Difference between revisions of "AY Honors/Small Mammal Pets/Answer Key"

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Winter White hamsters are typically half the size of their larger counterpart, the [[Syrian hamster]].  It is debated whether they are a subspecies of the [[Dwarf Campbell's Russian]] hamster or a species unto themselves. Their features include a dorsal stripe that is typically dark grey and furry feet. The most amazing thing about these hamsters is that in the winter they will turn pure white with the exception of their dorsal stripe. They are more rare than the Campbell's hamster in the pet market.  Campbell's hamsters and Winter White hamsters can mate and produce fertile offspring, but this is discouraged by professional breeders. These animals are known as [[hybrids]].
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Dwarf rabbits are a type of domestic rabbits. They are much smaller than their larger cousins, but are capable of inbreeding and so are not recognized as a separate species. Purebred dwarf rabbits weigh 1.5-3.0 lbs. Their heads and eyes are disproportionately large with respect to their body, and their ears are small and carried high on the head. The exception to this is the dwarf lop--a cross between French lops and a dwarf--which is both heavier (3.0-4.0 lbs) than a standard dwarf and has long, dangling ears. Many differnt colorations make up breeds in dwarf rabbits, such as Himalayan, Red, Siamese, Chinchilla, and White-tipped Black.  
  
In general, dwarf hamsters typically have more of a family structure than the Syrian hamster. Dwarf hamsters will happily live in mated pairs, with both male and female caring for the young.
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Dwarf rabbits were originally bred as pets. Dwarf rabbits have the same behavioral traits as other domestic rabbits. They can be housetrained and can be socialized with dogs and cats. However, they are extremely fragile animals and easily stressed, and do not make good pets for young children.  
  
Winter White hamsters used to be only available in their typical light grey color, but they are now available in a variety of colors,  However, these colors may be difficult to find.
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Most of the rabbits sold as dwarves in pet stores are not true dwarfs, but crosses between a dwarf and a standard rabbit. These mongrels are hardier, but grow to a larger size and lack the characteristic small head and low carriage of the true dwarf.  
  
They generally make excellent pets, but are very small so not good for very young children.
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Like other domestic rabbits, dwarf rabbits consume grasses, grains, and other succulent greens. Their digestive system is somewhat less hardy than their larger cousins, and many leafy vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage can give them health problems.

Revision as of 05:12, 16 March 2005

Dwarf rabbits are a type of domestic rabbits. They are much smaller than their larger cousins, but are capable of inbreeding and so are not recognized as a separate species. Purebred dwarf rabbits weigh 1.5-3.0 lbs. Their heads and eyes are disproportionately large with respect to their body, and their ears are small and carried high on the head. The exception to this is the dwarf lop--a cross between French lops and a dwarf--which is both heavier (3.0-4.0 lbs) than a standard dwarf and has long, dangling ears. Many differnt colorations make up breeds in dwarf rabbits, such as Himalayan, Red, Siamese, Chinchilla, and White-tipped Black.

Dwarf rabbits were originally bred as pets. Dwarf rabbits have the same behavioral traits as other domestic rabbits. They can be housetrained and can be socialized with dogs and cats. However, they are extremely fragile animals and easily stressed, and do not make good pets for young children.

Most of the rabbits sold as dwarves in pet stores are not true dwarfs, but crosses between a dwarf and a standard rabbit. These mongrels are hardier, but grow to a larger size and lack the characteristic small head and low carriage of the true dwarf.

Like other domestic rabbits, dwarf rabbits consume grasses, grains, and other succulent greens. Their digestive system is somewhat less hardy than their larger cousins, and many leafy vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage can give them health problems.