Naslov
The common causes and indicators of poor welfare in pet rodents

Autori
Gregurić Gračner, Gordana ; Jurkić, Gabrijela ; Lipar, Marija ; Dovč, Alenka ; Vlahović, Ksenija ; Žužul, Slavko ; Gračner, Damjan

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, stručni

Izvornik
2nd INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND PREOFESSIONAL MEETING ON REPTILES AND EXOTIC ANIMALS "REPTILIA" 21.-22.svibnja 2021.-PROCEEDINGS / Prukner-Radovčić, Estella ; Nejedli, Srebrenka - Zagreb : Veterinarski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, 2021, 195-195

ISBN
978-953-8006-34-0

Skup
2. međunarodno znanstveno-stručni skup o gmazovima i egzotičnim životinjama "Reptilia"

Mjesto i datum
Online ; Zagreb, Hrvatska, 21.05.2021. - 22.05.2021

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
rodent ; rodent welfare ; welfare indicators

Sažetak
Clinical practice shows that there is an increasing number of exotic animals as pets. Most of them are small rodents, primarily hamsters, rats, guinea pigs, gerbils and mice. For the first pet, children often choose a hamster. However, ignorance of the biological and ecological characteristics of a particular species, as well as the breed and its physiological and ethological needs, often results in its poor welfare. Therefore, the most common causes of poor welfare of pet rodents are inadequate accommodation with insufficient or inadequate bedding, as well as an barren environment that makes impossible to express species specific behaviour. Most rodents, other than hamsters, are social animals and their individual housing encourages stress and often develops an “isolation syndrome”. Bedding is also important for the manifestation of the species specific behaviour, the possibility to hide themselves, store some food, but also for the body temperature regulation because rodents do not have sweat glands, nor do they pant. Inappropriate foods in quantity and composition, rotten fruits and vegetables, and overeating especially with certain types of food, can lead to serious indigestion or weight gain. Water needs also differ among species, and changes in the amount of consumed water often indicate certain health problems. Intense nocturnal activity in most rodents, except guinea pigs, can lead to owner sleep disorders. Also, improper handling, for example, lifting by the tail can injure the rodent, but an stressed and upset rodent can also bite. Disturbing a female with a litter can result in cannibalism. Changes in behavior and vocalization, piloerection, altered appearance and quality of hair coat, hunched posture, altered rhythm of activity, avoidance of touch and interaction with the owner are the most common signs of the existence and development of certain pathological processes or endangered rodent welfare. Before buying a rodent as a pet, each potential owner should be familiar with the basic physiological and ethological needs of the selected rodent so that it can be met in order to achieve and maintain physical and mental health and achieve maximum lifespan.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Veterinarska medicina

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