Introducing a new NR to 2 yr old NR Squirrel

[riefderrico]

Greetings everyone!

Well Nubbins (female) the 3 legged wonder (bout 12-15 weeks) is growing like a little weed and will need more space soon. I currently have a 2-1/2 yr old female NR - Missy (she also had a leg injury, balance issues and for the most part does not know she is a squirrel - LOL!) I would love to keep them together and eventually for them to keep each other company. I know the basics - go slow, separate spaces, etc...

Missy has actually been through 2 sets of 4-6 newbies that eventually were released and did really well with them. She only showed aggression when one of the boys took over her house. She promptly threw him out and from that point forward there was a line drawn in the room that he was NOT allowed to cross without getting buzzed :grin3. She has been in the same room while I feed Nubbins and was more interested in the new stuff than the new squirrel or food. Now Nubbins on the other hand, buzzed Missy while she was eating. (Have to admit it was kinda cute :gig)

What I was wondering is if anyone has any suggestions, cautions, etc... Would love to hear stories about attempts and successes.

[Anne]

I placed two adult NR males together several years ago. Started out with a nest box for each of them in a sanitized cage, when they became friends I removed one box. They have been together now for going on 4 years and are the best of buddies except at feeding time although each gets his own dish. That is the only time Nibbler and Jude make a fuss. Just make sure everything plus the nest boxes are new and all stashes have been removed.

[farrelli]

I think most people make introductions on neutral ground so that they're less territorial. They also swap some bedding for while beforehand so that they get accustomed to the smell of the other.

[riefderrico]

Thank you for the replies. We moved Nubbins to a large ferret cage into the same room with Missy about a week and a half ago. She needed to start getting used to household noises etc... She has adjusted nicely and loves her space. Other than a few squabbles through the bars they are doing well. We have not allowed them to be out in the room at the same time though. Missy has gotten herself pretty padded and solid for winter and def. outweighs the little one by 10x. So I think it will be spring before we attempt putting letting them out together.

Missy is also being very jealous over me with her. She will play w/ me, get loves and scritches and be normal until I pay any attention to Nubbins - then I get scolded and buzzed! Sometimes she even pouts and goes in her house - looks out the window and chitters. The other day they both got TP for their houses. Well, Missy didn't want her TP she wanted Nubbins TP and every time I gave her some she'd take it, bunch it up, turn around and chitter at me then high tail it to her house with it. Only to come back 3 min later to do the same thing (even though she has her own role on her own dispenser). Nubbins however doesn't really care until Missy gets on her cage - then she buzzes her away. And she will be sitting on her couch with that one back leg sticking up eating her food and turn to Missy and just give a short bzz. Just to let her know she sees her. LOL!!! Boy I got me some rotten squirrels!