View Full Version : Squirrel PTSD?! Help!
niapet
09-07-2008, 07:26 PM
Hi, my name is Nia and i have a wonderful little squirrel named Imp that lives with me. He has a wonderful temperament and LOVES to hang out on my shoulders... However..
Last night we were doing some work around the house and it kind of spooked him.. well anyway he hid himself behind the cabinet and we were not sure if he was stuck... So we sort of pulled him out eventually... well I think this spooked him more and he took off across the kitchen and when he went to jump on a curtain rod (as usual) it fell (because of the house work) and hje got even MORE spooked... so anyway he headed up above the fridge, where he likes to hide sometimes, and he has been there ever since... I can NOT get him to come down... he wont really eat much other than cashew butter either....
Has anything like this happened to anyone else? He is only about four months old so I suppose I am kind of new to this... Should I leave him up there until he comes down himself? or should take him down?
Please hurry with a reply, I'm getting a bit scared...
Thanks,
nia
FallensMommie
09-07-2008, 07:31 PM
I wonder during his frantic if he got hurt and is trying to rest to recover. I would want to get him and make sure he hasn't hurt himself, but
do it by yourself and in a quiet setting as to not scare him and talk to him softly.
What is his diet like...what are you feeding him on a daily basis...this will tell us a lot too health wise.
niapet
09-07-2008, 08:53 PM
He eats a bunch of diff nuts, fresh fruit, and veggis on a daily basis, all of which are unsalted, of course. He did hurt his finger (sprain) about a week ago... i was concerned he aggravated it when he fell... so far he has eaten a carrot, a macadamia nut, some cashew butter and a few grapes today.. that's a lot less than usual.. but he has also been very inactive compared to his normal get up and go self...
He is generally very healthy.. he has grown to be one of the larger squirrels I've seen..
FallensMommie
09-07-2008, 09:11 PM
Im trying to get a feel if he is on a appropriate diet that will not lead to Metabolic Bone Disease (MMB).
He should not be getting more than 2 nuts a day, nor no more than 2 pieces of fruit in a day...the food guideline will outline what you need to know.
This is the diet that we all try and follow on here to prevent illnesses within our squirrels...including diabetes from too much sugar from to much fruit to MMB from to much nuts and other high phorphous to calcium ratio foods.
He also needs either sunlight in a outdoor cage for 1 hour a day or Full Spectrum Lighting inside to prevent MMB.
We make Squirrel Block in substitue for Rodent Blocks, recipe here:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11318
Can you tell me if you are anywhere close to such a diet if not I would suggest you make the appropriate changes.
Healthy Diet for Pet Squirrels
(Revised March 21, 2008)
Your squirrel needs a balanced diet containing protein, fat, and vitamins and minerals, including lots of calcium. Feed a variety of foods from each category in the amounts indicated. Note: Amounts are for a 450-gram (1 pound) squirrel, and should be adjusted as necessary depending on your squirrel’s weight. For squirrels that are older, overweight, or less active, you should limit foods that are high in sugars, starches, or fat.
1. Rodent Block—2-4 small blocks per day. Below are two of the best:
Harlan Teklad 2014 and 2018 Rodent Diets. The cadillac of rodent chows. Vegetarian formulas contain no preservatives, phytoestrogens, or nitrosamines. The 2014 is a low-fat, low-protein formula suitable for older squirrels. The 2018 is for growing squirrels (under 18 months old). Store in the refrigerator. $5.00 for 5 lbs at the Crafty Rat:
http://www.craftyrat.com/Merchant2/m...tegory_Code=FS
KayTee Forti-Diet for Rats and Mice. A tasty vegetarian rodent diet available at pet stores. If you’re having trouble getting your squirrel to eat blocks, it can be a good choice. Does contain added sugars such as molasses, as well as preservatives for long shelf life. $3.47 for 2 lbs at Petco:
http://www.petco.com/product/5906/Ka...-Rat-Food.aspx
2. High-Calcium Vegetables—5-7 thumb-sized pieces per day. Arugula, beet greens, Belgian endive, carrots, celery, chicory, chinese cabbage (bok choy), cilantro (fresh), chrysanthemum flowers, collard greens, dandelion greens, escarole, fennel, kale, lettuce (looseleaf), mustard spinach, parsley (fresh), purslane, radicchio, radishes, romaine lettuce, squash (butternut; raw or cooked), swiss chard, turnip greens, watercress.
3. Other Healthy Veggies—2-3 pieces per day. Asparagus, artichokes, avocado**, bell peppers (green, red, or yellow), broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carnations, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, green beans, mushrooms (1 per week), okra, pumpkin, squash (all types; raw or cooked), sugar snap peas, sweet potato* (raw or cooked), zucchini.
