Cynomis ludovicianus

The black-tailed prairie dog is a large, burrowing, ground squirrel belonging to a group of four other prairie dog species found only in North America. The black-tailed prairie dog is the most abundant and widely distributed prairie dog. Black-tailed prairie dogs are a yellowish tan on the back and lighter on the belly. They have a short tail that is tipped with black. Their ears are short and an average adult weighs about two pounds. Prairie dogs are active only during daylight hours and spend a lot of time feeding and socializing.Colonies or "towns" are established in areas that have been heavily grazed by cattle. Since they do not like tall grass, they will choose a site which has little vegetation. Here, the prairie dog feels secure and able to see predators coming from a long distance. Burrows are usually quite visible because of the large mound of dirt around the entrance. Mounds provide both a vantage point and protection from flooding. Forbs are preferred over grasses for food so competition with cattle is still questionable. Prairie dogs will, however, clip off many grass species for better visibility, adding to the denuded look of a town. Prairie dog tunnels extend downward from 3-10 feet and then horizontally for another 10-15 feet. These systems are arranged so that wind blows through and provides ventilation to their homes. Several tunnels are excavated from the main tunnel to provide nesting areas and places to rest and avoid the hotter part of summer days. Prairie dogs also use these tunnels during the winter to escape bad weather and the cold. They do not hibernate like the true ground squirrels, but do remain dormant in the nest during the peak of winter. On nice days, they can be seen on the surface.Prairie dogs mate from early March to early April. A month later, 4-6 young are born. In 5-6 weeks, the pups come above ground and can forage on green vegetation. By the end of the summer, they have almost reached adult size. Adults in the wild seldom live over four years. Only about 1 percent of the habitat remains of what was historically prairie dog town. Breaking native ground for farming and poisoning to eliminate competition for cattle grazing has taken its toll. The problem is that many other wildlife species also thrive on the presence of prairie dog towns. The black-footed ferret, which once preyed solely on prairie dogs, has vanished. Other species such as the badger, coyote, eagle, and burrowing owl are also negatively effected by the loss of a food source and living quarters. Hunting is legal for this species but does not harm a population. If anything, it keeps present towns from expanding so far that landowners want to eliminate them entirely.

PERSONALITY. Prairie dogs can be demanding and tend to require a lot of attention and owner commitment. This needs to be taken into consideration when thinking about making a prairie dog part of your pet family. They are members of the rodent family and are social animals in nature. As pets, they appreciate human interaction and affection and may show their gratitude with a little bark or yip. Barking can also be a means of expressing alarm.

HOUSING. Your prairie dog's cage should be large enough to allow plenty of room to play. A cage large enough to house 2 prairie dogs should be at least 24"x24"x36" and should have 2 stories. In order to prevent leg or foot injuries, wire mesh spacing should be no more than 1⁄2 inch. Prairie dogs, like humans, need time alone, and their cage should be designed with this in mind. When housing 2 prairie dogs together, separate compartments with a common play area is ideal. Prairie dogs also appreciate tunnels for exploring and lots of bedding for digging. Prairie dogs have teeth that continue to grow throughout their lives. In nature, chewing allows them to wear down their rapidly growing teeth. Keep this in mind when providing housing and when allowing your prairie dog to roam free in the house. Prairie dogs will not hesitate to chew up valuable furniture or wood molding. It is important to prevent prairie dogs from chewing on cage bars or mesh, which can damage their teeth. In some cases, a plastic "shield" may need to placed in front of metal bars or wire mesh. Cedar and pine shavings are not recommended for bedding, because they contain resins that can be irritating to your prairie dog's skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Alternatively, grass hay can be piled deep in the cage as bedding in which prairie dogs can play and nest, and it is safe and healthy to eat!

NUTRITIONAL NEEDS. Fresh, clean water is a must for your prairie dog. A water bottle with a sipper tube works better than a water bowl, which can be tipped over or contaminated with waste and bedding. Hanging the water bottle on the outside of the cage so just the tip of the spout is inside discourages chewing of the sipper tube. Water needs to be changed daily, and the sipper tube should be cleaned weekly. Obesity is very common in captive prairie dogs, and lack of exercise as well as feeding an improper diet contribute to this life-threatening malady. Avoid feeding peanuts, sunflower seeds, puppy food, and other fatty foods that are high in calories and low in fiber. Recommends you feed your prairie dog unlimited quantities of grass hay such as timothy, orchard, brome, or oat. Chewing on hay also aids in the normal wear of teeth and provides essential fiber needed to maintain intestinal health. Pellets can be fed in a sturdy crock bowl. Dishes should be cleaned daily, and any leftover food should be removed. Many owners want to offer treats to their prairie dogs. A treat should be enjoyable to eat and should provide interaction between you and your pet. When fed in limited quantities, treats such as hay cubes, dried or fresh herbs, leafy greens, and pieces of vegetable can be offered to your prairie dog. For environmental enrichment, you can pile hay in the cage and hide treats or Prairie Delight pellets. In order to prevent digestive upset, feed the same treats consistently, and avoid gas-forming vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower.

PHYSIOLOGICAL VALUES
Growing Prairie Dogs: Prairie Delight in unlimited amounts in addition to free choice grass hay.
Mature Prairie Dogs: Prairie Delight 3-4 cubes daily in addition to unlimited grass hays.
Gestating and Lactating Prairie Dogs: Prairie Delight in unlimited amounts in addition to free choice grass hay. Prairie dogs are rodents and not a species of dog, so they should not eat dog food. Prairie dog toenails need frequent trimming. Prairie dogs like to dig, so provide plenty of bedding.
Pet prairie dogs are prone to obesity, so the proper diet is very important.

Average Life Span 8.5 years
Maximum Reported Life Span 15 years
Average Adult Weight 5-2.2 kg
Gestation Period 30-35 days
Pups per Litter 2-10 kits
Optimal Weaning Age 6 week

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION. Prairie dogs are prone to respiratory disease, which may be a result of (or exacerbated by) inappropriate humidity levels, soiled bedding (and high ammonia levels), incisor teeth abnormalities (which may be related to chewing on metal), or infectious disease. Obesity can also tax your prairie dog's respiratory system. As mentioned above, some of these issues can be addressed when planning your prairie dog's environment and diet. Signs of respiratory disease include labored or noisy breathing, inactivity, depression, and decreased appetite. Any of these abnormalities warrant a visit to your veterinarian. In order to prevent seasonal territorial behavior, it is best to neuter or spay your prairie dog. It is not uncommon for prairie dogs to become somewhat aggressive and high strung once sexual maturity is reached. Neutering and spaying can help prevent these behavior swings.