Species Risk Assessment: Small Mammals

This document provides species-specific risk assessments for all small mammal species in the Pets on the Green collection. Each species profile includes temperament, handling procedures, health monitoring requirements, and safety protocols.

Assessed by:	Ciera O'Rourke
Review Date:	April 2026 (reviewed annually or when collection changes)
Veterinary Care:	Mark Rowland MRCVS, Trinity Veterinary Centre, Maidstone

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VACCINATION STATUS

Important Information:

• Rabbits: FULLY VACCINATED and up to date with all protective vaccinations
  • Myxomatosis vaccination (annual booster)
  • RVHD1 (Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease strain 1) vaccination
  • RVHD2 (Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease strain 2) vaccination
  • All vaccinations administered by Mark Rowland MRCVS
  • Vaccination records maintained and available on request
• All other small mammals: No vaccinations required
  • No vaccinations currently available for guinea pigs, mice, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, or skinny pigs in the UK
  • All animals receive regular veterinary health checks regardless of vaccination availability
  • Parasite prevention and health monitoring protocols in place for all species

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HEDGEHOGS

1. African Pygmy Hedgehog

Temperament Profile:

• Juvenile: Easily startled, quick to ball up, requires gentle socialization
• Adult: Generally calm when accustomed to handling, curious and exploratory
• Bite risk: Low - rarely bite unless extremely scared or mistaken for food
• Prickle risk: Medium - spines sharp but defensive not aggressive, spines flat when relaxed
• Self-anointing behavior: Normal (licking strange substances, foaming at mouth, contorting) - not aggression

Handling Procedures:

• Use fleece blanket or thick towel for initial handling
• Scoop from underneath, never grab from above
• Allow to uncurl naturally - don't force
• Once relaxed, spines lay flat and hedgehog can be handled on bare hands
• Support body fully - hedgehogs surprisingly heavy for their size
• Keep movements slow and calm
• If self-anointing occurs, allow to finish - fascinating behavior to observe
• Warm-bodied mammal - pleasant tactile experience
• Handle for 15-20 minutes maximum
• Wash hands after handling (normal hygiene, not disease-specific)

Health Monitoring:

• Daily: Activity level (nocturnal), appetite, fecal output, mobility
• Weekly: Weight, spine condition, skin health (check for mites), foot pad condition
• Monthly: Nail length, overall body condition, ear cleanliness
• Signs of illness: Lethargy during evening hours, loss of appetite, wobbly hedgehog syndrome, mites (quill loss, flaky skin), respiratory issues

Suitability for Handling:

• Suitable for: Most ages (5+), SEN, sensory seekers, educational sessions
• Good for: Unique tactile experience, teaching about nocturnal animals, sensory sessions
• Excellent: Memorable, unusual, warm-bodied, nostalgic (reminds people of wild hedgehogs)
• Not suitable for: Very young children (under 5) who may grab roughly

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RODENTS: MICE

2. Fancy Mice

Temperament Profile:

• Juvenile: Very active, fast-moving, inquisitive, may nip if startled
• Adult: Curious, social, handleable but always active, enjoy climbing on handlers
• Bite risk: Low-Medium - can nip if scared or mistaken for food, tiny teeth rarely break skin
• Scratch risk: Very Low - tiny claws
• Escape risk: HIGH - small, fast, excellent climbers

Handling Procedures:

• ALWAYS handle in secure area or over handling basket/tray
• Scoop gently into cupped hands - never grab by tail (can deglove)
• Allow to run hand-to-hand - naturally active
• Keep low to surface to prevent injury from jumps
• Children must be seated during handling
• Very small and delicate - gentle handling essential
• Handle for 5-10 minutes maximum (high-energy animals)
• Supervise closely throughout - quick escape artists
• Interesting for children - active behavior, whisker movement, grooming

Health Monitoring:

• Daily: Activity level, appetite, grooming behavior, social interaction
• Weekly: Weight, coat condition, tail condition, respiratory sounds
• Monthly: Overall health check, mammary tissue (females - tumor prone)
• Signs of illness: Labored breathing, hunched posture, rough coat, lethargy, lumps/bumps, tail sores

Suitability for Handling:

• Suitable for: Older children (7+), calm handlers, observation sessions
• Good for: Teaching about rodent behavior, demonstrating grooming, social animals
• Not suitable for: Young children (under 7), large groups, outdoor sessions, those wanting calm animal
• CRITICAL: High escape risk - secure handling area essential