*Somewhat higher in sugars/starches
**High in fat; also the skin and pit are toxic
Avoid: Dried vegetables, fresh corn, garlic, onion, palm hearts, potatoes, sprouts, yams
4. Wild Foods—Unlimited while in season. Magnolia cones, pine cones, pine branches and bark, branch tips of nontoxic trees, roses from your garden, wild rose hips, purslane, plaintain, lambs quarters, and dandelion greens can be gathered fresh daily. Look to see what the wild squirrels are eating in your area. Make sure the area wasn’t sprayed, fertilized, or treated with any chemicals.
5. Animal Protein. Live or dried mealworms, crickets, or live moths (2 per day). Another option is eggs (hard-boiled or scrambled, with the shell), cheese, or plain yogurt mashed with some fruit (1 tsp. per day). Mealworms are available live or canned from pet stores and online at http://www.exoticnutrition.com/Treat-Department.htm
6. Fruit—2 slices per day. Apple, apricot, bananas,* blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries* (sweet), cherries (sour), crabapples,* cranberries, grapefruit, grapes,* honeydew, kiwi, kumquats, lemon, lime, mangos,* navel oranges, nectarines, papaya, passion fruit,* peaches, pears, pineapple, pomegranates,* raspberries, strawberries, watermelon.
*Somewhat higher in sugars/starches
Note: Pits and seeds can be toxic, except for berries.
Avoid: Dates, dried fruit of any kind, figs, fruit juice, persimmons, plums, prunes, raisins.
7. Nuts/Seeds—Two per day, preferably in the shell. Acorns, whole roasted pumpkin seeds, and almonds are the healthiest, followed by hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, English walnuts, pecans, pistachios, and peanuts, in that order. Unlike other nuts/seeds, sesame seeds are an excellent source of calcium.
Avoid: Cashews, sunflower seeds, dried corn, pine nuts (will cause severe calcium loss).
8. Something to Chew On. Antlers, tree branches, sea shells, or a walnut-sized rock from outdoors provide trace minerals and keep teeth from overgrowing. A cuttlebone or other calcium/mineral block should be hung on the side of the cage.
Foods to Avoid Generally
-Packaged “squirrel food,” “pet treats,” or seed mixes.
-Starchy foods: pasta, bread, grains, seeds, rice, potatoes.
-Sugary foods: candy, cookies, dried fruit, banana chips, soda, fruit juices, sweetened yogurt, granola, sweetened breakfast cereals.
-Junk food: french fries, potato chips, pretzels, crackers, anything salted.
-Legumes: beans (kidney beans, lentils, etc.), peas, and soybeans; except for green beans and sugar snap peas in the pod.
-Artificial sweeteners like Nutra-Sweet or aspartame.
Also Important for Good Health:
Natural sunlight. 1 hour per day in an outdoor cage or screened porch during the warm months provides Vit D and will help keep your squirrel healthy. An open window screened with aluminum screening or hardware cloth is another option. Indoors, a full-spectrum light (FSL) for 8 hrs per day is the next-best thing; although it does not provide Vit D, it is believed to have other health benefits.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight. Being overweight causes all kinds of health problems and is a major factor in diabetes in older animals. “Healthy weights” may vary: northern squirrels tend to be heavier than southern squirrels, and foxers are heavier than greys. In general, your pet should look like the healthy wild squirrels in your area.
niapet
09-07-2008, 09:40 PM
He doesn't have a cage, indoor or out, but gets plenty of sunshine. Not only does he come outside with us on our shoulders quite often, but he also plays in the yard as long as we're with him, and hangs out in his favorite sunny, screened in window. We do the best we can with his diet, but he makes it quite difficult. He always finds a way past our efforts to keep food away from him. Nothing unhealthy of course, but more than he should be eating perhaps. The hub of his diet is FortiDiet pellets, which he loves because we crush them up with a little cashew butter and ferret vitamins. We take every possible measure to keep our little darling as healthy as possible.
I just went up to see him again, and he let me rubs behind his ears (he loves that) and check to see if he was hurt at all. From what I can tell he is uninjured, but still seems spooked and unwilling to come down.
FallensMommie
09-07-2008, 10:16 PM
Are you wearing anything different. Like different perfume, hairspary, deoderant etc, laundry detergent etc.
I'm tyring to pin point what is going on. Do you have family or friends visiting and he is spooked by somebody else in the house. Maybe he is starting to wild up...they do that around this age.
FallensMommie
09-07-2008, 10:18 PM
When you say Forti Diet pellets are you talkinga about rabbit food?
If your squirrel is not on the proper diet he could get ill and die. Can get broken bones from the calcium being leach from them etc. It is very important to get him on a proper diet as mentioned in other post. It's vital to his health.
