Contents. Nutrition and Behavior of Uncommon Species. Laurie Hess and Natalie Antinoff

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1 Nutrition and Behavior of Uncommon Species Preface Laurie Hess and Natalie Antinoff xiii Considerations for Kinkajou Captive Diets 171 Kevin Wright and Mark S. Edwards Kinkajous are not suitable pets for most people, because the species takes considerable resources to accommodate their needs. They are often overlooked in zoo collections and in field research, because they are not considered threatened or endangered. The authors have presented an overview of the diets and enrichment methods that sustain reproduction, growth, and longevity in captive kinkajous. It is important, however, to recognize that kinkajous nutritional needs are as poorly understood as almost everything else about their natural history. Nutrition and Behavior of Coatis and Raccoons 187 Douglas P. Whiteside Raccoons and coatis are inquisitive members of the Procyonidae family, commonly found in zoos, treated in wildlife rehabilitation centers, and increasing in popularity as pets. Compared with other carnivores, both species have unique adaptations and behaviors associated with their omnivorous lifestyles. It is therefore important for clinicians to have an appreciation of their natural history, diet, and behavior to aid in the formulation of captive diets and feeding strategies to mitigate potential nutritional or behavioral pathologies. Macropod Nutrition 197 Joseph A. Smith Macropods are herbivorous foregut-fermenters that have adapted to a wide variety of habitats. Anatomic adaptations such as dentition reflect differences in the diet consumed in the wild. Several key differences exist in anatomy and digestive physiology between macropods and other foregut-fermenters such as ruminants. The diet fed to macropods in captivity should be formulated with species-specific wild diets as a model. Handrearing orphaned macropods should be done with the unique physiology of macropod lactation in mind to ensure success. This article provides a summary of anatomic, physiologic, metabolic, and behavioral peculiarities of kangaroos and wallabies, with recommendations on captive management based on these traits. Feeding Behavior and Nutrition of the Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) 209 Ellen S. Dierenfeld Despite the sugar glider s popularity as a pet and a long-term history of captive management in zoologic institutions, little is known concerning

2 viii their specific nutritional requirements, apart from low basal energy and protein needs. Sugar gliders feed on plant and insect exudates saps, gums, nectar, manna, honeydew, and lerp as energy sources and rely on pollen and arthropods for dietary protein. Captive diets based on nutritionally balanced, commercially available products developed for other species, with added produce, have been fed successfully in zoo and private glider colonies, but these diets may not promote optimal gut function or feeding behaviors. Diets commonly fed by private owners were examined in feeding trials and were found to be highly digestible, but contained excess protein that was likely imbalanced in amino acids, as well as in calcium and phosphorus, because of improper supplementation. Suggestions are outlined for areas of relevant research to improve nutritional husbandry of sugar gliders. Behavioral and Nutritional Aspects of the Virginian Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) 217 David L. McRuer and Kenneth D. Jones Virginia opossums are widely distributed throughout the United States, except in the most arid regions, and wild individuals are commonly brought to practitioners for medical attention. Opossums popularity as pets seems to be growing, and it is likely that pet opossums will be more common in veterinary practice. Clinicians must be aware of natural opossum behaviors so that thorough physical examination and diagnostic procedures can be performed on injured patients. For animals kept captive longterm or as pets, veterinarians must understand proper nutrition and nutritional disorders, such as secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism, obesity, and dental disease, to properly treat this species. Nutrition and Behavior of Degus (Octodon degus) 237 Mark S. Edwards Octodon degus are herbivorous rodents that are adapted anatomically and behaviorally to utilize a fibrous diet with moderate-to-low levels of nonstructural carbohydrate. Captive degus should consume foods containing nutrients comparable to those consumed by free-ranging animals. The species is highly social, demonstrating a broad array of communication methods that make them appealing as a companion animal species. Controlled research studies with degus have produced a wealth of information that facilitates the care of this species in captivity. Nutrition, Care, and Behavior of Captive Prairie Dogs 255 John L. Hoogland, Dianne A. James, and Lynda Watson Prairie dogs are burrowing mammals that inhabit the grasslands of western North America. This article discusses the black-tailed prairie dog, the most common species and the one most likely to be found in zoos and private homes. The authors discuss several topics related to having prairie dogs as pets, such as why they make good pets, types of housing, diet, diseases, and injuries. The article concludes with information about where to obtain prairie dogs as pets.