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RODENTS: GUINEA PIGS & SKINNY PIGS

3. Skinny Pigs (Hairless Guinea Pigs)

Temperament Profile:

• Juvenile: Gentle, social, vocal (wheeks/purrs), easily handled
• Adult: Very calm, affectionate, enjoy being held, highly social
• Bite risk: Very Low - extremely gentle, rarely bite
• Scratch risk: Very Low - blunt claws, slow-moving
• Unique feature: Hairless skin, warm to touch, gentle nature

Handling Procedures:

• Support body fully with both hands - one under chest, one supporting hindquarters
• Can rest on lap with towel/fleece for warmth and comfort
• Very warm to touch - skin temperature surprises handlers used to furred animals
• Soft, smooth skin - unique sensory experience
• May need fleece for comfort in cooler environments
• Very tolerant of handling - can hold for 20-30 minutes
• Vocalizations fascinating for children - wheeks, purrs, rumbles
• Gentle enough for all abilities

Health Monitoring:

• Daily: Appetite (Vitamin C essential), skin condition, activity, vocalizations
• Weekly: Weight, skin health (dry patches, sunburn if outdoors), nail length, dental check (malocclusion common)
• Monthly: Overall body condition, foot pad health
• Signs of illness: Loss of appetite, lethargy, drooling (dental issues), skin lesions, difficulty moving

Suitability for Handling:

• Suitable for: ALL ages (3+), SEN, dementia care, wheelchair users, nervous handlers
• Good for: Unique sensory experience (warm skin), calming presence, confidence building
• EXCELLENT: Extremely gentle, unusual, memorable, suitable for almost everyone
• Caution: Protect from sunburn in outdoor sessions

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4. Guinea Pigs (Standard)

Temperament Profile:

• Juvenile: Gentle, social, chatty (wheeks), easily handled from young age
• Adult: Very calm, affectionate, enjoy cuddles, highly social animals
• Bite risk: Very Low - extremely gentle temperament
• Scratch risk: Very Low - small claws, slow movements
• Vocal communication: Wheeks, purrs, rumbles - very expressive

Handling Procedures:

• Support body fully - one hand under chest, one under bottom
• Hold against body or rest on lap with towel
• Very calm once settled - often purr when stroked
• Soft fur pleasant to stroke - various coat types (short, long, rosette)
• Can handle for extended periods (20-30 minutes)
• Ideal first pet experience for children
• Wheek when excited (often when food nearby) - endearing to participants

Health Monitoring:

• Daily: Appetite (fresh veg daily, Vitamin C essential), activity, droppings, vocalizations
• Weekly: Weight, coat condition, nail length, dental health
• Monthly: Overall body condition, foot pads, ear cleanliness
• Signs of illness: Loss of appetite, lethargy, drooling (dental), labored breathing, overgrown nails

Suitability for Handling:

• Suitable for: ALL ages (3+), SEN, dementia care, wheelchair users, nervous handlers, care homes
• Good for: Building confidence, calming sessions, sensory (soft fur, gentle), reminiscence
• EXCELLENT: One of gentlest animals, ideal for first handling experience

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RABBITS

5. Netherland Dwarf Rabbit

VACCINATION STATUS: FULLY VACCINATED AND UP TO DATE

• Myxomatosis - Annual booster
• RVHD1 (Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease strain 1)
• RVHD2 (Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease strain 2)
• Vaccination records available on request

Temperament Profile:

• Juvenile: Can be skittish, quick to startle, requires gentle socialization
• Adult: Generally calm when well-handled, enjoys attention, can be affectionate
• Bite risk: Low-Medium - can nip if scared or territorial, sharp front teeth
• Scratch risk: Medium - powerful back legs with sharp claws if frightened
• Spine injury risk: Can kick powerfully - must support hindquarters properly

Handling Procedures:

• ALWAYS support hindquarters - rabbit spines very fragile
• Scoop from underneath - one hand under chest, one supporting bottom/back legs
• Hold close to body for security - prevents kicking/jumping
• Can rest on lap when settled
• Never pick up by ears or scruff
• Keep low to ground during transfer - if dropped, serious spinal injury risk
• Stroke gently from head to back - most enjoy being petted
• Soft, dense fur - lovely sensory experience
• Handle for 15-20 minutes maximum
• Children must be seated and supervised closely

Health Monitoring:

