Title: (Optional) Identify the characteristics of common pet rodents.
Course: Small Animal Care I (18102-18) > Section: Caring for and Managing Rodents

Identification should include the following information about common pet rodents, such as hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, guinea pigs, and chinchillas:

- Common terms used for rodents, including male and female internal and external anatomy
- Physical characteristics (e.g., typical size, colors, skeletal features, eyes, ears, coat, and whiskers) and their effects on a rodent’s functions
- Life span
- Sleep habits
- Feeding habits
- Body language
- Behavioral characteristics, including normal, warning, and other behaviors specific to each animal

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is a rodent’s scientific classification (i.e., kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species)?
- How are hamsters and gerbils alike? How are they different?
- What are the primary physical similarities and differences between domestic rats and domestic mice?
- What is the importance of understanding a rodent’s activity pattern (e.g., nocturnal or active during the day)?
- What is the importance of understanding a rodent’s housing, social, and environmental needs?
- What is the importance of understanding a rodent’s aversion to potential odors, light, and sounds?