Hurricane Brothers

[Buzzellsc]

I adopted these two brothers that the mom left after the hurricane. One is very shy, a little bit smaller, and seams to be maybe the runt? The other is pretty wild and seams to be the one in charge. I recently took them outside because I put a fake tree in their room for them and they picked all the leaves off and made a nest. Seemed ready to me so the one in charge played in the oak tree out front all day and the shy one freaked out and looked like he was gonna have a heart attack so I brought him back in. I felt terrible they were separated so I got a ladder and grabbed the other one out of the tree. It's been a week and the "one in charge" has started biting me on the fingers and it doesn't seam to be the friendly nibble it use to be. The shy one is currently sleeping on my shoulder while the other one is probably in the back room chewing on something. So I guess my big question is would it be bad of me to build the "one in charge" a home for the tree out front and keep the shy one or keep them both together and keep getting attacked lol. He is kind of a bully to the shy one too. Grabs food out of his hands and always attaking him(they are playing but a couple times he makes sad noises). In need of some advise. Thanks guys!

[KAM2017]

Hi, I have two Eastern Gray squirrels a brother and sister pair and my male was much smaller but is the "alpha". Mine have never bitten or attacked. If you are meeting all their needs and the one is still aggressive and is able to build a nest it may be wilding up and ready to be released if that is something you are willing to try. If not I would suggest only feeding them by hand, don't leave food out, this way they see the interaction with you as positive. Do you know what their ages are? Also squirrels can easily mistake your finger for food and they have a lot of power in their bite so if it's not drawing blood or biting over and over it may just be seeing if you're food. Good luck!

[KAM2017]

Also my squirrels play and make the squeak noise too and my make the alpha will growl at her over food but he never hurts her.

[Buzzellsc]

He bites me when he runs around on me. He will run from my back to my stomach and his face looks like he is running to bite me. I try a feed them a veriety of things so they have everything they need. I wouldn't mind letting him go if that's what he wants I just don't know if it's bad to separate them since they are brothers.

[KAM2017]

Do you know how old they are? Mine used to play when they were younger by running full speed all over me and they would lay on their back on the floor or hang from my arm while I tickled their belly and they would grab my fingers and play bite kind of like a cat. If he's not biting you all over, and is not drawing blood, and is Young he may be playing. Does he chatter his teeth or growl before he bites or will he only nip your fingers when he's running on you?

[Buzzellsc]

They are about 2-3 months old. Still young. And he has bit my ears a couple times but not hard. Same as fingers. He only does it when he's running around me. He also likes to lunge at people's faces.

[cava]

Hi there. Well, it sounds like you guys are talking about babies growing up and wilding up. Even the most docile babies turn into wild children as they mature and this is an indication that it's time for release. 2-3 month old babies are too young. 16 weeks is the youngest that it's recommended to start Soft Release which is when they are moved to an outdoor cage and acclimated to outside for a while before being allowed out.

It's normal for one of the two to assert dominance, it's a skill that will benefit them in the wild. Unless the other one is getting hurt, too stressed or unable to eat, it's usually fine. You could video their behavior and link it to here (youtube) and we could tell you what we think. It would be better for the two to be released together for their sake. You should wait until the shy one becomes comfortable and able to spend some time outside (in a cage!). Letting them run around outside at this age is a recipe for disaster. They don't know dangers and scare easily. You could lose one up a tree, into the street, to another animal, to a fall, etc.

Check out release cages here (search) and get an idea for set up. If you think your stinkers are wilding up and ready to begin the process of being released, we can help. Also check out the section on soft release.

[KAM2017]

I feel like he's playing from the experience with my two. I think their speed, beady eyes, agility, and energy level can definitely be intimidating.. I had felt the same way with mine when they first started really playing which was at the age yours are now, well 3-4 months. But they can bite.. if he was biting you and trying to hurt you he would and it wouldn't just be your fingers. Also for the face jumping thing.. that I've read is common and I had it with both my squirrels, their vision up close is not the greatest so jumping to your shoulders could be easily missed and land on the face. I would try a stuffed animal and wiggle it in front of him and make it hop and see if he plays back. That is really young in my opinion for aggressiveness to start.. that could start around 7 months to a year old due to hormones and what not. I'm sure you've done your research but make sure you offer fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts and that you hand feed them as often as possible, make sure they have plenty of things to teeth on.. their teeth never stop growing so they have to chew and they have to be able to climb. Also if they do not have run of the house or at least a bedroom the enclosure should be at least 4x4x6 feet. ( Mine is larger but they have full run of my master bedroom too) . Like I said I'm sure you know all that but I figured it was worth mentioning if not to prevent attitude issues with them in the future. Good luck!!

[cava]

Three to four month old babies will probably be weaning themselves from the formula, if not that's ok. They should be eating a quality rodent block and nothing else until they eat this daily, as their food source. Once they are eating them regularly you can begin to add healthy veggies. Fruits and nuts should be an occasional treat. Seeds even less often. Check out this healthy squirrel food pyramid. It lists the foods that are safe for squirrels. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

They should be given their block first thing, eat that (not stash or shred) and then at lunch they can have veggies.

Hand feeding is not necessary. It puts you at risk for bites and aggression. They don't look at it as generous, they see it as "you have the food I want, I'll do anything to get it." Some squirrels may be ok with hand feeding but they should never be without food in their cage. They have to keep their blood sugar levels up and must have access to food when you aren't around. If you want to hand feed extras like veggies, or a fruit treat, that's great. I'm sure they'll appreciate it. Once mine get about 5 months, having a nut in my hand was dangerous. They knew it was there and would bite me to get it. That's normal behavior.

