Hobbies And Interests
Gestation
Pikas mate twice a year in the spring and summer, typically May through August. Pikas are extremely sensitive to heat. Once pregnant, the female finds a burrow and will form a nest from grasses rather than lining it with its own hair like other mammals of this species. They vocalize or "sing" to themselves while pregnant. They have a very short gestation period of 30 days. Gestating baby pikas move very little within their mother's womb.
Birth
Pikas are considered a baby from birth until 3 months of age. Females give birth to two to four babies. Pikas are very tiny at birth. They lack fur and weigh just between 1/10 to 1/2 an ounce. They feed on their mother's milk exclusively and require constant cooling to survive. Death of the litter can occur from brief exposure to temperatures greater than 77.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
Weaning and Early Growth
Baby pikas begin to eat solid food at 7 to12 days after birth in addition to consuming their mother's milk. They begin to grow some fur just a day after birth, while their eyes are still closed. After 7 days, they start leaving the nest even with their eyes still shut. Their eyes fully open at 9 days. At two weeks, they are fully furry and start to drink water, slowly being weaned from mother's milk. Solid food and hoarding starts when they are 17 days old. Within three to four weeks, baby pikas are weaned and are ready to move out of the nest.
Development
After 30 to 40 days, pikas start to take on specific characteristics and behavior. They are asocial and rarely interact with others. Pikas have scent glands to mark territory by rubbing their cheek on rocks. They spend most of their time sitting on rocks, foraging and feeding and calling out. They are extremely agile and like to jump. They even dance and kiss as a mating ritual practice.. They have exceptional eyesight and hearing. They are not afraid of humans, but scold and chase each other. Baby pikas grow up to 2 to 4.5 oz. and steal food from other pikas.