Garden Dormice are also known as Asian Garden Dormice, Asiatic Garden Dormice and AGD. They are a rodent within the dormice family and are larger than African Pygmy Dormice at around 10-15cm in length plus 8-14cm for their long fluffy tail.
In the wild Garden Dormice are most common in Southern Europe, with populations in Alps, in the Bavarian Forest, and in the Ore Mountains. Although it is also present in northern Germany recent surveys suggest the numbers here are no longer viable.
Their most noticeable feature is the dark spectacles around the eyes and more upright, larger ears than some other dormice species. They look very similar to the European Garden Dormice but can be identified from them by their mostly black tail which greys at the base. The European Garden Dormouse has a brown, black and white tail.
In the pet trade, they are quite rare which is reflected in their high price tag. Vocalisations include whistles, barks, and grunts during their nocturnal activities. In captivity they can be expected to live around 5-6 years.
They require a large habitat furnished with plants, branches and other climbing material. Although mostly arboreal, some Garden Dormice can adapt to more horizontal space so your environment may need to be adapted if your Dormice are less active.
They also like various tunnels, tubes and other shelters and some keepers have reported their Garden Dormice are happier in a more enclosed environment suggesting that a large wooden vivarium may suit better than a vivarium or tank with glass to all four sides. This may be due to the fact that their natural habitats would be tree canopys or rocky outcrops with little open space.
Like other species of Dormice, Asian Garden Dormice should be kept at a warm room temperature to avoid them entering a state of torpor.
Although progress is being made with new litters, most Garden Dormice are not easy to handle. If issueing warning barks or growls do not work, an Asian Garden Dormouse has quite a powerful bite.
Like other dormice species a Garden Dormouse's diet needs to be varied, it is important to meet their nectar needs and offer a variety of suitable foods.