17 week old Squirrel - Help

[SandyTwig]

Hi All,

This is my first time raising a squirrel and so far it has been a very interesting experience.

My intentions has always been to release my squirrel in my backyard. But after researching and thinking, I realized my neighborhood in not a safe place to release him because I live in the city where there are a lot of vehicle traffic, there is a kids daycare near by and many of my neighbors are not a fan of wildlife :sniff. And I need to find someone in Florida who can help me in trying to get him released. Based on my experience in turning in other animals, I do not trust any rehabbers here in S Florida. I'm willing to drive to a place where my squirrel will be safe... rehabber or not.

He is very friendly and playful with me so hopefully before he is released his wild instinct will kick in


Also, sometimes I really do feel bad for my squirrel. Sometimes he gives me these looks that melts my heart and hugs my hand and it quickly crosses my mind to keep him, and then I'm undecided on what to do.

Need Help :sadness

Thanks

Sandy

[farrelli]

How old is he? What's his story? What's his diet?

Does he seem to be wilding up or is he happy indoors so far? Does he get a lot of out of cage time? How big is his cage?

[crazy4squirrels]

Where in Florida? Do you handle the squirrel a lot? Are you sure under 2 yrs old? I am a Florida member and there are many more.

[SandyTwig]

I'm sorry he is 17 Weeks

He is loose in my room and when he wants to sleep he goes to my closet and sleep in one of my hoodies. Yes, I handle him alot and he seems happy...sometimes he would stare out the window and it makes me feel very guilty. I feed him different types of nuts (pine nuts, peacan etc), sunflower seeds, carrot, green beans, spinach etc. I have tired feeding him rodent blocks (and I've tried different brands) but he in general he doesn't like it. I think I've caught him 4 times eating it.

He seems very happy. Doesn't seem like he wilding up.

Thank You

Sandy

[SammysMom]

Regardless of what you end up doing with him he MUST eat rodent blocks. The diet you just outlined is one that will surely lead to MBD. :nono
Please go to http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels and read and read and read... It is absolutely necessary.

[HappyLittleSquirrely]

He also needs some sort of box for a nest. A nest is very important for a squirrel . A square closed cardboard box with a hole so he can get in and out.Fill it with fleece,or old shirts ect,,. it will also help if you need to move him or put him in a big cage for transport.It will lessen the stress a bit if he's moved in a familiar surrounding. I have a squirrel that i adopted named LoLa that lived in a closet for the first three years of her life, was fed a bad diet. Her owner loved her ,but LoLa was getting week and sick and started having seizures from lack of proper diet. Now she gets to go outside,play in dirt, and run in the sun ,what all squirrels should do. I'm sure you'll find some one that will help. Florida seems to be teaming with rehabers .:thumbsup

[farrelli]

Do you have anymore blocks on hand? What kind? We have many tips for getting them to eat them. They are a MUST. And actually, I would correct the diet for awhile before you release, if you release.

[HappyLittleSquirrely]

Wanted to ad, If your squirrel likes avocado or peanut butter, once a day you crush the blocks up with either and roll them into a ball and see if he will eat them. mango fruit is good as well for squirrels. broccoli, most lettuces. No corn.

[HappyLittleSquirrely]

Do you have anymore blocks on hand? What kind? We have many tips for getting them to eat them. They are a MUST. And actually, I would correct the diet for awhile before you release, if you release.

:thumbsup

[SandyTwig]

Thank you everyone for responding and trying to help me. I'm very grateful. :)

I will build him a Nest Box tomorrow.

I have two brands of Rodent Block: Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health Mouse, Rat, & Hamster Food
Mazuri Rat & Mouse Diet
My squirrel likes none

I will try to crush the blocks in avocado or peanut butter to see if that works.

Thanks

[farrelli]

Keytee are kind of crappy, and apparently contain a carcinogen. Mazuri aren't bad nutritionally, but apparently very tasty.

The best ones taste and nutrition wise are Henry's. A bag will last a month.

http://www.henryspets.com/squirrel-diet/

Some sqs love them, but even these are sometimes had to get a sq to eat, so all manner of tricks can be needed. Some people put cherry juice on them, some blueberry juice, some a bit of olive oil, some serve them warm, some cold, some sliced, etc. Boo balls are also great. All sqs are different.

Peanut butter is one thing that's not great to put on them because peanuts are high in phosphorous, and so a no-no. A tiny bit for flavor probably isn't too bad, but not too much.

