An Overview of How to Care for Small Mammals

Small Exotic Mammals


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