Rodentia 09 - Local hedgehogs

Rodentia 09 - Native hedgehogs

Ram rabbits
Gambia giant hamster rat
Guinea pigs: US teddies

Contents:

The cover hero of this issue of your small mammal specialist magazine RODENTIA is a real favourite: the hedgehog. The photo story by editor Christian Ehrlich introduces you to these friendly spiny creatures with outstanding photographs and provides an overview, for example, of the relationship between humans and hedgehogs or the closer relationship of this insectivore.

Unfortunately, most people are perhaps only familiar with hedgehogs as roadkill on our streets. However, the animals often survive a less serious accident, e.g. with other sources of danger such as lawn trimmers or leaf vacuum cleaners. Who then takes care of these unfortunate animals? For example, the hedgehog centre in Laatzen, which provides ambulance and information. Christian Ehrlich has taken an extremely interesting look behind the scenes of this excellent facility for you.

“What can the finder of baby hedgehogs do?”, is a question often asked at hedgehog rescue centres. Who better to explain the hand-rearing of orphaned hedgehog babies than the active hedgehog conservationist Monika Neumeier! From the first steps to take after finding a mini hedgehog, to the right food and feeding regime, to successful reintroduction, you will learn everything you need to know to provide the little foundlings with species-appropriate care.

The hibernation of the hedgehog is an amazing adaptation to the winter cold. Ulli Seewald describes its remarkable physiology and the consequences for its care. What happens in the hedgehog organism when temperatures drop outside? What is the difference between torpor and hibernation? And what can I do if I want to help hedgehogs indoors during the harsh season? Here you can find the answers to these and many other questions on the important topic of “hibernation”.

Diarrhoea in chinchillas is often caused by an infection with Giardia, a protozoan. Prof. Dr Michael Fehr explains the symptoms that indicate this dangerous condition and describes how to treat it effectively.

US teddies... for some breeders the most beautiful thing since guinea pigs!, is the meaningful title of this article by Sigrid Tooson. And indeed, the cute breed is currently enjoying a triumphal march through Germany, which can of course be explained by their attractive appearance, but also by their easy care. The author provides an insight into the genetics of the animals, their history, offers tips on choosing the right breed and explains everything you need to know about successfully caring for teddies.

Integrating a “newcomer” into a group of rats is not easy. However, a “new” rat in the pack does not have to be a problem if you follow the practical tricks of Erika Weiss-Geissler, who provides step-by-step instructions for slowly but surely and successfully acclimatising the animals to each other. A must for all rat fans!

Currently on the rise as pets are the clever Gambian giant hamster rats, extremely interesting animals. Keeping these large rodents is exciting, but not easy. Anyone seriously interested in caring for these animals should therefore not miss this article by Tanja Wendeling and Silke Holzkamp, because here you can find out everything you need to know about keeping and successfully breeding these fascinating giant hamster rats, from the right cage and suitable food to tips on handling the animals.

Ram rabbits are floppy-eared animals with a charm of their own. Their round heads and long ears, as well as their calm and even-tempered nature, make these animals so popular, and rightly so. In this article, Kathrin Aretz reveals how this breed actually came about, what their typical characteristics are and what you need to look out for when caring for and breeding these little fellows, which will captivate all rabbit lovers!

The right diet for your animals is, of course, one of the cornerstones of optimal husbandry. Constanze Scherf therefore takes a detailed look at species-appropriate food for gerbils. From basic food and suitable treats to advice on what you should avoid in the interests of your pets, you will find everything you need to know about this topic as a responsible animal lover.

Allergies, lack of time, relocation..., all reasons why animals are sent to a home. In this report, editor Christian Ehrlich introduces the small mammals at the animal shelter in Hanover and provides examples of the important work of such facilities. A revealing look behind the scenes!

And as always, many more exciting articles await you. For example, you can read a commentary on the new Animal Protection Act, a controversial discussion on the subject of “long-haired ferrets”, make sure you take advantage of the “Advice & Action” from experienced experts and enjoy the teddy hamster that adorns the poster this time. Interesting news about small mammals can be found in the “Things to know” section, in My Story Christian Ehrlich reveals tragicomic facts about “Atze” and “Elli”, the editorial monsters, and of course you can also find out what’s “New on the market”. Dates & tips are of course just as important as zoo news, and what would RODENTIA be without the adventures of Snickers, the editorial prairie dog?!
Enjoy the new issue of your small mammal specialist magazine RODENTIA!