Chewing on cage bars

[Just*Crazy]

I'm making way to many threads tonight...
Anyway, Little Girl chews on her cage a lot and I'm afraid it's hurting her. She has marks on the sides of her face and black on her lips from the paint I guess and on one side in her mouth it's reddish like the beginning of a sore. Here's a couple pics:236343
236344how can I stop her from hurt herself more? Help please!

[flyer girl]

Do try to discourage this behavior as it could do damage or cause abscesses.. Maybe try some stimulating activities to tire this kid out before going back in the cage.. Hide things in the cage to keep this kid simulated, it can be something like putting treat and toys in a box and making this kid work to get the box open.. Big toys for birds are good to because they have to work to get the treat out of the toys.. Hope this is helpful..:grin2

[Rhapsody]

Sounds like your squirrel needs more play time out of the cage...... the behavior you are describing is consistent with that of a squirrel that is going stir crazy from being locked up for to long. She needs to get out more often and stretch those legs. BTW --I couldnt help but notice from looking at your pic that your little one looks like its teeth could use a trim.

[island rehabber]

Sounds like your squirrel needs more play time out of the cage...... the behavior you are describing is consistent with that of a squirrel that is going stir crazy from being locked up for to long. She needs to get out more often and stretch those legs. BTW --I couldnt help but notice from looking at your pic that your little one looks like its teeth could use a trim.

:goodpost This squirrel needs either a much larger cage or out of cage time, or to be released.
Chewing on cage bars is one of the main ways squirrels develop odontomae -- these are tumors on the roots of their incisors which grow and eventually become very very life-threatening. Please try to remedy this situation as soon as you can. :)

[Just*Crazy]

How much time should she have out of her cage? I have her out for about three hours every night. She does have some toys in her cage but I almost never see her play with them. And release is not an option, because she has little to no use of one back leg.

[Just*Crazy]

Sounds like your squirrel needs more play time out of the cage...... the behavior you are describing is consistent with that of a squirrel that is going stir crazy from being locked up for to long. She needs to get out more often and stretch those legs. BTW --I couldnt help but notice from looking at your pic that your little one looks like its teeth could use a trim.

Really? Trimmed? How would I do that?

[Scurrygirl]

You could try giving her apple wood and see if that helps too.

[Abbi's Mama]

I had the same thought that many others have stated...she's bored and wants out! lol How big is her cage? When Abbi's cage was smaller, after a certain period of time she would just hang their and gnaw on the bars, letting me know she wanted out. With the bigger cage, she hasn't exhibited that behavior at all. She's allowed out while I get ready for work in the morning (usually...depending on the work shirt I have on...she's snagged a couple silk ones :( ) And I always let her out when I get home and she runs around.
I've given her paper bags to play with, bird toys, paper-towel/toilet-paper rolls, stuffed animals, hid treats in boxes with tissue/paper towels so she has to hunt to find them....over all though, the size of the cage has really helped her. I'm not sure of her cage size, but if she IS a non-releasable and you intend on keeping her, it's your responsibility to provide her with a very large cage. (I'm not saying that in a mean way, please don't take offense to it)
Abbi was much happier after I finally got her new cage fixed. :)

[Just*Crazy]

Her cage is a Marshall Mansion. It's about five foot high three foot across and two foot deep. She has two large bird toys, one is full of almonds, and she is not very interested in them. She has a deer antler she hasn't even touched, she has black walnut branches, she did have a cuddle bone that she chewed on for a while, but then she peed on it so I threw it out. I make her little toilet paper roll toys bye stuffing paper towels in them and hiding a nut in the middle and folding the ends, but those last about half an hour with her lol.

I'm only sixteen, I don't have a job, and I consider myself lucky that I got a cage this big, and that I got the two bird toys. My family doesn't have a lot of money, and what we do have is spent on are other animals.

[Pennyorf]

If she is very friendly then I would allow her to run around uncaged in your room. This is what I do with my Baby Girl. BUT, YOU WOULD HAVE TO SQUIRREL PROOF THE ROOM FIRST. No wires, no plunged in wires to lamps, tv's etc. Most squirrel's have schedules. They wake up about 7 or 7:30 and feed and stash food/nuts. They nap around 11:00 to 2 or 3pm. Then they become alert again and need to exercise and play/hide nuts until bedtime which is about 7:30 pm.

