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Spiny Mouse Breeders

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Spiny Mouse
(Acomys Species)

Article By Russel Tofts

There are 8 species of Spiny Mice in the genus Acomys but, of these, only 2 or 3 are regularly available, but by far the commonest is the Arabian Spiny Mouse (Acomys cahirinus dimidiatus) which enjoys a wide distribution from North Africa and Israel to Pakistan. There is some debate as to whether this latter species should be considered a full species in its own right, or is merely a larger and paler race or subspecies of the Egyptian Spiny Mouse (Acomys cahirinus cahirinus).

They are best kept in a large aquarium with a well-fitting but well-ventilated lid and plenty of cage furnishings to keep them occupied. The tail is very brittle and, if the animal is grasped by this appendage, it may be shed, leaving behind just bare bone which, in the absence of a blood supply, will die and drop off after a few days. This is a successful survival technique, similar to that employed by certain lizards, known as "autonomy", but, unlike lizards, the tail does not regrow.

The Spiny Mouse breeds easily but care must be taken to avoid overcrowding the cage as, in such circumstances, dominant members of the colony may start attacking smaller members of the clan with fatal consequences. They usually start by pulling the hair out or nipping at the ears or tail. If the injured animal is not removed quickly, it may be killed.

The young (usually two) are born after a gestation period of 35-45 days and are very precocious at birth, being fully furred and mobile after just 24 hours. Females usually give birth in a standing position. The average longevity is 3-4 years (quite long for a "mouse"), with males usually outliving females. They thrive on a diet of seeds, with a piece of apple or dog biscuit for variety. Like many rodents, they appreciate some live food in their diet, particularly crickets or locust hoppers. Meal worms, too, are a useful dietary addition but should be fed fairly sparingly because they are deficient in calcium. A few meal worms twice or even three times a week is fine though.

In January I was delighted to acquire two pairs of another distinctive race of this lovely animal, provisionally called the Lower Egyptian Spiny Mouse. In coloration it is similar to the Arabian subspecies but it has the nervous disposition and speed of the nominate race, and may yet prove to be a completely separate species.

There are several different species of Spiny Mice. We breed and raise the Arabian or Cairo Spiny Mouse. They are beige with white bellies. Spiny mice make wonderful pets as well as being absolutely adorable. Their faces are fox-like, with huge eyes and ears. They can learn to recognize simple sounds and can be taught their name or stand up for a treat on command! The typical life span of a spiny mouse is 4 to 5years.

Housing
If considering spiny mice as pets, you should obtain pairs or small groups. You can house males or all females and all will get along well. You can also house a male and female together. They can be kept in a 10 or 20 gallon tank comfortably. When setting up your cage, temperature is very important. The spiny mouse is sensitive to cold temperatures. If you live in a chilly environment, you will need to take special care to provide a warm cage. Ideally, the temperature should be around 80 degrees. In the winter, I use a reptile heating pads under the cage to help keep them warm. You can find these pads at any pet store in the reptile section. We only use aspen bedding. Section off a corner of the cage with a large rock or brick. A ceramic flowerpot on its side makes a nice mini cave dwelling. Include branches, thick ropes for climbing and tubes which can be anything from store-bought ceramic or wooden logs and 3" pcv pipe. Do not use the store bought tubes you buy for hamsters and gerbils. The spiny mouse is a dedicated chewer and will demolish them. A small ceramic dish is useful and a 4 or 8 oz water bottle should beused.

Feed
As their main diet, we feed our spiny mice a rodent mix we mix ourselves. We also include dried fish, yogurt, soy products, mealworms, and a few friuts and vegetables.