Rodentia 61 - Small but oho - From the right handling of difficult guinea pigs

Rodentia 61 - Small but mighty

The right way to handle difficult guinea pigs

Contents:

Curious, cute, undemanding and even suitable for younger children – that's the image many people have of guinea pigs. These popular rodents are generally regarded as perfect "starter pets" and are quickly acquired. However, it is often forgotten that every guinea pig has its own individual character – ranging from gentle and peaceful to rebellious and dominant. Numerous challenges arise when caring for guinea pigs – for example through insensitive handling of the animals, but also in the normal everyday life of a group of guinea pigs. Dear readers, you can find out what these are and how to tackle them in the best interests of the rodents in the cover story of the next issue of RODENTIA Nager & Co.

Enclosures for chinchillas: an enclosure that fully meets the animals' needs. However, many commercially available cages do not fulfil these requirements. For this reason, custom-built cages are often the best solution. In the next issue of RODENTIA Nager & Co, Manuela Laabs will explain how to plan and build a "do-it-yourself" cage for chinchillas and other rodents.

Diabetes in dwarf hamsters: Diabetes is currently being observed more and more frequently in dwarf hamsters – especially in Campbell's dwarf hamsters. Increased drinking and weight loss with increased appetite are some of the possible symptoms of this serious disease, which can considerably shorten the life expectancy of affected animals. Our author Andrea Zachrau explains how to recognise diabetes and what treatment options are available.

Mice in animal welfare: Mice of many different species have now arrived in most animal shelters. However, there is much more to do with the little ones than animal shelters, private rescue stations and animal welfare associations can manage. Christine Nößler from the Mäuseasyl e.V. association provides insights into the work and background of animal welfare work.

Editorial

Worth knowing
Tips and dates
My Story
From Christmas present to “zoo room”
Matthias Hirsch

Title
Small but mighty! Difficult second-hand guinea pigs
Christine Wilde

Title
The pitfalls of keeping guinea pigs in groups Social rules for guinea pigs
Dr. Marion Reich

Title
Help, my guinea pig is biting! Species-typical behaviour or behavioural disorder?
Dr. Marion Reich

Reportage
The eye of the law. Animal police in the Netherlands
Ralf Sistermann

Homemade
How to make rodent dreams come true Cage “do-it-yourself” for chinchillas and other rodents
Dr. Roland Fischer

Animal portrait
The Jamora rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus f. dom.)
Anne Weber

Nutrition
Myths in rabbit nutrition Part 2 The biggest misconceptions about feeding rabbits
Viola Schillinger

Behaviour
Degu socialisation. The way to a harmonious team
David Küpfer

Health
Strict diet for small hamsters Campbell's dwarf hamsters and diabetes
Andrea Zachrau

Animal welfare
Mice in animal welfare. Help for the little ones
Christine Nößler

Breeding
Breeding ferrets responsibly. Part 1
Anita Stockinger

Medicine
Respiratory diseases in rabbits
Dr. med. vet. Barbara Glöckner

Consultation with Prof. Dr. Michael Fehr
Active readers
Classified ads
Service
Internet forums
Preview

Last but not least
Full throttle. Paula episode 2: Jamie moves in
Kathrin Aretz