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

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[[Image:54986main_mouse_med.jpg|thumb|270px|right|White fancy mouse]]
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''This article concerns a particular breed of rabbit, the Netherland dwarf.  For information on domestic rabbits in general, see [[Domestic rabbit]].''
  
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'''Fancy mice''' ("fancy", in this context, means "hobby") are domesticated versions of the common or house mouse (''[[Mus musculus]]'').
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[[Image:Netherlanddwarfbunny.jpg|right|thumb|A pet Netherland Dwarf.]]
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[[Image:Netherland Dwarf On Brick.jpg|right|thumb|A female Netherland Dwarf.]]
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The '''Netherland Dwarf''' is a popular [[breed]] of [[domestic rabbit]] (''Oryctolagus cuniculus'') originating in [[the Netherlands]].  Smaller than most [[List of rabbit breeds|rabbit breeds]], Netherland dwarf rabbits weigh 1 to 3 [[pound (mass)|lb]] (0.5 to 1.4 [[kilogram|kg]]) and are usually kept as [[pet]]s or exhibition animals.  They are not typically used as sources of [[meat]] or [[fur]] because of their small size.
  
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==Physical description==
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Most rabbits sold in [[pet store]]s are Netherland dwarfs, Netherland dwarf-[[selective breeding|derived breeds]] (often referred to simply as ''[[#Dwarf breeds|dwarf breeds]]''), or Netherland dwarf [[hybrid|crosses]]. Their popularity as pets stems from their [[baby]]ish appearance and their smaller [[cage]] space requirement compared to larger rabbit breeds.
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Fancy mice is a term to describe mice that have been selectively bred for pet or for show. They can vary greatly in size, from small pet mice that are approximately 16-18 cm (6 inches or so) long from nose to the tip of the tail, to show mice that measure 30cm (12 inches) nose to tail. Pet mice weigh about 25-40 g but large show mice can weigh up to 100g. As fancy mice have a different process of [[natural selection]] than their wild cousins, they come in a variety of colours and patterns. These include black, chocolate, blue, white, cream, lilac, red, fawn, champagne, cinnamon, golden agouti, silver agouti, silver and dove. Female mice are called does and males are called bucks. If well cared for, a mouse lives for around 2 years on average, with some reaching 3 years old.
 
  
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==Mice as pets==
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==History==
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[[Image:Fancy Mouse.jpg|thumb|left|A tame black fancy mouse]]
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The Netherland dwarf breed was first produced in the [[Netherlands]] in the early [[20th century]].  Small [[List of rabbit breeds#Polish|Polish rabbits]] were bred with smaller wild [[European rabbit|rabbit]]s<ref name="ARBA book: Netherland Dwarf">
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Mice are kept as pets in many countries for a number of reasons. Fancy mice are small, inexpensive, clean (though they have a tendency to defecate and urinate all over their rodent wheels), and generally have a good [[temperament]]. Female mice are popular with many owners since they tend to cohabitate with other mice better than males. Additionally, the urine of female fancy mice does not contain as strong of an odor as that of the male mice. Bucks can fight with each other, unless they are introduced at a very young age, and they produce urine with a strong, musky smell. Some people, however, prefer the personality and curiosity of male mice. It is a good idea to keep fancy mice in groups of at least two if possible, as mice are sociable animals. However, if a buck and a doe of breeding age are put in the same cage they will produce a new litter every three weeks until separated.
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{{cite book
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  | last = American Rabbit Breeders Association
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  | authorlink = American Rabbit Breeders' Association
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  | title = Official Guide Book: Raising Better Rabbits & Cavies
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  | publisher = American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc.
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  | date = 2000
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  | location = Bloomington, IL
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  | pages = 65 }}
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</ref>; after several generations the resulting animal was a very small domestic rabbit available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Netherland dwarfs were first imported into the [[United Kingdom]] in [[1948]]<ref name="ARBA book: Netherland Dwarf" />. In the [[1960s]] and [[1970s]] the [[United States]] imported its first Netherland dwarf rabbits. The breed was accepted by the [[American Rabbit Breeders' Association]] in [[1969]] using a modification of the British standard<ref name="ARBA book: Netherland Dwarf" />.
  
