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

Revision as of 07:56, 4 August 2005

Roborovskis(Phodopus Roborovski) are the smallest of the hamsters commonly kept as pets; they are also the fastest. They don't have the classic dorsal stripe on the wild color, and so far only come in the one color. On average, they live the longest of any pet hamsters, living about three to three and one-half years of age.

They are easily startled and are generally quite shy but curious. They're social and usually sleep together in one place. They aren't good pets for families with children. They're just too small and fast. They're obviously also not a good fit for someone who wants a hamster that they can cuddle. Roborovski's are certainly not cuddlers.

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-[[Image:54986main_mouse_med.jpg|thumb|270px|right|white fancy mouse]]
+Roborovskis(''Phodopus Roborovski'') are the smallest of the hamsters commonly kept as pets; they are also the fastest.  They don't have the classic dorsal stripe on the wild color, and so far only come in the one color.  On average, they live the longest of any pet hamsters, living about three to three and one-half years of age.
-'''Fancy mice''' are domesticated versions of the common or house mouse ([[mus musculus]]). They are approximately 16-18cm long from nose to the tip of the tail.
+They are easily startled and are generally quite shy but curious.  They're social and usually sleep together in one place. They aren't good pets for families with children.  They're just too small and fast.  They're obviously also not a good fit for someone who wants a hamster that they can cuddle. Roborovski's are certainly not cuddlers.
-Mice have been kept as pets for a long time, consequently producing many varieties. These include ones with solid coat colors, such as black, blue, champagne, white (albino), chocolate, cream, dove, fawn, lilac, red and silver. Other varieties may have have tan colored bellies or markings of various color on the coat.
-Mice are kept as pets because they are small, inexpensive, easy to keep and they generally have a good temperment. Female mice get along with each other and do not smell. Male mice, however, may fight and produce their own odor.
-Many fancy mice clubs have been set up such as the national mouse and rat club. Shows are also held so owners can display their mice.
-{{mammal-stub}}