[HappyLittleSquirrely]

I would no longer feed him pecans as well. Just Almonds or Hazel nuts for nut treats. He's 17 weeks? He will become a handful probably towards spring. It's a good time to start making arrangements.

[HappyLittleSquirrely]

You can pulverize those blocks by putting them in a thick plastic bag and using a hammer or a rolling pin to crush them. That's if you don't have a blending device like a coffee grinder or whatever. I'v'e also put them in a metal coffee can and crushed them with the handle of a hammer when times were tough. As farrelli said be sparing on the peanut butter.

[czarina]

:Welcome. There is a lot of very valuable information about squirrels on this site.

But truly the very first thing you need to do is to get him on a correct diet. I think almost everyone here will agree, that proper diet is the one most important component in keeping a squirrel healthy. And a good quality rodent block is essential to keeping him healthy. Everyone here has gone thru the block battle, but it is so important. Most of us give the HHB'S first thing in the morning, and they get nothing else until they eat their blocks. They need 2 of these daily. They supply all of the minerals and vitamins required to have a healthy, captive squirrel. Then, I feed Oxbow rodents blocks. There is always a handful in their cages at all times, for them to snack on. Some on here use other brands, which I am not really familiar with, as I have always used the Oxbow exclusively.

Then, they get their fresh veggies. Please go to the healthy diet link. It is almost like a bible to most of us. But remember, proper diet is the most important thing you can do to hrlp your little guy.

I completely agree with the idea that your little guy needs a nest box. It is really important to them psychologically. It is in their nature.

I personally feel that all squirrels should have a cage of their own. He needs to learn to go in it now, for severL reasons.

1) it is his safe zone. When he is tired, or scared or sick, he needs to know he has a safe harbor.

2)for his own safety. Unless you have completely squirrelproofed this room, there are many hidden dangers, and he will eventually find them. Whether it it be an exposed electrical cord, and he gets shocked, or falls in the toilet and drowns, or finds something that is poisonous to squirrels and chews into it. This list could go on and on.

3) if he ever gets injured or sick and needs to be transported to a vet, and has never been in a cage, he will freak out

4)if you decide to release him, he will first be going into a pre release cage, to get accljmated to the outside, so again, it will help him if he is accustomed to a cage.

5) as squirrels get a little older, most will not tolerate anyone else but their main caregiver, and will violently attack anyone who comes near you, if he is on you.



This list could also go on and on. But I think of cages this way. It is for the squirrels safety.

Good luck!

[HappyLittleSquirrely]

Good post czarina.I wanted to mention that squirrels love to climb to the top of door sills. I shudder when i hear horror stories of pet squirrels getting caught in the top of doors when playing then someone trying to shut the door. I've had many near misses with my squirrels. So many things,, Lord,

[crazy4squirrels]

17 weeks, ok. He is at a very good age to start the soft release process. Letting them have the run of a room can be dangerous unless you are home with him. We have all heard some horror stories os squirrels getting slambed in doors and dying or having perm damage done. Squirrels will chew everything and that includes electrical wires. The diet is an issue. What county are you in here in Florida? I am in Pasco County on the West Central Coast.

[SandyTwig]

Great information guys ! I will first try to get this squirrel on track in regards to food, nestbox, and cage (he is going to freak if i put him in a cage though). Thanks

crazy4squirrels - I'm in Miami Dade County

[pjjere]

He may end up loving his cage but you need to be smart about setting it up and let him go in on his own. Put lots of fun stuff for squirrels like limbs and sticks from outside and a nice cozy nest box for him. Maybe put some clothes or fleece that he has slept in before and have his scent. Squirrels are very curious critters so if you can figure out how to make the cage interesting to him he will probably go in on his own. Obviously make sure there is food and water for him.

[SandyTwig]

He may end up loving his cage but you need to be smart about setting it up and let him go in on his own. Put lots of fun stuff for squirrels like limbs and sticks from outside and a nice cozy nest box for him. Maybe put some clothes or fleece that he has slept in before and have his scent. Squirrels are very curious critters so if you can figure out how to make the cage interesting to him he will probably go in on his own. Obviously make sure there is food and water for him.

