Don’t give them fruits.
Consult your veterinarian before feeding your lemmings a pre-formulated mix that is not intended for lemmings. Follow the instructions on the product to determine how much pre-formulated food you should give your lemming. In many cases, this will end up being less than a quarter of a cup (. 6 l).
Avoid giving them commercial food intended for mice, hamsters, or other rodents. In addition, avoid giving them hamster treats and dried fruits. Consult your vet if you have concerns about a specific food and its sugar content. [2] X Research source
Typically hamster cages won’t work for lemmings, as the lemmings will be able to escape through the wires of the cage. Glass enclosures are okay, if they have a secure wire or mesh top that allows air circulation. The more lemmings in the habitat, the larger it should be. As a rule, go for 10 to 15 gallons (38 liters to 57 liters) per lemming.
Lemmings will use hay to create a nest and eat. If you notice your wood shavings or hay are damp, you should change them out immediately. This could cause health problems for your lemmings.
The ideal temperature for lemmings is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (13 and 24 degrees Celsius). Lemmings should never be kept in temperatures warmer than 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius).
Willow branches. Popsicle sticks. Twigs made from grasses. Commercially available chew sticks (if they are organic).
Don’t keep more than 1 male for every 2 or 3 female lemmings. Remember, though, keeping male and female lemmings together will result in baby lemmings. Consult your vet when determining how many and what type of lemmings to keep together. Verify that the breed of lemming you’re keeping is in fact social. For example, the common Steppe Lemming is very social. However, there are a couple (rare) breeds that are less social and may benefit from being housed in smaller numbers.
Pick a neutral ground (not the habitat) to introduce lemmings. Introduce lemmings in a one-on-one basis. This way, each animal can interact with the new animal by themselves. When you finally place the new lemming into the habitat, watch it for several hours to make sure the other lemmings accept it.
