SENSES
These are prey animals, so are mainly active at low light. They have an acute sense of smell, hearing, and touch (Hurst 1999), which is enabled by their possession of large tympanic bullae, sensitive vibrissae, and large olfactory bulbs in the brain.
Odors form a vital means of communication and identification via pheromones in urine, feces, and scent glands. Rodents are also sensitive to ultrasound frequencies up to 150 kHz (Hurst 1999).KEY POINTS
Rabbits and Rodents
• Acute sense of hearing, smell, and touch
• High surface area to body weight - resulting in susceptibility to rapid dehydration and hypoglycemia
• Fast metabolism - resulting in high oxygen and food intake
• Constantly growing molars in rabbits, guinea pigs, and chinchillas - hence increased incidence of dental problems in these species
• Larynx placed high in oropharynx making them obligate nose breathers
• Cecotrophy is normal behavior (especially in herbivores)