2 grey squirrels 7-8wks question about cage

[Lovely]

Hi I am wondering what size cage I should have for 2 grey squirrels. Ive had them alittle over a week now and I think they are between 7-8weeks old. Ive had them in a small pet carrier since we found them at the park. And yes we did try to reunite with the mom by leaving them in a box for two hours. She never returned for them. I'm concerned that they need a bigger cage for exercise but I'm also worried they would get cold in a bigger cage. I put a heat lamp near their cage when its cold and continually check to make sure they arnt too warm. If its a warm day out I leave it off. Do they need heat at this age? We live in Wisconsin and some days are cold but they do have each other and a nice blanket to hide in. Any advice? I will likely be keeping them over the winter since they won't be ready to leave by September. Thanks!

[Lovely]

291704

[HRT4SQRLS]

We let them decide if they need heat. We use heating pads on LOW under half of the bin. We use the type heating pads that don't have the auto-off in 2 hours. It is under half the bin. If they need heat they will migrate to the warm side. When they no longer want heat they will move to the cool side of the bin.

At this age most will not need the heat BUT I'm in FL where it is 95 outside so it might be completely different in Wisconsin. If your house is cool I would offer the heat and let them decide.

When they reach this age, we graduate to a small starter cage. You want to low profile cage. They will climb and a tall cage is an injury risk if they fall. A low profile cage is much safer until they perfect their climbing skills.

This is an example of a baby starter cage. I would shop around. The prices vary and frankly I think the price of these small cages is ridiculous. I don't mind paying a good price for a larger quality cage but these are IMO, pretty flimsy.

https://www.wayfair.com/Prevue-Hendryx-Stackable-Flight-Bird-Cage-PVP1137.html

You want 1/2 bar spacing. Even when I move them to a similar cage I have placed a heating pad UNDER one side. At this age it usually doesn't stay long. Never put a heating pad inside a bin or cage as they will chew the cord which clearly is dangerous.

Cute baby! :grin2