Bald spot on head

[talon29]

I just got my two richardson ground squirrels (named Salad and Talon) 12 days ago and now they each have a small bald spot on thier head. The skin looks normal except for the lack of fur. I took them to the vet for a checkup the day after I got them, and the vet said they are both very healthy except one is a little overweight. I am thinking that the bald spot is from chewing on the cage bars because they do that alot. I gave them alot of things to chew on: wood, cardboard, pumice, rawhide, and this hard rubber kong toy. They aren't interested in any of them. Also they have a container with crushed corncob witch they dig in a little but not much. Maybe they would like sand or dirt better? I let them out to play for about 1 1/2 hours a day, usually 45 min in the morning and 45 min. in the evening. I was also thinking it could be from if they scratched eachother, they chase eachother and roll around sometimes but I am pretty sure it is just playing. Or maybe a diet problem of some thing else maybe? These are my first squirrels.:)

[4skwerlz]

I just got my two richardson ground squirrels (named Salad and Talon) 12 days ago and now they each have a small bald spot on thier head. The skin looks normal except for the lack of fur. I took them to the vet for a checkup the day after I got them, and the vet said they are both very healthy except one is a little overweight. I am thinking that the bald spot is from chewing on the cage bars because they do that alot. I gave them alot of things to chew on: wood, cardboard, pumice, rawhide, and this hard rubber kong toy. They aren't interested in any of them. Also they have a container with crushed corncob witch they dig in a little but not much. Maybe they would like sand or dirt better? I let them out to play for about 1 1/2 hours a day, usually 45 min in the morning and 45 min. in the evening. I was also thinking it could be from if they scratched eachother, they chase eachother and roll around sometimes but I am pretty sure it is just playing. Or maybe a diet problem of some thing else maybe? These are my first squirrels.:)

You're probably right; it's from rubbing on the cage. Sand/dirt is a good idea. I like a really deep container to minimize mess and allow them to "dig to China." Also a bigger cage would help. And more time outside. Is there a room in your house where you could let them roam free for a good part of the day? Also, it helps to get them into a routine. If they normally nap for part of the day, then that can be "cage time." I hope you can figure it out.

[TexanSquirrel]

Good luck getting it sorted! 4S has some good ideas, they will probably love to dig, especially because they are ground squirrels!