Part of the Old World family, the African dormouse is classified in the order Rodentia and the family Gliridae. There are 26 species of dormice, 15 of them found in Africa. The species introduced into the pet industry is the common African dormouse, whose distribution is Africa south of the Sahara. In their natural habitat, dormice live in various environments, from forests to open savannas. Nests can be found in dense vegetation, on branches or sometimes among rocks.

In the wild, dormice can be found in groups of up to 11 adults, so contact with their own kind is essential for the animal's well-being. Animals housed alone tend to become stressed and nervous. Interaction with other dormice must begin at an early age because dormice can become territorial in their environment. Animals of the same gender housed together to prevent breeding is fine, provided the animals were raised together from infancy.

With soft gray fur, various black markings on the face, a white underbelly and a long bushy tail, dormice look like small squirrels. An average animal is 4 inches long with the tail being slightly shorter. The small size is an advantage to pet owners who can comfortably house a pair in a 10-gallon tank with a wire mesh lid.

Dormice are nocturnal creatures. They are most active in evening hours. Dormice thrive in normal household temperatures (75 to 85 Fahrenheit) and will become dormant if the temperature falls to 65 degrees F or lower. If this happens, the dormouse can be warmed in your hand until it moves about normally. It can then be returned to its home.

Author(s): Stephanie C. Oostveen

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