How long do African Dormice live?
African dormice typically live 3-5 years in captivity, with some individuals reaching 7-8 years under ideal conditions.
What do African Dormice eat?
Their diet mixes insect protein with fruit and seeds: offer a base of high-quality insectivore or omnivore mix, daily insects (crickets, mealworms), small amounts of chopped fruit and vegetables, and occasional seeds. Do NOT feed them a seed-only diet (malnutrition) or dairy, chocolate, or sugary treats.
Housing and space
Provide a tall, wired escape-proof cage with multiple levels, branches, and nest boxes; floor area of roughly 60 x 40 cm is a minimum for a pair, with height prioritized over footprint. Keep temperatures around 21-26°C (70-79°F) and avoid drafts, as they are sensitive to cold. They need a dark, cozy nest for daytime sleep.
Common mistakes with African Dormice
Common fatal errors are housing them too cold or drafty, feeding seed-only diets lacking protein, using cages they can squeeze through (they are tiny escape artists), and keeping them where they are handled roughly or stressed by daytime noise and light.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Keeping them cold or in drafts — dormice are heat-sensitive and decline fast.
- Seed-only feeding — they need insect protein and fruit for balance.
- Cages with gaps they can escape through — they are tiny, fast, and expert climbers.
- Forcing daytime handling — they are nocturnal and easily stressed.