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==Caging==
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Early dwarfs, even into the 1970s and [[1980s]], had fearful and sometimes aggressive [[temperament]]s. This was a result of [[breeder]]s selecting wild [[breeder (animal)|breeding animals]] for their size.  The first dwarf rabbits behaved more like these [[wild]] rabbits than domestic animals and were not good pets. However, through generations of [[selective breeding]], the modern Netherland dwarf has become a gentle, friendly pet rabbit, though it still retains a more energetic disposition than larger breeds.
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Mice should be kept in well-ventilated areas. Fish tanks or cages with bars and plastic flooring make good housing. Give attention that the distance between the bars is under 9mm. It is a problem for young mice to force themselves through a cage with wider bars, and it's dangerous when they get stuck there.  
 
  
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The best products for in-cage bedding are aspen wood shavings or a commercial paper-based material. Despite popular belief, mice can be given newspaper for nesting, as the ink is soy based and nontoxic. They should not be given [[cedar shavings]], as the oils in the wood are unhealthy. Small hide-aways and toys (such as a [[cardboard]] tube) are good to have in the cage. Commercial toys are also available.
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==Appearance==
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[[Image:Netherlanddwarf-loki.jpg|thumb|right|Young Netherland dwarf in a mismarked Himalayan pattern.]]
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Netherland dwarfs' [[head]]s and [[eye]]s are disproportionately large with respect to their bodies, and their ears are tiny and carried high on the head.  Additionally, their faces are rounded and shortened. These features, a part of the animals' [[dwarfism]], cause them to look [[infant]]ile even into [[adulthood]].
  
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[[Cat]] owners must also take special precautions to ensure that the mouse's housing is secure, as even the friendliest of domestic cats have been known to torment, kill and eat fancy mice if given the chance.
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Dwarf crosses frequently retain some of these characteristics, depending on the breed the dwarf is crossed with.  However, crosses rarely look as babyish as the [[purebred]] dwarfs and are usually somewhat larger.
  
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==Feeding==
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[[Purebred]] Netherland dwarfs come in a wide variety of colors, including [[List of rabbit breeds#Himalayan|Himalayan]], Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Smoke Pearl, Sable Point, Tortoiseshell, Chestnut, Siamese Sable, Opal, Lynx, Squirrel, [[List of rabbit breeds#Chinchilla|Chinchilla]], Otter, Tan, Silver Marten, Sable Marten, Smoke Pearl Marten, Orange, Fawn, Steel, Blue-Eyed White and Ruby Eyed White<ref name="ARBA book: Netherland Dwarf" />.  Other colors (including ''mismarks'') exist in non-show-quality Netherland dwarfs and in dwarf [[mongrel]] rabbits.
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Food for fancy mice is relatively inexpensive. [[veterinarian|Veterinarians]] generally recommend a product called [[lab block]], a scientifically-formulated blend originally designed for mice in laboratories. Dry [[dog food]] is another good option when lab block is unavailable, as it offers balanced nutrition for a mouse and helps keep their teeth conditioned. Special mouse food found in pet stores also makes a good diet. In order to keep variety in their diets, mice can also eat oats, oily seeds, clean [[egg shell]], breakfast cereal, and [[stale bread]]. Fruit and vegetables can be offered occasionally. They should also have clean water at all times and some sort of chewing wood in order to keep their teeth from growing too long. Wood found outdoors may not be safe, but many products are available from pet stores to satisfy the chewing instinct.
 
  
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==Breeding mice==
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==Netherland dwarfs as pets==
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It is important to consider [[breeding]] carefully and thoughtfully due to the rapid reproduction rate of mice. Adequate housing for the young should be available.
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:''Main article: [[Domestic rabbit#Rabbits as Pets|Domestic rabbit]]''
  
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Female mice should not be bred before 12 weeks or after 8 months; doing so can be very dangerous, and some mice can die while giving birth. Bucks and does should be housed in separate enclosures until breeding is desired, at which point they can be placed together. The doe should be placed in the buck's enclosure, otherwise the doe will fight with the buck to defend her territory. Does come into [[estrus|heat]] around every five days, so the pair can be kept together for up to ten days.
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===Behavior===
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Netherland dwarf rabbits have the same basic behavioral traits as other domestic rabbits. They can be litter-trained and socialized with [[dog]]s and [[cat]]s.
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[[Image:Mice 24 Nov 2004.jpg|thumb|Baby Mice.]]
 
