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Nile
Rat (Arvicanthis niloticus) Article By Russel Tofts Nile or Kusu Rats (Arvicanthis niloticus) frequent grasslands from the Nile Delta of Egypt to the south-western Arabian Peninsula, but also occur, from time to time, in forests and scrub. Not exclusively nocturnal or diurnal, they have bouts of activity throughout the day and night. There is some debate about the true taxonomy of rodents from the genus ‘Arvicanthis’, but most authorities now agree that there are five separate species, all hailing from Africa, of which A. niloticus is bar far the commonest in captivity and the only one the lay person is likely to encounter. Although very rat-like in appearance, they are nevertheless sometimes referred to as Unstriped Grass Mice. In captivity they should be provided with a large enclosure, furnished with a deep substrate, hard wood branches for climbing and gnawing (apple wood is ideal), cardboard tubes, and a nest box filled with soft meadow hay. Feed a good quality rodent mixture with occasional live food (meal worms, crickets, etc.), sliced apple or carrot, dandelion leaves, bacon rind, etc. Gregarious by nature, they are best maintained in a pair or small colony, as, in my experience, the bucks will not usually harm the babies. Confusion exists as to its exact breeding season, with some authorities citing that in the wild it breeds only during the wet season, with others steadfastly maintaining that it does so during the dry season. In an indoor environment, with no seasonal variation, it probably breeds all year round. Like lemmings, the wild population is prone to periodic explosions and suddenly collapses. An average of 5-6 young are born after a gestation period of 21-23 days but it can be as short as 18 days, and the female is ready to mate again after just 1-2 days. Eyes open at 2-3 days and they are independent of their mother at about 6 weeks. Sexual maturity is attained at 12-16 weeks. Longevity is usually no more than 5 years but one captive individual was recorded as having lived for 6 years and 8 months. It is thought that the species was first introduced into Britain by zoologist Clinton Keeling in 1961 when he obtained a small group from a Dr. Jacobi of Amsterdam. At that time they were known by the cumbersome epithet of Arvicanthus Bush Rats. They bred well and from the original nucleus of only 5-7 animals, a large captive population was established. Then disaster struck: for some unexplained reason, predominantly male births occurred within the colony and so eventually, of course, the species died out. The Zoological Society of London acquired a second group in the early 1970s and it is from those that most of the British population stems. Interview with Julia Hands Positives of Nile Rats as pets? Negatives of Nile Rats as pets? Do they have scent glands or an offensive smell? What is their average lifespan? Do they tolerate interaction? What is their general personality, disposition, and
attitude? Are they hyper, or more sedate when being handled?
How destructive are they in their cage? Are there any problems associated with their claws?
How messy are their droppings? Can they be litter box trained? Can they be trained? What size cage do they need? What is the best diet for them? What vaccinations/vet care do they require? At what age would it be best to get one? Are they difficult to breed? Breeding info: Other Consideration for Nile Rat owners? What kind of person should own these animals?
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