Also Cashews are one of the worst nuts you can give him rather in nut form or butter form...way to high in phorphous to caclium ratio!
sherbear59
09-07-2008, 10:21 PM
Oh poor little thing must of scared the :soapbox out him . I guess you should just let the little guy deside when to come down, I know you must be worried keep us updated will be checking in too see what happens :peace
niapet
09-07-2008, 11:27 PM
I got him down... sort of.. he jumped up onto this mattress i have left against the living room wall (beacuse he just loves to nap on it during the day, and i havent the heart to take it away!) hopped to my shoulder, ran to the TV and is now hiding behind the TV... I think he was better off on the fridge!
Anyway.. at least i know he isn't hurt now.. hopefully he will come out soon..
Perhaps it was the smell of the bleach solution comming from the other room that freaked him out in the first place. We were turing a spare room into a sort of green/hot house for the winter. I was cleaning the heck out of it, so I'm sure there were some unfamiliar smells... There was so much going on yesterday; it could have been anything... or all of it combined..
Jackie in Tampa
09-08-2008, 08:09 AM
Nia, are you planning on keeping this little one as a pet? or are you going to release? We may be able to find a rehabber to take over for you.
If not, you have to make some changes for your babies safety and health.
Feel free to pm me, and we can start with cage requirements. This sq will have to have a cage. Bleach fumes are not good for Imp.:nono
Loud noises as you have learned can frighten him and then he may end up injuried and there fore non-releaseable with expensive vet bills.
Are you in a legal state?
Do you have a wildlife vet set up?
Diet is so sensitive for your sqs happiness. If he lacks anything nutritionally, that can create his general health to decline.
Calcium starved sqs are very jumpy and freaky...this is bad and an indication he may crash... MBD is a very serious disease.
Please read our ABCs of Baby SQs and also our Sq Diet...
myself or someone here will be willing to help you get on the right track.
Thank you so much for loving your little Imp!:Love_Icon
wheezer
09-08-2008, 11:41 AM
I second the cage thing! Whatever you are going to do with Imp, it is essential to have a cage for safety and security. They have a place they call home when things like what happened that scared him. You didn't say how old he is. If you take him outside, his squirrel instincts may take over someday and he will take off someday. There is lot's of info on this board to help you release him into his natural world or keep as a pet.:)
Thanks for coming here for help:thumbsup :thankyou
FallensMommie
09-08-2008, 12:31 PM
I second the cage thing! Whatever you are going to do with Imp, it is essential to have a cage for safety and security. They have a place they call home when things like what happened that scared him. You didn't say how old he is. If you take him outside, his squirrel instincts may take over someday and he will take off someday. There is lot's of info on this board to help you release him into his natural world or keep as a pet.:)
Thanks for coming here for help:thumbsup :thankyou
Hey Wheezer :wave123 ....he's about 4 months old!
Sciurus1
09-08-2008, 01:10 PM
Hello, I am glad you have come to our board!
What you are describing is the common result of allowing freeroaming of your pet tree squirrel, who does not have a habitat cage. Sadly, what is often perceived as offering a pet squirrel their freedom to roam about the home, does not lend itself to mimicing the arboreal life squirrels lead in the wild, where rough surfaces for gripping and jumping from and to, are relied upon to get about safely. So, unless one lives in a cabin, that has rough surfaces, or is willing to makeover one's entire home to be squirrel ergonomic, like a woodland, it is not going to be a safe place for a pet squirrel to spend most of his time moving about in, with it's smooth surfaces, and hard angles, and unforgiving landing spots. To create the needed arboreal habitat for a pet squirrel, a large cage can be constructed that mimics their natural habitat, where a squirrel can live and play SAFELY with abandon, doing all the squirrelie antics would do if they were in the wild, save on a smaller scale of course. Constructing it of modular panels, which can fit through any doorway easily, and be assembled on site, or disassembled, to take out to clean when needed, is a real plus! Once the compound is completed, it can be stocked with branches, and shelves for your squirrel to rest upon. Iinclude a nest box, and bedding for him to sleep in at night, and a hammock to take an afternoon nap or hang out in during the day, with a few plush toys to play with, and it will be for your pet an OASIS, a bit of squirrellie paradise that is all his own! Then just open the door and let him in to check it out, making sure to only put his food in the habitat, and no where else, and in no time, he will come to prefer it over the rest of your home. It is ok that he be allowed to run around on the outside of it, If what is in the room the habitat is in, has the door kept closed, and is safe for him to climb and jump around on.
niapet
09-08-2008, 05:35 PM
If any of you are keeping squirrels in a cage, you should be ashamed of yourselves. We made over our entire house to be the proper home for Imp. He is a guest, not a pet, and comes and goes as he pleases. We saved him literally from the grips death as an infant, took care of him, and he loves it here. We have an understanding vet, and Imp is quite healthy. We studied the proper diet, as well as every other piece of literature we were able to find, his health was not the issue. He was scared, apparently because of construction across the street, as soon as they finished, he came down; and was his normal self again.
