Woodchuck or Groundhog

Scientific name: Marmota monax
Size: 60-75cm long including tail
Lifespan: 6-10 years
Natural range: throughout northern North America

Housing

• large wire mesh rabbit type cage with solid steel bottom, custom built is best
• allow at least 2 meters by 2 meters of floorspace
• territorial and should be housed individually
• Bedding: aspen or corn cob
• Accessories: nest box, litter box, old towel, plenty of safe chews

Food

• staple diet of a non-alfalfa based rabbit pellet such as Bunny Basics or a commercial prairie dog diet mixed with some rodent blocks
• fresh non-sugary fruit ad veggies once to twice weekly
• free feed timothy hay
• oats, barley, wheat, sweet potato or non-sugary cereals occassionally

Breeding

• Maturity: 1 year old
• Gestation: 30-32 days
• Litter size: 3-5
• keep pregnant females in their own enclosure
• eyes open between 25-30 days old
• should be fully weaned by 6 weeks old