season

• Females should be separate in late pregnancy and lactation

How do ferrets communicate

• Scent via skin and anal glands

• Vocalisation via screaming and hissing

What are the features of outdoor ferret housing

• Compartment for sleep

• Latrine

• Food storage

• Larder

• Multiple exits

• Exploration space

What are the indoor housing requirements of ferrets

Minimum 10m2 with daily exercise outside cage

What are the key hosuing considerations of ferrets

• Temperature from 15-24 degrees

• Dry and draught free

• Solid flooring

• Dark enclosed nest

• Secure tunnels and ladders

• Avoid toxic fumes

What bedding and enrichment do ferrets require

• Cloth bedding

• Multiple rest sites

• Enrichment with tunnels

• Boxes

• Hammocks

• Toys

• Shallow water

What should ferrerts be fed

• Raw chicken wings

• Rodents

• Chicks

• High quality ferret and cat food

What is ferret feeding behaviour like

• Eat little and often

• Lactose intolerant

• Vomit easily

• Scatter feeding

How do otters acclimate to temperature

• Warm dry shelter

• Good nutrition

• Reduced activity

• Specialist species hibernate

What is in meercats diet

• Insects

• Fruit

• Reptiles

• Small mammals

• Eggs

What is the social structure of meerkats

• Groups of 3-40

• Strongly territorial

• Cooperative behaviour

What is the breeding pattern of meerkats

• Dominant female produces offspring

• 1-6 pups after 10-11 weeks

• Males disperse at 18-36 months

What are the housing needs of captive meerkats

• Heated indoor and outdoor areas

• Full sun

• Digging substrates

• Artificial burrows

• Clear scanning views

• Look out posts

• Bolt holes

• Safe nests

What are social challanges of meerkats in captivity

Dominant female controls the group and evictions can be fatal

How should meerkats in captivity be fed

• Stimulate foraging with gaps

• Holes

• Slow release feeders

What should meerkats in captivity be fed

• Insects

• Lean meat

• Occasional mice

• Limited fruit

• Supplements

What are some issues with hand rearing meerkats

• Common abandonment

• Problems with lactation and diet

• Aggression and biting

What are some examples of procyonids

• Raccoon

• Kinkajou

• Coati

What is included in the dangerous wild animals act 1976

• Local authority issues licences from £25-£525

• Inspections by environmental health officer

• Only named person may keep animal

Who is exempts from the dangerous wild animals act 1976

• Zoos

• Circuses

• Pet shops

• Scientific establishments