How to Raise a Prairie Dog in Captivity

Prairie dogs are small mammals found through the grasslands of Canada, the United States and Mexico and are known for being active burrowers, often making networks of underground tunnels they use as homes. They grow to around 14 inches long and between 1 and 3 pounds. They were banned as pets in the United States in the early 2000s, but in 2008 the ban was lifted, making them legal to own in certain states (numerous states still have bans). Keeping a prairie dog in captivity can be challenging and requires patience, money and dedication.

Things You'll Need

  • Multilevel wire cage, minimum 24-by-24-by-36 inches
  • Grass hay
  • Food bowl, ceramic
  • Food pellets
  • Hanging water bottle
  • Corner litter box
  • Paper litter pellets
  • Cardboard box
  • Lava block
  • Chew toys
  • Cleaning bucket
  • Soap
  • Bleach
  • Sponges for cleaning
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set the cage in an area where it will receive direct sunlight that will allow the prairie dogs to bask at leisure. The cage should have at least three levels and be made with metal wiring. A standard ferret cage, 24 inches wide by 24 inches long and 36 inches high, should be adequate for two prairie dogs, although the longer and wider, the better. It should be no taller than 36 inches to avoid potential injury if the dogs fall while climbing.

    • 2

      Layer the bottom of the cage with about 6 inches of hay bedding. The grassy hay will allow the prairie dogs to burrow as they do in the wild, and is also safe for them to ingest. Replace the hay completely at least once a week, as it may accumulate feces or urine. If you use pine shavings or aspen bedding, be warned that these contain dust that could lead to respiratory problems in your pets.

    • 3

      Place a ceramic food bowl in one corner of the cage and keep it filled with prairie dog pellet food, which can be purchased from specialty suppliers, and a variety of vegetables. The food bowl should be thoroughly cleaned and refilled every single day. The ceramic will be heavy enough to keep the dogs from knocking it over.

    • 4

      Attach a water bottle to the side of the cage with a metal sipping tube. Provide clean water at least every day or whenever the bottle looks to be running dry (some dogs may be thirstier than others). Never use a water bowl, as the dogs will inevitably fill it with hay and possibly feces or urine, which leads to the buildup of harmful pathogens.

    • 5

      Place a litter box in one corner of the cage and fill it with about 2 inches of paper litter pellets. Hopefully, your prairie dogs will begin defecating in it. Scoop out defecation every day and completely change the litter at least once a week.

    • 6

      Place a sealed cardboard box with a large hole in it somewhere in the cage. This will provide a shelter for whenever the prairie dogs feel stressed or threatened. The cardboard is chewable and nontoxic to the animals, making it an ideal choice for a shelter. It should be large enough to comfortably accommodate your prairie dogs.

    • 7

      Place a lava block and some chew toys around the cage. The lava block will help wear down their nails and keep them from growing too long, while the chew toys will serve their immense appetites for chewing and keep their teeth worn down, preventing them from growing too long.

    • 8

      Empty the cage and clean it at least once a month using soap and water. This will help eliminate any harmful pathogens that may have built up on the metal over the month. Soak the water bottle and food bowls for at least an hour in a solution of 1/3 bleach, 2/3 water to kill any germs during the routine cleaning. Dry them thoroughly before putting them back. You may need to clean more often depending on how many prairie dogs you have in the cage.