Lemmings are cute pets to own.Lemmings are a popular pet in parts of Europe.Unlike other rodents and similar sized animals, lemmings need a specific diet to thrive.They have other needs that need to be attended to.By feeding lemmings correctly, creating a good habitat, and paying attention to their health and safety, you will be able to care for them as pets.
Step 1: They should be fed leafy vegetables and grasses.
The majority of a lemmings diet is made up of grasses.In captivity, these same types of food should make up about three quarters of their diet.To feed them, give them about a cup of chopped vegetables a day.There is a generous portion of timothy hay.Don't give them fruit.
Step 2: You can give your lemmings seeds or pre-formulated food.
In addition to grasses and leafy vegetables, your lemmings may benefit from a seed mix or pre-formulated food you can buy at a pet store.Your lemmings will thrive if you add seeds and formulated food to their diet.A pre-formulated mix is not intended for lemmings.To find out how much pre-formulated food you should give your lemming, follow the instructions on the product.This will be less than a quarter of a cup.
Step 3: Limit their sugar intake.
Lemmings don't like sugar.Their bodies can't process large amounts of sugar.If you give your lemming a lot of sugar, it could die.You need to be very careful with what you give your lemming.They should not be given commercial food intended for rodents.They should not be given hamster treats and dried fruits.If you have concerns about a food's sugar content, talk to your vet.
Step 4: Provide a lot of water.
lemmings drink a lot of water.Your lemming will not thrive in captivity if there is no water.Place a water bowl and bottle in their habitat to make sure they have enough water.Make sure the bottle is full by changing the water in the bowl every day.
Step 5: A 15 gallon (57 liters) terrarium is needed.
There isn't enough room for your lemming in a smaller terrarium.They need a lot of room to stay healthy.hamster cages won't work for lemmings as they will be able to escape through the wires of the cageIf the enclosure has a wire or mesh top that allows air circulation, it's okay.The habitat should be larger if there are more lemmings in it.The rule is to go for 10 to 15 gallons per lemming.
Step 6: Provide at least 8 inches.
lemmings need a lot of food to thrive.Substrate is the material you line the bottom of the habitat with.Consider placing 4 inches of aspen wood on the bottom of the habitat.Place 4 inches of hay on top.Lemmings use hay to build a nest.If you notice your hay is damp, you should change it immediately.It could cause health problems for your lemmings.
Step 7: The habitat should be kept out of the sun.
Make sure that the terrarium doesn't get any sunlight.The temperature of the habitat could be raised by direct sunlight.lemming are used to cold temperatures and will not thrive in warm conditions.The ideal temperature for lemmings is between 55 and 75 degrees.Lemmings should not be kept in warm temperatures.
Step 8: The hamster tubes should be set up.
Like gerbils and hamsters, lemmings enjoy moving through a network of tubes.The larger your network of tubes should be, if you have more lemmings.Younger and less assertive lemmings can stay away from older and more aggressive ones.
Step 9: You should give your lemming a wheel.
Place a small wheel in your habitat.The wheel and hamster tubes will allow your lemmings to exercise.It will keep them busy and make them happy.
Step 10: Lemmings need something to chew on.
You need to give your lemming something they can chew and gnaw on as they grow.They could develop dental problems if they don't have this.Consider the willow branches.Popsicle sticks.The twigs were made from grass.If they are organic, chew sticks are available.
Step 11: There are several lemmings of the same sex.
Lemmings should not be kept alone in a habitat.Between 3 to 8 lemmings of the same sex can be housed in a single habitat.For every 2 or 3 female lemmings, don't keep more than 1 male.Keeping males and females together will result in baby lemmings.Determine how many and what type of lemmings you want to keep together by consulting your vet.The breed of lemming you are keeping is social.The common Steppe Lemming is very social.Some rare breeds may benefit from being housed in smaller numbers.
Step 12: Supervise unfamiliar lemmings.
If you introduce a new lemming into your colony, you need to keep an eye on it.The new lemming may be seen as a threat to your colony.Pick a neutral ground to introduce lemmings.Introduce lemmings on a one-on-one basis.Each animal can interact with a new animal on their own.When you put the new lemming in the habitat, watch it for several hours to make sure the others accept it.
Step 13: The habitat should be cleaned.
You can wash your habitat with antibacterial soap.Depending on the number of lemmings, this should be done at least once a week.To do this, you have to place your lemmings in a temporary cage, empty the terrarium, and wash everything in it.Before you can restore your habitat, allow everything to dry.
Step 14: You should bring your lemmings to the vet frequently.
You should take your lemmings to the vet every six months.Your vet will be able to provide medical care for your lemmings.If one of your lemmings gets sick, you should visit the vet.You can prolong the life of your lemmings by seeking medical attention.