Black-tail Prairie Dog
Scientific name: Cynomys Ludovicianus
Size: 40-50cm long
Lifespan: 6-10 years
Natural range: throughout most of North America
Housing
- aquarium or large solid-bottom rabbit/ferret style cage
- allow at least 75gal per pair
- females can be kept together but unneutered males must be housed individually
- Bedding: aspen or corn cob
- Accessories: ferret wheel, nesting box, litter box, old towel, variety of safe chew toys
Food
- staple diet of a non-alfalfa based rabbit pellet such as Bunny Basics or a commercial prairie dog mix
- should have free access to timothy hay
- non-sugary fruits and vegetables once weekly
- oats, barely, wheat, sweet potato or non-sugary cereals occassionally
Breeding
- Maturity: 2 years old
- Gestation: 35 days
- Litter size: 4-10
- breeding season occurs between October and March and unnuetered/unspayed animals often become very aggressive and territorial
- should be socialized from about 3 weeks old
- should be weaned by 6-7 weeks old