Likelihood of a Squirrel to Remain a "Pet"?

[Abbi's Mama]

I've had Abbi since she was about a week old. My boyfriend was at work and they cut down a tree, the mama squirrel ran out of that tree and up another one. They ended up having to cut that one down, too. While cleaning up the debris, one of his co-workers nudged him and pointed to the ground. I never asked for details, but from what I've gathered the other 3 had accidentally been stepped on and they died in his hand.
Anyway, sad part over, I went and got Abbi and she's transformed from a tiny, hairless, bulgy-eyed itty bitty little thing to an almost 7 week old bright-eyed, bushy-tailed (well, kinda bushy...still growing) gorgeous little girl. She's a sweetheart and loves getting petted, having her chin and ears scratched, sleeping in my hand (and down my shirt) and I couldn't possibly be more pleased with the progress she's made.
However, the other day I was wondering what the likelihood of her remaining tame and sweet and gentle through puberty is. My original plan is to keep her as a pet, and if she wasn't happy being a pet I was going to take her to my parent's house in the country and transition her into their back yard. (They actually raised a few squirrels years ago, one that used to ride my tricycle with me in fact). Basically, I have a plan, and a back up plan if absolutely necessary. (If she's wild at heart and can't be "tamed" and tries beating her head against her cage because she's so unhappy, I don't want to force her to stay with me and more than likely kill herself).

I just wanted to know the success rates any of you have had with keeping one as a long term pet. Does the sex of the squirrel make a difference? I know that their individual personalities is going to account for a lot of the determination in this situation, but I was just curious.

Thanks! :)

[stosh2010]

Great Photos and GREAT job raising her --so far...
Abbi is beautiful...
However; all squirrels deserve a chance to be free, unless they have a problem, physical or mental, that renders them Non-releasable.(N-R) Also-It is illegal-in many states to have any wild squirrels as pets.If they find and take her, they will euthanize !!!!
Regarding any squirrel staying "Tame"- there is NO hard fast rule. I have a N-R, that was a Softie Boy for a full year, and unannounced by any change in actions, attacked me and bit my face, pretty deep. Luckily he missed my eye. I still love Rama Rota but I use welders gloves and a home-made helmet when he is out of his cage. He is still very gentle with Ramamama. it's just me.
229400

Any way,,,,
WELCOME to TSB...keep the photos coming (DAILY) and PLEASE ask any questions that come to your head--we have Rehabbers, Vets, and scores of members with so much experience....and we all want you to do well with caring for your Fuzz-head !

LINKs to all my Costa Rican tree squirrels: are below this post---enjoy The Cruiser Dude--the KING (Rama)---and the rest of the CREW

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Cute baby , looks like you have done a good job so far.
However to answer your question, and this is just my opinion, she should go to someone now who can put her with other babies her age so she can learn to be a squirrel. Releasing a single is very hard and just not fair to her.
I don't think the sex determines who wishes to wild up and who doesn't, it is the individual squirrel and their personality. Some have been forced to be kept captive because the owners allowed cats and dogs around the babies so they have no fear of them, which is a death sentence if released, then the squirrel gets mean and nasty because it has wilded up and the owner can not longer cuddle their little baby. When they can no longer cuddle and play with them, they wind up stuck in a cage that will make the squirrel depressed, or angry and eventually sick. Not fair to the owner and especially not fair to the little squirrel.
You have helped her to this point, now help her some more, let her be a squirrel.
I am sure there is someone on here near you that can take her and release her with some of the babies they have. If she doesn't want to go , they would be glad to give her back to you.

[Abbi's Mama]

Well, the thing is I"m not sure how releasable she would be. At this point, she's become quite socialized with my dogs. Despite efforts to keep them apart in the beginning, she's become entirely too comfortable around barking. She sleeps straight through it, doesn't jump or act startled, etc. Even though I kept her and the dogs separated, I can't keep the dogs from barking. So she's grown up believing barking is a normal thing and nothing to worry about. That being said, I'm afraid releasing her would lead to her not feeling like she has to run from strange dogs.
My parents don't allow their dogs to chase squirrels, so that's still an option. But they have neighbors who have dogs who chase whatever they want so there would still be a possibility of her getting eaten.
At this point it's all speculation. I'm a firm believer in raise and release, and if I had my own house with land instead of an apartment in the city release would be my first option. However, given the circumstances, that's why it's always been the 2nd option.