3 ix Behavior, Nutrition, and Veterinary Care of Patagonian Cavies (Dolichotis patagonum) 267 David S. Kessler, Katharine Hope, and Michael Maslanka Patagonian cavies (Dolichotis patagonum) are large South American rodents well adapted for cursorial life (well adapted for running). They are monogamous but can live in groups of up to 70 individuals who maintain communal burrows. They are primarily herbivorous and may be maintained on commercially produced rodent or primate diets. Their long, thin legs and skittish nature make them difficult to restrain. Common medical problems include malocclusion of cheek teeth, gastrointestinal parasites, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and traumatic leg fractures. Determinants for the Diet of Captive Agoutis (Dasyprocta spp.) 279 Deborah A. McWilliams A critical factor affecting the dietary requirements of captive Dasyprocta species is their previous classification as a frugivore when there is evidence that supports classification as an omnivore. Other factors relevant to feeding captive Dasyprocta include the gastrointestinal tract anatomy, endogenous ascorbic acid, scatter-hoarding behavior, metabolic rate, apparent dietary requirements, life stage nutrition, diabetes, and dental caries and pathology. This article presents information currently available in the literature relevant to the dietary needs of captive Dasyprocta species. Nutrition of Tree-dwelling Squirrels 287 Kerrin Grant North American squirrels are categorized into one of three main groups based on physical characteristics, ecologic niche (including diet and food-hoarding strategies), and social structures. This article discusses wild diets, captive diets, hand-rearing infant squirrels, feeding regimens, and health issues of squirrels. Nutrition and Behavior of Fennec Foxes (Vulpes zerda) 299 Janet L. Dempsey, Sherilyn J. Hanna, Cheryl S. Asa, and Karen L. Bauman Fennec foxes make popular pets because of their small size, minimal odor, and highly social behaviors. They are kept in zoos for conservation and educational programs. The exotic animal practitioner is most likely to be presented with fennec foxes that are overweight because of inappropriate diets or excessive feeding. Clients attempting to hand-rear fennec foxes need advice about formula selection, amounts to feed, protocols for keeping pups warm, and weaning. This article provides information on social behavior, reproduction, and parental behavior, nutrition, and hand-rearing. Nutrition and Behavior of Striped Skunks 313 Jerry W. Dragoo Skunks are an integral part of the environment and a fascinating component of the earth s biodiversity. Their behavioral idiosyncrasies, made

4 x possible by their unique method of defense, make them entertaining to watch in the wild, and their beneficial habits far outweigh any potential negative attributes. Striped skunks can be a benefit in urban and agricultural areas because they prey on harmful and damaging insects and rodents that plague gardens and crops. The general public should be encouraged to live in harmony with skunks, as opposed to viewing them as nuisances. Keeping captive or pet skunks should be considered only after feeding, care, disease, and legal information has been investigated. The Nutrition and Natural History of the Serval (Felis serval) and Caracal (Caracal caracal) 327 Shannon E. Livingston There is little information regarding the specific nutrient and dietary needs of many species of exotic cats, including those kept sporadically as house pets, such as the serval and the caracal. The diets of exotic cats kept in captivity are usually based on the nutrient requirements of the domestic cat, although there is some evidence that different cat species may not metabolize certain nutrients in the same manner as domestic species. This article provides information on the natural diet and behavior of the serval and caracal and offers insight into some health issues that may arise in a domestic environment. Feeding Behavior and Nutrition of the African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) 335 Ellen S. Dierenfeld Despite their wide global distribution and popularity as pets, little is known concerning specific nutritional requirements of hedgehogs. They inhabit a wide variety of environments from desert to temperate forest, and they display flexible and opportunistic feeding behaviors. Natural diets include invertebrate and vertebrate prey, carrion, and plant material. Hedgehogs have enzymatic ability to digest chitin from insect exoskeletons as a dietary fiber source, but they do not seem to digest cellulose efficiently. Captive diets based on nutritionally balanced commercially available products containing moderate levels of protein (30% 50%, dry basis) and fat (10% 20%) are suitable for the omnivorous hedgehog. Nutrition and Behavior of Lemurs 339 Randall E. Junge, Cathy V. Williams, and Jennifer Campbell Attention to nutritional and behavioral factors is important for appropriate care of lemurs in captivity. Although only a few species are commonly held in captivity, differences between them are important. Knowledge of feeding ecology and natural diet guide nutrition guidelines, as well as management and prevention of common nutrition-related disorders, including obesity, diabetes, and iron-storage disease. Behavioral characteristics that influence captive management are related to social organization, reproductive behavior, territoriality, and infant care. Housing animals in appropriate social groupings in adequately complex environments reduces

5 xi abnormal behaviors, and addition of enrichment activities and operant conditioning encourages normal behaviors. Captive Invertebrate Nutrition 349 Ryan S. De Voe The ability to maintain and propagate a species of animal in captivity is dependent on being able to provide adequate nutrition. Although the exact nutritional requirements of many invertebrate species are unknown, most commonly kept species are quite adaptable and seem to thrive on very basic diets. Veterinarians are often called upon to devise diets for captive invertebrates in research, display, and production facilities. A thorough knowledge of the natural history of the species is critical in developing dietary plans. This article focuses on terrestrial arthropods in the orders Insecta and Arachnida. Nutrition, Feeding, and Behavior of Fish 361 Santosh P. Lall and Sean M. Tibbetts Nutrition and feeding influence growth, reproduction, and health of fish and their response to physiologic and environmental stressors and pathogens. The basics of fish metabolism are similar to those of warm-blooded animals in that they involve food intake, digestion, absorption, and transport of nutrients to the various tissues. Fish, however, being the most primitive form of vertebrates, possess some distinguishing features which will be discussed. Unlike warm-blooded animals, which are homoeothermic, fish are poikilothermic, so their body temperature and metabolic rate depends on the water temperature and this has practical implications for the nutrition, feeding and health of fish. Several behavioral responses have been linked to methods of feeding, feeding habits, frequency of feeding, mechanisms of food detection, and food preferences. Fish are also unique among vertebrates in their ability to absorb minerals not only from their diets but also from water through their gills and skin. Index 373