| Exotic Pets |
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RABBITS Domestic rabbits are becoming more popular pets and can be kept as house pets or outside in a suitable hutch. Generally they are social animals and like human company. They can easily be toilet trained to use a litter tray or to use a cat door!! There are a number of important factors to be aware of when keeping a pet rabbit as they are quite different to a cat or dog. Vaccinations All rabbits must be vaccinated against the fatal disease rabbit calicivirus disease.  Rabbit calicivirus disease is caused by a virus that causes severe haemorrhagic disease and ultimately death in all rabbits that become infected. There is no known cure and it is always fatal. Rabbits are vaccinated when they are young and then must have regular annual boosters to maintain immunity. Young rabbits vaccinated before 2.5-3 months require another vaccination one month later and then annual boosters. Those vaccinated after 3 months have one injection then annual boosters. What are the risks of vaccinating my pets? The risks are extremely low. Uncommonly an allergic reaction to the vaccination may cause swelling of the face, depression and pain at the injection site. Report these signs to us immediately as an antihistamine injection can be given to stop the allergic reaction. In a small number of cases, a reaction at the site of the injection may occur as a firm swelling underneath the skin. This usually disappears after a month. Some animals may also become quiet and less interested in food for about 24 hours after the vaccine but this is only temporary. The very small risks associated with vaccinations are far outweighed by the risk of disease which they effectively prevent. Teeth Rabbits teeth grow continuosly and they wear down during eating. The correct diet is vital to ensure adequate wear and prevent dental problems. Signs of dental problems include dribbling of saliva, reluctance to eat, weight loss, lack of grooming and discharge from the eye. Diet Rabbits must have adequate fibre in their diet. This is best provided as fresh hay daily. A supply of fresh grass is also important.  Concentrate pellet foods can be used to supplement the hay in the diet. However it is best to avoid “rabbit mixes” as rabbits will feed selectively and often avoid eating the fibre in the loose mix. Fresh water must be freely accessible.It is normal for rabbits to eat some of their own faeces and it is an essential part of their diet. It is important to leave some faecal pellets in the hutch for this reason. Housing Rabbits can be kept as indoor pets. They can be toilet trained to use a litter tray. This can be initially achieved by putting some of their droppings in the litter tray to encourage them to use it. Wood or paper- based litter should be used. Rabbits will also readily use a cat flap to gain indoor/outdoor access. Remember that rabbits will chew so it is important that they do not have access to power cords etc. An old telephone book is a good chewing aid for them. Outdoor rabbits must have a suitable hutch which provides protection from the elements as well as being elevated off the ground. It should have a waterproof roof. It is important to avoid extreme temperatures as heat stress and heat stroke occur easily. Fly and mosquito control should be considered in the summer months to minimise fly strike and transmission of myxomatosis. Desexing Rabbits reach puberty at 4-6 months of age and are prolific breeders! Smaller breeds mature faster than larger breeds. Desexing rabbits helps to reduce aggression between pets and also towards humans! It also eliminates the risk of uterine cancer in older female rabbits. Rabbits can be desexed from 14-16 weeks of age. GUINEA PIGS Guinea pigs are common children’s pets and are generally social, non aggressive pets. They should not be kept with rabbits as bullying by both species can occur, but particularly by the rabbit. They do not require regular vaccinations. Diet Complete pelleted guinea pig foods should be fed. Avoid mixtures as guinea  pigs are selective feeders and thus may avoid some essential parts of the food, resulting in an unbalanced diet. Hay and grass must be available at all times to ensure adequate fibre in the diet. Fibre is essential for dental health. Guinea pigs must receive adequate supply of vitamin C in their diet as they are unable to synthesise it themselves. Vitamin C will be added to good quality guinea pig pellets but storage conditions and shelf life of the diet must be adhered to. Fresh water must be freely accessible.Housing Guinea pigs are best kept in a hutch. The hutch should have an enclosed solid walled nesting area for protection from the elements and a mesh fronted section. It is important to avoid extreme temperatures as heat stress and heat stroke occur easily. In extreme cold temperatures, the hutch is best bought inside or into the garage to provide some protection from the cold.  Teeth Guinea pigs teeth grow continuously and they wear down during eating. The correct diet is vital to ensure adequate wear and prevent dental problems. Adequate fibre in the diet is essential to minimise dental problems. Desexing Both females and males can be desexed if breeding is not intended. Mating of females is best delayed until after 14 weeks of age. They should not be mated for the first time if they are over 9 months of age as this can lead to dystocia or problems with the birthing process. BIRDS Over the past decade, birds have increased in popularity as pets. Parrots in particular are very popular as they can be hand reared to become tame and entertaining companions. Housing Cages must be of an adequate size to allow the bird to extend its wings fully and to enable adequate exercise.  Care must be taken with brand new, cheaper cages which are often made from galvanized metal. The bird will often nibble at the galv balls which can lead to the potentially fatal zinc poisoning. The perches that are supplied with most cages are usually plastic or wooden dowels which are too smooth and usually too small in diameter for the birds. This can lead to overgrown nails and skin problems. They are best replaced with natural branches from fruit trees. Tame caged birds should be let out regularly into a safe enclosure to exercise to improve health and reduce boredom. Toys should be provided and changed regularly to help reduce boredom. Ensure that the toys are zinc free. Wing clipping is not recommended as it can lead to feather disorders and psychological problems. Birds should not be housed in dusty areas as this can lead to respiratory disease. Tobacco smoke should also be avoided. Diet Access to clean water is essential. Poor or unbalanced diets lead to disease. Good quality commercial bird foods should be fed. The avian enthusiast should research the dietary needs of the particular species of bird. Illness Birds are often good at disguising an illness. Once an owner notices that their bird is sick, the bird has often been sick for a number of days. Signs of illness include lethargy, tail bobbing due to an increased respiratory effort, changed appearance of stools, and a fluffed up appearance. Veterinary attention must be sought straight away as delay worsens a bird’s prognosis. |