Nile or Kusu Rat

Scientific name: Arvicanthis niloticus
Size: 20-30cm long including tail
Lifespan: 2-3 years
Natural range: throughout tropical Africa

Housing

• large, standard rat-type cage with solid bottom and at least one level
• they are very social and should be kept in same-sex pairs or groups
• Bedding: aspen or corn cob
• Accessories: solid rat wheel, hideaway, nest box, branches, tubes, wood chew

Food

• quality commercial rodent seed mix and rodent blocks
• fresh fruit or veggies weekly
• occassional dog kibble and unsugared cereals

Breeding

• Maturity: 3-4 months old
• Gestation: 19-23 days
• Litter size: 2-8
• young are born fully furred and well developed
• eyes open within first 2 or 3 days
• should be fully weaned by 4 weeks old