How to Build Housing for Muskrats

Muskrats are small rodents found throughout much of North America in slow-moving streams and other waterways. Though typically non-confrontational, muskrats do become aggressive when cornered, making them a challenge for the wildlife rehabilitator. If you're rehabilitating muskrats, the first step is to create livable housing for them.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Heavy-duty mesh
• Weatherproofed 2-by-4s or other wood
• Concrete (optional)
• Screwdriver
• Construction screws
• Staplegun
• Staples
• Doghouse or other small structure
• Straw or other bedding material
• Wading pool

1. Find space for an outdoor pen. The muskrats you care for should have enough room to move comfortably within the housing. The pen must also have enough space for a small wading pool and a den.

2. Buy heavy-duty mesh and weatherproofed 2-by-4s to create the pen. The two-by-fours need to be placed at each corner of the pen. Add reinforcement at both the top and the bottom of the pen.

3. Create the frame for the pen by sinking the corner posts into the ground and using screws to attach the additional reinforcements. You can use concrete at the corner posts to create a more stable pen.

4. Sink the mesh at least a foot into the ground to prevent escape and to prevent predators burrowing into the muskrat pen. Use a staplegun to attach the mesh to the pen framework. Be sure to cover the top of the pen as well to prevent predators from entering the pen from above.

5. Provide a small doghouse or other small structure as a muskrat den. Pack the den with straw or another soft bedding material so the muskrats can feel safe and comfortable when they're in this shelter.

6. Provide access to water in the housing, such as a small wading pool. Muskrats need to swim to stay healthy. If possible, sink the pool into the ground. If not, provide a small wooden ramp to make it easy for the muskrats to access the water.

Tips & Warnings

• Muskrats don't do especially well in captivity, so release them into a suitable waterway when they are rehabilitated.
• Most areas require that you have a permit to rehabilitate or otherwise house muskrats. If you don't have a permit, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator when you find an injured muskrat.