Columbian Ground Squirrel

Scientific name: Spermophilus columbianus
Size: 32-42cm long including tail
Lifespan: 6-8 years
Natural range: throughout North America

Housing

• large ferret or chinchilla type cage
• try to have more width than height
• females can be housed in pairs if introduced at a young age
• males are territorial and should be housed individually unless neutered
• Bedding: aspen or corn cob
• Accessories: nest box, ferret wheel, litter box, wood chews

Food

• feed a mixture of a non-alfalfa based rabbit pellet such as Bunny Basics or a commercial prairie dog diet and some rodent blocks
• allow free access to timothy hay
• fresh non-sugary fruits and veggies once to twice a week
• oats, barely, wheat, sweet potato or non-sugary cereals occassionally

Breeding

• Maturity: females - 2 years old, males - 3 years old
• Gestation: 30-33 days
• Litter size: 1-5
• pregnant females should be housed individually
• eyes open at about 10 days old
• should be fully weaned by 5 weeks old