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Eastern woodrat
Reproduction
Gestation lasts approximately 35 days, with litter size averaging 3.2
and ranging from one to seven. Breeding season varies with
geographic location. Some southern populations breed throughout the
year. Females breed shortly after giving birth and may have three
litters per year. Offspring become independent at about two months.
Females reach reproductive maturity at about six months. Some
females breed in the same year they are born. Males take more than a
year to reach sexual maturity.
Behavior
Eastern woodrats can live more than three years, a long time for a
rodent of their size. They construct 'houses' out of sticks, bones,
leaves and other materials. These structures are often formed in
rock crevices or between the roots of a large tree. In grasslands,
'houses' are constructed in the open. Inside these dwellings there
are generally two or three nests made from leaves, grasses, shredded
wood and occasionally feathers. Owls, skunks, weasels and snakes are
the major predators of this species. When foraging, woodrats stay
close to their dwellings. Woodrats are nocturnal and solitary except
during breeding seasons. Like many small nocturnal mammals, woodrats
are more active on nights without bright moonlight. Presumably this
preference is due to the protection from predators that darkness
affords. Although they spend most of their time on the ground, they
are excellent climbers.
Food Habits
Woodrats are almost exclusively herbivorous, eating leaves, bark,
fruits and seeds. Acorns are stored for the winter in many
populations. Diet varies considerably with geographic location.
Woodrats gnaw on bones; it is thought that this behavior serves to
sharpen their teeth, although it may also provide minerals that are
otherwise scarce in the woodrat's diet. Woodrats do not need to
drink water; they are capable of obtaining sufficient water from
solid foods.
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.
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