If you are in high school then you probably leave before she gets up and are gone when it is time for her to eat and play. I understand why she would want to get out. This would be her busy time. It's their natural instinct and instinct is something that you can't change.

Adapt your life to fit her needs. If you love her, then you will make this work. Be kind to her and never give up. Just know that her needs will never work around your schedule. You will have to make changes that benefit her and her health.

Also, she will eventually go into heat and become very mean during this time. She will start a loud teeth chattering noise which is a warning and will probably start attacking you. DO NOT GIVE UP ON HER DURING THIS TIME. This is when it is ok to cage her for awhile without letting her out. My Baby Girl's heat is from Dec-March. Otherwise she is the most friendly loving squirrel in the world. If you notice your squirrel gathering fluff or anything to carry to her bed, then her heat is right around the corner. It usually starts around 1 yr of age but can start as early as 8 months old.

Make sure she is well nourished. put vitamin drops in her water, they sell rodent vitamin drops at your pet store. Also they have calcium powder in the reptile department that you can occasionally sprinkle on her food.

Most importantly, please love her to death and get to understand her and her needs. These animals are so precious and she is counting on you to make her life wonderful. If you need help, please reach out to us and never just release her out of frustration. Be mindful that she is counting on you and needs you.

[HappyLittleSquirrely]

If she is very friendly then I would allow her to run around uncaged in your room. This is what I do with my Baby Girl. BUT, YOU WOULD HAVE TO SQUIRREL PROOF THE ROOM FIRST. No wires, no plunged in wires to lamps, tv's etc. Most squirrel's have schedules. They wake up about 7 or 7:30 and feed and stash food/nuts. They nap around 11:00 to 2 or 3pm. Then they become alert again and need to exercise and play/hide nuts until bedtime which is about 7:30 pm.

If you are in high school then you probably leave before she gets up and are gone when it is time for her to eat and play. I understand why she would want to get out. This would be her busy time. It's their natural instinct and instinct is something that you can't change.

Adapt your life to fit her needs. If you love her, then you will make this work. Be kind to her and never give up. Just know that her needs will never work around your schedule. You will have to make changes that benefit her and her health.

Also, she will eventually go into heat and become very mean during this time. She will start a loud teeth chattering noise which is a warning and will probably start attacking you. DO NOT GIVE UP ON HER DURING THIS TIME. This is when it is ok to cage her for awhile without letting her out. My Baby Girl's heat is from Dec-March. Otherwise she is the most friendly loving squirrel in the world. If you notice your squirrel gathering fluff or anything to carry to her bed, then her heat is right around the corner. It usually starts around 1 yr of age but can start as early as 8 months old.

Make sure she is well nourished. put vitamin drops in her water, they sell rodent vitamin drops at your pet store. Also they have calcium powder in the reptile department that you can occasionally sprinkle on her food.

Most importantly, please love her to death and get to understand her and her needs. These animals are so precious and she is counting on you to make her life wonderful. If you need help, please reach out to us and never just release her out of frustration. Be mindful that she is counting on you and needs you.


:thumbsup Love your post Pennyorf. @ Just*Crazy . Yes Let her out and watch her . I have two squirrels . they both need love and attention. Keeping them in a cage all day is not good. They need hope and fun time.:) I spend alot of time with both my squirrels. I've had a squirrel in the past that i had regrets of neglect and ignorance, But i've learned since then. They need out time everyday even if their cage is big.

[farrelli]

Yes, many have their own bedrooms where they're out most of the time. And even in situations where people have limited room and limited funds, they will take their squirrels into a bathroom or something (toilet closed) and have play time a few times a day. They really need to run, have fun, and interact. If that can't be given to them, you should see if we can find another home for them.

[HappyLittleSquirrely]

:)

[Just*Crazy]

Thanks for the advice everybody!

I do let her out of her cage for about two-three hours a day, usually from 11:00 p.m. To 2:00 a.m.
And I'm homeschooled so I don't have to worry about school getting in the way, but I do usually stay up late and wake up late. I will try to get up earlier, though. When is the best time to get her out? And how Long?

