Before you start the house of animals as pets, you should find out some details about the features of their living conditions, their disposition and habits. This applies to a rather active and sociable animal, which we will discuss in this article. It should be noted right away that it is advisable to have not one animal, but several at once, so that they are always in a good mood and that they do not get bored.
This article will focus on ground squirrel. What animal is called so? What does he look like, where does he live and what does he eat? You can learn about all this by reading the information presented in this article.
Description
Ground squirrel (photo presented in the article) is a rodent from the genus African gopher. The length of her body reaches 26 cm, and the length of the tail is approximately 20-25 centimeters. The fur of this animal is quite hard and rare, not having an undercoat. The upper torso is light, tan or tan. Due to the presence of individual black hairs at the tops, black dots are visible on the wool.
On both sides of the body, some species have a dark streak extending from the shoulders to the hips. The yellow or white claws are quite long. Compared with other species of the genus, females have a greater number of nipples (approximately 4-6).
Habitats, lifestyle
In the wild, ground squirrel is common in the Karru desert and in South Africa (south to the Orange River). They inhabit mainly light forests, savannahs, deserts and semi-deserts.
Usually they dig short (up to 2 meters maximum) burrows with several exits, sometimes connected to neighboring burrows. This animal does not hibernate. Once a year or six months, the female brings 1-6 (mostly 4) cubs. A curious fact is that these squirrels cohabit with another colonial predator, the meerkat (family of wyverns). Both animals go to visit each other in order to play and frolic together among stones and rocks.
Some animal lovers keep fun earthen squirrels in home gardens and in homes as pets. The animals quickly getting used to the owner do not even try to run away.
The diet includes seeds and fruits of plants, edible rhizomes and bulbs. These animals are capable of harming the crops of sweet potatoes and peanuts. They feed on the eggs of birds, small reptiles and insects.
Classification
In total, there are 3 subgenus and 4 species of earthen squirrels in the genus of these funny animals:
- The subgenus Xerus is red.
- The subgenus Euxerus is striped.
- Subgenus Geosciurus - Damar and Cape.
Cape earthen squirrel
In the photo you can see that this is a very funny and cute rodent of the squirrel family. Her appearance is more like a gopher than an ordinary squirrel. It should be noted that it is lighter than a simple protein, can be trained and has a more flexible character. Therefore, often she becomes a pet.
Cape squirrel lives in savannas, semi-deserts and deserts of the territory of South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia and Botswana. This animal is adapted to life in such extreme conditions, when the air warms up to a temperature of more than 40 ° C, and the soil - up to 62 ° C. The protection is served by the fluffy tail, which he uses as an umbrella. Under natural conditions, these rodents almost do not drink water, they are content with moisture obtained from food. They feed on plant bulbs, herbs, fruits, shrubs and insects.
The natural enemies of this species of earthen squirrel are snakes, jackals and birds of prey. They live in small colonies in independently dug holes that have a fairly extensive system of tunnels (area - up to 700 square meters). The number of entrances to these underground possessions ranges from 2-100. Lifestyle protein daily. They do not store food for the future, because food can be found at any time of the year.
About home content
Squirrels are surprisingly cute and fluffy creatures that are always active and cheerful. And it seems to many that if you start them at home, then there will be a continuous holiday. In fact, this is not so, if we talk about ordinary protein. In most cases, this cute animal, which many people like to feed hand-held in parks, is completely unsuitable for home maintenance. Rather, approximately 90% of the protein is not suitable, as it is known that 90 out of 100 animals will sooner or later scratch or bite the owner. Only 10% of animals tamed from a young age can become affectionate and cute. This is due to the fact that ordinary proteins have an unpredictable character, they have a tendency to periodic mood swings, depending on the hormonal background.
A completely different thing with a Chilean squirrel called degu. This exotic good-natured animal perfectly survives at home.
Chilean degu earthen squirrels
Their maintenance in the apartment does not cause much trouble: you just need to know how to properly care for them, how to feed them and what living conditions to provide them with.
Degu is a small, homemade squirrel. Outwardly, this rodent is more reminiscent of jerboa. His second name is Chilean squirrel, due to the fact that he comes from Chile. However, it should be noted that this animal has nothing to do with ordinary proteins. Degu belongs to the family of eight-teeth, the family of eight-teeth. In natural conditions, lives in a rocky area, heavily overgrown with shrubs.
There are two varieties of degu proteins: tan, taupe. The average body length of this animal is 20 centimeters. The tail is long, covered with soft and delicate fur. Chilean squirrels usually graze in the morning or before sunset, as they are very sensitive to heat. Staying in the sun for long periods of time can cause heat stroke in squirrels. Favorite food in the natural environment - the roots and seeds of plants, tree bark.
For those wishing to acquire earthen squirrel as a pet, it is important to remember that a degu squirrel should never be taken by the tail, since it has one strange feature: it can, in case of danger, lose skin from the tail and thus run away. Then the damaged part of the tail dies.
Home Content Reviews
Judging by the reviews of people containing degu squirrels in the house, these animals quickly get used to the person and adapt to living conditions. The owners of these animals note that caring for them is not difficult. It is only necessary to devote sufficient time to communication with the pet.
Chilean ground squirrels are rodents, therefore, in their diet should be cereals, dried peas, oats and seeds. Ground crackers can also be given a little. The juicy food should be present in the daily menu: fruits are not sweet, vegetables are solid. Degu sweet foods should not be given, since even diabetes can develop. Also, you can’t feed the animal with dairy products.