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Mexican prairie dog
This species is sexually dimorphic, with males being slightly larger
and heavier than females. Length ranges from 385 to 440 mm.
Coloration of males and females is the same; they are a light buff
color with stippled black hairs. They have two distinct coats, one
during the summer and one with thick under fur during the winter. The
distal half of the tail is black, which distinguishes them in
appearance from most other species in the genus.
Reproduction
Females bear a single litter each year, but they apparently may do
so any time from late winter into summer. If this species is similar
to others in the genus, then gestation time is about one month and
litter size is about five. The pups are born blind and hairless;
they are completely furred by the age of 4 weeks and their eyes open
shortly afterwards. Weaning takes place between the ages of 40 and
50 days, and by the age of 5 months the juveniles have reached adult
size.
Behavior
Mexican prairie dogs are very social, living in colonies containing
several adults of both sexes and young of various ages. Group size
varies with habitat availability but can be as large as several
hundred. They live in burrows that descend either spirally or
straight down from the surface to about 3 feet underground, then
flatten out into a horizontal tunnel system. Excavated dirt is piled
in a mound at the burrow entrance, and the animals often use this
mound as an aid in watching for predators. If a potential predator
(such as a coyote, badger, weasel, or bird of prey) is seen, an
alarm call is given and the prairie dogs dash into the burrow for
safety. The animals are active during all daylight hours, and
probably all year long.
Food Habits
The ecology of this species has not yet been intensively studied, so
little is known about their food habits. They probably eat a variety
of grasses and herbs.
In captivity they should be offered a complete diet of rodent lab blocks, and rat or mouse
mix, with bits of fruit or veggies regularly. Cheerios or wheat
bread are great treats, in small quantities. Do NOT feed chocolate,
fried foods, salted foods, candy or junk food! They may enjoy
crickets and mealworms if they are captive bred, never feed wild
insects as they may carry parasites. Vitamins, like Nutri-Cal are a good addition to their diet, and added calcium
during nursing and growth due to demands on their systems at those
times, but take care not to overdo it. Water bottles should be used
to proved constant, clean water. Ceramic or stoneware food dishes
work well for keeping seeds or fresh foods off the floor, and a wire
mesh hopper that allows them to eat the lab blocks through without
extra waste.
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Pet Rats, Mice, Gerbils, Jirds, Voles,
Lemmings and other Rodents
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