The injured finger, that I mentioned earlier, has completely recovered, so, it would seem, the rest did him some good. He's back to his normal self, with his normal personality. While we appreciate those of you who showed genuine concern, we were looking for help dealing with a scared squirrel, not dietary advice.
niapet
09-08-2008, 06:13 PM
We are aware of the "problems", and find them worth the joy of having him in our lives. We have taken all possible precautions to make sure he is safe, and happy. Our entire house is his, and it's all squirrel friendly. Plus, we find that with all the branches, logs, etc. around our home, he's not too rough on the furniture.
When he was younger, we had a cage that we removed the door and entire top from, put in a hammock, climbing sticks, water etc... he enjoyed it when he was younger, especially being able to come and go when he pleases. It didn't take long, however, for him to grow up and "move out", as it were. He started building a series of nests in some of the higher place around the house. We are all for the thought that these little wonders need somewhere they can feel safe, but part of feeling safe is not being restrained.
niapet
09-08-2008, 06:31 PM
We take the responsibility of his life VERY seriously, and do understand that you're just trying to make sure he is properly cared for. And he is. Even with all the research, and veterinary assistance we've had, we know there is no substitute for experience. Which is what brought us here, for advice.
muffinsquirrel
09-08-2008, 06:46 PM
If any of you are keeping squirrels in a cage, you should be ashamed of yourselves. We made over our entire house to be the proper home for Imp. He is a guest, not a pet, and comes and goes as he pleases. We saved him literally from the grips death as an infant, took care of him, and he loves it here. We have an understanding vet, and Imp is quite healthy. We studied the proper diet, as well as every other piece of literature we were able to find, his health was not the issue. He was scared, apparently because of construction across the street, as soon as they finished, he came down; and was his normal self again.
The injured finger, that I mentioned earlier, has completely recovered, so, it would seem, the rest did him some good. He's back to his normal self, with his normal personality. While we appreciate those of you who showed genuine concern, we were looking for help dealing with a scared squirrel, not dietary advice.
I'm glad Imp is doing OK now. No one was suggesting that you were mistreating Imp in any way - anyone that comes on here gets the 'squirrel diet' routine, because there is still so much to be learned about their nutritional requirements. The diet we give has been checked over and over to make sure it is up to date.
Perhaps you misunderstood about the whole 'cage' situation. We are not saying to cage your squirrel 24/7. But it is best to have a large cage that he knows is his own territory, where he can hang out and sleep and eat and not be bothered. Also, he is eventually going to get to the point of maturity where he gets wilder, and will not accept other people. He may even only accept one member of your family, and attack the others. There are also likely to be times when you will not be there to care for him - vacations, unexpected hospital stay, etc. He will need a cage so that other people can feed and water him safely - (safety of both of the caretaker and the squirrel). That is why we advise a large cage in a room of his own. Although he is sweet and cuddly for now, he WILL have some personality changes as he matures. I know it is hard to imagine that he would ever attack and bite someone, it is much more likely than not that it will happen. It won't be that he loves you less, but that he is just being a squirrel.
I hope you stick around here, and read up on some of the information we have available - not particularly because you are doing anything wrong, but because there is always more to be learned.
muffinsquirrel
Sciurus1
09-08-2008, 06:51 PM
You came here asking for our advise, and you said you were scared. What has been offered was to address the underlying issue that lends itself to this very same circumstance. That you have provided some habitat in your home is admirable, and I did NOTE that in my answer to your request for advice as well. Please understand that though some of our members have done as you have in providing some habitat in their homes, many others do provide large habitat cages, and even whole rooms for their squirrels to house them and care for them. There is NO SHAME in housing non releaseable squirrels in this manner, and there are definite benefits for doing so. Speaking for myself, having provided such a habitat that took up an entire room in my home, for a squirrel for 11 years plus, I am not ASSHAMED for providing that for her, nor for not allowing her to climb curtains, hang from chandeliers, or anything else that could have resulted in her falling and injuring herself.
Since you are new here, I just wanted to let you know that to ascribe shame upon any of our members, for holding views that are for the benefit of squirrels, you do not agree with, is not acceptable here! :nono Please in the future refrain from doing so in this manner. Other than what is contrary to the rules of conduct for our board members, you are welcome to share your views on this board. :peace Sciurus1
Sciurus1
09-08-2008, 06:58 PM
:goodpost Muffinsquirrel
Abacat
09-08-2008, 07:40 PM
:Welcome
We studied the proper diet, as well as every other piece of literature we were able to find, his health was not the issue.
The hub of his diet is FortiDiet pellets, which he loves because we crush them up with a little cashew butter and ferret vitamins. We take every possible measure to keep our little darling as healthy as possible.