[stepnstone]

That baby is still young and in the right hands can still be
wilded up to where it's natural instincts kick in and it will
learn to fear it's predators. The longer it remains in the
situation it's in the harder it will be on the squirrel.

A growing squirrel is nothing like keeping a hamster, it is
a wild animal with hard wired instincts. It belongs in the wild.
You need to ask yourself, how you going to feel when it
bites you or one of your children, chews on a prized piece of furniture
or goes after your wiring. It can and does happen and that is just
a few of the normal occurrences with having a squirrel in the house.

Unless under license, it is illegal to keep a grey, if someone were to
report you to the authorities you will face charges, the squirrel faces
euthanasia due to your having kept him as a pet.

Many times we see people on here that thought to keep a baby as a pet
only to have it grow up to be a "normal" squirrel" and then they want to
panic because it's too "wild" to handle anymore. Wild is a natural instinct
and even the cutest of them will display their nature sooner or later.
It's best to prepare them toward release while young then look to place and
undo domestication once older.

[Abbi's Mama]

For some reason I had thought this site would be much less condemning. Thanks for making me feel like I'm burning at the stake though, that's awesome.

No further replies to this post are necessary. I had already considered trying (again) to find a rehabber and just wanted to get input from others. You've made it very clear that you vehemently oppose keeping a squirrel unless it's missing an eye or something similar (even though, in the wild, those animals could indeed very possibly survive...it happens all the time).

For the record, I'm not naive enough to believe that a squirrel could ever be like a pet dog. (however, keep in mind that at one point, dogs weren't 'pets' and were 'wild' as well) I've had rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, ducks, dogs, birds, turtles, hedgehogs, etc. I've been bitten by all of them and it hasn't make me feel any differently towards them. Not EVERYONE just likes an animal when it's a cute little baby. Some of us stick with our animals until they die at 12 or 13+ years old, through good tempers and bad.

I understand everyone wants what's best for Abbi, and believe me, I'm at the front of that line. Her happiness and quality of life/freedom is the top priority and I intend to pursue every avenue (including a rehabber) that would ensure that.
The attitude from some of you has just really rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe you didn't mean it as harsh and damning as it came off, but geezus.

I sincerely hope you all have a good day, it's gorgeous here and the weather is wonderful.
Thank you for your input.

[stepnstone]

No'one is trying to "condemn" you at all, your taking opinions in the wrong
context. There is no way to sugar coat what keeping a squirrel entails.

You raised a squirrel from what I understand was a pink, not an easy task
even for the experienced and you definitely have my admiration for that!

I hope you decide to stick around, we may have our own opinions just
as yourself but we are here to help one another and do regardless of our
personal views. We are all here for the same purpose and that is for the
continued survival of these little's. Whatever it takes!

[CritterMom]

I am sorry you found us to be condemning. For every person who believes you stick with your critters through thikh and thin, we get to "meet" 50 or so that wait way too long and then want to dump their baby on someone to "wild them up" because their squirrely behavior has become more than any sane person wants to deal with.

I say sane because as it turns out, I HAVE a squirrel who pretty much owns my guest room and I know EXACTLY what you get to deal with during their "puberty/teenage" years. I love that little guy more than any human I know...and I also walked around my house wearing a stainless steel sieve tied over my face as a protective mask when he was a kid! The UPS guy is likely never going to be the same after catching sight of me in THAT.

Now, at nearly 5, he is a sweet little guy who loves to cuddle in my lap and only occasionally manages to accidently slash my face open with his claws. Anyone who messes with him can look forward to having their arm torn off and used to beat them to death. But if I stumble upon another baby that is in good health, I will be readying it for release, not to be a companion. That will be saved for those who really have no choice.

