Belding's Ground Squirrel

Scientific name: Spermophilus beldingi
Size: 30-37cm long including tail
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Natural range: mountainous regions of western United States

Housing

• large ferret or chinchilla type cage is best
• look for something with more width than height
• females can be housed in pairs if introduced at a young age
• unneutered males must be housed individually
• Bedding: aspen or corn cob
• Accessories: nest box, litter box, ferret wheel, hideaways, wood chews

Food

• feed a mixture of a high quality commercial rodent seed mix and rodent blocks
• free feed timothy hay
• fresh non-sugary fruit and veggies once to twice weekly
• occassional kitten kibble for extra protein

Breeding

• Maturity: 2 years old
• Gestation: 23-28 days
• Litter size: 2-6
• pregnant females should be housed on their own
• should be fully weaned by 4-5 weeks old