:thumbsup

[Duckman]

If he is loose in your room, you are going to need to be aware of the biggest hazard to free run squirrels (in my opinion). Make sure that all electrical cords are out of reach and anything toxic (plants, chemicals, etc) are stored. Squirrels LOVE electrical cords (I think they sense the electricity in them and it becomes an attractant). My Rex blew his top teeth off chewing through an extension cord, and he isn't a free range squirrel. He is only allowed out under supervision daily and happened to slip away out of sight for less than a minute and POP, SQUEAL) he chewed right through it. I was EXTREMELY lucky it didn't kill him outright! The very next day I watched him go right back to the cord and start to gnaw on it again!! It was removed right then and he doesn't have any access to any ever!! Take a look around the room and try to think like a squirrel. What would you chew on, if you had an incredible urge to chew everything you see?

:clara1:spark:orlando:we1:please:foxer1:fluff3:flu ff2:fluff1:drama

[SandyTwig]

If he is loose in your room, you are going to need to be aware of the biggest hazard to free run squirrels (in my opinion). Make sure that all electrical cords are out of reach and anything toxic (plants, chemicals, etc) are stored. Squirrels LOVE electrical cords (I think they sense the electricity in them and it becomes an attractant). My Rex blew his top teeth off chewing through an extension cord, and he isn't a free range squirrel. He is only allowed out under supervision daily and happened to slip away out of sight for less than a minute and POP, SQUEAL) he chewed right through it. I was EXTREMELY lucky it didn't kill him outright! The very next day I watched him go right back to the cord and start to gnaw on it again!! It was removed right then and he doesn't have any access to any ever!! Take a look around the room and try to think like a squirrel. What would you chew on, if you had an incredible urge to chew everything you see?

:clara1:spark:orlando:we1:please:foxer1:fluff3:flu ff2:fluff1:drama

All my cords are hidden, but I will double check again just in case he's able to reach them. Thanks !

Wow !!! Rex is one Lucky Lucky Lucky Squirrel

Thank You

[island rehabber]

Poor Rex -- omg!
Just to chime in here about 'thinking like a squirrel', the problem with chewing electrical cords is, I believe, a case of mistaken identity. Squirrels love chewing tender, new shoots and branches off trees, especially those with a tasty bud or berry or fruit hanging at the end. So....what looks like a long, thin, flexible new shoot with a bud or berry or fruit hanging at the end?

Right. An electrical cord, with a plug on the end. :shakehead :tilt

[SandyTwig]

Update:

Finally Twig:

1. Has been in his cage for almost a month now. Overall I think he's ok with being in the cage as long he has things to keep him entertained ... toys, branches , food or else he'll be pacing back and forth to get out. ( he gets play time every day)

2. Is Happy with his nest box ( I love it when he peeks through the hole, yawns and stretches when he wakes)

3. Is finally eating blocks after giving him the 'Tough Love' treatment. He's still stubborn about the blocks, but will eat it (Henry's).

Like I mentioned before, I can't keep or release Twig here where I'm at because it is VERY dangerous.
I don't know when it will be the appropriate time to find him a new home, but I want him to go with someone who I feel I can trust, who has experience with squirrels and will give Twig the option on whether he wants to be free outdoors or stay indoors ( or both). Someone who is trustworthy, patient, caring, and loving. I will like Twig to be in an area where there are LOTS of TREES far away from the city, traffic and other major development and where there is enough food outdoors and if not the caretaker to provide food.
I care ALOT for my Twig and I'm willing to drive anywhere in the state of Florida (maybe* even NC maybe) to get him to the actual location where I feel he will be safe and happy.

Twig is very friendly with everyone ( Not 100%, but he's a bit afraid of my cats and dog. Sometime he is curious and want to get close to them), VERY hyper, Loves to Play and loves to be caressed. He also gets can get spooked very easily. Also, depending what he is eating he can be very defensive with his food ( even though I gave him the food he thinks I'm going to steal it)

This is VERY VERY VERY VERY hard for me to do because Twig and I have created a bond. I LOVE him A LOT and I know he does too! I feel it !
But it makes me really SAD about this whole process of letting him go. I feel like I'm abandoning him :boot, he gives me these looks like " Don't leave me " and he is always hugging my hand. I don't know how you guys do it , but its hard to let go or even think about it . Because once he is gone, I won't see him ever again.:sniff:boohoo My 1st Squirrel :boohoo

I said to myself if I can't find someone with good intentions and trustworthy then I will have to make major adjustment in my life to keep him.

Here are a few pictures of him !


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[SammysMom]

Oh my goodness! He is absolutely beautiful with those big ol' earsies!!!:grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug