Oly's mom
09-12-2008, 01:09 PM
Hi-
I am a new squirrel mom, and am looking for input and advice, as I want to do the best I can by him.
First off, I know they are not legal to keep without proper permits, and I am in the process of obtaining that. Second, I know they are high maintenance. I have long been owned by ferrets, so I know that the “less traditional” animals are more expensive and harder to care for. Third, I do have a vet to treat him - although they have only moderate wildlife experience (extensive exotic pet experience).
Oly is a 7 week old male Eastern Grey Squirrel. He was found at 3 weeks of age in the middle of a road, with cars passing over him. He had superficial injuries, which have been treated. He was also severely dehydrated. He has now recovered to become a very active little man!
Here are my current questions:
1. Do those of you with boy squirrels recommend neutering them? Does it make them friendlier/calmer/less smelly? I am familiar with the health benefits of neutering. I am also aware of the risks of anesthesia/surgery on an exotic. Would anyone be willing to share their veterinarian’s info to contact for an anesthetic protocol?
2. What are good options if he won’t eat rodent block? Currently, he still gets Esbilac twice daily (approximately 35 cc per feeding). He will eat some monkey biscuit. He is also enjoying acorns, pine cones, walnuts, almonds, grapes, apples, cherries, blackberries, bananas, and a few other assorted fruits and veggies. He does NOT like dandelion, kale, or broccoli. I am ordering him antlers and he will have a cuttlebone/femur bone before the weekend is over. He will also have full spectrum UV lighting. I have the “healthy eating list” from this site and will review it – but I am concerned that he doesn’t like the rodent block. I have tried 3 brands (zupreem, kaytee, and a local pet store brand). He prefers to eat the pine pellets from the litter pan (silly Oly).
3. Squirrel toys! Who can have a pet without toys! I brought in oak branches for him to climb and play in – the entire top floor of his multistory ferret cage is now a jungle. He also has hammocks and blankets to rummage in. He is having “squirrel fits” of playing and bouncing off walls (as well as off the bed – that one was interesting!) What kinds of toys is he likely to enjoy, and what sorts of games can I begin to teach him?
Thanks very much. Sorry for the long post, but I am just learning and want to do the best I possibly can for him. As he is being raised around cats, dogs, and ferrets – he will not be releasable. I will take responsibility for the duration of his life expectancy which I know may be in excess of 20 years. My only concern is to see to his health and well being as I possibly can for a captive wild creature (who I already love to death…….).
Oly's mom
I am a new squirrel mom, and am looking for input and advice, as I want to do the best I can by him.
First off, I know they are not legal to keep without proper permits, and I am in the process of obtaining that. Second, I know they are high maintenance. I have long been owned by ferrets, so I know that the “less traditional” animals are more expensive and harder to care for. Third, I do have a vet to treat him - although they have only moderate wildlife experience (extensive exotic pet experience).
Oly is a 7 week old male Eastern Grey Squirrel. He was found at 3 weeks of age in the middle of a road, with cars passing over him. He had superficial injuries, which have been treated. He was also severely dehydrated. He has now recovered to become a very active little man!
Here are my current questions:
1. Do those of you with boy squirrels recommend neutering them? Does it make them friendlier/calmer/less smelly? I am familiar with the health benefits of neutering. I am also aware of the risks of anesthesia/surgery on an exotic. Would anyone be willing to share their veterinarian’s info to contact for an anesthetic protocol?
2. What are good options if he won’t eat rodent block? Currently, he still gets Esbilac twice daily (approximately 35 cc per feeding). He will eat some monkey biscuit. He is also enjoying acorns, pine cones, walnuts, almonds, grapes, apples, cherries, blackberries, bananas, and a few other assorted fruits and veggies. He does NOT like dandelion, kale, or broccoli. I am ordering him antlers and he will have a cuttlebone/femur bone before the weekend is over. He will also have full spectrum UV lighting. I have the “healthy eating list” from this site and will review it – but I am concerned that he doesn’t like the rodent block. I have tried 3 brands (zupreem, kaytee, and a local pet store brand). He prefers to eat the pine pellets from the litter pan (silly Oly).
3. Squirrel toys! Who can have a pet without toys! I brought in oak branches for him to climb and play in – the entire top floor of his multistory ferret cage is now a jungle. He also has hammocks and blankets to rummage in. He is having “squirrel fits” of playing and bouncing off walls (as well as off the bed – that one was interesting!) What kinds of toys is he likely to enjoy, and what sorts of games can I begin to teach him?
Thanks very much. Sorry for the long post, but I am just learning and want to do the best I possibly can for him. As he is being raised around cats, dogs, and ferrets – he will not be releasable. I will take responsibility for the duration of his life expectancy which I know may be in excess of 20 years. My only concern is to see to his health and well being as I possibly can for a captive wild creature (who I already love to death…….).
Oly's mom