Facts About Pet Squirrels
You can now add pet squirrels to the long list of animals being introduced to the animal trade. No longer can you expect only to find the typical dog or cat when you visit someone’s home. In the past generation, we have seen the introduction of exotic turtles, Amazon parrots, chinchillas, and even ferrets to the repertoire of pets. These days, you should not be surprised to come across a pet fox, a shark, or even a wild cat in a domestic setting. Therefore, we should hardly bat an eye at the idea of pet squirrels.
Squirrels, in some ways, seem a natural next step as far as the pet trade is concerned. Unlike other animals, they have to a certain extent learned to live in the presence of humans and in some cases have established symbiotic relationships with humans. Pet squirrels are generally less dangerous than many other recent additions—you won’t end up dead from a pet squirrel attack.
So how do you take care of a pet squirrel?
Choosing a Pet Squirrel
Although you see squirrels around all the time, you no more want to take one into your home than you want to take in a wild wolf. Squirrels who other squirrels have raised in the wild are simply not well suited to domestication. Before you can get a squirrel, you will need to search out a squirrel breeder. You will want to get the squirrel young, shortly after a breeder has weaned it so that it can get used to you early. This increases the chances both you and your squirrel will be happy. You should also be aware that in some states squirrels are illegal. Therefore, check local laws before you start looking to get one.
Squirrel Cages
A general rule for all animals is that you should try to simulate the natural conditions they are used to in the wild as much as possible. For squirrels this means mimicking their forest environment.
Squirrels need lots of room and lots of climbing apparatus. The squirrel cage should be at least four cubic feet as a minimum. Ideally, you want to have more space. Remember that these animals are arboreal. You should attach branches across the cage so that you little guy can climb and frolic at his or her pleasure.
In the wild, squirrels live inside of trees, where they gather twigs and other sort of bedding. This setting makes them feel safe from predators. In order to make your squirrel comfortable you will need to have a wooden den for him to live in. Most people attach these dens to the outside of the cage, giving them a doorway into it from the inside of the cage. Pet squirrels will decorate their own dens if you give them the right materials. Certain types of hay and bedding are the ideal for this. If you put these materials inside the den, most pet squirrels will take it from there.
Feeding
In the wild, squirrels mostly eat nuts. However, this is one area where you can improve on nature. Squirrels can also eat a variety of greens along with their nuts. Although you may think of squirrels as being similar to rabbits, remember that squirrels don’t live in fields like rabbits but up trees. Therefore, rather than the usual vegetables the main staple of their diet should be nuts. The best way to mimic this diet is to feed them parrot food.
Veterinary Visits
Just like cats and dogs, you should take your pet squirrel to the veterinarian for regular visits. This may not be as easy as it sounds. Because pet squirrels are only a recent trend, many veterinarians—even those trained in exotics—do not treat squirrels. You may need to travel a bit out of your way in order to find one that will see your squirrel.
In addition, unlike cats, dogs, and other animals who have had their care standardized, pet squirrels are so new that veterinary medicine is still developing standards on how to properly care for squirrels kept in domestic situations.
If you choose to take on these responsibilities however, you may find having a pet squirrel a rewarding experience.