Steppenlemming data sheet
Latin name:
Lagurus lagurus
Origin:
Western and Central Asia
Size:
between 8 and 12 cm
age expectation:
up to 2.5 years
Behavior / stocking:
diurnal and nocturnal
Groups vs. individual housing:
at least 2 animals
Lining:
Vegetables, lettuce, insects
Difficulty level:
medium
User: Dawson at the English Wikipedia, Lagurus lagurus, CC BY-SA 2.5
General information
Lemmings, especially steppe lemmings come from western and central Asia, mainly from Kazakhstan. The hamster-like animals prefer group life and move a few kilometers a day.
Steppe lemmings have one gray fur with a dorsal stripe, which adorns the whole back. The lemming’s belly is white. Her Size is between 8 and 12 centimeterswith the females being smaller than the males.
Like many burrowing animals, steppe lemmings live underground. The buildings are located about 1 meter deep in the ground and consist of different chambers. The young animals’ nests are equipped with different nesting materials so that they feel comfortable.
The lemmings are protected from being eaten in their burrows. Wild steppe lemmings will be around 2 years old, if they are not the victim of a predator. As a rule, they reach a maximum age of one year due to the predators.
They are suitable for keeping pets and are very easy to care for. Some animals can become tamebut the keeping of steppe lemmings should always appropriate to the species, i.e. in large cages, take place. Animals don’t like to live alone, so they should at least 2 animals be.
are steppe lemmings diurnal and nocturnal Animals, what distinguishes them from the nocturnal hamsters. They’re a bit slower during the day, but they also move around in the cage or on the wheel during the day.
acquisition and maintenance
Before purchasing a cage, future owners should consider that small rodents like to live in company. One Solitary confinement is problematic for them, since their psyche could suffer greatly from it.
Should it turn out that there are some Lemmings in the group not get along with each otherthen they are to separate from each otherto avoid conflicts that could result in serious injury.
Because lemmings should always live together in groups, their enclosure should be appropriately sized. The The cage should be in a place where it will not disturb and which is also suitable for the animals.
Requirements for the attitude (equipment)
steppe lemmings may and should live together in their enclosurebecause they have a pronounced social behavior.
In a cage should various buildings be available for each animal one temporary retreat possible if you want it.
A species-appropriate lemming cage should be in the base area at least 50 × 100 centimeters and 40 centimeters in height be. These minimum dimensions are welcome to be higher.
Lemmings may appear small because of their small body size, but wild animals walk many kilometers every day. From this it is clear that a Too small enclosure problematic in the long run could become.
Larger cages can also be designed more purposefully. So the steppe lemmings can withdraw from time to time. lemmings love an extra outletin which they can let off steam every day.
The lemming cage should be in various areas to be grouped. They need their litter that gives them that dig allowed because they love it.
The cage floor is ideally with Litter about 30 centimeters thick lined Other bedding materials such as moss or sand are also suitable for shallow bedding areas for playing.
Of course, lemmings like open Play opportunities, for example a balance bike. This should be on the cage floor to prevent the device from slipping off a hollowed-out layer and crushing the lemming.
In a flat cage area is the Feeding corner with the feeding bowls and the drinking water tank. The water bowls should just barely an inch in height own to prevent the animals from drowning.
A couple Wooden hideaway come in handy for retreats, although lemmings prefer to sleep burrowed into their bedding. Lemmings like some too fresh forage plants in the cage. Kitchen herbs or grass are suitable.
gender differences
Wise steppe lemmings gender differences on. have males clearly visible testicleswhile the females teats own.
In young animals, it is not so easy to determine the sex. females have one smaller distance between her sexual organ and her anus than the males. The females also have a pointed rear endwhich is flatter in males.
Hatchlings can go into one clear box be set to be able to determine their gender from below, which works quite well.
feed and nutrition
are lemmings generally easy-care animals. Nevertheless, there are a few things to consider in order to ensure the well-being of the rodents for a long time. This includes one good nutrition with plenty of nutrients.
Wild Lemmings eat mostly plants. Moss, roots and grass are part of the daily diet because they taste good to the rodents and keep them healthy. When a insect comes by, but don’t despise this either.
For the Main food of the lemmings but count green plants and grass, for example dandelions, chickweed, daisies, carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, seeds, twigs and leaves, which they should receive fresh every day. In between are too herbs or dried grasses in order.
lemmings should always get their food because they eat several times a day. This is how they maintain all their bodily functions. Provides variety some dry food. However, this should only be given as additional food and does not replace the fresh main food. The lemmings might refuse the dry food.
In the case of commercially bought lemming feed, Caution appropriate, because some varieties are not suitable for a balanced diet for rodents. lining with Sugar or additives are not a good ideabecause these ingredients can harm the animals.
acclimatization and handling
To the lemmings the to facilitate acclimatization, everything should be ready before you arrive. The rodents need time to settle in and should familiarize themselves with their new environment.
This includes a suitable cage with all important furnishings. Bedding, food and water are also included.
The lemming cage is at best on one sheltered and quiet placeto save the animals stress. Anyone who has children should explain to them that the lemmings first rest for a few days need.
The Little Lemmings physically deteriorate rapidly when ill. Their owners should rush to the vet as soon as they realize something is wrong with the animal.
One daily routine check to analyze behavior is advisable. A Health diary is worthwhile for recording abnormalities. The veterinarian knows immediately which things he should pay particular attention to and can thus find the diagnosis more quickly. through the daily check of coat and eyes are often the first signs of illness.
Wild lemmings don’t get their food in the food bowl, but have to find it yourself. This Behavior may also be encouraged in the cage. It’s worth it for this Hanging green plants and branches in the cage. So the animals have fun and can eat at any time. In addition, the rodents are active.
lining can spoil quickly, which can make the lemmings sick. Every day the rodents should her Feed fresh receive. Residual feed is disposed of and the feeding bowls are thoroughly cleanedbefore they are refilled. The feeding bowls for fresh food and dry food should be separated.
The The water bowl must be emptied, cleaned and refilled daily. The lemmings always need enough water to regulate their water balance, even if they take in a lot of water from their fresh food.
Other questions
Where can I buy lemmings?
Breeders are a good option for buying lemmings. She know about them and take care of their health. breeder give good advice on posture and the rodents are lively and healthy.
Also pet stores sell lemmings, albeit only a few shops. The ones available there Animals should appear active and healthy leave behind. Unfortunately they are Keeping conditions in pet shops are often poor and not species-appropriate. If in doubt, do not buy.
Also shelters sometimes pick up lemmings. Here they will examinedso that the health status of the animals is established.
Are steppe lemmings suitable for children?
Steppe lemmings are not suitable for small childrensince they themselves don’t like picking up and hugging let. However, lemmings are very suitable for curious observers.