What type of cage does my prairie dog need?
Prairie dogs should be housed in a cage that is as large as possible, because they require lots of room to move around and explore. In addition, they need adequate substrate for digging and burying. In the wild, their burrows can reach a depth of 4–5 feet, so the biggest cage you can afford is probably still too small.
Ensure there is space for exercise. Prairie dogs do not need to climb, so shelves and other climbing equipment are not recommended. Prairie dogs love to chew, so cages made of stainless steel or plexiglass are preferred; do not house them in wooden cages. Prairie dogs have very strong teeth and legs, so the typical rabbit cage is not strong enough to permanently house most prairie dogs. To prevent odor buildup and respiratory disease, at least one side of the cage should have openings to allow adequate ventilation.
Cage sides should be high because prairie dogs love to dig and burrow, so they can be messy as they fling the bedding around. The floor of the cage can be solid or wire, with an under-the-cage pan to allow for bedding and excrement accumulation. Prairie dogs have a reputation as curious creatures and escape artists, so they should be housed in a cage that can be securely closed and locked. The cage must be escape-proof.
Prairie dogs' preferred temperature is about 70°F (21°C) with about 30%-70% humidity. Avoid temperature extremes. High temperatures may cause heat stroke, and cold temperatures may cause sluggish behavior (called pseudo-hibernation). Prairie dogs prefer a stress-free environment. Place the cage away from inquisitive cats and hunting-breed dogs. Prairie dogs can be nippy and aggressive, so young children should only be allowed to play with them under close supervision.
Does my prairie dog need bedding in his cage?
Yes, it is essential for every prairie dog to have bedding in their cage. Bedding provides a hiding place and allows for a cleaner cage. Preferred bedding materials include wood shavings, commercial pellets, and shredded/recycled paper. The bedding should be deep enough to allow for adequate digging. Avoid sand, mud, and cedar shavings (cedar fumes may be toxic).
Bedding should be changed at least weekly, and preferably more often, as waste material accumulates quickly. Clean up all fecal matter and urine daily to help maintain a hygienic environment.
What else do I need in the cage?
Create some hiding places for your prairie dog (e.g., nest boxes, tunnels), to mimic the outside environment and let prairie dogs exhibit normal behavior. Provide blocks of untreated wood or non-toxic material for your prairie dog to chew; toys are not needed. Your prairie dog will appreciate daily supervised exercise outside their cage. Be careful, though: prairie dogs are very fast and can fit under most types of heavy furniture. If you have space for a “playroom” in your home, prairie dogs love exploring boxes and tunnels made of large PVC pipe. These items help to provide environmental enrichment to keep your pet from being bored.