Niapet, I'm just curious where you found the info to give your squirrel ferret vitamins. Ferrets are carnivores, squirrels are not. In fact in the wild they (ferrets) eat rodents. I wouldn't be giving herbivores vitamins intended for carnivores, JMO. :peace
JudyB
09-08-2008, 08:07 PM
If any of you are keeping squirrels in a cage, you should be ashamed of yourselves. .
I have been following your thread since yesterday with total concern about your squirrel as well as every other member here.
I rescued and am raising 5 sisters... in a cage. What kind of opinion do you have on that?
FLUFFYTAILNUT
09-08-2008, 08:48 PM
If any of you are keeping squirrels in a cage, you should be ashamed of yourselves. we were looking for help dealing with a scared squirrel, not dietary advice.
niapet....i think your approach ..to this board is very..confrontational.....
starting out your conversation in a scolding manner is very offensive..with out even knowing any of us....telling us," if we're keeping our squirrel's in cages...we need to be ashamed" excuse you?! many of us..have very large cages..that are safe...for our squirrels...THEY ARE not frightened in a corner for hours...
we're not the one's dealing with a "scared squirrel" thay obviously DOESNT FEEL SAFE...
a safe haven...is what all squirrels need..and desire...be it a 'cage'....'nest box'......some where it knows...is THEIR'S.
barking..at total advice care.....isnt the best way..to get any of us to help you.....
it may not be..what you want to hear...but advice..is a package deal..with a squirrel....food..lighting...and care....IS THE SOUL..personality of a HAPPY squirrel....:)
FYI..:thumbsup
FLUFFYTAILNUT...& BEAN
We take the responsibility of his life VERY seriously, and do understand that you're just trying to make sure he is properly cared for. And he is. Even with all the research, and veterinary assistance we've had, we know there is no substitute for experience. Which is what brought us here, for advice.
many have given ....hands on advice....and you may not want to hear...what you consider...'extra information'....take it as it comes....true help...advice...from us members..that 'have the experience..to give the advice'....
you obviously...didnt get the information..you liked...from..YOUR vet..and came here...for help..
so...think over that...........before..you start out..your next sentence in a brow beating..offensive...manner..as ive mentioned before....many of us...have our squirrels in cages...and some dont..thats no need to pass judgement on anyone...
wheezer
09-08-2008, 09:32 PM
I'm
Perhaps you misunderstood about the whole 'cage' situation. We are not saying to cage your squirrel 24/7. But it is best to have a large cage that he knows is his own territory, where he can hang out and sleep and eat and not be bothered. Also, he is eventually going to get to the point of maturity where he gets wilder, and will not accept other people. He may even only accept one member of your family, and attact the others. There are also likely to be times when you will not be there to care for him - vacations, unexpected hospital stay, etc. He will need a cage so that other people can feed and water him safely - (safety of both of the caretaker and the squirrel). That is why we advise a large cage in a room of his own. Although he is sweet and cuddly for now, he WILL have some personality changes as he matures. I know it is hard to imagine that he would ever attact and bite someone, it is much more likely than not that it will happen. It won't be that he loves you less, but that he is just being a squirrel.
I hope you stick around here, and read up on some of the information we have available - not particularly because you are doing anything wrong, but because there is always more to be learned.
muffinsquirrel
This was great:thumbsup It is what I was trying to say yesterday. I learned the hard way:tilt
Jackie in Tampa
09-08-2008, 09:49 PM
:wave123 Hello again, I have two nonreleasable sqs that live with us.
They live in cages with chaparoned time out and they return to their cages without anyone forcing them, in other words they love their homes.:Love_Icon
They really do tend to like a cage...lots of toys and stuffys...their space,food and stash...
Living indoors is not..."Not being restrained"
"not being restrained' means just that.
Being in a cage is for safety.:grouphug
Sciurus1
09-08-2008, 11:55 PM
Thanks JIT. Can you share the photos of your group having fun in the cage you made for them> It is a veritable jungle gym of fun, as they see it!
niapet
09-09-2008, 12:22 AM
Niapet, I'm just curious where you found the info to give your squirrel ferret vitamins. Ferrets are carnivores, squirrels are not. In fact in the wild they (ferrets) eat rodents. I wouldn't be giving herbivores vitamins intended for carnivores, JMO.
Squirrels are not herbivores, they are Omnivores.
I have been following your thread since yesterday with total concern about your squirrel as well as every other member here.
I rescued and am raising 5 sisters... in a cage. What kind of opinion do you have on that?
It depends on if you plan on keeping them in a cage for the rest of their lives. If they are healthy, and releasable, than one day free and wild is worth 1,000 in a cage.
niapet....i think your approach ..to this board is very..confrontational.....
starting out your conversation in a scolding manner is very offensive..
If it seemed confrontational, that was only because it seemed as though I was immediately being attacked, as if I were not taking care of Imp. We love him, and care about his well being first and fore most. The behavior he was displaying was quite unlike him, and we were hoping someone might have more experience with it.