Just thought you might want to hear from someone who made the choice at one point.:thumbsup

[island rehabber]

Abbi's Mama, please don't take the above responses to your question as any type of condemnation at all. You've heard from some of our best and brightest here, folks who have been down this road once or twice. :)
What nobody mentioned yet, but I will, is the VET problem. Even if Abbi were one of those one-in-a-million squirrels who loves it indoors and wants to stay and be a cuddlebug forever with you, what happens when she gets sick? THIS is where the rubber meets the road: unless you live in Florida it is illegal to have a grey squirrel as a pet and therefore no vet will treat her. We have a member in TN, as a matter of fact, who had to travel 3hrs ONE WAY to find a vet for a squirrel she had actually released! Lack of vet access is the biggest problem with keeping squirrels as pets, IMHO. It's never a problem at all, until somebody gets hurt. Or a virus. Or a parasite.

No condemnation, no way -- you are obviously a smart, loving person and I just want to put all the facts out there for you. :)

[stosh2010]

For some reason I had thought this site would be much less condemning. Thanks for making me feel like I'm burning at the stake though, that's awesome.

No further replies to this post are necessary.
Thank you for your input.

Hang In There... We're a Squirrel Loving family--and Squirrels COME First...
Please STAY--and learn a little more...each day.
I sent you a PM...a Private Message...
Look to the top header on this page near the word WELCOME..click on NOTIFICATIONS...then INBOX (Private message)...it is like a TSB e-mail...

[farrelli]

Before you run way, please tell us what she eats. Diet is paramount in a squirrel's diet and SO many people get it wrong. Here's a link to our healthy diet thread:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

Now for my two cents. I think that nature is horrible and that many/most squirrels can be made happy inside, BUT it is a ton of work. They need constant attention, a specific diet, they will chew and be messy, and on occasion you may and probably will get bitten, possibly to the bone, even causing nerve damage. Also know that some squirrels do wild up and just will never be happy indoors, no matter what you do. Others seem to love the home life. And the majority seem to be in between. Most get pretty nasty at adolescence, but with time and a lot of work, they often mellow back out. Females, by I think most accounts, seem to be the wildest at the 1-3 times of year they come into heat. It can last a day, or two months. All squirrels are different.

The thing I'm always most concerned about in these cases is that we really have seen numerous people raise a squirrel to be a pet, and then find out that they aren't prepared for all the riggers of it (finding a squirrel sitter when you go away for a few days is just the beginning), and then either release them (probably to their doom) or beg us to find it a good home, which is very hard to do, if not impossible. So, you really have to ask yourself very seriously if you're ready for a very high maintenance, relatively expensive friend who you will have to dote on for the next 8-12 years (sometimes more).

Good luck!

[stepnstone]

I took the liberty of sending her an email,
I can only hope she will accept an apology for
misunderstanding intentions and come back.

[BamaHam]

For some reason I had thought this site would be much less condemning. Thanks for making me feel like I'm burning at the stake though, that's awesome.

No further replies to this post are necessary. I had already considered trying (again) to find a rehabber and just wanted to get input from others. You've made it very clear that you vehemently oppose keeping a squirrel unless it's missing an eye or something similar (even though, in the wild, those animals could indeed very possibly survive...it happens all the time).

For the record, I'm not naive enough to believe that a squirrel could ever be like a pet dog. (however, keep in mind that at one point, dogs weren't 'pets' and were 'wild' as well) I've had rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, ducks, dogs, birds, turtles, hedgehogs, etc. I've been bitten by all of them and it hasn't make me feel any differently towards them. Not EVERYONE just likes an animal when it's a cute little baby. Some of us stick with our animals until they die at 12 or 13+ years old, through good tempers and bad.

I understand everyone wants what's best for Abbi, and believe me, I'm at the front of that line. Her happiness and quality of life/freedom is the top priority and I intend to pursue every avenue (including a rehabber) that would ensure that.
The attitude from some of you has just really rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe you didn't mean it as harsh and damning as it came off, but geezus.

I sincerely hope you all have a good day, it's gorgeous here and the weather is wonderful.
Thank you for your input.