  
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A pregnant mouse will grow very round near the time of birth. The [[gestation]] period is approximately 18 to 21 days. Typical [[litter (animal)|litter]] size is 4 to 12 young, though it can be less or more. It is best to remove the buck otherwise he will mate with the female as soon as the first litter is born, putting a huge strain on the mother, the unborn litter, and the new babies.
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They tend to have [[wikt:spunky|spunkier]] and more energetic [[temperament]]s than larger breeds of rabbit and are rarely content to sit still when outside of the cage. They are curious animals and have a tendency to nibble on nearby objects and even human beings.  However, they are extremely fragile animals and easily stressed, and as such they do not make good pets for young children.  
  
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Baby mice, also called [[pup]]s, are born [[Blindness|blind]], naked, and [[deaf]]. Their eyes are closed and their ears are stuck to the sides of their heads. After giving birth the mother should be left alone for a while, otherwise she might panic and eat the pups. She might also eat any [[dead]] or sickly offspring.  
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===Diet===
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Like other domestic rabbits, dwarf rabbits consume [[grasses]], [[cereal|grains]], and other succulent [[Leaf vegetable|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. Generally [[hay]] and a [[pellet]]ed feed should make up the largest portion of their diet.
  
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Pups begin to grow hair at two to four days. Ears open at three to five days, and the pups will start [[vocalization|vocalizing]]. Eyes open at 14 days, and the babies will start exploring the world around them. At three weeks old they look like miniature versions of adult mice. At four to five weeks the pups should be separated from each other, otherwise they will breed with their siblings.
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==Dwarf breeds==
  
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==Mice clubs==
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Rabbit breeds derived from breeding larger rabbits with the Netherland dwarf are known as ''dwarf breeds''.  Most smaller breeds, like the Mini-Rex, the Jersey Wooly, and the Holland lop, are results of such breedings. Generally dwarf breeds are slightly larger than the typical Netherland dwarf, not growing larger than 4 to 5 lb (1.8 to 2.3 kg).  Most have shortened faces compared to larger rabbits, and some even preserve the rounded [[head]], large [[eye]]s, or small [[ear]]s of the Netherland dwarf.
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Many fancy mice clubs have been set up around the globe. Shows are also held so owners can display their mice, where they are judged on color and behavior.
 
  
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fuck your mice
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Most dwarf breeds are intended to bring a specialized characteristic, such as a specific fur type, into a smaller rabbit.  Mini-Rex were created through the breeding of dwarfs with [[List of rabbit breeds#Rex|Rex]] rabbits, a fur breed with a short, [[plush]] coat, and retain both the dwarf's size and the Rex fur.  Jersey Woolies are a dwarf version of the [[Angora rabbit]], a [[wool]]-producing breed.  [[List of rabbit breeds#Lop|Lop]]-eared rabbit breeds, interbred with dwarfs, were used to create [[Holland Lop]] and Mini-lop rabbits.
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==Notes==
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<references />
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==See also==
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* [[Dwarf rabbit]]
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* [[List of rabbit breeds]]
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* [[American Rabbit Breeders' Association]]
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* [[Cuteness]]
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[[Category:Pet rabbits]]
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[[Category:Leporids]]

Revision as of 17:38, 13 March 2007

This article concerns a particular breed of rabbit, the Netherland dwarf. For information on domestic rabbits in general, see Domestic rabbit.

A pet Netherland Dwarf.
A female Netherland Dwarf.

