Nest-building behavior in seven species of muroid rodents

Abstract

The amount of cotton pulled and the type of nest built were determined for 14 consecutive days for 10 males and 10 females of each of seven species: Peromyscus maniculatus, P. eremicus, P. leucopus, Microtus canicaudus, M. montanus, M. pennsylvanicus, and M. ochrogaster. There were appreciable species differences for both dependent variables, with Peromyscus species generally pulling more cotton and building more elaborate nests than Microtus. There were few sex differences or changes over the 14 days of testing. Nest building in the laboratory is considered in relation to such factors as body weight, general activity, food hoarding, basal metabolic rates, and nesting behavior in the field.