[HappyLittleSquirrely]

Thanks for the advice everybody!

I do let her out of her cage for about two-three hours a day, usually from 11:00 p.m. To 2:00 a.m.
And I'm homeschooled so I don't have to worry about school getting in the way, but I do usually stay up late and wake up late. I will try to get up earlier, though. When is the best time to get her out? And how Long?

She will let you know. Squirrels usually like to get out in the morning for awhile,then have a midday nap, and out and play again late afternoon.I do that with my squirrel. Consistency is probably the best thing . Make sure she has some big outside wood or branches to chew on. When she gets bored with them,change them. Some mornings I'll let my squirrel out and play with him for ten minutes,then put him back, 15 minutes later get him out again longer. You'll know when she's wanting out. I think early mornings is best for her out time.I know you may be tired,but a few minutes mean alot to a morning squirrel. Squirrel proof that room so you can let her explore while your in and out of sleep.

[Duckman]

I haven't been able to read the entire thread, but one thing I wanted to ask is what does she have to chew on in her cage? Squirrel Teeth continually grow and they need to chew chew chew! I have deer antlers and wood blocks for mine to chew and I don't ever see them chewing on the bars. Just a thought. :grin3

[Pennyorf]

The best time to let her out is from 730 am to 1130 am then again from 230 pm to 730 pm. This is essential for her. She needs exercise and bonding time. Please take good care of her. You are all she has and she really needs you to be a great mommy to her.

[HappyLittleSquirrely]

The best time to let her out is from 730 am to 1130 am then again from 230 pm to 730 pm. This is essential for her. She needs exercise and bonding time. Please take good care of her. You are all she has and she really needs you to be a great mommy to her.

Indubitably! :)

[bobby taylor]

I had the same thought that many others have stated...she's bored and wants out! lol How big is her cage? When Abbi's cage was smaller, after a certain period of time she would just hang their and gnaw on the bars, letting me know she wanted out. With the bigger cage, she hasn't exhibited that behavior at all. She's allowed out while I get ready for work in the morning (usually...depending on the work shirt I have on...she's snagged a couple silk ones :( ) And I always let her out when I get home and she runs around.
I've given her paper bags to play with, bird toys, paper-towel/toilet-paper rolls, stuffed animals, hid treats in boxes with tissue/paper towels so she has to hunt to find them....over all though, the size of the cage has really helped her. I'm not sure of her cage size, but if she IS a non-releasable and you intend on keeping her, it's your responsibility to provide her with a very large cage. (I'm not saying that in a mean way, please don't take offense to it)
Abbi was much happier after I finally got her new cage fixed. :)

I really like your cage. Did u build it or what? I have the same problem as the other person replying about biting on bars. Unfortunately, I have a ferret nation cage and they are NOT for squirrels, because they will reach out and rub hair off their head and arms. I have had to attach 1/2" hardware cloth in areas where she is biting. Her pen is next to my desk and as long as I am here she does bite the bars. She will quit when I leave. I just sold my other ferret nation pen and I am going to sell this one too and get a pen with bars closer together. Sally is let out 2-3 times a day for several hrs. I have given her all kinds of wood to chew on, but not for Sally Girl. She does love wheels, but they are too dangerous for her and I am scared she will get hurt on them. One thing I suggest is to put a sand bucket in there and keep the sand lightly moist, that will help a bit. Problem with that they are very messy. Use one with high sides. I will hide some treats in the sand bucket to keep her interested in it. Also I pull up small oak trees from the yard about a foot high and she loves to chew the roots. Remember to rinse them off real good. I hope this may help some.

[farrelli]

What kind of wheel had you used Bobby? Are you aware of big wheels that they make with no bar in the middle to get hurt on?

http://www.exoticnutrition.com/exersizewheels.html

[Just*Crazy]

Thanks, everyone!
I did have two black walnut branches in her cage, but I just changed them to two mulberries branches with leaves on them. I also have a deer antler that she hasn't touched.

I'm going to try to start getting up earlier and letting her out more often.

I seen her chewing on the bars much since I but branches in front of where she usually chews, and getting her out more often.

[Just*Crazy]

I ment haven't senn her chewing on the bars