Overwintering outside

[knightsoul]

Just curious what do you guys who over winter outside put in their nest boxes for them to keep warm. I have 3 that I am overwintering outside and have combined them in a 3 tier metal cage (more for the exercise part) connected to a rabbit hutch that has like a 3' x 2' x 3 high nesting area that we had insulated. One side has there huge fleece blanket with fluff and the other side has hay (there's a hole between that they can decide which to sleep in). It's been pretty cold so want to make sure they have enough warmth.
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[SammysMom]

Looks great, but no hay. It is a big mold hazard and is not good for them. Pieces of fleece are great. You can cut it into strips that they can tuck into their bed themselves or put it in for them.

[pappy1264]

Given they are bigger babies, I would put polyfil in with the fleece. It keeps them warm and does not get wet or moldy.

[Nancy in New York]

There was a member in the last month or so, that put her squirrels outside in their inside cage.
One of the little ones was found dead the following morning. She thinks that something got their paw
through and grabbed one of her squirrels. He died in his nest box if I'm not mistaken.
Those bars are wide on the larger cage and a raccoon could easily stick his paw in.
On the chicken coup, that needs a stronger lock type thing. Racoons could easily pull
that door open.
Is there a nest box in the cage?
Also some people will wrap the cages in moving blankets when it's too cold.
How are you going to keep snow out, is there an overhang anywhere that you can
put the cages under?

[pjjere]

Nancy makes a good point. When we move ours to the release cage we put an additional barrier of 2x3 welded wire for extra protection. It shouldn't be difficult with a staple gun. I was also wondering if your squirrels chew on the PVC ends of your connecting tunnel? We made ours with untreated pine. It may not be an issue but just thought I would bring it up. Good luck, looks like a cool set-up. :)