Brandt's Vole

Brandt's Vole key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

Little data

Size

About 15cm long; tail up to 3.5cm

Diet

Herbivore: above-ground and underground parts of plants

Cage

Wild voles dig burrow networks with several entrances, storerooms and nest chambers. Provide deep bedding, nesting material and hides.

Diet

Wild voles eat both leaves and roots and store large amounts before winter. Feed mainly plant matter such as hay and vegetables; expect hoarding.

Temperament

A colonial species living in family burrow systems and active both day and night.

Breeding

Prolific, with four or five litters of about seven young a year. Keep sexes apart unless you plan to breed.

Regulations

Imports fall under the animal import notification system; animals bred in Japan need no notification.

Notes

In its native range it can erupt in huge numbers and strip pastures. Never release captive animals into the wild.

About Brandt's Vole

Learn about Brandt's Vole, a colony-living vole from the grasslands of Mongolia and northeastern China, about 15 cm long. Intermediate-level care, plus key points and FAQs before you bring one home.

7 things to know before welcoming a Brandt's Vole

1. 1Intermediate-Level Care

   The care level is intermediate, so it can be a stretch for someone keeping a small animal for the first time. Experience with other small pets helps with setting up the enclosure and noticing changes in condition. If this would be your first, ask the breeder for care tips before you commit.

2. 2A Burrowing Nature

   In the wild these voles live in family burrow networks, so an enclosure where they can dig and hide suits them. Provide deep bedding and a nest box or shelter where they can retreat. Asking the breeder what bedding they use is a good starting point.

3. 3Active Day and Night

   These voles are active both day and night, so you can often watch them, though there may be some noise at odd hours. Place the enclosure somewhere quiet where they can rest undisturbed, and avoid moving it often. Keep it away from direct sunlight and sudden temperature swings.

4. 4Food Hoarding and Diet

   They store food in preparation for winter and may stash it in the nest or hiding spots. Check those spots during cleaning and remove anything spoiled or perishable. Ask the breeder what they feed, and change the diet gradually if you do.

5. 5Living as a Colony

   This is a colony-living species whose families share burrow networks. Whether a single animal or a group suits you, and which individuals get along, varies, so talk to the breeder before deciding. If you keep more than one together, watch for signs of conflict or changes in condition.

6. 6Limited Lifespan Data

   Little reliable information on lifespan is available, so no clear estimate can be given. Consider whether you can commit to a potentially long period of care. To prepare for any health concerns, find a veterinary clinic that treats small animals before you bring one home.

7. 7Escape-Proofing and Setup

   Adults reach about 15 cm in body length, with a tail of up to 3.5 cm. Choose an enclosure with a secure lid and few gaps, made of material that stands up to gnawing. Prepare the enclosure, bedding, nest box and food and water containers before the animal arrives.

Frequently asked questions about Brandt's Vole

Q.Can beginners keep Brandt's Vole?

A.Its care level is intermediate, so prior experience with small animals makes things easier. If you are new to small pets, check the setup and daily care routine with the breeder before deciding.

Q.What does Brandt's Vole eat?

A.As a grassland vole, its diet is basically plant-based. Check the specific foods and amounts with the breeder, and switch gradually if you change them. Because it hoards food, remove any spoiled items from the nest.

Q.Can I keep more than one together?

A.They live in family colonies, but compatibility differs between individuals. Ask the breeder about each animal's temperament and suitable pairings before you decide. Keep watching them closely after they share an enclosure.

Q.How long does Brandt's Vole live?

A.Little reliable information exists on lifespan, so no specific figure can be given. Plan for the possibility of long-term care, and ask the breeder about the parent animals before you decide.

Q.How big does it get?

A.Adults reach about 15 cm in body length, with a tail of up to 3.5 cm. It has a short sandy coat, small ears and a short tail. Choose an enclosure with room to move around and enough depth for bedding to dig in.

Useful tools for Brandt's Vole care

Learn more about Brandt's Vole in the encyclopedia

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