Medaille College
Agassiz Circle
Buffalo, NY

Study Guide- Chinchillas & Guinea Pigs

1. What is the species name of the laboratory chinchilla? guinea pig?

2. What are the research uses of the chinchilla?  guinea pig??

3. Describe the general physical appearance of each species, including the 3 common breeds of guinea pigs.

4. Describe the type of digestion characteristics of these critters.

5. Complete this chart:

6. How do offspring type and length of gestation relate?

7. How do you sex chinchillas?  guinea pigs?

8. Describe important restraint considerations for each species.  What may occur with improper restraint for each species & how permanent are these effects?

9. Describe an appropriate cage for chinchillas & for guinea pigs.

10. What dietary requirement do guinea pigs have that chins don't need?  what implications does this have for feeding guinea pigs?

11. Which species of rodent are susceptible to oral antibiotics and what may result from their use?

12. What is choke and bloat and why does it occur?

13. What are trichobezoars and why do they occur?

14. What is the importance of the Bordetalla bacterium in guinea pigs and what animals should they not be housed with?  why?

15. What is slobbers?

16. Why should female guinea pigs be bred by 6 - 8 months of age?  What may happen if she isn't bred by this time?

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