13 week grey tree squirrel i have raised since about 1 1/2 weeks old

[Sheron]

Hello my cat brought me a baby squirrel that i estimated to be under 2 weeks old i read everything possible on the internet about raising them he is now a healthy 13 week old and happy i cage him at night and when i am unable to watch him his cage is made of wood and wire is about 3 1/2 by 4 1/2 and sits on my nightstand beside my bed i have an extra room that i plan to turn into his room i believe release is not an option due that he has imprinted onme and my dog he goes to everyone and gives my dog kisses hes not afraid of anything even the cat that brought him to me hes not afraid of. My neighbor hood is full of stray cats and dogs and im afraid he would be killed going up to a stray my question is is it ok to file his nails as i am scratched from head to toe. Will they grow back if at some point i do have to release him? At another location though.he has become my baby and would miss him greatly my house is not mine it belongs to my pets. I plan on putting him a tree in his room and making it as natural as possible any suggestions or experience would be greatly appreciated

[Scott]

Thank you for taking care of this little one. I'm a little surprised that no one has chimed in yet, to offer suggestions, so I guess I will be the first.

Squirrels make miserable pets. They bite, they scratch, they chew: trim, tables, furniture, electric wires, pictures, hardwood floors etc. They require a very specialized diet, and in a small cage, are very susceptible to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).

They are "one people animals", meaning your boyfriend or husband, children, friends, visitors, etc; will not be accepted. Sometimes the squirrel will attack these others. It has happened on this board many, many times.

Please provide his complete diet (everything you feed him). Also please provide some pictures.

Under the caption, "Squirrel Nutrition", you will find a thread entitled, "Healthy Diet for Pet Squirrels". This should be followed to the letter. You must be aware, NUTS are bad for squirrels!!! They are a treat only, and shouldn't be a staple. One or two nuts per day at maximum.

In my opinion, this little one should not be allowed around your pets. You are correct that he will grow accustomed to them, which will result in a dangerous release. Squirrels are meant for the trees and they're wild animals. Eventually, he will show his wild side during hormone changes and seasonal changes. At that time, he can become very dangerous and bites or dangerous scratches are not uncommon.

I know you have become attached to him in the last couple months, but I hope you will find it in your heart, to follow the guidelines from others and release him back to freedom.

[Chickenlegs]

What Scott said. There are plenty of squirrels who for one reason or other--injury, illness, birth defect, teeth--can't go out. Even some of those guys can be mean as snakes. Squirrels are WILD? Your darling may be one of the 3/5% that choose to be a pampered inside squirrel, but to force that on him would guarantee him an awful life. HE has to choose. It's the only way to show you love him.

[Spanky]

Will they grow back if at some point i do have to release him? At another location though.he has become my baby and would miss him greatly my house is not mine it belongs to my pets.

I may be able to assist with a release... I am NE Georgia.


Under the caption, "Squirrel Nutrition", you will find a thread entitled, "Healthy Diet for Pet Squirrels". This should be followed to the letter. You must be aware, NUTS are bad for squirrels!!! They are a treat only, and shouldn't be a staple. One or two nuts per day at maximum.

Here is the link for the healthy diet...
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels



There are plenty of squirrels who for one reason or other--injury, illness, birth defect, teeth--can't go out. Even some of those guys can be mean as snakes. Squirrels are WILD? Your darling may be one of the 3/5% that choose to be a pampered inside squirrel, but to force that on him would guarantee him an awful life. HE has to choose. It's the only way to show you love him.

Having acclimated to cats and dogs will make any release all that more challenging but it is certainly not impossible. I'd make sure if he is released that it is done by someone with lots of experience and make sure they understand the degree to which the squirrel has acclimated to it's natural predators.

A 13 - 14 week old squirrel is much different from a 1 year old squirrel. A younger, adolescent squirrel as a much better chance to acclimate to the wild just as an adolescent teenage human can more easily acclimate to new situations than us older (more senile) folks can after having developed our habits (good and bad). There are the few as CL said that are happy to live as an inside squirrel, but not many at all.

Every healthy squirrel should be allowed to make their own choice IMO.