I hope you come back.......if you need help with her we are still here and are willing to help you. I have raised 3 babies ( each a year apart) and only one lives with me. He's 4 yrs. old and my sweetie. The others come to visit me everyday. They live in the trees behind my house. So technically they are still my babies and I still have them around. They love me and even climb on me. Indoor squirrels are a lot of commitment and I mean A LOT! They are like little children.....have to be watched constantly when out of the cage to make sure they don't get into mischief and safety reasons since they are so small. They climb and jump and break things, chew on electronics, wood, etc., and use the bathroom on everything and everywhere. Just giving you a heads up whatever happens. My one who lives with me is a NR but I love him and I'm committed. Either way we are here to help if you need it. Good Luck!:Love_Icon

[stosh2010]

Good Morning Abbi's Mama
Another thing to have at the ready--is a collection of meds...if you are not able to find a squirrel friendly vet---eventually you MAY have to give some kind of treatment your self.(hopefully Never) WE can assist in listing the most commonly used ones.
the rehabbers can THEN give you dosage size based on accurate weight--you need to use a digital GRAM scale.
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ___

Hope to see you post some more photos of Beautiful ABBI
229489

[Abbi's Mama]

First of all, I have to say that the outreach, camaraderie, and support I've received by many of you through either this post or PMs has made me feel a little less taken aback by the previous comments. I do plan on sticking around; I've read through many of the topics here throughout the time I've had Abbi and the knowledge has been very educational.

Her diet consists of Fox Valley formula right now (2:1). She nibbles on a snap pea here and there and a squirrel block from Henry's Healthy Pets, but she doesn't really eat them yet. Her top teeth have barely cut through.

I actually had a question. I've noticed recently that she shivers, normally at feeding time, especially first thing in the morning. There aren't any symptoms of MBD (and considering she's on formula, I thought that was an unlikely diagnosis) and there's no clicking noise when she breathes or open mouth breathing or lethargy......or really any other change in her normal behavior. I wasn't sure if maybe it's a blood sugar thing or what. She still eats about every 3-4 hours during the day (usually more towards 3 or 3 1/2 because much longer than that and she acts like she's starving, but she's gaining weight like she should). At night I usually feed her around 10 or 11 and sleep through the night and feed her around 7-8 in the morning.

[stosh2010]

First of all, I have to say that the outreach, camaraderie, and support I've received by many of you through either this post or PMs has made me feel a little less taken aback by the previous comments. I do plan on sticking around; I've read through many of the topics here throughout the time I've had Abbi and the knowledge has been very educational.

Her diet consists of Fox Valley formula right now (2:1). She nibbles on a snap pea here and there and a squirrel block from Henry's Healthy Pets, but she doesn't really eat them yet. Her top teeth have barely cut through.

I actually had a question. I've noticed recently that she shivers, normally at feeding time, especially first thing in the morning. .
Is it constant ? How long does it last ? or is it a quick body shaking?
Because I have squirrels that do a rapid "shudder" often -throughout the day. I think it is when they get excited...like at snack time. But it doesn't last. It is a quick 2 or 3 second burst...Cruiser can actually fall off his perch when he does it. It makes me laugh.I never gave it a thought because he's done it for over a year.
ANY others have Shaking Squirrels.??

[stepnstone]

First of all, I have to say that the outreach, camaraderie, and support I've received by many of you through either this post or PMs has made me feel a little less taken aback by the previous comments. I do plan on sticking around; I've read through many of the topics here throughout the time I've had Abbi and the knowledge has been very educational.

Her diet consists of Fox Valley formula right now (2:1). She nibbles on a snap pea here and there and a squirrel block from Henry's Healthy Pets, but she doesn't really eat them yet. Her top teeth have barely cut through.

I actually had a question. I've noticed recently that she shivers, normally at feeding time, especially first thing in the morning. There aren't any symptoms of MBD (and considering she's on formula, I thought that was an unlikely diagnosis) and there's no clicking noise when she breathes or open mouth breathing or lethargy......or really any other change in her normal behavior. I wasn't sure if maybe it's a blood sugar thing or what. She still eats about every 3-4 hours during the day (usually more towards 3 or 3 1/2 because much longer than that and she acts like she's starving, but she's gaining weight like she should). At night I usually feed her around 10 or 11 and sleep through the night and feed her around 7-8 in the morning.

