1. Rodents
By Mr. “Snake Food” Chapman

2. History
• Today there are 1,687 species of
rodents.
• Examples: Hamsters, Gerbils, Mice,
Rats, Guinea pigs, Chinchilla,
Squirrels, Beaver.
• Paramys is considered to be the
ancestors of all rodents.

3. Rodent Characteristics
• To be in the Order
Rodentia they must
have the following:
• Split upper lip
• 2 large upper
incisors
• Teeth always
growing

4. Classification
• Classification for Hamsters, Gerbils
and Rats:
• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Rodentia
• Family: Muridae

5. Hamsters
“The Spawn of the Devil”
By Mr. “The Devil” Chapman

7. Naturally Found
• Hamsters are native to deserts in the
middle east.
• They were collected for research until
they believed people could keep them
as pets.

8. Characteristics
• Male hamsters have scent glands on
their rear end, and used to mark
territory.
• Female are more aggressive than
male and usually dominant males.

9. Characteristics
• Hamsters are nocturnal and forage for
food at night and hold food in cheek
pouches.
• Female will carry babies in pouches.

10. Characteristics
• Hamsters are solitary animals and are
cannibalistic if kept together.

11. Gerbils
By Mr. “More Snake Food” Chapman

12. Classification
• Kingdom – Animalia
• Phylum – Chordata
• Class – Mammalia
• Order – Rodentia (so what do their
teeth do?)
• Family – Muridae (includes rats and
hamsters)

14. History
• Best known as the Mongolian Desert
Mouse
• 1935 Japanese scientists were the
first to breed in captivity
• Became popular as pets
– No special food or housing requirements
– Odorless
– Rarely bite

15. History
• Found in the dry, desert regions of Africa
and Asia
• Wild  live in colonies and dig burrows for
shelter
– Diet: seeds, leaves, roots, stems and insects

16. Characteristics
• Hind legs are longer (similar to a
kangaroo), used to jump!

17. Characteristics
• Why do wild and captive look different?
• Mutations (change in DNA) and selective
breeding…

18. Characteristics
• Males have a scent gland on stomach that
looks like a bald patch

20. Rats
By Mr. “Big Snake Food” Chapman

21. Classification
• K: Animalia
• P: Chordata
• C: Mammalia
• O: Rodentia
• F: Muridae

22. History
• Rats are naturally from Southern Asia,
but well established in Europe by
1200s.
• Rats most widely known for their part
in the Black Plague. (killed 25% of
people)

23. History
• Rats reached N.
America in 1500s
• Rats are found all over
the world.
• Rat Caused
Problems:
• 1. Carriers of diseases
• 2. Destroying crops
• 3. Causes fires
(chewing)

24. Information
• Why rats are successful:
• 1. Ability to adapt to many habitats
• 2. Eat anything
• 3. Reproduce Rapidly

25. Most Common Rodent Diseases
• 1. Wet tail – see wetness around the tail
and rear area of animal, usually caused
by runny diarrhea.
• Treat by using medication and keep cage
clean

26. Purchasing
• Best time to buy a rat is at about 4
weeks when they are curious and
friendly.