African Pygmy Micro Squirrel Care
What is a African Pygmy Micro Squirrel?
African Pygmy Dormice APD (Graphiurus Murinus) are aka African Pygmy Micro Squirrels APMS! They are nocturnal and measure around 5 -6 inches including tail. They are most active at dusk and dawn. They are also known as, African Dwarf Dormice, Woodland Dormouse, and sometimes Egyptian Dormouse. APMS belong to the family Gliridae and are closely related to rats and mice. Unlike mice, APMS have fur on the insides of their ears and on their bushy tails, which may be due to the need to conserve heat during hibernation. They are colony animals and must be kept with company of their own kind, although like many rodents territory disputes can and will happen from time to time; hence the need for several hides in the enclosure. They make a variety of chirping and bird-like sounds. APMS should NEVER be kept alone, but only in pairs or colonies, pairs may be shyer and less active than a larger colony. APMS average 4-6 years of age, but have been reported to live up to 8 years in captivity.
APMS are exotic rodents that are relatively new to the pet trade here in Canada, so they can have a high price tag; ranging from $250 - $1000 depending on breeder, location and colour morph. Private breeders are likely to have more knowledge than your average pet shop, and you do not run the risk of supporting rodent mills. APMS has several special needs when it comes to the enclosure, diet and husbandry. Squirrels are NOT a good option for young children under 10. They need extra work to be handleable and may not tame completely or quickly.
African Pygmy Micro Squirrels are EXTREMELY hard to determine gender, there are very subtle hints towards male or female. Once the males reach sexual maturity they are a bit more "full" in the tail area and may have less fur.
African Pygmy Dormice APD (Graphiurus Murinus) are aka African Pygmy Micro Squirrels APMS! They are nocturnal and measure around 5 -6 inches including tail. They are most active at dusk and dawn. They are also known as, African Dwarf Dormice, Woodland Dormouse, and sometimes Egyptian Dormouse. APMS belong to the family Gliridae and are closely related to rats and mice. Unlike mice, APMS have fur on the insides of their ears and on their bushy tails, which may be due to the need to conserve heat during hibernation. They are colony animals and must be kept with company of their own kind, although like many rodents territory disputes can and will happen from time to time; hence the need for several hides in the enclosure. They make a variety of chirping and bird-like sounds. APMS should NEVER be kept alone, but only in pairs or colonies, pairs may be shyer and less active than a larger colony. APMS average 4-6 years of age, but have been reported to live up to 8 years in captivity.
APMS are exotic rodents that are relatively new to the pet trade here in Canada, so they can have a high price tag; ranging from $250 - $1000 depending on breeder, location and colour morph. Private breeders are likely to have more knowledge than your average pet shop, and you do not run the risk of supporting rodent mills. APMS has several special needs when it comes to the enclosure, diet and husbandry. Squirrels are NOT a good option for young children under 10. They need extra work to be handleable and may not tame completely or quickly.
African Pygmy Micro Squirrels are EXTREMELY hard to determine gender, there are very subtle hints towards male or female. Once the males reach sexual maturity they are a bit more "full" in the tail area and may have less fur.