Anyone have a Flying Squirrel for a pet?

[Squerly]

Flying Squirrels are really fun but they are not the right pet for everyone. My wife and I had one for 13 years. He lived in our bedroom and being nocturnal, we to learn to live with his antics at night. You must be dedicated to them as they will change almost every part of your life. You must learn to open drawers carefully, as he might had decided to sleep in one that night... err, I mean day. You can't just "plop" down on the bed as he may be under the covers, or under your pillow. Learning to walk across the bedroom floor means paying attention and often 'shuffling' your feet. You sure don't want to step on the little guy as he makes a run for your pant leg.

When bonded, Flying Squirrels are very loving animals and want to spend much of their time with you. We didn't have anyone to ask questions of when we had "Chipper" and most of what we learned was from trial and error, mixed with a little common sense. We are not experts, but we have a lot of "on the job experience" that we can share with those of you who have these wonderful creatures as pets. I can't promise an answer for every situation, but there is a good chance that we may be able to shorten the learning curve.

~ Squerly :Squirrel

[NatureGirl]

Hi,

I have a pet flying squirrel! His name is Jasper and he's so much fun! They really do make wonderful pets, but yes, you do have to be dedicated! They need a fairly large cage, the recommended minimum size cage for a flying squirrel is 2'x3'x3', but the bigger the better! Also you should put rodent vitamins in their water at least 3 times a week and they also need a source of calcium. I use rep-cal and sprinkle it on his fruits and vegetables every night. Or on his food. When you get a flying squirrel you should try to get one that isn't any older than 8 weeks and carry him/her around in a shirt pocket or bonding pouch for several hours a day for 3-4 weeks. That way they will bond to you. I can also try to answer questions anyone may have about flying squirrels, although I'm not an expert. But I have had experience with them!

[Fuzzy]

Hi,

I have a pet flying squirrel! His name is Jasper and he's so much fun! Post PICS! :worthless

[NatureGirl]

I'd love to post some pics of Jasper, but right now I can't get the pictures from my digital camera to transfer to my computer. I'll post some pics of him as soon as I can though! Do have a pet flying squirrels, Fuzzy? Or have you had one?

[lightens]

I was wondering how you got to have flying squirrels as pets?? I am looking for one as a pet for someone else who has had them before and cant find one anywhere. His birthday is coming up and I would really like some helpfull information on how to get one. Thanks :help

[NatureGirl]

Well, I'm not sure where Squerly got his, but I got mine from a breeder in San Antonio, Texas. Here's her webiste: www.helenslittlecritters.com
I think she has babies available right now. Then there's Ratkateers Rodentry: www.ratkateersrodentry.com
Who also has babies available right now. May I ask where you are located? There is a couple of hobby breeders, one in Ohio and one Tennessee if you're interested although I don't think they'll have babies till spring. I've never done business with either one of them but I know other people have and couldn't be more pleased with their baby! They are both very nice and are great breeders. Also, a good idea would be to post here: http://www.nfsa.us/phpBB2/index.php
There might be someone on there who has a flyer for sale or know of someone close to your friend who does.

Good Luck!! ;) Oh I almost forgot...Welcome to the board lightens!! :)

[lightens]

Thanks Nature Girl..
But actually I got really lucky the yesterday. The person that I was looking for a flying squirrel for also wanted a squirrel and someone brought a squirrel into my work. So, now he has his squirrel... although it is not a flying. It is only a week or two old, so... I dont know if it will live. Hopefully it will. :)

[strider72]

just a quick note...i have had 5 southren flyers, and while i love them to death, they are not for everyone..they need lots of love and some special care...i lost one i sold to a friend because he didnt take care of it and i vowed never to let that happen again.They are the greatest pets!

[dirgedoll]

Two Southern flying Squirrels have me as pets. A 3 year old female named Skyler, and a 1 1/2 year old named Griffie (Griffin). I also got mine from Helens Little Critters-Venette has been a tremendous help with questions, and health concerns. I am going to purchase my third next year, and I highly recommend getting them from her.

They are such awesome pets. I love them, you'll never get bored.

Katherine

:jump

[NatureGirl]

Hey and Welcome Katherine! Always good to have another HOF on the board. :D Have you ever let your flyers breed?

[rehabber]

I have been a rehabber for years and have a foxer that is not releasable, but I am about to become "mom" to an old pet male flyer. My friend has had him since he was tiny, got from the pet store in Porter, Tx, but she passed away last weekend and I had promised to take care of DC. Now my question is will he bond with me? She had just bought him a very large cage, but I will let him out to run around in the evenings after he has gotten used to his new home. Any help will be put to good use. I have fed my rehab flyers just like the other squirrels except I do put the vitamins in the flyers water and do feed them the ZuPreem balls I make with the Reptocal in them. I want to make DC's switch as easy for him as possible.

[NatureGirl]

It is harder for a older flying squirrel to bond with you, but sometimes it can be done. Here's some really good methods for bonding with older flyers: http://www.nfsa.us/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=205 If you scroll down a little bit, you'll see it. Good luck. And I'm really sorry about your friend passing away.*Hugs*

[rehabber]

thanks Nature Girl, that is an interesting link. I have petted DC before, but I just know he is going to be so upset that his "mom" is not with him. I have a great bathroom to try this in.

