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

From Pathfinder Wiki
< AY Honors‎ | Small Mammal PetsAY Honors/Small Mammal Pets/Answer Key
(5 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Taxobox
+
[[Image:Random 006.jpg|thumb|250px|A black and white Dutch rabbit]]
| color = pink
 
| DO NOT EDIT
 
| image_width = 250px
 
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
 
| phylum = totaly cool
 
| classis = fuzzy
 
| ordo = [[Rodent]]ia
 
| subordo = [[Myomorpha]]
 
| superfamilia = freaking awesome!!!!!!
 
| familia = [[Cricetidae]]
 
| subfamilia = [[Cricetinae]]
 
| genus = ''[[Phodopus]]''
 
| species = '''''P. sungorus'''''
 
| binomial = coooooooooooooooool
 
| subdivision_ranks = Subspecies
 
| subdivision =
 
''Phodopus sungorus sungorus''
 
(see text)
 
}}
 
'''Winter White Russian hamsters''' are a species of [[Hamster]] in the genus ''[[Phodopus]]''.  They are typically half the size of the better-known [[Golden Hamster|Syrian hamster]], and therefore called dwarf hamsters along with all ''Phodopus'' species. Features include a typically thick dark gray dorsal stripe and furry feet. The tail is so short that it hardly shows when the hamster is sitting. As winter approaches and the days get shorter, Winter Whites' dark fur greys until it is almost completely white (hence the name). In the wild, this adaptation helps them evade predators in the snow covered Steppes of winter. They live mainly in [[Siberia]] and are also found in [[Dzungaria]], [[Kazakhstan]], [[Mongolia]] and [[Manchuria]].
 
  
Up until recently, it was debated whether the Winter White hamster was a [[sub-species]] of the [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbell's]] (''Phodopus campbelli'') or not; however, it is now known that the Winter whites are of their own species, ''Phodopus sungorus''.
+
The '''Dutch rabbit''', easily identifiable by its characteristic colour pattern, was once the most popular of all [[rabbit]] breeds. However, after [[dwarf rabbits]] were developed, the popularity of the small rabbit dwindled. Nevertheless, the Dutch rabbit remains one of the top ten most popular breeds worldwide.
  
THE DWARF HAMSTER IS VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
+
It is thought that the Dutch rabbit was first developed in the lowlands of the [[United Kingdom]] with ancestors from the [[Netherlands]] and [[Belgium]]. In the beginning of the 19th century, the Dutch rabbit was imported into England where it continued to thrive as a [[meat]] breed.
  
Winter Whites, in common with the [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbell's Dwarf Hamster]] are sociable and will live together peacefully with others of their own species, but are best introduced at a young age and will require a sufficiently large cage to ensure they live together happily.
+
== Appearance ==
  
In general, dwarf hamsters typically have more of a family structure than the [[Golden Hamster|Syrian Hamster]]. Conventional beliefs that dwarf hamsters will happily live in mated pairs, with both male and female caring for the young. However, this may be a result of a frequent confusion of the Winter Whites and the Campbell's hamsters.  Current research work suggest biparental care in Campbell's hamsters (Phodopus campbelli) but not in Winter Whites (Phodopus sungorus) (see research work by Dr. Katherine Wynne-Edwards at Queen's University, Ontario, Canada). Some report that same-sex pairs and larger groups don't always get along well and frequent fighting may occur and be a great distress for them, or even lead to deadly incidents.
+
The Dutch rabbit is a fairly small breed, weighing between 3 1/2 and 5 1/2 pounds. Despite its popularity, the Dutch rabbit has not changed much over the years. The most striking aspect of the breed is the marking pattern, and it is available in eight different colours and a few unique multi-coloured versions.
  
There are several phases (colorations) of Winter White hamsters: their normal (dark brownish-grey colouring) or sapphire (blue-grey colouring).  A white pattern called pearl (white with coloured hairs) sometimes exists in either phase, producing the normal pearl or sapphire pearl forms. However, these colours may be difficult to find, and the range of colours is much narrower than in the case of the [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbell's]].
+
The front of the face, front part of the body, and one third of the of the rear paws are white. The cheeks, ears and belly are coloured. The saddle line to the tail and down the back legs are also coloured. This pattern of white and coloured fur is very important and must be maintained in order for the rabbit to be considered a true Dutch.
  
Winter White hamsters, also called Siberian hamsters, come from the steppes of Siberia and Kazakhstan and possess an adaptation not seen in [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbells]]: they can moult into a white winter coat. This camouflages them against the snow and also gives them their name. This moulting is brought on by the amount of day light; if the hamster is kept in an environment with short duration of day light (< 12 hours of light/day) for more than 6 weeks, they will change into their winter coat (white guard hair with thick inner hair) with only a single black stripe going through the center of the back.  Such seasonal moulting is mediated through the nocturnal secretion of melatonin, the hormone secreted by the pineal gland.  Short day lengths also triggers the regression of the gonads in both male and females, and thus Winter Whites become infertile. Because Winter White hamsters show such photoperiodic and seasonal changes in physiology and various behaviors, it is also used as a research model system for studying seasonality and photoperiodism.
+
The fur of this breed is dense, short and lustrous. The ears are erect and well-furred. The coloured fur of this rabbit can be black, blue, chocolate, tortoiseshell, grey, steel grey. Of these choices, the black/white and blue/white are the most popular.
  