Perhaps my scorn, as well as my confrontational attitude, was premature, but I did not seem to be getting my point across. Plus, being worried about Imp was an extra strain. I totally support the need for a safe place they can call their home; in Imp's case, he built that himself in our kitchen.
Imp is not the first wild animal I have raised. I raised a coyote from a pup as well. She had to be bottle fed, like Imp, and lived to a ripe old age of 18. Like Imp, she was very wild, in that she did not like people outside the family, but adored me. Imp loves me, my fiance (the one who saved him), and my daughter to death. He can't stand anyone else. My mother visits often, and he still yells at her. Even when she brings him a treat (fresh fruit). He grabs it and yells at her.
As I stated earlier, he is back to his normal self now that the construction noise is over. He's still a little bit spooked, he was hiding a little more than usual, but spent much of the day on our shoulders.
Sciurus1
09-09-2008, 12:41 AM
You know, animals are going to act on instinct, being prewired, so it is up to human's who care for them to help them in a less than natural setting, as to mimic the wild experience in it's most important aspects, habitat, and diet. It is then a matter of Nuture helping Nature out, at the point Nature is no longer sufficient.
JudyB
09-09-2008, 12:48 AM
I understand what happened. :tilt
I hope Imp has improved and all goes back to normal.
TSB is a wonderful place, :Welcome I hope you will stay with us and share his stories :grouphug
Sciurus1
09-09-2008, 12:53 AM
Imp loves me, my fiance (the one who saved him), and my daughter to death. He can't stand anyone else. My mother visits often, and he still yells at her. Even when she brings him a treat (fresh fruit). He grabs it and yells at her.
This is normal behavior, for squirrels typically bond with one person, but may accept a couple others they see allot while they are growing up. All others are strangers to them. I wouldn't worry about it, just accept that is the way it is, and likely will be. I hope that answers your inquiry.
Jackie in Tampa
09-09-2008, 07:17 AM
:thumbsup Trust me my babies love their home...I put this home made cage on wheels so I can roll it outside. Sqs will need a FSL bulb or natural sunlight everyday.
We care about you and your sq...and we are sharing all that we've learned. :grouphug It is sooo very important to us that your sq gets what he needs. It is a big commitment that can get very expensive.
I am not trying to scare you from being a sq mom, but want you to know what it is like being OWNED by a 1lb furball.:D
My sq Rocky had an earache that cost $1000.oo
He also had a tooth pulled at $1003.oo
Sarah, my amputee has vet bills of just under$1500.00
In other words...I will not be getting a new car anytime soon, nor will I get to go on vacation!
I have dedicated myself and my home to sqs...
The other picture is what they have done/decided to gnaw...:soapbox
Thanks for caring for your sq....:grouphug
FallensMommie
09-09-2008, 08:47 AM
My main concern was if his diet is not proper he could have damaged his leg during the spook because he was showing MBD...that is why I asked about diet etc. When asking for help we need the full picture or we can't see what is going on with your little man.
In the state of Massachusetts Eastern Grey Squirrels are Illegal and finding a vet to care for them without a rehab license is virtually impossible as the DR. doesn't want to lose his license for treating a illegal pet squirrel....so I felt it essential to provide you with diet. We have seen to many squirrels come on here in dire straits due to diet and we didn't want to see your squirrel end up like them....we are here to provide you with all the experience we have with these little ones and I surely would hope you didn't take it as a attack.
We follow up with more helpful advice as we love these squirrels and want what is best for them so in return you both live peaceful, healthy, and happy lives.
Having a safe place to retreat to is vital. My squirrel has a 6x4 housing all his own where he can eat in piece if need be or bury his nuts if he wants. It is his place to retreat for his nap, and if there is to much foot traffic going on a place to be kept safely so nobody steps on him. It's a place that I can put him when I am shopping or when I am running the boys to their activities....I need to know he is not chewing on my furniture and not chewing on electrical cords...they need total supervision.
My squirrel was released and came back into my home when he broke his leg in two spots...he is now Non-Releaseable and I have tried to provide him with a secure spot in my home while he can't be out free roaming.
So in saying all of this my intentions from the beginning have been trying to help not only you but your squirrel also. Pleae stick around so we may get to know you and your squirrel...your squirrel is beautiful...maybe you would like to go into the Breed Specifics and start a new thread so we may follow the progress of your squirrel :thankyou
This is Fallen's cage:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a320/floridatlc/Family%20pictures/DSC08806.jpg
and this is him sleeping his cage in his hammock:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a320/floridatlc/Family%20pictures/DSC09006.jpg
niapet
09-09-2008, 12:07 PM
I'm sorry but where did you get this information. Squirrels are not omnivores they are absolutely herbivores.
