Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel

Scientific name: Spermophilus lateralis
Size: 32-42cm long including tail
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Natural range: western North America

Housing

• large ferret or chinchilla type cage is best
• try to have more width than height
• territorial and should be housed individually
• Bedding: aspen or corn cob
• Accessories: nest box, ferret wheel, branches, wood chews

Food

• feed a mixture of a non-alfalfa based rabbit pellet such as Bunny Basics and some rodent blocks
• allow free access to timothy hay
• fresh non-sugary fruits and veggies once to twice weekly

Breeding

• Maturity: 1 year old
• Gestation: 26-33 days
• Litter size: 4-6
• should be weaned by 5-6 weeks old