open-mouthed breathing (could indicate that a respiratory disease is present, the shelter is too hot, or the bird is stressed) If any of these elements is present, call a veterinarian to examine the animal(s). Gerbils/guinea pigs/ hamsters/mice/rats Terminology • Female: Sow • Male: Boar • Young: Piglets Basic animal care standards • Fresh, clean water should be accessible at all times, preferably from a water bottle hanging from the side of the cage. • Animals should have a good quality food appropriate for the species, usually a seed/pellet mixture. • Rabbit food should not be used for any of these small animals. • Guinea pigs require a pelleted food fortified with Vitamin C. Fresh vegetables are important in a guinea pig diet, but should be given in very small amounts to other animals. • Animals should have an odor-free, dry, commercially prepared absorbent bedding or shavings. If guinea pigs are housed on wire mesh, it should not be larger than ½" x ½" mesh. • Animals should have something to gnaw on, such as a piece of untreated wood or branches from fruit (unsprayed), willow, or maple trees. • Females should be kept separate from males, except for breeding purposes. 78 The Humane Society of the United States Additional recommendations Animals should have a small box to hide in, especially guinea pigs. Signs of neglect or cruelty Appearance: fur standing on end, wet, or matted; runny eyes and nose; thin body; wet rump; evidence of fighting, such as bite marks around eyes, ears or rump; diarrhea Housing conditions: filthy cage; wet bedding and strong odor; lack of water and food (look under bedding, as all but guinea pigs may take food from a dish and hoard it); overcrowded quarters; hot location Note that hamsters older than three months should be housed alone Behavior: unresponsiveness; animals fighting with each other If any of these elements is present, call a veterinarian to examine the animal(s). Animal care standards for some common animals
20028HS
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