The Netherland Dwarf is a popular breed of domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) originating in the Netherlands. Smaller than most rabbit breeds, Netherland dwarf rabbits weigh 1 to 3 lb (0.5 to 1.4 kg) and are usually kept as pets or exhibition animals. They are not typically used as sources of meat or fur because of their small size.

Most rabbits sold in pet stores are Netherland dwarfs, Netherland dwarf-derived breeds (often referred to simply as dwarf breeds), or Netherland dwarf crosses. Their popularity as pets stems from their babyish appearance and their smaller cage space requirement compared to larger rabbit breeds.

History

The Netherland dwarf breed was first produced in the Netherlands in the early 20th century. Small Polish rabbits were bred with smaller wild rabbits&; after several generations the resulting animal was a very small domestic rabbit available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Netherland dwarfs were first imported into the United Kingdom in 1948&. In the 1960s and 1970s the United States imported its first Netherland dwarf rabbits. The breed was accepted by the American Rabbit Breeders' Association in 1969 using a modification of the British standard&.

Early dwarfs, even into the 1970s and 1980s, had fearful and sometimes aggressive temperaments. This was a result of breeders selecting wild breeding animals for their size. The first dwarf rabbits behaved more like these wild rabbits than domestic animals and were not good pets. However, through generations of selective breeding, the modern Netherland dwarf has become a gentle, friendly pet rabbit, though it still retains a more energetic disposition than larger breeds.

Appearance

Young Netherland dwarf in a mismarked Himalayan pattern.

Netherland dwarfs' heads and eyes are disproportionately large with respect to their bodies, and their ears are tiny and carried high on the head. Additionally, their faces are rounded and shortened. These features, a part of the animals' dwarfism, cause them to look infantile even into adulthood.

Dwarf crosses frequently retain some of these characteristics, depending on the breed the dwarf is crossed with. However, crosses rarely look as babyish as the purebred dwarfs and are usually somewhat larger.

Purebred Netherland dwarfs come in a wide variety of colors, including Himalayan, Black, Blue, Chocolate, Lilac, Smoke Pearl, Sable Point, Tortoiseshell, Chestnut, Siamese Sable, Opal, Lynx, Squirrel, Chinchilla, Otter, Tan, Silver Marten, Sable Marten, Smoke Pearl Marten, Orange, Fawn, Steel, Blue-Eyed White and Ruby Eyed White&. Other colors (including mismarks) exist in non-show-quality Netherland dwarfs and in dwarf mongrel rabbits.

Netherland dwarfs as pets

Main article: Domestic rabbit

Behavior

Netherland dwarf rabbits have the same basic behavioral traits as other domestic rabbits. They can be litter-trained and socialized with dogs and cats.

They tend to have spunkier and more energetic temperaments than larger breeds of rabbit and are rarely content to sit still when outside of the cage. They are curious animals and have a tendency to nibble on nearby objects and even human beings. However, they are extremely fragile animals and easily stressed, and as such they do not make good pets for young children.

Diet

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. Generally hay and a pelleted feed should make up the largest portion of their diet.

Dwarf breeds

Rabbit breeds derived from breeding larger rabbits with the Netherland dwarf are known as dwarf breeds. Most smaller breeds, like the Mini-Rex, the Jersey Wooly, and the Holland lop, are results of such breedings. Generally dwarf breeds are slightly larger than the typical Netherland dwarf, not growing larger than 4 to 5 lb (1.8 to 2.3 kg). Most have shortened faces compared to larger rabbits, and some even preserve the rounded head, large eyes, or small ears of the Netherland dwarf.

Most dwarf breeds are intended to bring a specialized characteristic, such as a specific fur type, into a smaller rabbit. Mini-Rex were created through the breeding of dwarfs with Rex rabbits, a fur breed with a short, plush coat, and retain both the dwarf's size and the Rex fur. Jersey Woolies are a dwarf version of the Angora rabbit, a wool-producing breed. Lop-eared rabbit breeds, interbred with dwarfs, were used to create Holland Lop and Mini-lop rabbits.

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 American Rabbit Breeders Association (2000). Official Guide Book: Raising Better Rabbits & Cavies. Bloomington, IL: American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc.. pp. 65.

See also

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