Cherokee Flats

07/30/2022

We allow the males and females to do what they need to do. We check daily to make sure everyone is fed, watered, and healthy.

We prefer to wean in same sex groups at 3-4 weeks of age. We do this for several reasons:

1. This allows them time away from other litters and adults.
2. It makes it easier for us to decide who's going and who's staying.
3. This allows the newly born litters a chance at survival as the older litters can suffocate the new borns

ASF's are omnivores and will eat everything from mealworms to fruit and veggies to seeds and more.

Here at Greenbean's Tater Tot Hut, we provide fresh fruits and veggies along with high quality rodent blocks, bugs and seeds. 

For our breeding adults, we use a 40q Hefty clear storage bin with high rise locking lid. We have ventilation holes in it and a place for the water bottle.

Babies under 3 weeks are also kept in here with their colony.

Once weaned, babies are moved into Nursery Tanks. These tanks are 10 gallon with a screen lid, wood bedding, and hanging water bottle. This keeps them warm and safe and prevents escape. 

We wean in same sex groups to prevent unwanted litters. 

No matter what enclosure they are in, they are provided with places to hide, nesting material (usually tissues), chew toys and fresh food and bottled spring water as we are on a well.

While we do not handle them on a daily basis other than checking health and sexing, they are talked to daily and do have some human interactions. Although they receive a lot of attention, they DO NOT make good pets and are VERY nippy.

Over time, they have come accustomed to me invading their colony and no long try to attack me while doing baby checks.

ASF do not handle the cold since they come from warm climates and need warmth to thrive.

Preferred temperature range is between 75ᴼ - 90ᴼ F. While they will be ok at the lower temperature, higher is better.

ASFs can breed as early as 2 months of age. Litter size can be anywhere from 6 to as many as 22. Gestation period is approximately 21 days. When breeding, a minimum of 2 female and 1 male should be considered. If not, the male will drive the female crazy with breedings and cause stress and potentially other health issues.

Females in the colony will help raise each others young as will the male. There is no need to remove males or females during breeding/littering

As we progress with breedings, we will eventually have several breeding colonies. This will help with production and the ability to have several of different ages available.