Squirrel Sitting

[Jen413]

I've got my NR Sammy that is 9 months old. Still very tame and doesn't meet a stranger. Through TSB I met someone local that had found a baby and I gave her some supplies to help get her started. We've continued to talk back and forth and she will be going out of town soon so I've offered to squirrel sit her baby girl. Any tips or suggestions about having another in the house temporarily?

[lennysmom]

How old is this little one that you will be squirrel sitting? Is she still friendly with everyone? I would NOT put the two squirrels together.. too much of a risk IMHO. How kind of you to offer to squirrel sit for her.:hug It is hard to find a good sitter you can trust, but I met one of my dearest friends that way.:) A lot depends on the age of the baby.

I would say to you definitely make sure she has all of her own stuff brought with her, such as her cage (if possible) and all of her bedding and toys so that she will feel more comfortable in a strange place. Also, find out the routine that her mama has for her now as far as feeding and try to stick to it.

One last word of advice - when she gets there with her baby, I would have the baby out with the two of you together so that she can get used to you and know that you are safe, if indeed she is still friendly and young enough to do that. Hope all goes well with your squirrel sitting experience.:Love_Icon

Edit: one other thing I forgot - depending on how far apart the two of you live, but if you have different water sources, I would advise her to bring a jug of her water. We have seen before on the board in a squirrel sitting situation where the squirrel did not like the taste of the squirrel sitter's water and refused to drink.

[Jen413]

The little girl is about 10 weeks old now I believe. So about 12 weeks when I watch her. I'm excited about watching her as long as she's not miserable!! Hopefully she will be okay adjusting. I'll have her for a week. She gets out of cage time so I'll have to see how to handle that according to how she is with me.

A friend reminded me that Sammy doesn't really know he's a squirrel so bringing her around could educate him. I'd like him to remain ignorant to that fact as long as possible. :grin2 I'm going to have her bring her cage with her and plan to keep them separate. Thanks for letting me know about the water. She doesn't live but about 15/20 minutes from me but if she starts acting funny with water I'll know. I work in the same county she lives so I can bring water from work if it ends up an issue.

I've always had singleton's and definitely never had two that were different ages under one roof.

[Lighten-Up]

I just had the thought that 12 weeks is about the time, if I am remembering correctly, they begin to leave baby squirrel, and start to mature more. Not saying that you will have any issues, just realize that at that age, they are changing lots more.

Not sure I've really said anything. :-)

Thanks for your willingness to help, may it be a wonderful experience. :Love_Icon

[Jen413]

Thank you. Hopefully she won't mind her Momma and Daddy have a little vacation and leaving her with a sitter. I'm always excited about playing with a squirrel. Never had two at one time though.