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- Title
HUSBANDRY METHODS FOR POCKET GOPHERS.
- Authors
Devries, M. Susan; Sikes, Robert S.
- Abstract
Described husbandry practices for pocket gophers are rare. Antiquated practices do not satisfy current husbandry standards, requiring investigators to modify methods to meet the needs of their research. We report techniques for housing Baird's pocket gopher (Geomys breviceps) that sustain health of captives, encourages natural behaviors, and meet necessary husbandry requirements. Twentysix G. breviceps were housed at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock over an 18-month period. A diet consisting of fresh vegetation promoted apparently normal development, and parasitic treatments were effective. Individuals were housed within simulated tunnel systems constructed of multiple cages and plastic tubing and allowed to structure their environment with a combination of topsoil, Bermuda hay, and pine wood chips. Animals readily adapted to this caging system, which can be easily disassembled and sanitized for routine maintenance. Given the effectiveness of these techniques at sustaining G. breviceps, they may be applicable to other species of pocket gophers.
- Subjects
LITTLE Rock (Ark.); ARKANSAS; AGRICULTURE; POCKET gophers; CAPTIVITY; UNIVERSITY of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Publication
Southwestern Naturalist, 2009, Vol 54, Issue 3, p363
- ISSN
0038-4909
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1894/MLK-10.1