The average lifespan of the Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster is 1½ to 2 years, although they can live longer.
+
In the 1960s a tricolour Dutch rabbit was developed and thought by some to be a cross between the Harlequin rabbit breed and the Dutch rabbit. Later, a harlequin colour version of the Dutch rabbit was developed, thought to be produced from the tortoiseshell Dutch.
  
<gallery>
+
==Housing and Care==
Image:Pearl Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster - Front.jpg|Pearl Winter White - Front
 
Image:Pearl Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster - Side.jpg|Pearl Winter White - Side
 
Image:Pearl Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster - Rear.jpg|Pearl Winter White - Rear
 
Image:Pearl Winter White Russian Dwarf Hamster - Face.jpg|Pearl Winter White - Face
 
</gallery>
 
  
[[Image:Phodopus_sungorus.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamster, normal color]]
+
Due to the size of the Dutch, it requires less space than most rabbits and is a favourite among rabbit owners.
  
== Campbells/Whiter White Hybrids ==
+
====Feeding====  
  
Of the 5 species kept as pets only the [[Campbell's dwarf hamster|Campbells]] and Winter Whites are able to interbreed and produce live offspring (hybrids). Hybrids are most often unknowingly produced through incorrect identification of the two similar species of hamsters and unfortunately the number of hybrids is increasing particularly within pet shops in many countries today where they are often mislabelled as being one or other of the pure species.
+
As with any rabbit, hay or grass should make up around 80% of the Dutch's daily intake. Unlimited hay should be available at all times. Pellets should be offered as a supplement only. Exclusively feeding a rabbit pellets can lead to life-threatening dental disease - only by chewing hay or grass can a rabbit wear down their back teeth sufficiently (their teeth grow constantly, as with rodents).  
  
Although hybrids make suitable pets the breeding of hybrids should be avoided as it can cause health and birthing problems and also the widespread breeding and distribution of hybrids could threaten the existence of both pure species in captivity. Therefore if intending to breed Russian hamsters it is important to ensure that both hamsters being bred are a pure form of, and of the same, species to avoid producing hybrids.
+
Meadow hay or Timothy hay is ideal - but Alfalfa hay should be avoided, as it is too rich in calcium for a rabbit's digestive system.
  
 +
Supplement with a small cup of greens or other vegetables each day - rabbits can eat a wide variety, including flowers and herbs. Fruit can also be given as a treat, but no more than 2 teaspoonfuls a day.
  
== External links ==
+
Although rabbits graze throughout the day, they take most of their food at dawn and dusk, so it's best to provide 2 regular meals - one in the morning and one in the early evening.
  
*[http://www.petwebsite.com/hamsters/dwarf_winter_white_russian_hamsters.htm Pet Web Site (formerly The Complete Hamster Site) section on Dwarf Winter White Russian Hamsters]
+
====Housing====
*[http://www.petwebsite.com/hamsters/hybrid_hamsters.htm Pet Web Site (formerly The Complete Hamster Site) section on Hybrid Hamsters]
 
*[http://www.hamster-heaven.com Hamster Heaven]
 
*[http://www.xander.it/video.htm Xander.it] - Winter White video gallery
 
*[http://www.furrycritters.co.uk FurryCritters]
 
  
[[Category:Hamsters]]
+
Many rabbits do very well in the home. They can be litter box-trained and are quite fastidious groomers. Be aware that rabbits love to chew, so make sure all wires are safely hidden or in protective plastic covers and understand that some of your furniture may be nibbled. If the Rabbit nips or bites you it is probably only out of curiosity. If you choose to cage your rabbit, make sure the cage is at least 2 feet by 2 feet by 4 feet. If the cage has a wire bottom, make certain you give the rabbit a plank or sea grass mats to stand on so his feet won’t get damaged from being on the wire all the time. Provide a hide box or shelter and plenty of straw for bedding.
  
[[cs:Křečík džungarský]]
+
====Common Diseases and Disorders====
[[de:Dsungarischer Zwerghamster]]
+
 
[[es:Phodopus sungorus]]
+
As with other rabbits, Dutch rabbits do not do well in high or low temperatures. They are prone to hairball obstructions and matted coats if not cared for properly. Rabbits need daily grooming to remove loose hair. Other health concerns include earmites, [[Pasteurella]], respiratory disease, dental problems, urinary bladder stones and fractured backs. Be quick to notice any changes in diet or litter box habits and contact a rabbit veterinarian immediately.
[[fr:Hamster russe]]
+
 
[[hr:Bijeli ruski hrčak]]
+
The average life span of a breeding Dutch rabbit is 5 to 6 years. By [[spaying or neutering]] early in life, you can increase their life expectancy to around 10 years.
[[it:Phodopus sungorus]]
+
 
