TLS
RESEARCH
USDA
License No. 33-B-0192
Telephone (voice or FAX): 630-351-0991
E-mail: seg50@comcast.net
THIRTEEN-LINED
GROUND SQUIRRELS
Thirteen-lined ground squirrels
(Spermophilus tridecemlineatus) are our business. The animals are live
trapped as ordered. TLS Research is unmatched in its ability to supply
large quantities of thirteen-lined ground squirrels in a short time.
MAINTENANCE
In
most ways thirteen-lined ground squirrels can be maintained like laboratory
rats, but they must be caged individually. They
are best handled wearing two pair of cotton work gloves. Standard rat or rodent
chows, occasionally supplemented with sunflower seeds, provide an adequate
diet. Upon arrival the animals must be immediately removed from the shipping
crate and supplied with water. As a hibernating animal, these ground squirrels
can be expected to enter a hypothermic state even at normal room temperature
anytime during November through mid-March. Length of the hibernating state may
vary from one to four weeks at room temperature. Withholding drinking water can
stimulate the onset of hibernation during these months.
NESTING MATERIAL
Our
experience indicates that some type of nesting material is crucial for the
continuing good health of the thirteen-lined ground squirrel. Since this animal
should be caged individually, and since its surface area to body mass ratio is
large; these factors facilitate rapid body heat loss and a susceptibility to
opportunistic infections. Cotton or shredded paper are excellent nesting
materials and will help to avoid chilling. As a burrowing animal, allowing the
squirrel to "hide" itself within the dark confines of the nesting
material diminishes captivity stress.
HEALTHCARE
Perhaps
the most troublesome potential problems in wild ground squirrels are opportunistic
infections from organisms normally harbored by these animals. Symptoms may
appear when the animal is stressed from capture and transport. The most serious
of these are ascarid nematode (worm) infections of the upper GI tract.
Subsequent possible secondary larval migration to the mid-brain causes head
tilting and ultimately death. Deworming is accomplished by
If
the animal appears to be succumbing to stress (lethargy, body hair raised,
unsteady movements, rapid weight loss, serous nasal discharge, shivering), the
animal can usually be saved by moving it immediately into a dry warm area
(85-90° F) under an infrared heat lamp. Antibiotics may help, but consult your
veterinarian first.
A
problem we have rarely encountered, but which might nonetheless occur under
laboratory conditions, is impaction of cheek pouches. Sometimes these animals
will pack seeds so tightly into their cheek pouches, that they cannot
completely express the material. We have removed as much as 7.0 grams of
impacted material from one cheek pouch in wild-caught individuals. If impaction
has persisted too long, the malocclusion will prevent normal ingestion. Also
the impacted material tends to ferment. Maloccluded incisors must, therefore,
first be clipped or ground to proper length. Then, if necessary, a ground and
sieved (0.21 mm screen) slurry of lab chow can be gastrically intubated with a
syringe and a 13 cm length of flexible (Tygon® R-3603, 2 mm O.D.)
tubing. The lab chow can be mixed with water or milk. A drop or two of a
multivitamin mix may be added.
Another
infrequent problem reported is urolithiasis in males during long-term
captivity. If necessary, weekly diet supplementation with mink chow (high
protein) along with ascorbic acid in the drinking water should help to maintain
acidic urine and prevent formation of urinary tract magnesium ammonium
phosphate calculi.
Ectoparasites
(fleas, ticks, etc.) are endemic among wild-caught ground squirrels. Although
we try to minimize infestations before shipment, we cannot guarantee that all
animals will be 100% ectoparasite-free. Therefore, with the guidance of your
veterinarian, dusting or dipping protocols must be performed as soon as
possible after arrival.
Body length: 11.5 to 16.5 cm
Adult weight: 150-240 g
Anesthesia: Na-pentobarbital, 40-50
mg/kg, i.p.
Ketamine, 22-45
mg/kg, i.p.
AVAILABILITY
July 21 to September 25.
Since
we are dependent upon a naturally occurring supply of thirteen-lined ground
squirrels, shipment of orders before July 15 is discouraged. April-May is the
annual breeding season for thirteen-lined ground squirrels, during which our
natural supply renews itself. During June, July and early August, the young of
the season grow to an acceptable shipping weight of about 75 grams. With
approaching winter and hibernation, these animals disappear rapidly in October.
Therefore, we cannot guarantee completion of orders
received after September 25. In the natural ground squirrel habitat,
published reports indicate that there are two to eight times more females than
males. Furthermore, we have no control over the capture of one sex over
another. Therefore, we cannot honor orders for one sex, exclusively.
GUARANTEE
Live
delivery is guaranteed. However, credit will be issued for dead or
unsatisfactory animals if we are notified within 48 hours of delivery. NEVER
return animals. No other guarantees or warranties are stated or otherwise
implied. The liability of TLS Research is limited to the purchase cost of the
ground squirrels only. The investigator is responsible for learning proper care of
these unique animals before arrival.
These animals are wild-caught and unconditioned. Every effort is made to send only apparently
healthy animals. Please keep in mind
that these are wild animals and will bite when handled. The investigator or purchaser should make
allowances for the above and acceptance of these ground squirrels acknowledges
that they may harbor internal and/or external parasites or microbes capable of
causing human and/or animal diseases, which may not be obvious at the time of
shipment. Since these ground squirrels
are obtained from an uncontrolled environment, it is particularly essential to
quarantine new arrivals in accordance with good laboratory animal practice
under the supervision of a veterinarian.
PLACING ORDERS
We
must have your purchase order number when placing an order. International
purchasers must arrange for any required government livestock import permits
(other than health certification). Shipment cannot be made without the required
permit(s).
To
assure live delivery all purchasers must arrange to have the ground squirrels
picked up at the destination airport. Please provide us with a telephone and
FAX number with the name of a person to notify upon arrival. Your e-mail
address will also be helpful.
PRICES (April 2008)
Random sex and weight, wild-trapped,
Non-conditioned, $53.95 each
International
orders: Shipments outside of the
NOTE: Add 50%
to above prices on orders requiring October delivery.
Prices
are F.O.B. Chicago,
Due to volatile fuel prices, all shipping charges are
estimates. Exact charges are quoted when
placing your order.
Crate
charge per 10 animals: $19.95
On each domestic shipment the air freight charge is $265 or $5.50
per animal, whichever is greater. Door
to door delivery is available for $685 (up to 40 animals). Livestock cannot be
sent collect. Shipments are sent Monday through Wednesday only.
Since the USDA prohibits shipment of livestock when temperatures exceed 85° F,
we may not be able to assure a specific delivery time during hot weather. We
reserve the right to choose the carrier and routing of shipment most
appropriate for live delivery of animals.
TERMS
Net
30 days. Payment in U.S. dollars only. A finance charge of 1.5% per month is
assessed balances outstanding after 30 days from the date of invoice. Payer is
responsible for all fees attendant to the remission of payment. Prices are
subject to change without notice.
We look forward to your order. THANK YOU!
© TLS Research 2008