The definition of a omnivore is: an animal with a diet consisting mainly of meat, whether it comes from animals living (predation) or dead (scavenging)
Where did you get this definition? Cite your source please, because it is completely erroneous...
"Omnivore: An animal that feeds on both plants and animals to survive". (http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Omnivore)
"omnivorous/om·niv·o·rous/:
Function:
adjective
Etymology:
Latin omnivorus, from omni- + -vorus -vorous
Date:
circa 1656
1 : feeding on both animal and vegetable substances
2 : avidly taking in everything as if devouring or consuming <an omnivorous reader". (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/omnivorous)
Have squirrels been noted eating meat...yes...but VERY VERY RARELY, and most squirrels NEVER DO.
The following is taken from a well researched Wikipedia entry (which is not always the case):
Predatory behavior by various species of ground squirrels, particularly the thirteen-lined ground squirrel, has been noted(Friggens, M). Bailey, for example, observed a thirteen-lined ground squirrel preying upon a young chicken(Bailey, B). Wistrand reported seeing this same species eating a freshly-killed snake(Wistrand, E.H.). Whitaker examined the stomachs of 139 thirteen-lined ground squirrels, and found bird flesh in four of the specimens and the remains of a short-tailed shrew in one (Whitaker, J.O.). Bradley, examining white-tailed antelope squirrels' stomachs, found at least 10% of his 609 specimens' stomachs contained some type of vertebrate — mostly lizards and rodents(Bradley, W. G.). Morgart (1985) observed a white-tailed antelope squirrel capturing and eating a silky pocket mouse(Morgart, J.R.). Black squirrels in Russia have been accused of pack behavior in the killing and consumption of a dog(Russia).
Imp catches and eats flies when the get in the house, a disgusting, but useful perk of him living in the house.
Perhaps you are a vegetarian (like me) and would like to think of your little darling as a dedicated herbivore. However, no matter how much we would like this to be the case, the evidence does not support that conclusion.
In the state of Massachusetts Eastern Grey Squirrels are Illegal and finding a vet to care for them without a rehab license is virtually impossible.
The same applies to coyotes; regardless, I had have one who cared for her, and now Imp as well.
Having a safe place to retreat to is vital.
I have already cleared up this point several times.
So in saying all of this my intentions from the beginning have been trying to help not only you but your squirrel also. Pleae [sic] stick around so we may get to know you and your squirrel...your squirrel is beautiful...maybe you would like to go into the Breed Specifics and start a new thread so we may follow the progress of your squirrel :thankyou
Ill do that.
Works Cited
Friggens, M. (2002). "Carnivory on Desert Cottontails by Texas Antelope Ground Squirrels". The Southwestern Naturalist 47 (1): 132–133. doi:10.2307/3672818.
Bailey, B. (1923). "Meat-eating propensities of some rodents of Minnesota". Journal of Mammalogy 4: 129.
Wistrand, E.H. (1972). "Predation on a Snake by Spermophilus tridecemlineatus". American Midland Naturalist 88 (2): 511–512. doi:10.2307/2424389.
Whitaker, J.O. (1972). "Food and external parasites of Spermophilus tridecemlineatus in Vigo County, Indiana". Journal of Mammalogy 53 (3): 644–648. doi:10.2307/1379067.
Bradley, W. G. (1968). "Food habits of the antelope ground squirrel in southern Nevada". Journal Of Mammalogy 49 (1): 14–21. doi:10.2307/1377723.
Morgart, J.R. (May 1985). "Carnivorous behavior by a white-tailed antelope ground squirrel Ammospermophilus leucurus". The Southwestern Naturalist 30 (2): 304–305. doi:10.2307/3670745.
"Russian squirrel pack 'kills dog'", BBC News (2005-12-01). Retrieved on 2008-07-07.
niapet
09-09-2008, 12:15 PM
:The other picture is what they have done/decided to gnaw...
I have found swabbing things Imp likes to chew up with a solution made from a high capsaicin containing peppers (jalapenos for example.. not so hot as a habanero/scotch bonnet.. that would just be cruel) is a very effective deterrent.. he learns pretty quickly to stop.
