Richardson's Ground Squirrel

Scientific name: Spermophilus richardsonii
Size: 34-42cm long including tail
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Natural range: central Alberta, western Montana to western Minnesota

Housing

• large ferret or chinchilla type cage is best
• try to have more width than height
• females can be housed in pairs if introduced at a young age
• 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 commercial prairie dog mix and some rodent blocks
• allow free access to timothy hay
• feed fresh non-sugary fruits and veggies once to twice a week

Breeding

• Maturity: 11 months old
• Gestation: 28-33 days
• Litter size: 6-8
• should be fully weaned by 5-6 weeks old