[[he:אוגר סיבירי]]
+
==See also==
[[nl:Russische dwerghamster]]
+
 
[[ja:ジャンガリアンハムスター]]
+
*[[Rabbit]]
[[pl:Chomik dżungarski]]
+
*[[Domestic Rabbit]]
[[ru:Хомячок джунгарский]]
+
*[[Tuxedo cat]]; sometimes the term Dutch rabbit is used to refer to bicolour cats also known by the term Jellicle cat, Blackmask cat or Tuxedo cat.
[[sl:Sibirski hrček]]
+
 
[[fi:Venäjänkääpiöhamsteri]]
+
==External links==
[[zh:短尾侏儒倉鼠]]
+
 
 +
*[http://www.arba.net American Rabbit Breeder's Association]
 +
 
 +
[[Category:Pet rabbits]]
 +
 
 +
[[de: Holländerkaninchen]]

Revision as of 21:15, 24 March 2007

A black and white Dutch rabbit

The Dutch rabbit, easily identifiable by its characteristic colour pattern, was once the most popular of all rabbit breeds. However, after dwarf rabbits were developed, the popularity of the small rabbit dwindled. Nevertheless, the Dutch rabbit remains one of the top ten most popular breeds worldwide.

It is thought that the Dutch rabbit was first developed in the lowlands of the United Kingdom with ancestors from the Netherlands and Belgium. In the beginning of the 19th century, the Dutch rabbit was imported into England where it continued to thrive as a meat breed.

Appearance

The Dutch rabbit is a fairly small breed, weighing between 3 1/2 and 5 1/2 pounds. Despite its popularity, the Dutch rabbit has not changed much over the years. The most striking aspect of the breed is the marking pattern, and it is available in eight different colours and a few unique multi-coloured versions.

The front of the face, front part of the body, and one third of the of the rear paws are white. The cheeks, ears and belly are coloured. The saddle line to the tail and down the back legs are also coloured. This pattern of white and coloured fur is very important and must be maintained in order for the rabbit to be considered a true Dutch.

The fur of this breed is dense, short and lustrous. The ears are erect and well-furred. The coloured fur of this rabbit can be black, blue, chocolate, tortoiseshell, grey, steel grey. Of these choices, the black/white and blue/white are the most popular.

In the 1960s a tricolour Dutch rabbit was developed and thought by some to be a cross between the Harlequin rabbit breed and the Dutch rabbit. Later, a harlequin colour version of the Dutch rabbit was developed, thought to be produced from the tortoiseshell Dutch.

Housing and Care

Due to the size of the Dutch, it requires less space than most rabbits and is a favourite among rabbit owners.

Feeding

As with any rabbit, hay or grass should make up around 80% of the Dutch's daily intake. Unlimited hay should be available at all times. Pellets should be offered as a supplement only. Exclusively feeding a rabbit pellets can lead to life-threatening dental disease - only by chewing hay or grass can a rabbit wear down their back teeth sufficiently (their teeth grow constantly, as with rodents).

Meadow hay or Timothy hay is ideal - but Alfalfa hay should be avoided, as it is too rich in calcium for a rabbit's digestive system.

Supplement with a small cup of greens or other vegetables each day - rabbits can eat a wide variety, including flowers and herbs. Fruit can also be given as a treat, but no more than 2 teaspoonfuls a day.

Although rabbits graze throughout the day, they take most of their food at dawn and dusk, so it's best to provide 2 regular meals - one in the morning and one in the early evening.

Housing

Many rabbits do very well in the home. They can be litter box-trained and are quite fastidious groomers. Be aware that rabbits love to chew, so make sure all wires are safely hidden or in protective plastic covers and understand that some of your furniture may be nibbled. If the Rabbit nips or bites you it is probably only out of curiosity. If you choose to cage your rabbit, make sure the cage is at least 2 feet by 2 feet by 4 feet. If the cage has a wire bottom, make certain you give the rabbit a plank or sea grass mats to stand on so his feet won’t get damaged from being on the wire all the time. Provide a hide box or shelter and plenty of straw for bedding.

Common Diseases and Disorders

As with other rabbits, Dutch rabbits do not do well in high or low temperatures. They are prone to hairball obstructions and matted coats if not cared for properly. Rabbits need daily grooming to remove loose hair. Other health concerns include earmites, Pasteurella, respiratory disease, dental problems, urinary bladder stones and fractured backs. Be quick to notice any changes in diet or litter box habits and contact a rabbit veterinarian immediately.

The average life span of a breeding Dutch rabbit is 5 to 6 years. By spaying or neutering early in life, you can increase their life expectancy to around 10 years.

See also

  • Rabbit
  • Domestic Rabbit
  • Tuxedo cat; sometimes the term Dutch rabbit is used to refer to bicolour cats also known by the term Jellicle cat, Blackmask cat or Tuxedo cat.

External links

de: Holländerkaninchen