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Hispid cotton rat
Total Length: 270 mm. This is a large, robust rat with grizzled
brown fur dorsally and grayish-white fur ventrally, and stiff black
guard hairs. The last two molar teeth are in an "S"-shaped pattern.
The hind feet have six plantar tubercles and the second, third, and
fourth digits are longer than the first and second. The tail is
shorter than the head and body.
Reproduction
Breeding occurs at all time of the year except during the coldest
winter months. Gestation is approximately 27 days. The maximum
litter size is 15. The precocial offspring are weaned in 10-15 days
and are sexually mature by 40 days.
Behavior
Females construct ball-shaped nests of woven grasses on the soil
surface or within a burrow.
Food Habits
Although hispid cotton rats are omnivorous, they mainly feed upon
green vegetation. However, cotton rats are opportunistic and will
eat almost anything.
In captivity they should be offered a complete diet of rodent lab blocks, and rat or mouse
mix, with bits of fruit or veggies regularly. Cheerios or wheat
bread are great treats, in small quantities. Do NOT feed chocolate,
fried foods, salted foods, candy or junk food! They may enjoy
crickets and mealworms if they are captive bred, never feed wild
insects as they may carry parasites. Vitamins, like Nutri-Cal are a good addition to their diet, and added calcium
during nursing and growth due to demands on their systems at those
times, but take care not to overdo it. Water bottles should be used
to proved constant, clean water. Ceramic or stoneware food dishes
work well for keeping seeds or fresh foods off the floor, and a wire
mesh hopper that allows them to eat the lab blocks through without
extra waste.
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