Florida Administrative Code
68 - FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
68A - Freshwater Fish and Wildlife
Chapter 68A-6 - CAPTIVE WILDLIFE
Section 68A-6.0126 - Standard Caging Requirements for Rodents, Rabbits, Hedgehogs, Tenrecs, and Solendons

Universal Citation: FL Admin Code R 68A-6.0126

Current through Reg. 50, No. 187; September 24, 2024

(1) Rodents.

In addition to the requirements for this section, each cage or enclosure shall have an accessible device to provide physical stimulation or manipulation compatible with the species. Such device shall be noninjurious, and may include, but is not limited to, boxes, balls, PVC tubing, browse, etc. Each cage shall have shelters or nest box(es) that will accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.

(a) Small aquatic rodents (e.g., Florida water rat, muskrat).
1. For one or two animals, a cage 4 feet by 6 feet, 4 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.

2. Each cage shall have a pool of water, 2 feet by 2 feet, 1 foot deep.

3. Each cage shall have gnawing items.

(b) Medium aquatic rodents (e.g., nutria, mountain beaver).
1. For one or two animals, a cage 8 feet by 6 feet, 4 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor space.

2. Each cage shall have a pool of water, 3 feet by 2 feet, 2 feet deep.

3. Each cage shall have gnawing items.

(c) Large aquatic rodents (e.g., capybara, beaver).
1. For one or two animals, a cage 10 feet by 10 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor space.

2. Each cage shall have a 6 foot by 8 foot pool of water, 3 feet deep. For each additional animal, increase the pool size by 25 percent of original floor area.

3. Each cage shall have gnawing items.

(d) Large rodents (e.g., porcupines, cavies, paca, pacarana, agoutis).
1. Cavies, paca, pacarana, agoutis and similar sized ground dwelling rodents.
a. For one or two animals, a cage 6 feet by 4 feet, 3 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.

b. Each cage shall have gnawing items.

2. South and North American porcupines.
a. For one to two animals, a cage 8 feet by 6 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.

b. Each cage shall have gnawing items, perching areas and climbing apparatus.

3. Old World porcupines (e.g., crested, bush tailed, and similar sized animals).
a. For one to two animals, a cage 8 feet by 8 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.

b. Each cage shall have gnawing items and browse. Each cage shall also have perching areas and climbing apparatus except for crested porcupines.

(e) Squirrels and tree shrews.
1. Arboreal squirrels/tree shrews.
a. For up to two animals, a cage 4 feet by 4 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.

b. Each cage shall have climbing apparatus and gnawing items.

2. Terrestrial squirrels.
a. Small prairie dogs, chipmunks.
(I) For up to two animals, a cage 3 feet by 3 feet, 2 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.

(II) Each cage shall have gnawing items.

b. Large (e.g., marmots, ground hogs).
(I) For up to two animals, a cage 4 feet by 4 feet, 4 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.

(II) Cage floors shall have an area of sufficient depth that provides for digging. Each cage shall have gnawing items.

(2) Wild rabbits, hares, and picas.

(a) For up to two animals, a cage 6 feet by 4 feet, 3 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.

(b) Each cage shall have gnawing items.

(3) Hedgehogs, tenrecs, and solendons.

(a) For one or two animals, a cage 2 feet by 2 feet, 2 feet high. For each additional animal, increase the cage length by 50 percent.

(b) Each cage shall have perching area(s) and nest box(es) that shall accommodate all animals in the enclosure simultaneously.

Rulemaking Authority Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const. Law Implemented Art. IV, Sec. 9, Fla. Const.

New 9-30-19.

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