:wave123 Abbi's Mama!
Your on track with her diet, nibbles are about all you can expect for now
with solids. The important thing is getting her used to the block as that is
the first solid you want her to start eating well before you have to start
picking through veggies trying to figure out which ones she'll eat and which
ones she'll look at you like your crazy over.
I have read where other's have mentioned concern over shivering, I don't
think we have come up with any definitive answers as to why they do it.
Is the shivering something you visibly see? I ask because I know when they
purr you don't always hear it but you can feel the vibration from their body.
I have a 3 yr old that does this (at times) when she comes out of her nest box
in the mornings, as soon as I cuddle her she'll stop. I know she's not cold, I
really don't know what to actually contribute it to.

[Abbi's Mama]

That makes me feel sooooo much better....and makes a lot of sense.
I didn't realize they purred. The shivering is very noticeable, not enough to "alarm" me, but enough to concern me and make me wonder why she was doing it. I don't think I've ever heard her purr while doing it, but like I said she normally does it at feeding time, and when I'm cleaning her...she just sits there and closes her eyes while she pees and shivers sometimes...purring would make a lot of sense if she was happy about eating or having to pee. I noticed earlier that she was laying on her back napping and shivering (first time I'd seen her doing it aside from feeding time), but she only did it for a short period of time.

And like I said, the rest of her behavior is normal. She's happy, eating good, climbing her cage, wrestling with my hand, bouncing around and attacking her stuffed mouse...everything else is absolutely normal.

Stosh2010 just noticed your response: It lasts longer than a couple seconds, but she usually quits either halfway through feeding or after feeding and cleaning and she's sitting in my hand.

[kcassidy]

Hi Abbi's Mom,

I was very surprised by your post that you thought you were being condemned, it was not that at all and it looks like all misunderstandings have been moved past YAY.

You have to understand that many of us have seen a lot of squirrels die because of "well intentioned" humans. Also many of us have had to take in "pet" squirrels who then became normal wild squirrels and the humans didn't want them anymore. Being bitten isn't that much fun. So StepnStone and others were letting you know about that, as well as letting you know your young one can be wilded up and learn to run from dogs.

I hate hate hate to keep anything in a cage, it causes me extreme stress and extreme mess :) I overwintered two squirrels this year and I am counting the days til I can give them the boot. They are messy, chewed keys off my laptop, chewed a few iPhone headsets and love to throw their food all over the place :) Because I can't keep anything in a cage :D My goal as a rehabber is to raise and release all animals that come into my care. Thats the fun of being a rehabber, babies in the spring and then release :) No long term care, my dogs, horses and cats are more than enough.

Anyway, looks like you have been reading the forum for sometime and you certainly have the diet down pat. I know you love your little squee and so sometimes that means letting them go. I PROMISE you, if you get involved in squirrel rescue, you will have ample opportunity to keep NR's as pets. I see folks on the forum asking all the time if anyone will take this or that NR. Judging from your photos you are a natural at this, which means many more to come if you stick with it. Please stick with it, the animals need you.

Remember keeping a healthy normal squirrel as a pet means you don't have room for one who really needs to be kept as a pet. Make sense?

I'm not judging you, condemning you or reading you the riot act, I'm just sharing my opinion in attempt to influence your decision about releasing Abbi. All said with love and kindness.

Here is what I looked like after Ollie who I've had since he was a little baby went from sitting on me, letting me hold and pet him to a terrorist all between one Morning and then the Afternoon. I love this squirrel but we no longer interact the way we used to. We kind of dance around each other and I'm so happy that he is going out during the day and only inside to sleep!!

Good luck with whatever you decide and remember there are a lot more "kids" to help. Photos of my injuries, which all happened in under a minute.

[pjjere]

Just wanted to share that Nutkin is also a shiverer (is that a word?). The only time we notice this is if we have to wake him up to clean his cage. This is the only time he seems to like being held. I used to think he was cold or scared but now I think it is almost like purring. He seems very content and relaxed when he shivers. Also wanted to offer our services to any squirrels in need. Nutkin will be going to the trees soon and we are going to miss him. We are in SE SC about 15 mile from the Ga border.