To neuter or not to neuter?

[Mickey's Mom]

I'm posting on behalf of a friend who "adopted" a non-releasable male Fox Squirrel that is almost one year old and intends to keep him in an indoor/outdoor environment. This friend is trying to decide whether or not to neuter the squirrel. We would appreciate advice on the pros and cons of neutering ... does it lessen stress, improve behavior, etc. or is it an unnecessary risk? Thanks.

[Loopy Squirrel]

If this is the only squirrel in the house than I would not neuter. I had both of my boys done but for different reasons. I had one who was becoming extremely aggressive and I also had females in the house. I have to say I actually watched the surgery and I would never advise anyone to watch this done on their babies. My oldest took quite a few days to recover and I felt terrible after. It did help to curb his aggressiveness but it took a few more months for this to happen. If I had to do it again I think I would just weather the aggressiveness. Anytime and animal goes under anesthesia there is a risk. It is very rare but things can go wrong. I have two friends who had intact male grays for years and they never ever showed any aggression.

[Peaches]

If she does decide to neuter him make sure it is done by a experienced exotics vet who is fast in surgery. The longer they stay under anesthesia the higher the risks.

[Treecat]

This is an old post but Loopy if you are still there, do you remember how old your oldest squirrel was when you had him neutered? You said it has made a different in his level of aggression after a few months but jave hjeard from others tht it really didnt make that much difference. Wonder if theirs were older than yours.


If this is the only squirrel in the house than I would not neuter. I had both of my boys done but for different reasons. I had one who was becoming extremely aggressive and I also had females in the house. I have to say I actually watched the surgery and I would never advise anyone to watch this done on their babies. My oldest took quite a few days to recover and I felt terrible after. It did help to curb his aggressiveness but it took a few more months for this to happen. If I had to do it again I think I would just weather the aggressiveness. Anytime and animal goes under anesthesia there is a risk. It is very rare but things can go wrong. I have two friends who had intact male grays for years and they never ever showed any aggression.