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Natal multimammate mouse(Mastomys natalensis)
Phylum —chordata
Class — mammalia
Order — rodentia
Family — muridae
Genus –mastomys
Appearance
In appearance, in places it looks like a mouse and a rat. The rodent's body length is 13-15 cm, of which 10-11 cm is the tail. Adults weigh about 60 grams. Mastomyses have 8-12 pairs of nipples. The coat of these rodents is soft, pleasant to touch, and long. There are two types of color: gray and reddish-yellow or light brown.
Habitat
It is found in Africa south of the Sahara.
Behavior
Activeatnight.
Diet
In their natural habitat, their diet is based on seeds and fruits, sometimes insects.
Reproduction
Natal multimammate micebear cubs for 23 days. It gives birth to 10-12 blind mice, maximum 22. They weigh about 1.8 grams and are covered with short sparse down. On the sixteenth day, the mice open their eyes. The female feeds her offspring with milk for three to four weeks. After 5-6 weeks, the mice feed on their own. At the age of 2-3 months, young Natal multimammate micegive birth to their first offspring.
The life span of females is two years, males live about three years.
In captivity
Mastomys is best placed in a metal cage in which the distance between the bars does not exceed 1 cm, and the tray is protected by a railing. The fact is that these mice are very fond of gnawing everything and have not hefty abilities in this case. They are able to chew through even the wooden bottom of the cage, several centimeters thick. In the cage you need to put a house and all sorts of toys: ladders, wheels, sticks, etc. Preferably to make it of wood. You can line the bottom of the cage with papyrus paper, straw, and soft meadow hay. Some owners use sawdust. However, they can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes. In addition, sawdust from pine trees secrete oils, and regular inhalation of their vapors can cause liver disease and, ultimately, damage to the immune system of animals. Given the propensity of Natal multimammate mice to various types of cancer, it is better to refuse to use sawdust.
Natal multimammate miceare very clean animals. Depending on how many mice live in the cage, you can clean it 1-2 times a week, or less often. Mice are easy to be taught to use the toilet: just put any container in a corner of the cell. It is not necessary to bathe these mice in water. To clean the fur, put a container of sand in the cage for chinchillas. Mastomys are gregarious and polygamous, therefore it is advisable to keep them in groups. The family usually consists of a male and 3-5 females. A lonely Natal multimammate mouse become depressed and stop eating. All this will inevitably lead to health problems.
Mastomys are omnivorous. Natal multimammate mice`s diet partially consists of vegetables. Apples, bananas, carrots, pears, cabbage, broccoli will surely please your furry pet. It is also necessary to arrange free access to fresh water.
In general, mastomys are smart, active, inquisitive. It is very interesting to watch them. They are unpretentious in care, but in the absence of regular communication, they become skittish and biting. Therefore, they will need attention and care.
