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