Getting habitat ready for bad winter

[Snicker Bar]

Forecasters predict this is going to be a bad winter (El Niņo) in the South East. My Snickers has been used to having freedom most of her 1 year of life. She has a large ( wire reinforced) portion of our porch; with limbs, piece of log, etc. Last winter she was still small and content to stay in a pet carrier at night. During the warmer winter days, we allowed her onto the porch. Otherwise, she had our master bathroom ( we have other pets so free range of the whole house is not option, except when kick out the cats). My question is should I allow her body to acclimate naturally to the changing seasons, in exchange for the benefit of having her large area full time? I could hang heavy wind breaker curtains around the whole room, and open them when it's sunny or not windy. Or, I should I persuade husband to build a sizable cage for the house, and let her have short periods outside as weather permits? I don't know which would be her preference, wish she could talk! If we did bring her in for winter, she could play in house daily ( can put other pets out); but, would not be unlimited like she's used to. And bathroom full time not safe anymore; she chewed the grout out of floor ..

[kcassidy]

Actually she could talk if you let her :) I'm an Animal Communicator and while this sounds like I'm drumming up business, thats not why I'm responding. You could use me to talk to her or if you give yourself the credit you deserve, we ALL have this ability. Ask her and see what she says. If you want help, I can. Just send me a PM and we can setup a time to talk. I can give you tips on how to do it yourself or I can do it, whichever you prefer.

[Snicker Bar]

Ok we are at a homeschool event now but when get away will do. Just curious how most here " winter" their fulltime house squirrels

[Shewhosweptforest]

I don't let my babies outside....but there are a lot of people who allow their squirrels porch access....the squirrels acclimate fine :thumbsup One winter here...it was Indian Summer...the next day, 30 degree drop..and winter...my wilds grew fur overnight (it seemed that way:grin3) but, they did accommodate the change quickly....there's nothing quite as adaptable as a squirrel :squirrel1

[Snicker Bar]

Ok, thanks for input! Also may consider convincing husband to wall in this part of house ; at least roughly ( not sheet rock etc) . Maybe could put a pet heater in there , enclosed in a wire cage . Just wish had a bigger house and an indoor room just for her !

[Otech Gma]

Our rescue Bandit was given access to his inside cage after release via a port hole in a window pane. He used it as a feeding stop but never came back in to sleep, even after the pregnant female took over his wood nest box. :idea:drama:drama
Ps many of his wild friends figured out how to come in too! We had an indoor viewing station for both species for the last 2 winters

[Snicker Bar]

That's an idea!! We have a low window facing this porch. Maybe we could make some sort of connection between the porch into the bedroom to a cage where it's warm ( if she wants) She already has two nests ( one in log, one in a corner ) made of leaves and hay. Like a pet door or something. Thanks!

[Scooterzmom]

Here is one example of in-and-out cage.


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[Snicker Bar]

Wow!!!! That's perfect!! Will see if my husband can do this ; thank you for the picture to help!!