question on housing size for baby

[bcelisa]

i've been reseraching all morning on what the appropriate size should be for baby squirrel. Of course originally he was in a box big enough for water bottle ect. but now i'm having trouble determining how much space he needs. Ive read where the mom doesn't let them really out of the nest until around 10 weeks i believe. So anyway, can you help me with the growth of cage size with the growth of baby squirrel? Dexter is 7 weeks old.. still a little squirt, but starting to become active and play. thank you again.

[treeman]

This is a pic of what I use. The medium sized nestbox is nice because its big enough for a couple babies but small enough to contain their heat and keep them warm. If you only have one, a plastic jar or drinking-water bottle filled with hot water can fit nicely in the corner. The top is a hinged lid. My babies go in the box as soon as their eyes open and the box goes with them when I release. I bought mine at PetCo for about $10 or $15.

[bcelisa]

oh wow... that's a birdhouse with the nesting box inside? thats cool..do they go out of the nesting box? I wasn't sure how much they should explore at this time. thanks for the picture!

[treeman]

Yes, I've found this works pretty well. The birdcage was about $40 at PetCo. It's ok for the babies to come out when they are ready to explore. Mine usually poke their heads out for a few days then climb on top of the box and go back inside a few times before they take the plunge and really start climbing around in the cage. The birdcage comes with a removable bottom that looks the same as the sides and is intended to sit above the bottom-tray. I put that piece aside, line the tray with newspaper, and cover with Spanish Moss. Baby will be ok if he comes out of the nest box and can't figure out how to get back up for some reason. He can hide under the moss until you find him. Squirrels are quick learners though so it's unlikely. The moss will also break a fall and the cage is not so big that any fall will be traumatic. It ultimately serves as a filter that lets toilet-waste and food sift down to the newspaper while serving as a barrier between the squirrel and the waste/trash. Hay might be a substitute. The cage is also good because it's designed to be hung. I like to hang mine from the porch ceiling during the day (starting about 10wks) so they can get used to outside noises, temps, etc.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Treeman, how do you kill the bugs in the moss?
I have neevr figured that out yet.I would be cautious using hay, it can mold...can lead to aflatoxins or mycos...be careful what litter/bedding you use.
I recommend Care Fresh recycled newspaper, so far so good! many here use it. I use fleece and more fleece!:)

I use a hamster cage...always having 1/2 bar space, at about 8 weeks I switch to a finch flight cage.https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTM6cJF0-IOYT19doEUL9lGqOQWZrR26CW94rYDUUN2IB-kykhk
two weeks later...they are ready for a mid sized cage...
then a bigger one at 3-3.5 months old...
outside at 4 months, weather permitting.
release at 4.5 -5 months...
that's my protocol anyway...:D
This time of the year is different as we must overwinter...so the summer kids are released at an older age ...we wait for spring weather!:thumbsup