[Earl's Mom]

I've had a baby flying squirrel for about a week and a half now. I've named him Earl, hence my screen name. He's been eating goats milk-recommended by a veterinarian. He's loving it. He also nibbles on apples, cranberries, and some sugar food that I bought. He takes tiny little jumps now. I'm wondering when he might begin to "fly." Will he learn to do this on his own, or does the mother teach them to jump and glide? ANY suggestions to help my baby would be appreciated. How long should he eat the milk from a dropper? Should he take water from a bottle or a dish?
I believe he is maybe 6-7 weeks old. His eyes are open and he is playful sometimes, but still sleeps a lot even at night. His tail is being to get a bit bigger, but not much.

Thanks for any help you can give! Oh, I almost forgot... anyone have suggestions for helping dogs to get along with the newest member of the family????? That's the biggest challenge. We're keeping them in separate parts of the house for now. Might have to stay that way forever.

[rygel1hardt]

Hi Earls mom
Welcome to the squirrel board. I am Zander and Sians mom. If you could get Esbilac puppy formula it would be better for your new friend and many a squirrel has been successfully raised on it. About getting the dogs to get along with him I would never have them loose together EVER it is just too easy for the dogs to chomp him just once and good Bye Earl! I never mix any other animals with my squirrels and dont even have any two different types
( I am also a rehabber of greys and foxers) loose together just to be sure everyone stays safe. Again welcome to the board and enjoy your new buddy. Flyers are great lttle pets.

[Lisa B]

Hi:)
This is my flyer Squirrelly.I don't know if he's a boy or not.I got him a couple months ago.My brother who's the town tree man gives me babies that need help.I also have a tailless grey, Joey.I carried Squirrelly in a fanny pack around my waist the first couple of weeks so I'm momma.I didn't hardly ever try to grab him with my hand though which I probably should have as I have a heck of a time coaxing him back in his cage after playtime.I try to play with him every night before I go to bed.I sit in my chair and he likes to go in my hair.He wrestles with my fingers and bites them (thank God not too hard)He also gives me gentle love nibbles on my cheek.I'm glad I found this board as I want to get all the info I can to be sure I'm giving my squirrels a good home.
I live in East Haven Connecticut.I am a 50 yr old mom and mema to 8 grandkids.
Lisa B

[Lisa B]

Sorry picture too big.I'll try again

[Momma Squirrel]

Lisa what a beauty, what is the name? How old and how long have you had the flyer? Lots of questions this morning, just curious and very very jealous.

[Lisa B]

I just call him Squirrelly.I've had him for a couple months.Somebody had trapped him to get him out of their walls.My brother who cuts trees for a living gave him to me.He's brought me orphans before.I've had greys and a racoon,a black duck,a rock dove and a fawn.I think Squirrelly was pretty young.He's attached to me.One night he got out and somehow he made it all the way upstairs and found me in my bed.
Lisa B

[Cindy G]

I have 10. In the order recieved.
1. Mr. Frodo- Wild
2. Sam- Brother- Wild
3. Precious- Sister- Wild
4.Gandalf_Wild
5. Mary-Given to me..Bought from a pet store.
6. Pippin "Pip" for short (Marys boyfriend) Given to me. Bought by pet store.
7. Arwen- Wild
8,9,10, Brothers and Sisters mother Mary father Sam born in June 2006. No names for them yet besides 8 9 10.
I love them all. I have right now Mary and the babies seperated from the others. I am not sure when to put them all back together?
All of my flyers even though are wild are all loving and happy.

[Squerly]

I have 10. In the order recieved.
1. Mr. Frodo- Wild
2. Sam- Brother- Wild
3. Precious- Sister- Wild
4.Gandalf_Wild
5. Mary-Given to me..Bought from a pet store.
6. Pippin "Pip" for short (Marys boyfriend) Given to me. Bought by pet store.
7. Arwen- Wild
8,9,10, Brothers and Sisters mother Mary father Sam born in June 2006. No names for them yet besides 8 9 10.
I love them all. I have right now Mary and the babies seperated from the others. I am not sure when to put them all back together?
All of my flyers even though are wild are all loving and happy.Hi Cindy, that's quite a bunch of flyers. I'm envious, yet glad that it's you and not me! :) I've been watching the pictures and they sure are cute. :grouphug

[Momma Squirrel]

When you say wild, what do you mean, do they live outside?? or do they just have the run of the house?

[Cindy G]

They came were caught from the wild outdoors. They are caged and have free roam of my room during play time.
Great news!!! I have been calling vets all day to find out who will nuter my males and the price. One place told me $275 I laughed. Then others told me no squirrel nuttering for them. Then one place told me $75 and thats not too bad. However I do I have 4 adult males at this time. Well someone just called and said $50. I am not trying to price shop all that much but find the Dr. who has the most exp. with flyers and this $50 Dr did. :D

[Momma Squirrel]

:Cry :eek: The vet, nuts, OH no!!! I thought when you said nuts we were getting a treat, didn't know they were mine that were going to be the treat

Have you told them yet :dono You can't have more babies if you do that,

[Cindy G]

I told them they did not sound happy about it. However I cant have inbreeded babies.

[Momma Squirrel]

They do it in Alabama all the time :nono j/k no offense to our Alabama members. I know you are right but eeekkk