Orphan Cottontails Flashcards
(53 cards)
Scientific name
Sylvilagus floridanus
Scientific order
Lagomorpha
Cottontail, rabbit, and hare scientific family
Leporidae
Meaning of crepuscular
term for being active at twilight
Diet
herbivorous
Describe cottontail coprophagy habit and benefits
On first “pass”, these soft, green pellets pass through the digestive system only partially digested. These pellets, rich in protein and B vitamins, are re-ingested directly from the anus. After reingestion, the pellets are a drier brownish in nature. This practice allows the animals to spend relatively little time exposed to predators while in the field actually feeding. They consume green vegetation rapidly and then make optimum use of it in the safety of their cover.
When is the mating season
Feb through September
Average litter size
1 to 15
Describe nesting
shallow depression made from doe hair, grasses and leaves
Method of nursing
2 to 3 times a day at dusk and dawn, the doe crouches over the nest. She does not reside in the nest, but stays in the vicinity.
Describe neonates
Altricial; pink skin, closed eyes, flat ears, only able to crawl. 3-4” long. 35-45 grams
When do cottontails get fur?
end of first week
When do eyes open?
4 to 7 days
When do they begin exploring outside of nest
Within days of the eyes opening
When do cottontails leave the nest permanently?
10-20 days
Average weaning time
3 to 5 weeks
Why should handling be kept to a minium?
Cottontails stress easily. They are incredibly sensitive to light, scent, sound, and touch
Describe the natural feature that cottontails possess as a prey species
A spinal colum that is easily broken, facilitating a quick death
How does stress affect the digestive tracts of cottontails?
It precipitates an imbalance of delicate intestinal bacteria resulting in an overload of pathogenic bacteria causing “stress-induced enteritis”. Rapidly fatal if unchecked.
Properly admitting; Describe steps
- Get history
- Briefly check for shock, injuries, state of hydration, or immediate emergency needs. (optional heat only if needed)
- Stimluate to urinate
- Allow to rest for a few hours before weighing, feeding, and thoroughly examining
- Use masking tape on ears to tag/number
Normal healthy body temperature
101-103°
How should supplemental heat be given?
Always optional; place it only under part of the habitat used. Unless sick or injured, they will naturally move away from it.
Supplemental heat should be provided at temp?
85-90°
Special needs for infant elimination
While they defecate on their own, they need to stimulated to urninate.
