So I have another baby..

[Awaiting Abyss]

I have another baby. Kofuku is 10 weeks old now and as of two days ago she has a 6 week old little brother. I was at my work when two guys came in with a little squirrel. They asked how to take care of him so I started talk to them about it. They didn't like the idea of having to feed him so frequently and they asked me to take him.

I have questions.

I have allowed Kofuku to meet him. She groomed him and went about her business. She doesn't pay him much attention at all, but when she does she grooms him.
I keep him in a separate cage since she is eating her block really well and I've already started introducing vegetables to her.
Would it be better to continue to keep him in a separate cage always?

Kofuku is super attached to me, and honestly I'd like it to stay that way. Would allowing her to interact with him cause her to not like me as much?

With a bit of searching on this forum, I've discovered it is possible for squirrels to breed in captivity. Though since they are both babies, I shouldn't have to worry about that for a while. Would it be better on them to just be alone rather than with another squirrel?

[Awaiting Abyss]

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(The paper bedding was just what I had available at work to put in the temporary cage until I could get him home)

[island rehabber]

What a beautiful little baby -- his mamma took care of him very well before he unfortunately became separated from her.

If you are not going to release Kofuku for whatever your reasons are, I would not put them together. Raising them together will encourage her wilding up instincts and, although it may happen anyway, she is more likely to become bitey and unpredictable as she reaches that "toggle switch" age of 12 weeks and decides she wants to be in the trees.

[Spanky]

Kofuku is super attached to me, and honestly I'd like it to stay that way. Would allowing her to interact with him cause her to not like me as much?
With a bit of searching on this forum, I've discovered it is possible for squirrels to breed in captivity. Though since they are both babies, I shouldn't have to worry about that for a while. Would it be better on them to just be alone rather than with another squirrel?

Since you mentioned the breeding issue I wondered if this this suggests you are considering keeping both of these healthy squirrels as pets? If so, I would wonder what others might think about that... I could not imagine keeping 2 healthy squirrels as pets, that seems to me a recipe for disaster (and not because of the breeding risk).

Then again, I am firmly against keeping any healthy squirrel as a "pet" squirrels simply do not make good pets.... I completely understand how folks get infatuated with babies and juveniles but all too often when the get to be a year old (+/-) things change drastically.

There are lots of stickies and posts on TSB about the realities of "pet squirrels" as well as stories about the same pet squirrels viciously attacking someone (often "their person" but all too often visitors, strangers and too often children). This is simply a squirrel being a squirrel; there are exceptions, but they are exactly that: Exceptions.

I always liked this summary from Second Chance about the cons of squirrels as pets, but I cannot find the link on their site anymore so I am attaching it here.
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[Awaiting Abyss]

I do want to keep Kofuku if she continues to want to be with me.
I do know how pet squirrels become and I'm fine with that. I do have other exotic pets and have had experience in the past with different ones as well. Squirrels are legal where I live and I have a vet to take her to.


I was not planning to keep the boy I was just asking about until his release. I wasn't sure if I should continue letting them interact or keep them in different cages and not have them out at the same time.

[Spanky]

It is best for any squirrel that will be released to be with siblings or other squirrels around about their age (as long as they get along). It makes the process of learning to become a squirrel much easier, allows them to learn about squirrel hierarchies and also provides a playmate to help develop coordination.

So with these 2 you have opposing objectives...

[Mel1959]

I just want to share my situation. I had two boys whose mother was killed. I got them with eyes open, so probably 6 weeks. The one that was the first to come Dow the tree looking for help, bonded very strongly with me. I released these two last September in my yard. They still live in my oak tree. Up until 2 months ago I could go out into the yard and both would come running and jump on me and my husband. I could literally pick my boy up off my shoulder and give him snuggles and kisses without any worries. Well, when he reached maturity 2 months ago he bacame very aggressive towards his brother and started biting me for no reason. He is the alpha in the yard. The biting has subsided a little, but I no longer grab him and kiss him....unless he has a nut in his mouth. :rotfl:rotfl

My point here is that although it seems Kofuku would make a great pet, all bets are off when he reaches maturity. IMHO. :grin3