New World Woodrat

There are many species of New World woodrats, but the general care and statistics remain very close. Pictured above is the bushy-tailed woodrat. The following caresheet therefore is not species specific, just a generalization of the genus Neotoma. Woodrats are often called packrats, as they collect interesting objects and put them in their nests. They also tend to build middens of twigs and debris to use as storage places or hideaways.

Scientific name: Neotoma
Size: between 35-50cm including tail
Lifespan: 2-5 years
Natural range: throughout the New World

Housing

• large rat/chinchilla style wire cage
• typically territorial and should be housed individually
• Bedding: aspen or corn cob
• Accessories: wheel, branches, nest box, tubes, wood chews

Food

• mixture of high-quality rodent blocks and large parrot mix which includes dried fruit and nuts
• fresh veggies every day to every other day

Breeding

• Maturity: 8-12 months old
• Gestation: 27-35 days
• Litter size: 1-6
• pups open their eyes at 15 days
• should be fully weaned by 4-5 weeks old