welfare of captive domestic animals

what size enclosure is suitable for 2 guinea pigs?

minimum of 120cm x 60cm

what type of flooring should guinea pigs have

solid non slip flooring - no wire or mesh as it causes foot injuries

what bedding is suitable for guinea pigs?

dust free absorbent bedding like paper based

what is the ideal temperature range for guinea pigs?

18 to 24 degrees celsius

why are shelters important in guinea pig enclosures?

they are prey animals and need hiding places to feel safe and reduce stress

what is the most important part of a guinea pigs diet

hay - it should make up 80 to 90% of their daily intake

why is hay vital for guinea pigs?

supports digestion and dental health - their teeth grow continuously so they need to chew

what vitamin must be supplemented in a guinea pigs diet?

vitamin c - guinea pigs can't make it themselves. deficiency can cause scurvy

what fresh foods are safe for guinea pigs?

leafy greens (e.g romaine

what food should guinea pigs avoid

onion

are guinea pigs solitary or social?

highly social

what species should guinea pigs not be housed with?

rabbits - they bully guinea pigs and carry Bordetella which is dangerous for pigs

what is a sign of loneliness in guinea pigs

lethargy

what type of enrichment do guinea pigs enjoy?

tunnels

what are common signs of stress in guinea pigs?

hiding

what does popcorning mean in guinea pigs

a joyful behaviour where they jump and twist mid air - a sign of happiness

how should guinea pigs be handled?

with two hands

what are five health risks guinea pigs are prone to

1. scurvy

2. dental problems

3. respiratory infection

4. heat stroke

5. pododermatitis (sore feet)

how can you tell a guinea pig is feeling unwell>

hunched posture

what is the best way to monitor a guinea pigs health

daily observation

what is the minimum enclosure size for a pair of rabbits?

3m x 2m x 1m high

should rabbits be kept in hutches alone?

no - hutches alone are not enough

what does binky mean in rabbits

like pop corning in guinea pigs

what flooring is suitable for rabbits?

solid

what temperature range is comfortable for rabbits

12 to 21 degrees celsius ideally

what are signs of poor housing welfare in rabbits?

dirty coat/feet

what should be the bulk of a rabbits diet

unlimited hay

what other food should rabbits have daily

small amounts of pellets (approx egg cup size) and leafy fresh greens (like kale

why is hay vital for rabbits

supports gut movement and dies down teeth

what foods should rabbits avoid?

• iceberg lettuce

what is caecotrophy?

when rabbits eat special soft faeces called caecotrophs tp reabsorb nutrients - it is normal and essential

are rabbits solitary animals?

no - they are highly social and should be kept in pairs of groups (neutered

what are signs of social stress in rabbits?

hiding

what enrichment is suitable for rabbits?

• tunnels

how should a rabbit be handled?

support the chest and the hind quarters - hugely important to secure the back legs.. never pick up by ears or by the scruff

what is the risk of handling a rabbit improperly

they can fracture their spine if they kick out while unsupported

what are five health problems rabbits are prone to?

1. dental disease

2. gastrointestinal stasis

3. flysrike

4. respiratory issues

5. obesity if under exercised

what is flystrike and how is it prevented

a deadly condition where flies lay eggs on soiled fur. prevent with hygiene

what is the minimum enclosure size for pet mice?

for 2 - 3 mic: at least 60cm x 30cm x 30cm

what enclosure type is best for mice?

enclosures with solid walls and floors

what temperature and humidity do mice need?

ideal temperature is 18 to 25 degrees celsius

what kind of bedding should mice have?

dust free

why do mice need hiding spaces?

they are prey animals and need secure

what should mice be fed?

a complete rodent pellet with occasional safe treats like oats

what foods should mice avoid?

• chocolate

how often should mice be fed?

food should be available daily

are mice social animals>

yes

what happens if mice are kept alone?

they can become stressed

what enrichment is suitable for mice

chew toys

what are normal mouse behaviours>

gnawing

what are four signs of stress in mice

1. hiding all the time

2. hair loss

3. aggression

4. stereotypies eg bar biting and route tracing

how should mice be handled

gently scoop in cupped hands or guide into a small tube. never by the tail!

what health issues are common in mice (4)

1. respiratory disease

2. skin issues

3. tumours

4. overgrown teeth

how do you monitor a mouses health

daily checks for activity

what is the minimum cage size for 2 rats

at least 80x50x80cm high

what kind of cage is best for rats

a large

what bedding should rats have?

dust free

what temperature do rats need

comfortable at 18 to 24 degrees celsius. they are sensitive to damp

why are hammocks and nesting boxes good for rats

they provide security

what should a rats diet consist of?

a complete rat pellet

what foods should rats avoid?

blue cheese

why is variety important in a rats diet

rats are intelligent foragers and benefit from mental stimulation during feeding

are rats social animals?

YES- rats must be kept in same sex pairs or groups. they will suffer alone

can male rats be kept together

only if they are introduced young and given enough space/enrichment.

what are signs of loneliness in rats

lethargy

what enrichment do rats enjoy

climbing ropes and ladders

what are normal behaviours in rats

climbing

what are signs or stress of boredom in rats?

bar biting

handling and welfare concerns

scoop gently with both hands or let them walk onto your hand. never pick up by the tail

are rats good for handling/socialisation

yes

what are common health issues in rats?

respiratory infections

what are signs of illness in rats

porphyrin staining (red tears) around eyes and nose

what type of housing do gerbils need?

a deep glass or plastic tank with a secure mesh lid to allow digging

how deep should the substrate be for gerbils?

at least 20cm deep to allow for burrowing

what bedding is best for gerbils?

paper based or aspen bedding mixed with hay or shredded paper for tunnelling. avoid dusty or scented substrates

what is the ideal temperature range for gerbils?

between 20 and 24 degrees celsius

why are wire cages not suitable for gerbils?

wire bottomed cages can cause foot injuries and shallow bedding doesn't allow burrowing

what should a gerbils diet include?

a complete gerbil pellet with small amount of fresh veg (e.g broccoli

what foods should gerbils avoid?

citrus fruits

why is position control important in gerbils>

they can hoard food and become overweight if given too many fatty seeds or sugary treats

are gerbils social animals?

yes

what happens if gerbils are housed alone?

they may become lethargic

why is careful introduction important to gerbils>

gerbils are territorial - introducing unrelated adults can cause severe fighting

what enrichment fo gerbils enjoy>

deep bedding fo burrowing

what are normal gerbil behaviours?

burrowing

what are signs or stress of boredom in gerbils?

bar chewing