Hispid Pocket Mouse
In the United States, the range of these creatures extends from the western Great Plains to the eastern Rockies and southeastern Arizona, and from northern Mexico to North Dakota. Sandy soil scattered with some vegetation is usually the ideal environment for these pocket mice. They are most common in shortgrass priaries, grasslands, or near the growth by fence rows. The best explanation for their choice of habitat is probably the way they make their homes. They dig burrows into the soil, starting with a hole an inch in diameter straight into the ground. C. hispidus create many openings to their burrow, but usually end up piling all the dirt near one opening to camouflage the others. They usually plug these openings during the daytime. These burrows serve as food storage and nesting sites, as well.
Hispid pocket mouse
Chaetodipus hispidus are fairly large mice in comparison to other pocket mice. They have heavier hind limbs compared to their forelimbs. The soles of their hind feet are hairless. These mice have tails less than half the total length of their body with little or no hair on the tail. Another unique feature that many of the mice in this species has is tail-tip albinism. The cause for this phenomenon is not completely understood, but it is another feature that sets apart this species. They show definite bi-coloration; the belly has light coloring, and the back has olive buff hairs. The average external measurements for a Texan specimen is body length of 198 mm, tail length of 93 mm, and ear length of 10 mm.
Reproduction
Their nests are usually composed of dry grass and weeds. While the breeding season peaks from May to June, some of the far south Texas specimens may mate all year long. The average litter size is about 6 young, but the precise number is variable with climate, location, and availability of resources. Very little is known about the gestation period or growth and development periods of the young.
Behavior
There is a definite home range for C. hispidus of about 0.30 hectare. These mice seem to be solitary or antisocial. This solitary behavior is further exaggerated by the state of torpor that most of them undergo on a daily basis during the winter months. While not a true hibernator, every hour that their body temperature falls under eleven degrees Centigrade, they go into an inactive state of torpor to survive the cold. In the southernmost range, the weather usually remains warm enough that C. hispidus remain active throughout the year.
Food Habits
C. hispidus are generally seed eaters, but have been known to consume insects. Their diet include seeds of cactus, evening primrose, and wine cup, while the insects are usually grasshoppers, caterpillars, and beetles. In captivity they should be offered a complete diet of rodent lab blocks, and rat or mouse mix, with bits of fruit or veggies regularly. Cheerios or wheat bread are great treats, in small quantities.
Do NOT feed chocolate, fried foods, salted foods, candy or junk food! They may enjoy crickets and mealworms if they are captive bred, never feed wild insects as they may carry parasites. Vitamins, like Nutri-Cal are a good addition to their diet, and added calcium during nursing and growth due to demands on their systems at those times, but take care not to overdo it.
Water bottles should be used to proved constant, clean water. Ceramic or stoneware food dishes work well for keeping seeds or fresh foods off the floor, and a wire mesh hopper that allows them to eat the lab blocks through without extra waste.
