Lemmings are cute pets to own.Lemmings are a popular pet in parts of Europe.Lemmings need a specific diet to thrive.You must attend to other needs to safeguard their health.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 grass.
The majority of a lemming's diet is made up of grasses.In captivity, the 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.Take a generous portion of timothy hay with you.Don't give them food.
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.Determine how much pre-formulated food you should give your lemming by following the instructions on the product.This will end up being less than a quarter of a cup.
Step 3: Limit their intake of sugar.
Lemmings don't like sugar.Their bodies are unable to process large amounts of sugar.A lot of sugar can cause diabetes and death.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: 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.
Step 5: A 15 gallon (57 liters) terrarium is required.
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 can escape through the wires of the cageIf the enclosure has a wire or mesh top that allows air circulation, it's okay.The larger the habitat, the more lemmings there are.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 use to line the bottom of the habitat.Place 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.There could be 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 could be raised by direct sunlight.lemmings 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 their habitat in a network of tubes.The larger your network of tubes should be, if you have more lemmings.Younger and less assertive lemmings will be able to stay away from older and more aggressive ones.
Step 9: A running wheel is what you should give your lemming.
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: Give your lemmings something to chew on.
Your lemming needs something to chew and gnaw on as they grow.They could develop dental problems if they don't have this.Consider the willow branches.There are Popsicle sticks.The twigs were made from grass.If they are organic, chew sticks are commercially available.
Step 11: The lemmings of the same sex should be kept together.
Lemmings should not be kept by themselves in a habitat.You can house between 3 to 8 lemmings of the same sex in a single habitat.Don't keep more than 1 male for every female lemming.There will be baby lemmings if males and females are kept together.When determining how many lemmings to keep, consult 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 the colony.Pick a neutral ground to introduce a new lemming.Introduce lemmings one at a time.Each animal can interact with the 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 needs to be cleaned.
You can wash your habitat with antibacterial soap.Depending on the number of lemmings, it 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.
Every six months to a year you should take your lemmings to the vet.Your vet will be able to provide medical care for your lemmings.If one of your lemmings gets sick, visit the vet.You will prolong the life of your lemmings by seeking medical attention.