Can a beginner keep a springhare?

Its care level is rated for experienced keepers, so it is not suited to someone keeping an animal for the first time. Learn about its natural history and make sure you can consult experienced keepers or specialists before deciding.

How big do springhares get?

Adults reach 35-45 cm in body length with a 37-48 cm tail and weigh 3-4 kg. That is much larger than typical small pet rodents, and since they hop on long hind legs they need a spacious enclosure.

How long do springhares live?

They live 13-14.5 years on average in captivity. Individuals vary, but you should plan on caring for the animal over a long period.

Are springhares active during the day?

No. They are nocturnal, active at night and resting in a burrow by day. Provide a quiet hiding place for daytime rest, and expect some noise from activity at night.

What do they eat, and do I need a vet?

In the wild they eat mainly plants such as barley, oats and wheat, along with beetles and grasshoppers. In captivity, feed mostly hay, vegetables and grains with a small amount of insects. Check with the breeder about its current diet before adoption, and find a veterinary clinic that can examine the animal.

Springhare

The springhare is a rodent from southern Africa that, despite its name, is neither a rabbit nor a hare. It moves by hopping on long, powerful hind legs, much like a kangaroo. Long ears, large eyes and a tail about as long as its body, tipped with a black tuft, make it distinctive. Adults reach 35-45 cm in body length with a 37-48 cm tail and weigh 3-4 kg. It is active at night and rests in a burrow by day, and captive animals live 13-14.5 years on average. Care is rated for experienced keepers only, so plan carefully before bringing one home.

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Springhare key facts

Care level: Advanced
Lifespan: About 13–14.5 years on average in captivity
Size: 35–45cm long plus 37–48cm tail; 3–4kg
Diet: Mainly herbivorous: grains and other plants; some beetles and grasshoppers
Housing: It hops on its hind legs and bounds to its burrow when startled. Give enough height and floor space to hop safely, a den box, and a non-slip floor.
Temperament: Mainly nocturnal, resting in a burrow by day. Solitary in the wild but said to cohabit well in captivity.
Diet: Wild animals eat barley, oats, wheat and other plants, plus beetles and grasshoppers. Feed hay, vegetables and grains with a few insects.
Temperature: A species of dry southern Africa that needs heating through a Japanese winter. Published keeping temperatures are scarce, so avoid cold and damp.
Regulations: Imports fall under the animal import notification system; animals bred in Japan need no notification.
Notes: It can live over 13 years, captive experience is limited and few vets treat it; find one first. Never release captive animals into the wild.

TraitsSpringhareNocturnalAfricaAdvanced

About Springhare

The springhare is a hopping rodent of southern Africa: 35-45 cm long with a 37-48 cm tail, living 13-14.5 years in captivity. Learn about its experienced-keeper care level and what to know before adoption.

7 things to know before welcoming a Springhare

1For experienced keepers
The springhare is rated for experienced keepers. Research its natural history thoroughly, build up animal-keeping experience, and line up a breeder or specialist you can consult before you decide.
213-14.5 years ahead
The average lifespan in captivity is 13-14.5 years, so you need to be ready for a long commitment. Think ahead about whether you could keep caring for it through a move or changes in your household.
3Size and jumping power
Adults reach 35-45 cm in body length with a 37-48 cm tail and weigh 3-4 kg, far larger than typical small pet rodents. Because they hop powerfully on long hind legs, they need an enclosure with generous height and floor space. Plan an interior that is safe when the animal leaps.
4A nocturnal lifestyle
Springhares are active at night and rest in a burrow during the day. Expect noise from hopping around after dark, and choose a spot for the enclosure with your living space in mind. Avoid waking the animal by day so it can rest quietly.
5Burrow and hiding places
In the wild, springhares live around underground burrows. Captive animals also need a place where they can hide and rest without feeling exposed, so ask the breeder about providing shelters and an environment where the animal can dig.
6Temperament and handling
Because springhares are nocturnal burrow dwellers, some individuals are sensitive to sudden noises and unexpected contact. How quickly they settle in varies by individual, so do not force handling. Let the animal get used to you gradually in a calm environment.
7Diet and vet check
In the wild, springhares eat mainly plants such as barley, oats and wheat, along with beetles and grasshoppers. In captivity, base the diet on hay, vegetables and grains, with a small amount of insects. Before bringing one home, ask the breeder what the animal has been eating, and find a veterinary clinic that can see it.

Frequently asked questions about Springhare

Q.Can a beginner keep a springhare?: A.Its care level is rated for experienced keepers, so it is not suited to someone keeping an animal for the first time. Learn about its natural history and make sure you can consult experienced keepers or specialists before deciding.
Q.How big do springhares get?: A.Adults reach 35-45 cm in body length with a 37-48 cm tail and weigh 3-4 kg. That is much larger than typical small pet rodents, and since they hop on long hind legs they need a spacious enclosure.
Q.How long do springhares live?: A.They live 13-14.5 years on average in captivity. Individuals vary, but you should plan on caring for the animal over a long period.
Q.Are springhares active during the day?: A.No. They are nocturnal, active at night and resting in a burrow by day. Provide a quiet hiding place for daytime rest, and expect some noise from activity at night.
Q.What do they eat, and do I need a vet?: A.In the wild they eat mainly plants such as barley, oats and wheat, along with beetles and grasshoppers. In captivity, feed mostly hay, vegetables and grains with a small amount of insects. Check with the breeder about its current diet before adoption, and find a veterinary clinic that can examine the animal.