Where to buy pouched rat

Gambian pouched rats are nocturnal and very intelligent. They do need a lot of effort put into taming down a youngster, and it can be very difficult to tame a wilder adult. Their large size and powerful bite do not make them a good exotic for a beginner, or someone without the time to invest in them daily.

Even a well handled pup can change temperament upon sexual maturity or as an adult. It is vital to know the background and family of your gambian pouched rat and do a lot of research before deciding on one as a pet.

Obviously Gambian pouched rats will need a very large cage, with metal bars and a metal bottom to aid cleaning. You may however need to replace the plastic trays with metal or wood. They will need a great deal of mental stimulation such as parrot toys, games to hide food, climbing material, bedding and nesting sites.

They must have regular time outside their cage and some people do even walk them outside on a small lead. Gambian pouched rats are omnivorous, feeding on a range of fruits, vegetables, nuts and insects. They will store their food so keepers will need to check their cage frequently, especially after offering fresh. Prospective owners usually have to search for a few months before they find any and they may have to travel quite a distance to meet the rat before deciding to buy.

The suggestions in this guide should help anyone looking for Pouched Rats. However before buying any exotic animal a prospective owner must find out exactly what it will take to look after the animal properly and how much it it will cost to keep. A lot of research is needed. Regularly search the internet for news of Pouched Rats, join relevant online forums and subscribe to their message boards.

Jaali came from a contact made through the internet. He was already very tame when I got him at four weeks old. A distinguishing feature of the gambian rat is the hairless tail, accounting for almost half of the animal's total length.

As a nocturnal animal, the gambian rat doesn't see very well, but has a keen sense of smell and hearing. In its native continent of Africa, the gambian rat is used to detect underground mines. The gambian rat is a large aggressive animal that poses the greatest threat to crops and smaller native species found in the Florida keys.

Many endangered species are at the greatest risk from the gambian rat due to its ability to out-compete for resources combined with a high fecundity.

The gambian rat differs from other rodents because of its ability to store grains and food in cheek pouches. This allows for greater consumption of food at one time and an increased potential to damage crops. Gambian rats are omnivorous, and are known to consume vegetables, insects, crabs, snails, palm kernels, and palm fruits. As a member of the genus Cricetomys, which is known for a high fecundity, the gambian rat is able to complete gestation in 27 to 42 days, producing a litter of 1 to 5 young.

Eight gambian rats were accidentally released in by an exotic animal breeder in the Florida keys. Local experts believe the gambian rat is responsible for the introduction of the viral disease monkeypox in , which was spread to prairie dogs purchased as pets. Habitat : Gambian rats can be found in a variety of habitats near man-made establishments or in a forest.

Shelters are underground and usually in the most shaded areas to keep the burrow cool and protected. As an omnivorous animal, the gambian rat can survive off a variety of food allowing for establishment in a variety of places where small invertebrates or vegetation are available. Gambian rats are currently restricted to the Florida keys due to natural barriers preventing migration to the Florida mainland.

It isn't entirely impossible for the rats to cross automobile bridges to the Florida mainland, so local experts are working to eradicate the isolated population before it spreads.

The best current management methods are rat poison if an infestation is suspected, and notify local Fish and Wildlife authorities immediately to assist in eradicating the population.