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Small Exotic Mammals

Breeding and Rearing Table         

 

	RABBIT	FERRET	GUINEA PIG	RAT	MOUSE
AGE AT SEXUAL MATURITY	4-7 months	6-12 months, or first spring after birth	Males: 9-10 weeks Females: 4-6 weeks	6-8 weeks	4-7 weeks
GESTATION (LENGTH OF PREGNANCY)	28-33 days	41-43 days	59-72 days	19-21 days	19-21 days
LITTER SIZE	4-12	5-13 Average 8	1-6 Average 3-4	6-16 Average 10	6-12 Average 10
EATING SOLIDS	3 weeks	6-8 weeks	2 days	2 weeks	12 days
WEANING* AGE	6-7 weeks	6-8 weeks	3 weeks	3 weeks	18-21 days
EYES OPEN	4-5 weeks	28-34 days	Shortly after birth	18-21 days	12-14 days

 

 

·         Health checks are recommended shortly after the weaning period, before breeding and every 6-12 months.

·         Vaccinations: Rabbits and ferrets require initial vaccinations at 8 AND 12 weeks of age, and then every 9-12 months.

                         

·         Weaning is the time of complete conversion from their mother’s milk to solid food.

 

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