It is a big commitment to keep a squirrel as a pet.If the squirrel doesn't have survival skills, you should only adopt it.If you're certain that you can keep a squirrel as a pet in your town, you should set up a living space for it in a large cage.Feed it a balanced diet that is safe from illness and injury.
Step 1: You should know the laws in your area.
There are laws surrounding pet ownership in your area.In some places a permit is required for the ownership of a pet squirrel.If you want to avoid fines and forced surrender of your pet, you should inform yourself before getting a squirrel.
Step 2: There are veterinarians who will treat a squirrel.
Before investing time, money, and a piece of your heart in a squirrel, check with all the vets in your area to see if they will treat it.Do they have experience working with exotic animals?If you need advice on how to treat your squirrel in the event of a medical issue, contact an experienced wildlife rehabilitator.
Step 3: It's important to adopt a squirrel at the right age.
Squirrels will have trouble acclimating to strangers after about nine weeks of age.If you are going to take in an abandoned squirrel, make sure it is young enough to accept and trust you.If you want an accurate assessment of a squirrel's age, bring it to a vet.
Step 4: The squirrel should be left in the wild.
Leave a baby squirrel alone for at least a few hours to give its mother a chance to find it.The small squirrel needs to be monitored from a safe distance.If the baby squirrel seems sick or injured, grab it.The mother is not in the picture.It is in danger from a family pet.
Step 5: Purchase blocks for rodents.
Rodent blocks can be purchased at your local pet store or online.Most of the elements that your squirrel needs are contained in the blocks.If your squirrel doesn't show any interest in eating its blocks, try coating them with a thin layer of peanut butter or adding fruit to make them want to eat them.Ensure freshness and prevent germs by feeding your squirrel 3-4 blocks a day.
Step 6: There is a constant supply of water.
Make sure your squirrel has access to fresh water.In hot summer months, dehydration can be very dangerous for young and adult squirrels.If your squirrel is thirsty, you can refill a water dish.
Step 7: Your squirrel's diet should be supplemented.
Rodent blocks should make up 80% of your squirrel's diet, but you can supplement it with other things.They might eat fruit or insects in nature.If you have fresh foods in your squirrel's food dish, be sure to replace them with something else.Adding additional food sources can boost your squirrel's calcium intake, which is important to maintain strong bones and teeth.Purchase crickets from a pet store.In moderation, offer your squirrel a variety of fruits.Cut-up pieces of larger fruits, such as bananas, apple, peach, and mango, might be included.
Step 8: Limit seeds, corn, and nuts.
It is tempting to feed a pet squirrel large quantities of seeds, corn, and nuts, but they are not healthy choices and may cause obesity over time.These foods are like candy for squirrels and should be served in moderation.Give your squirrel a small amount of these treats at the end of the day after they have eaten a lot of healthy food.Over-consumption of seeds, nuts, and corn can increase the risk of metabolic bone disease.
Step 9: You should buy a cage.
A pet squirrel requires a cage that is at least two feet wide, 2 feet deep, and several feet tall.Squirrels need to be able to move around.Provide places for your squirrel to hide when it wants to.Squirrels have very strong teeth, so choose a metal cage over wood or plastic.Squirrels are good at getting through small spaces so make sure to buy a secure cage.
Step 10: Squirrels can climb on things.
Make sure your squirrel has things to climb on to mimic its natural environment, such as pieces of wood or clean, sturdy branches.Hanging parrot toys is a good choice.Before allowing your squirrel to crawl on the hanging toys, make sure they are securely installed in the cage.
Step 11: Provide your squirrel with things to chew.
Squirrels have strong teeth and a natural tendency to chew, so they should be given things to eat.Squirrels may be able to wear down their incisors with the help of chew bones.Sturdy chew toys are a good choice, but should be cleaned every week to prevent the growth ofbacteria.
Step 12: The cage should be positioned near the window.
To give your squirrel access to sunlight, position your cage near a window.The natural living environment will be mimicked by proximity to the outdoors.If you can, open the window whenever possible so that your squirrel can hear the sounds and smells of the outdoors.
Step 13: You should give your squirrel a nest box.
Squirrels like to sleep in a cozy place.If you have a squirrel, put a small cardboard box in the cage with a large hole in it.You can buy a wooden box for your squirrel at a pet store.If you want your squirrel to get through, you need a large hole in the box.
Step 14: Provide bedding for the squirrel.
Soft materials should be placed in your squirrel's box to make it more comfortable.Your squirrel's nails can get caught in the fabric loops if you use an old towel or terrycloth.Fleece blanket, shredded newspaper, and an old t-shirt are good options.The shredded newspaper can be replaced or washed once a week.If your squirrel chews fabric from the box, replace it.
Step 15: Pets should be kept away from the squirrel.
Keep dogs and cats away from your pet squirrel.Even the most well-trained pet can cause harm to a squirrel in self-defense.Squirrels are prone to biting and may also harm your other pets.
Step 16: Socialize your squirrel.
The squirrel needs to be handled from a young age to get used to humans.When the squirrel is about six months old, it's best to avoid physical contact.A happy squirrel can cause harm.
Step 17: Take the squirrel to the vet for regular checks.
Bring your squirrel to the vet for yearly check-ups.Follow the veterinarians directions for diet, care, and treatment closely.If you see signs of illness in your squirrel, you should bring it to the vet.