How to Rear a Cane Rat

Also known as a cutting-grass or grass-cutter, the cane rat (Thryonomys spp.) feeds on aquatic grasses but also eats crops on cane plantations, as the name suggests. It is especially popular in Africa as a bushmeat delicacy, known for its tenderness and low fat content. The cane rat is Africa's equivalent of a hedgehog. While known to destroy crops and grasses, cane rats can be a legitimate source of income when raised in a controlled environment. They are relatively cheap to raise and can often fetch a high price as a meat product, especially in Africa. In other areas of the world, cane rats can be sold in niche markets.

Things You'll Need

  • Elephant grass stock
  • 3 x 4 x 2 ft. metal cage
  • Chicken wire or bricks
  • Wooden stakes
  • Soft grass or straw
  • Water container
  • Metal feeding trough
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a metal cage with a locking door. You will not want to keep the cane rat in the cage at all times, but a cage is necessary for transporting and breeding cane rats.

    • 2

      Construct an enclosure or pen outside. Use bricks or chicken wire reinforced with wooden stakes for the enclosure walls. The enclosure should be at least 6 feet square and a minimum of 4 feet high for rearing one or two cane rats. Increase the size of the pen by approximately 2 feet square for each additional cane rat. Attach a chicken-wire roof to deter predators, if desired, but most cane rats will not climb a wall that is at least 4 feet high.

    • 3

      Install a bedding area for the pen, using soft grass or straw. Proper bedding will help the excrement sink through the bedding into the soil and ensure the warmth and relative comfort of the cane rat. If you use straw, change the bedding once per week.

    • 4

      Feed the cane rat elephant grass stock. Because cane rats can be shy creatures, they will respond better to free feedings than to timed feedings.

    • 5

      Keep a fresh supply of water in the cane rat's pen at all times. Change the water at least once a day. More frequent water changes may be necessary, since cane rats can be messy.

    • 6

      Keep the cane rat in a warm environment. Their natural home is equatorial Africa, so they are used to living in high temperatures. If you live in an area where winter temperatures drop below freezing, you should have a warm barn or indoor area where you can place the pen.