土撥鼠

土撥鼠的基本資料

飼養難度

適合高級者

壽命

野生環境下4-6年，圈養環境下最多10年（有14年的記錄）

體型

全長41.5-67.5釐米（尾部10-16釐米），體重2-6公斤

飲食

主要以草食為主。紫花苜蓿、三葉草、蒲公英等（也進食少量昆蟲）

飼養環境

野生環境中會分別挖掘具有多個出入口的夏季和冬季巢穴。因為挖掘能力強，需要準備堅固寬敞的圍欄（以防被挖破）和可供躲藏的巢箱。

食物

最愛的食物是紫花苜蓿、三葉草和蒲公英。以乾草和葉類蔬菜為主，秋季體重會增加，需要定期測量體重。

性格

獨居動物，受到威脅時會弓起背部、露出牙齒進行威嚇。應避免多頭飼養，由於是大型齧齒動物，需注意不被咬傷的處理方式。

溫度管理

野生土撥鼠秋季儲存脂肪並進行長期冬眠。是否在圈養環境中讓其冬眠，以及冬眠時的溫度和體重管理，應事先與能治療異寵動物的獸醫進行諮詢。

法律法規

因屬於松鼠科，輸入時需要提供物種身份證明書。輸入個體屬於傳染病法的輸入申報對象。

注意事項

可能活10年以上，能夠診療的獸醫也很有限。領養前應確保附近有可通行的醫院。飼養個體絕對不應野外釋放。

關於土撥鼠

The woodchuck is North America's most widely distributed marmot: a stocky, solitary, long-hibernating animal of 2 to 6 kg. Rated for experienced keepers. Learn its traits, care basics and what to know before bringing one home.

迎接土撥鼠前需要了解的7件事

1. 1Made for experienced keepers

   The woodchuck is rated for experienced keepers. It is large and strong, so it cannot be handled like a typical small pet. It suits people who already have animal-keeping experience and can spare both time and space.

2. 2Big body, real strength

   Adults reach 41.5 to 67.5 cm in total length (tail 10 to 16 cm) and 2 to 6 kg in weight. Despite the stocky look, they are strong, so cages and enclosures must be sturdy. Plan your setup around the full adult size.

3. 3Digging and housing

   In the wild woodchucks live in burrows they dig themselves, so digging and gnawing are deeply rooted instincts. Provide a place where it can dig, and build an enclosure that resists chewing and escape attempts. Letting one roam freely indoors may damage furniture and walls.

4. 4A solitary temperament

   Woodchucks live alone in the wild and are not sociable herd animals. Watch each individual's temperament and respect its personal space instead of forcing contact. It may bite when it feels threatened, so handle it with care.

5. 5Plant-based diet

   Woodchucks are herbivores that eat mainly grasses, leaves and vegetables. In the wild they build up fat before hibernation, so watch for overfeeding and obesity in captivity. It is reassuring to plan the diet with an experienced veterinarian or breeder.

6. 6Living with hibernation

   In the wild woodchucks hibernate for a long period each winter. Even in captivity, activity and appetite may change with the seasons, and how this plays out can vary with the environment and the individual. Talk to the breeder and to a veterinarian who treats such animals before you bring one home.

7. 7A long-term commitment

   Lifespan is 4 to 6 years in the wild and up to 10 years in captivity, with a record of 14 years. Consider whether you can keep caring for it over the long term, including changes in your family and housing. Find a vet who can treat it in advance, and ask the seller about the animal's rearing environment and history.

土撥鼠的常見問題

Q.Can a beginner keep a woodchuck?

A.Its care level is rated for experienced keepers, so it is hard to recommend to first-time pet owners. It is large and has strong digging and gnawing instincts, which means you need suitable facilities and plenty of time. Gaining experience with other small animals first, and talking to a breeder, is a sensible path.

Q.How big does a woodchuck get?

A.Adults measure 41.5 to 67.5 cm in total length (tail 10 to 16 cm) and weigh 2 to 6 kg. They have a stocky build and grow larger than most small pets, so plan their housing around the adult size.

Q.How long does a woodchuck live?

A.Woodchucks live 4 to 6 years in the wild and up to 10 years in captivity, with a record of 14 years. Because you may be caring for one for a long time, think ahead about how your life could change.

Q.Do they hibernate? What about in captivity?

A.Yes, in the wild they hibernate for a long period each winter. How hibernation plays out in captivity may vary with the environment and the individual, so consult the breeder and a veterinarian who treats such animals before bringing one home.

Q.Can I keep several, or with other pets?

A.Woodchucks live alone in the wild, so it is safer not to assume several can share one space. Living with other pets also calls for careful judgment, given the woodchuck's digging and gnawing habits and size differences.

適合飼養土撥鼠的實用工具

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