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The 13 Lined Ground Squirrel is a native of central North America. They live in burrows in
the ground. They are actually classed as a pest in their natural enviroment.
As far as we are aware there are not many of these animals in the Uk at present or indeed kept in
captivity, as not much information can be found on captive care.
We purchased a sexed pair of these squirrels earlier this year. They are extremely shy and reclusive
animals, prefering to hide under a large log at the base of the cage. If the animals are out when entering the room they will
immediately run to hide under log. If they feel they cannot get there quick enough they will freeze.
Housing
The 13 Lined Ground Squirrels are kept in a large three layer rat cage. The cage has a number
of ledges and tubes that the Squirrels can play in.
As a base we have used hemp and this is quite a few inches deep. The squirrels naturally want to
dig / burrow so giving them a deep base helps them a little. To stop the hemp from being scattered out of the enclosure we
have placed perspex around the bottom of the enclosure.
We have placed a large piece of wood in the bottom of the enclosure. The wood is shaped so that
the underneath is hollow, this allows the pair to easily and safely retreat under it.
We originally placed hay in for the squirrels but they did not appear to like this so we tried a
product called Easygrass. They immediately took this under the log and made a nest.
The squirrels defaecate in one corner of the cage, so we placed a litter pan in the corner. Ordinary
wood based cat litter is used in the litter pan. This is changed every other day.
Feeding
The squirrels are fed on a mixture of foods. We normally feed a mixture of parrot food with fruit,
mixed Finch food, rabbit food ( pelleted and normal ), dried cat biscuit , various grains and oats as the staple diet. Meal
worms, moreo worms, crickets, locusts, the occasional defrosted rat pups are given as additional treats. We have offered fresh
fruits and veg but they normally do not touch these.
Water is available at all times and is both in a dish and a bottle.
Just added corn seeds, black sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds to their diet. We were advised to try
this food by a keeper in Florida. They do seem to enjoy these additions.
Enviromental Stimulation
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