The homeland of nutria is North America, but this animal is widespread almost throughout the globe. Breeding nutria at home is very popular. This is due to several factors - not only animal fur, but also meat is distinguished by a high cost, and maintenance costs are minimal. Nutria are easy to tame and quickly take root in captivity.
Features of designing a cell for nutria
The main thing that a nutria breeder should remember is that these animals, despite their small size, are distinguished by amazing strength. They can move cells, move inventory to new locations, and sometimes even "break open" wooden floors in dwellings.
It is better to attach the feeders and drinkers in the cage immediately to the walls. Otherwise, when trying to move the container to another place, the animal may spill food or water. An equally important point is the height of the cage walls. It is recommended to make "houses" no higher than 50 cm. This is due to the nutria's love for lasagne. The animal can climb onto the cage wall and fall, resulting in serious bruises and injuries.
When choosing a cage for nutria, it must be borne in mind that these animals are rodents. Be sure to "secure" the wooden material with an iron wire or lattice.
Water plays a special role for nutria. Despite the fact that some experts argue that the presence of a reservoir for animals raised in captivity is not necessary, it is still better to provide pets with at least a small homemade water area. Water is a natural habitat for nutria, the skins of animals with access to water bodies are much more beautiful and of better quality.
Nutria nutrition at home
Nutria is predominantly a herbivore. In captivity, they can be fed similar to rabbits or sheep. The diet of nutria, as a rule, includes compound feed, grass flour, hay, root crops and legumes.
In their natural environment, nutria can eat fish and leeches. For a change, you can offer such food to animals living in captivity.
Animal feed should be periodically supplemented with fresh plants, tree shoots and marsh vegetation. In captivity, the animal needs more vitamins for normal development and reproduction.
Breeding nutria at home
One of the main features of nutria is their almost year-round reproduction. One offspring of an animal can have 4-6 or 8-10 puppies. By the appearance of the cubs, you can determine their health. If a newborn nutria has shiny and smooth fur, then this is a sign of perfect health. A tousled and dull coat should be a signal to the owner that it is necessary to introduce changes in the daily routine of nutrias and their nutrition. The female probably lacks vitamins, moisture, or sunlight.
It is recommended to separate puppies from a female not earlier than at the age of three months. Sexual maturity in males begins as early as 4 months, in females - at 7. Pregnancy in nutria lasts about 130 days.
Nutria is cobbled together by the planting method. And, as a rule, a female becomes a guest. The male feels more confident, while the female, on the contrary, pays more attention to the new environment. It is much easier for a male to gain trust in such moments.
