Gambian Pouched Rat

To the rat enthusiast, nothing could be better than a great big rat to cuddle. Thoroughly research the habits of this rat before getting one in order to understand the motives that go on in their highly intelligent minds. When socialized properly they make excellent and rewarding pets. They should be spayed or neutured however to curb unwanted behaviour unless breeding is desired. They will need to spend a few hours of quality time with their owners a day, so these aren't the best pets for someone with a busy and hectic scheduale. They get their name from the cheek pouches they have to carry food in.

Scientific name: Cricetomys Gambianus
Size: 50-100 cm long including tail
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Natutal range: throughout parts of Africa

Housing

• enclosure should be as large as possible
• multilevel ferret cage or kennel-type enclosure with solid bottom would be best
• females can be kept in pairs
• males are very territorial and should be housed individually
• Bedding: aspen or corn cob
• Accessories: branches, nesting box, old towel, chews, wood/rope parrot toys, litter box

Food

• mixture of a commercial large parrot seed mix which contains dried fruit and nuts, rodent blocks, and dog kibble
• feed fresh veggies once to twice weekly
• occasional mealworms

Breeding

• Maturity: 5 months old
• Gestation: 30-32 days
• Litter size: 1-5
• eyes should be open by 22 days old
• should be weaned by 6-7 weeks old
• mothers can be overprotective of nest so be cautious when handling babies or cleaning
• breed more successfully in a colony setting than in pairs