Squirrel as pet
it is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae.These charismatic mammals generally measure between 20 and 40 centimeters and weigh between 250 and 340 grams.They inhabit the forests of the five continents and their main activity during the day is the search for fruits, seeds, bark and even small insects.
- Most species of squirrels do not hibernate like other rodents.
- On the contrary.
- They remain active in search of resources in the soil and cavities in the wild.
- Lack of food seriously affects their life expectancy.
- Which in nature is 3 years.
- Far from 7 to 10 years during which they can live in captivity.
- Read on to learn more about squirrels as a pet.
In the wild, the squirrel climbs, digs and eats everything it finds and manages to handle, it is a curious and extremely active animal that must be free throughout the house at least twice a day, demanding and wild, decides when to return in the cage.
Keep in mind that the squirrel is a wild animal that will never be happy without its daily exercises, agitated and awake, requires a tutor to encourage you and dedicate time and attention to you, so we recommend to those who do not have the patience and time to consider another type of animal more suited to its possibilities.
They make noises and squeals of all kinds during the day to communicate their mood and are even quite noisy when they run around the house and exercise in their cage, even the most docile squirrels can be in a bad mood and even bite if they do not are well maintained or when it comes time to hibernate, so we advise you not to live in a house with very young children or elderly people who cannot follow the pace and routines needed.
You should also consider that it is not an easy animal to maintain and that, during your vacation, it should be entrusted to a responsible person who gives you the same daily attention as you, it is important to check that this person exists in your environment.to take care of the squirrel in an emergency.
Consider the following tips before adopting your squirrel, as they will be very helpful:
The squirrel must have a cage that, the wider and more spacious it is, the better.The minimum size is 80 x 100 centimeters.It can include natural branches inside to relax and scratch the wood.The cage should not be in areas exposed to air currents or direct light, and a quiet and moderately dark area is preferable.
Place a nest inside the cage like a cardboard box with cotton or a cloth bag, it should be a comfortable place where you can take refuge at night, as soon as it darkens the squirrel retreats to sleep in the nest.don’t be disturbed.
Don’t put the cage too far. Squirrels are sociable and curious animals and their absence can create severe anxiety in the animal.
They usually do not produce unpleasant odors, although they usually mark their territory with small discharges of urine, like a dog, in this way if a carpet or furniture is affected, as well as plants that may appear outside the pot or nibbling.. Pay special attention to toxic products.
When you let the squirrel run around your house, watch your actions carefully: you can gnaw wires or lights, throw objects on the ground, or eat something you shouldn’t.
Squirrels of a few months do not regulate their body temperature properly without their mother, place a thermal pad at no more than 37oC under their nest.
A rabbit or guinea pig drinker should be put in the cage, if the squirrel does not understand how it works and does not drink in this way, leave a bowl or small plate with water, but do not remove the feeder so that you learn to drink.
Feeding Baby Squirrels: Providing milk substitutes with a syringe, asking the specialist what the appropriate dosages are based on age, he will tell you the instructions and how often you should feed the animal, which can vary between 5 and 2 times a day.It is very important that the specialist helps you in these steps, know your squirrel better than anyone.
Adult Squirrel Feeding: In the usual pet shops it is already possible to find food for squirrels, you can also give it food for guinea pigs, the type recommended by the squirrel specialist is adequate, keep in mind that a change in diet can stress your new squirrel Should also be fed with a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, mushrooms , eggs and even insects such as crickets, for example.
Here’s a list of the most common diseases in squirrels, if you think your squirrel may suffer, take it immediately to the vet:
The squirrel is a wild, restless and active animal. While it is possible to provide excellent care and space, your pet may not be happy in this way and suffer serious stress-related consequences.
Besides, as soon as you adopt a squirrel and get used to contact with humans, you won’t be able to abandon it because it won’t survive or relate to those of its kind.
Discover other animals that you can adopt and that will feel more comfortable in contact with humans:
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