FallensMommie
09-09-2008, 01:06 PM
Yep I sure did :D
My main focus was on someone stating ferrets are carnivorous and that is were the definition was coming from...I just happened to put omnivore in there by accident :sorry I just got things twisted a little as we are all humans and I don't mind admitting when I messed up :thumbsup
I'm not questioning you on keeping him in a illegal state that is not what I was doing, many here have squirrels in illegal states. My statement was stating I was trying to provide you with dietary information as squirrels in Mass. are illegal and finding a vet to help you with him is virutally impossible. I dont' question you helping him and rehabbing him...your taking things in defense please reread I was not questioning or pointing fingers at you. I'm sitting her trying to help you and your getting defensive :shakehead I thrilled you took on this challenged and save his life :bow
niapet
09-09-2008, 01:28 PM
Yep I sure did :D
My main focus was on someone stating ferrets are carnivorous and that is were the definition was coming from...I just happened to put omnivore in there by accident :sorry I just got things twisted a little as we are all humans and I don't mind admitting when I messed up :thumbsup
I'm not questioning you on keeping him in a illegal state that is not what I was doing, many here have squirrels in illegal states. My statement was stating I was trying to provide you with dietary information as squirrels in Mass. are illegal and finding a vet to help you with him is virutally impossible. I dont' question you helping him and rehabbing him...your taking things in defense please reread I was not questioning or pointing fingers at you. I'm sitting her trying to help you and your getting defensive :shakehead I thrilled you took on this challenged and save his life :bow
Ok, we got off to a bad start than. But, as I'm sure you all have found, we need to almost CONTINUALLY defend what we are doing... Most folks think we're nuts (excuse the pun).
As far as the vitamins are concerned, they said "ferret/rodent vitamins", and hey had all of the vitamins that my research suggested he needed as an infant; so i bought them, did some math and figured out a dose for him. Either way he got a hold of the bottle one day and chewed a hole in it and dumped it out all over the kitchen table.. Since the fortidiet tabs seem to have everything he needs, vitamin wise, and he eats a good variety of veggies and greens I haven't bothered to get any more.
Cute story: We were using a little squirt gun to deter him from chewing on things for a while. Well he figured out what the gun was and chewed a hole in it, turned it upside down and dumped it out, all while looking at me... I swear he knew exactly what he was doing...
Once, after that, he was chewing on the cabinet in the living room... so i balled up one of my daughters socks and tossed it at him... He turned and caught it... I was impressed!
FallensMommie
09-09-2008, 01:35 PM
:thankyou Lol...very cute story!
Squirrels are magnificent creatures. They are smart, althought sometimes I do question it when I see Fallen do something :nono :rotfl but I know they are highly intelligent. Here's a good one: He hid his tomato in the cuff of my pants....didn't even know he did it. Well hours later I found it and removed it and come evening time he was shoving his head down my cuffs looking for it :rotfl I had to give him a new one and put it in my cuff for him to find it and leave me alone :jump
:Welcome we are glad to have you...just know we do love squirrels and try to help all!
......and if you can find a cicada in your area catch and give it to your baby...he'll got nuts over them :crazy I just caught one and gave it to Fallen...he chased it all around until he got it :D
Also one can catch tapeworms from flies....so just be cautious....I get rid of all flies as Fallen to will chase them too.
niapet
09-09-2008, 01:52 PM
I have a bit of a phobia of insects... so imp is just gonna have to learn to live the veggi lifestyle!
FLUFFYTAILNUT
09-09-2008, 02:48 PM
Squirrels are not herbivores, they are Omnivores.
It depends on if you plan on keeping them in a cage for the rest of their lives. If they are healthy, and releasable, than one day free and wild is worth 1,000 in a cage.
If it seemed confrontational, that was only because it seemed as though I was immediately being attacked, as if I were not taking care of Imp. We love him, and care about his well being first and fore most. The behavior he was displaying was quite unlike him, and we were hoping someone might have more experience with it.
Perhaps my scorn, as well as my confrontational attitude, was premature, but I did not seem to be getting my point across. Plus, being worried about Imp was an extra strain. I totally support the need for a safe place they can call their home; in Imp's case, he built that himself in our kitchen.
Imp is not the first wild animal I have raised. I raised a coyote from a pup as well. She had to be bottle fed, like Imp, and lived to a ripe old age of 18. Like Imp, she was very wild, in that she did not like people outside the family, but adored me. Imp loves me, my fiance (the one who saved him), and my daughter to death. He can't stand anyone else. My mother visits often, and he still yells at her. Even when she brings him a treat (fresh fruit). He grabs it and yells at her.
As I stated earlier, he is back to his normal self now that the construction noise is over. He's still a little bit spooked, he was hiding a little more than usual, but spent much of the day on our shoulders.
:grouphug :grouphug :peace :grouphug :grouphug
happy to see..IMP..is doing so..well...
you know whats funny...we call bean a naughty..little IMP....all the time...:jump
thats funny about the cursing at your mom..after he yoinks the fresh fruit..:rotfl booger pants!:shakehead :jump sounds like an imp to me...
looking forward to seeing more of IMP...and more stories!
have a great day.....and :Welcome welcome to the squirrel board!:Welcome
:wave123 rachel n bean:wave123
niapet
09-11-2008, 09:24 PM
Thought I should post a final update:
Imp is no longer hiding, he is bac kto his old self... drstroying everything in sight before I get up in the AM. I get the feeling This would have been less of a problem if we hadn't forced him out of hiding twice.. So for future reference.. Think PTSD squirrels are best left alone until they come out by themselves.
Thanks for all the help!
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