Thallomys paedulcus (Acacia rat)

Origin: South Africa and a small part of East Africa with dry savannah vegetation
Head-fuselage Length: 10 to 15 cm (excluding 15 to 20 cm tail)
Age: 3 to 4 years
The acacia rat is a small rat with a mouse-like appearance. The head and top are gray-brown, the belly and chin are white. There are dark "glasses" around the eye. Variegated, light, yellowish and white specimens are also known in captivity. They originally inhabit the savannas in southeastern Africa and live there in acacia trees. They mainly live on flowers, buds and leaves of acacia trees, but leave their sleeping tree alone. Insects also like to be eaten. Acacia rats are alert active nocturnal animals that alternate between rest and activity in short periods.

Grooming
Experience: None
Feeding: Acacia rats are best fed mixed rodent food supplemented with fruit and universal food or insects. It is best to feed the animals when they become active, so in the late afternoon or early evening hours.
Water bowl: Not required. Water bottle: Yes
Change water: 3 times a week (change water bowl at the same time if you have one).

Nutrition
A sturdy food bowl must be placed in the cage and a bottle with a metal nipple can be hung up. Instead of a bottle, a drinking bowl can also be placed.
In captivity, acacia rats can often become obese, so it is useful that you sometimes weigh your acacia rat. Obesity is associated with various other diseases and health problems.
Water
If you are going to place a water bowl in the accommodation to replace a water bottle, it is important to change this water every day and make the layer of water no higher than 2 cm. The acacia rat will not only drink from it, but sometimes also bathe in it. It also wants to prevent excrement from falling into the water.

Cleaning
A hygienic living environment is important to keep your acacia rat healthy. In order to achieve this, the accommodation will have to be cleaned regularly. Cleaning once or twice a week is regular enough.

Handling
The animal will have to be handled in order to clean the accommodation of the acacia rat. This must of course be done properly so that both the acacia rat and you are safe. Approach the creature carefully and make sure your hands are washed. Lift the acacia rat by its tail or try to pick it up by gently placing your hand under the belly and at the same time placing one hand on top of the acacia rat. During handling, keep the acacia rat as close as possible above a surface (such as a table) so that it cannot fall too far down if that happens. Avoid unnecessary stress for the bugs by handling them as little as possible. However, some specimens can become very tame. Getting the acacia rat used to handling from a few weeks old will also reduce stress or any problems.

Housing
Minimum enclosure size for 1 acacia rat: 50x80x80cm
Temperature: 15-20C
Hours of light: 12 hours (need no bulb or artificial light above)
Ground cover: Newspapers, paper towels or sawdust

Design
When acacia rats are awake, they especially enjoy clambering and climbing; a creatively and provocatively designed cage prevents boredom and stress. If they are kept in groups, one is often on guard. Therefore, also take into account a place in the enclosure where the possibility exists for the bugs to stand on the lookout.

Before the stay, there are some extra things that need to be taken into account. The acacia rat can (once actively) look for small holes or crevices to slip through. Therefore, always make sure that the acacia rat does not have the opportunity to do this. And always close the door immediately after opening the accommodation.

Behaviour
Lifestyle: Dusk & night active

Character
When these mice are kept in groups, it is noticeable that when the rest of the group is active, there is always one who keeps watch at a high lookout post. They work shifts and alternate regularly. From the moment it starts to get dark they are very active and a nice appearance.
Points of attention
Originally, acacia rats live in groups. A rat alone will loosen up quickly and may exhibit behavioral disturbances when not kept with several of its kind. That is why it is wise to keep at least two acacia rats together, so that they also have support for each other.

Costs and Purchase
Legislation: No transfer papers are required by law to own the acacia rat.
One-off costs: This includes the costs for the accommodation, lighting, water bottle, water bowl and decoration. All together this can cost a few hundred euros. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the costs for the feed, this is a few tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: Costs have been incurred if your animal accidentally falls ill.