Tuco-tuco

There are roughly 40 known species of tuco-tuco, and as they are quite similar and little information is available on them, I have grouped the genus here as a very basic guideline to their captive care. Pictured above is a twany tuco-tuco (Ctenomys fulvus).

Scientific name: Ctenomys sp.
Size: varies from 10-28cm long including tail
Lifespan: 2-4 years
Natural range: throughout most of South America

Housing

• a custom plexiglass enclosure of at least 2m long, 50cm wide and 50cm tall with ventilated top is best
• they are generally solitary, with the exception of C. sociabilis which live in social groups of females and a single male
• bedding should fill at least half of the enclosure to allow for burrowing
• Bedding: aspen or soil
• Accessories: above ground hideaway

Food

• high quality mix of cavy and chinchilla pellets
• fresh tuber vegetables and roots daily
• timothy hay
• fresh fruit or veggies once a week (other than tubers)
• offer a water bowl though most species will drink very little

Breeding

• Maturity: 4-8 months old
• Gestation: 90-105 days
• Litter size: 1-6
• should be fully weaned by 5-6 weeks old