Cavies Vs. Gerbils

What is a Cavy!? Guinea Pig!

Background Of Cavies A Guinea Pig is neither a pig nor does it come from a Guinea. Instrumental in the research of nutrition, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases

Characteristics of Cavies Adult Guinea pigs can be 8 – 14 inches long and weigh 1 – 4 pounds. Very sensitive to hearing Communicate with high squeals Highly developed sense of smell Keen sight and excellent peripheral vision

Housing And Equipment For Cavies Cage with a plastic bottom to prevent bed scattering 1 Guinea Pig needs 12” x 24” Vivarium (Aquariums) are ok Wood Cages = Not Good Wood will rot and Cavies will eat it Food Bowl must be heavy glass Vacuum-Type Water Bottle

Feeding Cavies Vegetarians Large Front incisor teeth that grow continuously Lettuce, Carrots, Apples, Pears, Turnips and Cucumbers are their favorite snacks Feed twice a day

Care And Handling Of Cavies Brush Daily Longhaired – clipped around rear Careful when bathing (don’t like bathes) Use baby shampoo Dry and keep warm after bath To hold: Grasp firmly around from shoulders and support rear with other hand Cradle in the palm and forearm and hold close to body

Diseases In Cavies Malocclusion – Teeth do not stop growing Tapeworms – Internal parasites that cause a bloated tummy, rough coat and worm in feces External Parasites – Fleas, Mites, Lice and Flies Respiratory Infections – Colds that can lead to pneumonia Heat Sensitivity – Keep in a cool area

Reproduction In Cavies Females = 5 litters a year Gestation = 56 – 74 days Birth will take 10 – 30 minutes Babies can eat solid food, open their eyes and will have full fur within 24 hours Nurse for 3 weeks Weaned at 4 weeks

What is a Gerbil??? A Hamster!!!

Background Of Gerbils Began as a native animal to the desert Captured in 1931 and tamed – became a pet Adult hamster – 5 – 6 inches long & 4 oz. Not recommended for children because they are hard to handle

Characteristics of Gerbils Nocturnal animals Solitary animals Life span = 1 – 3 years Prefer a temperature of 70 degrees Under 50 degrees and they will hibernate

Housing And Equipment For Gerbils 10” x 16” x 10” cage Gnaw proof material Typical = Steel side and top with plastic floors Vacuum Type Water Bottle Aquariums can be used Exercise Wheels Plastic = Very little noise

Feeding Gerbils Purchase commercially prepared pellets Large front incisors that grow continuously Gnawing on pellets will wear down teeth Supplement the diet with corn, millet, wheat, oats, sorghum or sunflowers. Diet needs to stay consistent

Care And Handling Of Gerbils Do not disturb while sleeping Lightly tap the cage and speak to the gerbil The more you pay attention to your gerbil the more accustomed it will get to you Set it on your kitchen table Held by picking up firmly between the thumb and forefinger

Diseases In Gerbils Abscesses – Pockets of infection where pus accumulates under the skin Wet Tail – Highly Contagious, Found in recently weaned animals, May die quickly Skin Diseases – Mites or Ringworm Hibernation – Become in a semi-comatic state

Reproduction In Gerbils Sexually mature at 6 weeks Females = Heat every 4 days Gestation = 16 days Females are placed into man’s cage Day 10 = Gerbils begin moving around the cage Day 14 = Eyes open Wean at 25 days Males become infertile after one year of age

Brochure Activity Choose either Cavy or Gerbil Create a brochure using the information we have discussed. Includes the following topics: Background Characteristics Housing and Equipment Feeding Care and Handling Diseases Reproduction