Are two better than one?

[Snicker Bar]

Forgive me, I think I may have already asked this, but not sure. I have a nearly one year old grey. She has a large, outdoor room with plenty of climbing accessories and toys. I also have added a rabbit for company during the day when we are gone ( have her food on perch, and the bun's Timothy pellets are only given at night). The share veggies but are basically indifferent to each other. This morning we saw a brave squirrel come quite close to the house, maybe a male ?( Snickers is a lady). Do captive squirrels prefer a companion squirrel, for happiness? Snickers is bonded with me, but would a buddy make her less cuddly with me ( would her love switch to roommate ?) I just want her to live a long, happy life. I could contact our local rehabber and see if any non releasable babies come in, I could help one rather than have it destroyed. I took a baby in for a friend night before last ( a little male) but she asked for it back yesterday. And if a buddy would be good, should I get a baby or an adult? A male or female? Just need opinion thanks!

[Radagast]

I am so glad you are asking this. I am in the same boat as you. I have a one year old female grey squirrel. She is terrified whenever I try to open a door to the outside, which is just as well because the neighbor behind my house traps all of the squirrels and relocates them hours away. A cat grabbed her when she was a half dead pinky on the ground. I'm guessing her mother was caught. I'm also wondering if there is a non releasable squirrel in my area that I should try to introduce her to. I hope one of the more experienced members answers this post

[lennysmom]

It is my understanding that unless they are babies or young jurvies, most of the time they do not adjust well to another squirrel being introduced - squirrels are naturally territoriorial and somewhat independent in the wild. I'm not saying it can't be done, and it has on occasion been successful, but there is no guarantee that your squirrel would take to another squirrel and it would need to be slowly and carefully done. You wouldn't want either squirrel to get injured by the other and their behavior can be unpredictable.
When I squirrel sit my friend's squirrel, they were ok until one got too close to the others cage - then the lunging, tail flicking, and growling commenced.
I have never tried it personally though. Perhaps someone with more hands on experience might have more input.

[Mommaluvy]

Ditto to Lennysmom.

They are relatively solitary as adults. Only tolerating each other for warmth in the winter.

Adults can actually kill each other.

[Snicker Bar]

Oh my! Ok, glad to know this. Will stick to the bunny! They show no aggression to each other at all, and I've got bunny's pellet ration on a night schedule so Snickers doesn't have access. They can share most veggies and fruit. I feel much better thank you !!

[Radagast]

Thank you for the info, too. I will put that idea to rest.:great