Breeding Age

• Breeding age of female (optimum): 3-10 months
• Breeding age of male (optimum): 3-24 months
• Sexually mature: 5-6 weeks of age

Female Statistics

• Type of estrus: polyestrous (heat at fairly regular times- year round)
• Frequency of estrus: Every 4-5 days
• Length of estrus: Usually 12 hours (most often at night)
• Return of estrus after delivery: 12-24 hours
• Female menopause (estropause): 18 months (variable, but most common 15-18 months)
• Pelvic fusing in females: No
• Number of teats on a female: 12
• Number of uteruses: 2 (“uterine horns”)

Pregnancy and Babies

• Gestation: 21-23 days
• Weaning age: 21-28 days
• Average litter size: 6-12 (variable from 1-22)
• Average size of newborn: 6-7 grams
• Fur on babies: 7-10 days
• Eyes open: 12-15 days
• Ear canal open: 12-14 days
• Descent of testes: 15-50 days