• Daily: Appetite (hay primary food), droppings (should be round, dry), activity level
• Weekly: Weight, dental health (overgrown teeth common), nail length, coat condition
• Monthly: Overall body condition, ear mites check, bottom cleanliness
• Vaccination: Annual myxomatosis and RVHD boosters
• Signs of illness: Loss of appetite, diarrhea, labored breathing, overgrown teeth, head tilt, lethargy

Suitability for Handling:

• Suitable for: Most ages (5+), calm handlers, educational sessions, sensory sessions
• Good for: Teaching responsible handling, soft fur sensory experience, reminiscence
• Not suitable for: Very young children (under 5), very large groups, quick movements
• CRITICAL: Proper support essential to prevent spinal injury

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MARSUPIALS

6. Sugar Gliders

Temperament Profile:

• Juvenile: Nervous, fast-moving, require extensive bonding, may crab (defensive sound)
• Adult: Bond strongly with handler when well-socialized, active and curious, nocturnal
• Bite risk: Medium - can bite if scared or during bonding phase, sharp small teeth
• Scratch risk: Medium-High - sharp claws for gripping/climbing
• Gliding behavior: Can glide/jump significant distances - secure environment essential
• Social bonding: Highly social, bond with handler through scent, form colonies

Handling Procedures:

• BONDED GLIDERS ONLY for handling sessions - unbonded gliders too stressed
• Handle in secure room or over table - gliding/jumping risk
• Allow to climb on handler naturally - don't force
• May hide in pockets, hoods, sleeves - explain this is natural denning behavior
• Very light-bodied (80-140g) - delicate handling essential
• Soft fur, large eyes, gliding membrane - visually fascinating
• Keep sessions brief (10-15 minutes) - high-energy animals
• Best handled in evening/dusk (crepuscular/nocturnal)
• Fascinating for education - marsupials, gliding membrane, nocturnal adaptations

Health Monitoring:

• Daily: Activity level (nocturnal), appetite, social interaction, gliding membrane condition
• Weekly: Weight, coat condition, nail length, pouch health (if female)
• Monthly: Dental check, overall body condition, bonding behavior
• Signs of illness: Lethargy, loss of appetite, self-mutilation, obesity, diarrhea, respiratory issues

Suitability for Handling:

• Suitable for: Older children (10+), experienced handlers, small calm groups, educational talks
• Good for: Teaching about marsupials, nocturnal adaptations, Australian wildlife, unique animals
• Not suitable for: Young children, very large groups, outdoor sessions, noise-sensitive environments
• ADVANCED: Requires bonded animals, secure environment, experienced supervision

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GENERAL SMALL MAMMAL SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Hygiene Protocols:

• Hand washing or hand sanitizer recommended after handling all mammals
• Not disease-specific - standard hygiene practice
• No eating or drinking during animal handling
• Handling towels/fleeces washed after each session

Handling Environment:

• Quiet, calm environment preferred - small mammals easily stressed by noise
• Comfortable temperature (18-22 degrees C) - skinny pigs need warmth
• Secure area - prevent escapes, especially mice and sugar gliders
• Handling over tables/baskets where appropriate

Pre-Session Health Checks:

• Visual assessment: alertness, body condition, coat/skin condition
• Behavioral check: normal activity, eating, social interaction
• Any signs of illness = no handling that day
• Rabbits: vaccination status current

Maximum Handling Times:

• High-energy species (mice, sugar gliders): 5-10 minutes
• Medium activity (hedgehogs, rabbits): 15-20 minutes
• Very calm species (guinea pigs, skinny pigs): 20-30 minutes
• Always monitor for stress signs and return to enclosure if needed

Emergency Procedures:

• Bite: Clean wound, apply antiseptic, seek medical advice if deep/doesn't stop bleeding
• Scratch: Clean wound, antiseptic, monitor for infection
• Dropped animal: Assess for injury, return to enclosure for observation, vet check if needed
• Escape: Stay calm, secure exits, locate carefully, gentle recapture
• Rabbit back leg injury: Immediate vet attention - spinal damage risk
• All incidents recorded and parents/participants informed

Species-Specific Cautions:

• Rabbits: Fragile spines - ALWAYS support hindquarters, never drop
• Mice: High escape risk - secure area essential
• Sugar Gliders: Can glide/jump - enclosed space required
• Hedgehogs: Spines sharp when defensive - use fleece initially
• Skinny Pigs: Protect from sunburn in outdoor sessions
• Guinea Pigs: Vitamin C deficiency common - daily fresh veg essential

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Pets on the Green Ltd - Company No. 17111255
4 Redvers Road, Warlingham, Surrey, CR6 9HN