What is a Dormouse?

The Dormouse is a small rodent with a mouse-like appearance, but with a furred tail instead of a scaly tail like most other rodents. They are particularly known for their long periods of hibernation and can be found in Europe, Asia and Africa. Most people will associate the Dormouse with the movie "Alice in Wonderland" and are becoming a very popular pet to have because they are so cute.

Characteristics
The Dormouse is small for a rodent, weighing between 1-7 ounces and being between 2-6 inches long. They generally look like mice but with a longer furred tail and huge black eyes much like a sugar glider. Most species of Dormice are nocturnal and are omnivorous, typically eating berries, fruits, nuts and insects. They are highly social animals and will live in large family groups in the wild. In captivity the Dormouse can live up to five years old with the right care.

As A Pet
This little rodent is quickly becoming more popular as a pet because they are so small and cute and will bond with their owner if they are adopted from a young age and handled often. They are nocturnal and during their waking hours they are quite active, therefore needing ample space to climb, run and jump. Having branches, stairs, ladders, ropes and ledges in their enclosure is a must for these little guys.

They are great escape artists so a sturdy cage with very small spaces between the wires is needed. They are very small so they can squeeze into tiny spaces. A mouse sized solid exercise wheel is a great toy to have in their cage. A nesting box and a other small houses or cardboard tubes should always be available in their cage, to give them a sense of security and a place to sleep.

Hibernation
Dormice that live in cold climates can hibernate up to six months if the weather stays cool enough to warrant it, while waking for brief periods to eat food they had previously stored nearby in their nests. During the summertime they will eat a lot and store fat in their bodies to nourish them through their hibernation period. Dormice living in captivity need to have their homes kept at 70F or above or they may go into hibernation which can be dangerous for one who hasn't prepared for it by storing fat in their bodies and food in their nests.

Food Requirements
When keeping a dormouse in captivity as a pet, their diet needs to be varied each day because in the wild they eat a variety of foods and will be happier and healthier when supplied with the right foods. Dormice need fresh fruit, nuts, nectar, a seed mix and insects like meal worms.

Because these little animal require a little more care than some other rodents like hamsters or rats, they do not make a good first pet for kids. They are quick and like to climb, run and jump and don't often sit still for kids to pet and cuddle with.

Sources:
http://crittery.hubpages.com/hub/Keeping-African-Pygmy-Dormice-as-pets