In the past few years, there has been a significant increase in exotic animals, especially rodents, kept as household pets. Much has been learned regarding mice, rat, and rabbit behavior from laboratory animals; however, other common popular species are hamsters, gerbils, and guinea pigs. Exotic animals present a challenge in that scientists are just learning their complete nutritional needs and often do not understand what constitutes normal behavior and abnormal behavior. In this presentation we will take what we do know about normal and abnormal behavior and discuss how to avoid common stereotypic problems such as aggression, chewing, digging, and barbering. These problem behaviors arise from inappropriate handling and standard housing (barren) environments. Such inappropriate behaviors may be overcome by providing enriched environments and objects that stimulate normal activities for that species thus reducing boredom and stress in the household pet.
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