If you're considering keeping lemmings as pets, your research on these tiny rodents will lead to several enlightening moments. Did you know, for instance, that these busy creatures are far from the heedless individuals of popular myth? We've gathered some sweet facts about these pint-sized critters and their care for you right here.
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Lemmings are easily identified by their stocky body shape and the black line markings on their back.
Appearance: Little Grey Burrowers
Enlightening moment number 1: Lemmings kept as pets aren’t actual lemmings but are steppe lemmings instead. Both belong to the burrower family.
However, steppe lemmings are more closely related to zokors than to wild lemmings. For simplicity’s sake, we’ll just refer to them as lemmings here.
What does a lemming look like?
These rodents have short, dense, grey fur. Their underbellies are slightly lighter in colour than the rest of their bodies.
A black strip decorates their back. They also have black, button-like eyes situated beneath closely fitting, small ears. Their tails are short and sparsely furred.
How big are lemmings?
They have a stout build. Including the tail, they measure only about eight to 14 centimetres in length. Because of their tiny stature, they weigh in at just 25 to 35 grams.
Visually and behaviourally, lemmings have certain similarities with hamsters. Indeed: both are burrowers and belong to the superfamily Muroidea.
Character: Can Lemmings Become Tame?
The rodent isn’t one for cuddling, making them less suitable as pets for children. But for night owls and the employed, they’re ideal: preferring to sleep through the day and becoming active in the late evening hours.
Lemmings are sociable animals. However, they never completely lose their shyness around humans. It takes patience and tranquillity to make them tamer, and they are sensitive little souls.
Enlightening moment number 2: Despite their sensitivity and size, these little animals emit surprisingly loud noises.
What sounds do lemmings make?
In the evening, these small rodents can be very lively, and the noise levels can soar. Their vocal range includes squeaking, screeching, and chirping noises.
Care: How to Keep Lemmings
Since lemmings are so small, they are not suited to living in cages. A terrarium designed for rodents is a much better solution. The plus side: you can watch your wee protégés clearly without the worry of them escaping through the bars.
Can lemmings climb?
While excellent at many things, climbing isn’t one. This is another reason why a terrarium is the perfect environment for lemmings.
Smooth glass walls don’t even tempt the creatures to try out nonexistent climbing skills, avoiding any possible injuries.
Can you keep lemmings in pairs?
Steppe lemmings are not loners but enjoy the company of their peers. They should therefore be kept in pairs at the minimum. The sooner the animals become accustomed to each other, the easier the socialisation process becomes.
Tip for beginners: Females are more relaxed than males when kept in pairs, especially if they are litter sisters.
What an Appropriate Lemming Terrarium Looks Like
Steppe lemmings enjoy spending time underground. For that “underground” vibe, opt for a tall terrarium and fill it with about 20 to 30 centimetres of pet litter.
More tips for the equipment:
- Lemmings can expend their energy best on a running wheel. Please avoid wire wheels and instead opt for wooden ones. A 20-centimetre diameter wheel is ideal.
- Bridges and stairs also provide more opportunities for exercise, adding a touch of adventure.
- Like us humans, they occasionally fancy a retreat, heading straight for one or two wooden houses when these moments arise.
- A water source and food bowls are also essentials in the terrarium. It’s best if they are securely placed on a house or a second level. This prevents landslides during digging, and the bowls aren’t as easily contaminated.
- Natural branches can stir memories of the lemmings’ natural habitats while providing a fabulous snack in between.
- A sand corner serves as a sanitation area.
How large should the terrarium be?
Legal requirements suggest a minimum size of 100 x 50 x 50 centimetres for a lemming’s domicile. However, as these little burrowers should be kept in pairs and enjoy plenty of movements, an ideal home would be at least 120 x 60 x 60 centimetres.
Temperature and Cleaning Intervals
Lemmings are most comfortable in temperatures between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius with low humidity.
Their home should be cleaned once or twice a month. Never replace all the litter at once; only about a third. As lemmings rely on their sense of smell for orientation.
Nutrition: What Can Lemmings Eat?
Lemmings are herbivores, so green fodder should be a stable feature in their diets. In addition to clean water, they require a daily meal, including the following ingredients and occasional supplements:
- Green fodder is their favourite – this includes wild plants, grasses, leafy vegetables, and kitchen herbs.
- Vegetables with a low sugar content, such as cucumbers, are also welcome in their food dish.
- Low-fat seeds and dry food complement their daily meals.
From time to time, animal-based protein should enrich the diet – like dried insects, for instance.
Can Lemmings Eat Fruit?
Like many other burrowers, they are prone to diabetes. It’s unclear if fruit increases this risk. Nevertheless, it’s better to skip fruits and sugary treats when feeding them.
Health: Keeping an Eye on Behaviour and Appearance
Lemmings are generally easy to care for and hardy. However, like with all other pets, you should check their state of health on a daily basis.
If they look emaciated or their fur appears less well-kept than usual, a visit to the vet is inevitable. Check in advance if the vet treats lemmings or small rodents.
How Long Does a Lemming Live?
The lifespan of lemmings is characteristically short for rodents. If your burrower is spared illness and enjoys a proper diet, you can look forward to approximately two to two and a half years together.
Origin: From the Far East
Naturally, steppe lemmings hail from the regions suggested by their name. They are found in the steppes and semi-deserts of Eastern Europe and Asia.
Their range stretches from Eastern Ukraine through Kazakhstan to Mongolia. To the farmers’ dismay, these little burrowers are also to be found in grain fields.
Buying: How Much Does a Lemming Cost and Where Can I Find Them?
Once these furry little burrowers capture your heart, comes:
Enlightening moment number 3: though becoming increasingly popular as pets, they are still considered exotic in some areas, making their acquisition not so straightforward.
Your first port of call should be animal welfare. Another option to find a duo of lemmings are breeders. Keep an eye on the internet or check your local newspaper’s classifieds. Reputable breeders offer their animals separated by sex. You can expect to pay roughly ten to 20 pounds per animal.
Conclusion: Can You Keep Lemmings as Pets?
While steppe lemmings are small and adorable and look oh-so cuddly – they are best suited for adults. If you’re keen on giving exotic animals a home and observing them in their everyday life, you will find great delight with lemmings.
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