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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.
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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.
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Pet Rats, Mice, Gerbils, Jirds, Voles,
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