What is a Prairie Dog?

Prairie Dogs are a rodent and are native to the flat plains of west Texas. They burrow and tunnel and live in colonies. They are very social. The prairie dog has been domesticated only recently and make wonderful pets. They must be handled at a young age to make them tame. They do not breed in captivity or will not rear a litter, so it is not advisable to attempt breeding them. Have them spay or neutered to make a better pet.

A prairie dog's digestive system houses bacteria that enables all necessary amino acids to be manufactured from hay and grass. The system is efficient and even wild prairie dogs are able to live on low protein sources. Mimic nature's way the best you can. Avoid high protein, alfalfa, fatty food like dried corn, seeds, fruit or rodent blocks. Over feeding and improper diet will lead to serious health problem or even death for your pet.

Feeding:

Adult prairie dog eat course grass, Timothy High Fiber Hay, prickly pear cactus, roots and seasonal greens. When kept as a pet, try to emulate nature's diet. Pet prairie dogs can become overweight if not careful. So feed Timothy High Fiber Hay (1st cutting timothy) high fiber and low caloric feeds. You can also feed Mountain Grass Hay (orchard grass hay)and oat hays are healthy diet staples. Timmy Rabbit Complete Pellet Ration, (timothy hay based, may be fed in small quantities. For example 1/8 cup per day per adult prairie dog. In late summer it will be necessary to reduce the pellets to 2 to 3 times per week. The prairie dogs body begins to store fat at this time for the lean winter months, (in captivity this means they will get fat, and you don't want that). Always keep a fresh supply of water on hand, although prairie dogs don't require a lot of water.

Treats:

Another good feed choice is the Timbo Smaks Cube (timothy hay cube). It is comprised of sun dried timothy hay and binder. The cube is tidy and may be used when traveling. Adding this into the diet gives diversity and helps to wear down the continuously growing incisors teeth.

For treats a small sliver of raw sweet potato, one plain mini shredded wheat, carrots, fresh grass or a spoonful of oats, or American Pet Diner Smaks Cookies. Be frugal with treats and do not offer all three in one day. Prairie dogs are prone to obesity. Treats may be fed 2 to 3 times per week and only if your pet maintains a healthy body weight of 2 to 3 pounds.

Housing:

Not available at this time.