Cape Mole-rat

Scientific name: Georychus capensis
Size: 17-23cm long
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Natural range: Cape Province of South Africa

Housing

• should be housed in a plexiglass or glass enclosure that is at least 2.5m deep and 3m long with a screen lid per individual
• should be a space of 30cm between lid and soil line
• very territorial and should be housed individually

Food

• mixture of sweet potatoes, tubers, roots, veggies and some fruit
• majority of food should be planted below surface, but some can be left on the surface as they do come out to forage
• occassional baby cereal or earthworm

Breeding

• Maturity: 10 months old
• Gestation: 44 days
• Litter size: 6-10
• when male is receptive he will start strumming his back feet to attract a mate
• place female in with male during this time and if she is receptive she will allow him contact, otherwise fighting can ensue and she should be removed
• young should be fully weaned by 5 weeks old
• by 8 weeks old they should be separated from their mother and siblings or fighting will occur