Mice Madness
Where do mice originate from, what does "mouse" mean in sanskrit?
Asia, thief
Where are gerbils originally from, and what nickname do they have?
Gerbils are from dry desert regions in Africa and Asia, and they’re nicknamed "sand rats."
What is the origin of pet hamsters, and what unique feature helps them carry food?
Hamsters were first discovered in Syria, and they use cheek pouches to carry and store food.
What do all three eat?
omnivore, mostly seeds and grains
What is the average litter size for a mouse, and what are baby mice called?
5-10, pups or pinkies
What is the average lifespan of a gerbil, and what are gerbil babies called?
2-4 years; babies are called pups
Why is it recommended to house hamsters alone?
Hamsters are solitary and housing them together can lead to fighting and stress.
Which is nocturnal and who is diurnal
hamsters and mice are nocturnal, gerbils are diurnal
Name at least two varieties of mice and describe unique characteristics of each
Standard Mouse (smooth coat); Satin Mouse (lustrous fur); Long Hair Mouse (long, dense hair); Frizzie Mouse (curly whiskers); Hairless Mouse (translucent skin)
Describe the typical diet of a gerbil.
Gerbils are omnivores and eat seeds, insects, fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Describe the symptoms and urgency of "wet tail" in hamsters
Symptoms include diarrhea and bacterial overgrowth in the gut, and it is life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Which has female as sow and male as boar?
hamsters and gerbil
Why are mice commonly used in scientific research?
Their genetic similarities to humans, short life spans, and rapid reproduction rates make them ideal for studying genetics and diseases.
What is "degloving," and why is it important to avoid handling a gerbil by its tail?
Degloving is an injury where the skin on the tail can tear off, exposing the bone, which can happen if a gerbil is held by its tail.
List three types of hamsters and one characteristic of each.
Syrian Hamster (thick fur, calm temperament); Chinese Hamster (long tail, cautious nature); Winter White Russian Dwarf (dark stripe, can be nippy).
Which get sand baths?
hamster and gerbil
How many species of mice exist?
36
How many species of gerbils exist?
over 100
What kind of hamster is Bruce?
Teddy Bear or Syrian Hamster
What bacteria causes Tyzzer's disease, and which animal get it?
gerbil, clostridium piliforme