Article By Prairie Exotics

These little fellows grow to about 2/3 the size of the Prairie Dog and are much more colorful and hairier. They have a very bushy tail and larger ears. Their colors range from dark brown to red. They weigh about 2 pounds when fully grown.

They are very lovable and love to be held and petted. They are very quick when let loose in the house. They prance like a horse rather than run like a dog. They are very gentle and love to be cuddled. They make a very exceptional pet and love everyone.

There are very few of these animals in captivity today as they are very hard to find. They use a litter box like the Richardson's and they have similar eating habits. They need a secure place to bed down like a small box where they can build a nest out of straw and tissue. There temperament is very nice and they need attention and should be raised in pairs.

Their food includes the following:

• Oats
• Grass
• Dandelions
• Wheat
• Barley
• Dry cereal (no sugar or salt)
• Sunflower seeds
• Peanuts (no salt)
• Yogurt and cottage cheese for a treat 1-2 times weekly
• Water
• Any nuts for a treat 1-2 times per week. If salted just wash off.