CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST Analyze how the text structures information or ideas into categories or hierarchies, demonstrating understanding of the information or ideas. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments, simulations) into a coherent understanding of a process, phenomenon, or concept, resolving conflicting information when possible.

What are the two major categories of pet birds? How should they be handled for examination? Explain the difference in how venomous and non- venomous snakes should be handled. In what ways can a ratite injury its handlers?

Budgerigars Disfigure Psittacine Ratites Rodent Susceptible Venomous

Improper handling of rabbits and rodents can lead to injury of the animal and veterinary assistant. Handlers should wear gloves and wrap animals in a towel as rodents can deliver painful bites. Remember that some animals are susceptible to shock if handled roughly or improperly.

If you handle rodents by the tail grasp the base of the animals tail to avoid injury. Two handed support is the preferred method especially with pregnant and over weight animals. Internal organs may be damaged if you grasp the animal with too much force.

Be especially careful when lifting animals off of wire bottomed cages. Rodents and rabbits will grasp the wire with their feet, if pulled to firmly damage may occur.

Never lift a rabbit by their ears. The tissue in the ears is very delicate and damage to the skin and blood vessels may occur. Severe damage could disfigure the animal. To lift the animal grasp the skin on the back of the neck with one hand while supporting the animals rump with the other hand.

Hold the animal by the loose skin of the neck or by placing the animals back in the palm of your hand.

Grasp the loose skin at the nape of the neck or place one hand under the abdomen and the other hand under the guinea pig’s rump.

To restrain a gerbil hold the base of the tail with one hand and place your other hand on the animals back.

A mouse may be restrained with either one or both hands. When using both hands hold the base of the tail and grasp the loose skin of the neck with the other hand. When using one hand hold the animals back and tail in the palm of your hand.

Rats that are frequently handled, they may be carried with one hand by supporting the animals abdomen. If using two hands support the abdomen and hold the animals tail at the same time.

Common ratites encountered by the veterinarian will include; Emus, Ostrich and rheas. Ratites do not herd well and should not be handled roughly. As with all birds darkness serves as a means of calming the animals and makes handling much easier. Handling and moving using solid panels will not protect the animal but the handlers as well.

These animals tend to be shy and gentle and generally respond to gentle handling. When confined they will resist restraint. Llamas area capable of “spitting” stomach contents when scared. Animals will generally stand for examinations.

Skin, internal and external injuries may occur if reptiles are handled too roughly. Avoid using, hooks, tongs and snares if possible. Snakes are susceptible to spinal injuries if not supported by two hands. Handling a snake that has eaten recently will cause it to regurgitate its meal. Venomous snakes should be handled with special equipment. Non-venomous snakes can be grasped behind the head and supported with your free hand.

Grasp lizards at the shoulder girdle with one hand and wrap the fingers around the body. Some lizards will “drop” their tails in fear, not necessarily from rough handling. Turtles may be restrained by grasping both sides of their shell.

Two types of birds are commonly kept as pets in the household. Psittacine birds have heavy bills and very strong jaws which can yield severe injuries to handlers. Handle these birds with gloves and towels whenever possible. Parakeets are members of the budgerigars family and can generally be held with one hand. All categories of birds are handled easier in darkened areas.