I'd love so see some photos of your cuties!

[KAM2017]

It is really different with each squirrel. If you're planning to release I would say not to hand feed. If you keep them mine are over a year, have never bitten and will jump on me and put nuts in my pockets and in my hair and take food from anyone's hand without aggressiveness. I do leave food out for mine all the time but as they've gotten older they don't socialize as much and I am concerned that may be part of it?? By socialize less I mean they don't play like they used to. My squirrels prefer fruits and vegetables over nuts, and have never shown an interest in any type of snacks or rodent block. I really think the little guy is playing and that he's not being aggressive. I hope everything works out well!

[Buzzellsc]

They have a big cage that they don't sleep in anymore. They have the whole office to run around in. I put one of those big fake trees in and they had a wicker basket upside down that they would run through and play and they took all the leaves off the tree and made a nest in the basket. Now they are sleeping in my dirtbike helmet at the top of the closet. Wonder what's next ha. I give them a corn and nut mix, fresh fruits and veggies and occasionally kitten milk. They don't seem interested in the milk when I give it all the time so I just do once or twice a week now. I also find egcorns across the street and they love them! I try and let them out in the living room to run around but we have dogs so we have to put them away. Maybe I'll try and find them some toys so they can play and not play with my fingers.

[Buzzellsc]

295649
295650

Not sure of this is going to work but here are two pictures.

[Mel1959]

Oh yeah, these two guys are much too little to be released. Have you given them any type of rodent block? They should have one. I live across the river from you on the barrier island. If you go to the feed store on Aurora Rd. you can purchase Mazuri rodent block by the pound. Get a pound of it and offer it to your guys. Don’t give them any nuts. You want them actually eating the block. Veggies from the healthy food pyramid can be offered after they’re eating some block. I know you’re already feeding them veggies, but it would be healthiest for them to eat some block, too. Also, kitten formula is not recommended. They should have Esbilac powdered puppy formula or Fox Valley 20/50, which has to be ordered online.

When it’s time for release it’s best to do a slow release process by putting them in an outside cage for several weeks so they can get used to the sights and sounds of outdoors, as well as the sounds other squirrels make when there is danger. While they are in the release cage you continue to feed them as usual.

I would be happy to show you my release cage set up and help you and your little guys however I can. Just send me a private message if you are interested. I have Fox Valley formula I can give you so you can offer it to your guys and see if they like it.

[Cesta]

295649
295650

Not sure of this is going to work but here are two pictures.

Oh my goodness they are adorable! They look super healthy but do need their blocks. They are still babies, since you live in FL you may be able to do a Dec release... I agree that some dominance behavior between the two of them is normal, even at their young age. Only once did I have to separate a pair of siblings-- the male was making his sister's life a living hell. He chased her constantly, she couldn't find a safe spot (and they were in a giant cage). He hogged all the food and would chase her and grab any food she tried to hide in a corner and eat. He was also very aggressive towards me. So, he ended up in the RC alone, and the change in her was amazing. She gradually started to feel safe and it turns out she was a gentle, spunky sweetheart. But again, we were talking terrorist behavior of one to the severe detriment of the other. Yours sound like they're having sibling squabbles.
As far as biting you, squirrels have sharp teeth and the assertive guys aren't afraid to use them, even at their young age, especially if they aren't getting their way. I think very soon they'll be ready to be in a good sized cage and not allowed to climb on you anymore. You want them to survive in the wild, and if they try to run around on someone besides you they will end up hurt or dead when that person flings your squirrel off them. I know it seems mean, but you are raising them to be wild, not to be pets. It stinks, but try to harden your heart and go hands off for their own good before too long. If you're planning to release this year and not overwinter, I really encourage you to help them try and 'wild up' now. Give them lots of things to do in their cage so they don't get bored, but don't let them use you as a tree anymore. You'll be giving them the best possible chance of making it on their own when you do release them. :thumbsup

[cava]

They are adorable! I love the one in the coconut. Mel has made a generous offer and someone with knowledge. I'd take her up on it.

[Buzzellsc]

I will defiantly get them rodent block (such a weird name) but I would honestly love to keep them. They have stole my heard and I play with them every day. I just wanted to get everyone’s opinion on the little biter and see what to do. If he is just playing then I will try and work on it with him. They love to run around the living room so I will try and let them do that more. Those pictures were two weeks ago. They have grown so fast.

[Cesta]

I will defiantly get them rodent block (such a weird name) but I would honestly love to keep them. They have stole my heard and I play with them every day. I just wanted to get everyone’s opinion on the little biter and see what to do. If he is just playing then I will try and work on it with him. They love to run around the living room so I will try and let them do that more. Those pictures were two weeks ago. They have grown so fast.

You have done a wonderful thing by adopting and raising these sweet babies. And TSB is specifically for people who LOVE squirrels. That being said--We all know how adorable and sweet they are when they're small and cute and 'tame'. But inevitably, almost all squirrels will grow up, literally 'grow some balls' and become a menace to you, your family, and any guests you may have over. Or they'll tolerate and maybe even 'love' you, but they will dislike all others on sight. And then run up their leg and bite them. They will also pull the stuffing from your couch to make nests, pee all over your house and said couch, and generally try to run your household. Keeping one squirrel works for some people-- sometimes a squirrel is truly unreleasable or simply chooses not to ever leave. Squirrels don't generally live together in the wild. They are territorial and keeping both will likely turn your house into a war zone. I'm sure others will chime in, but please really think about it before you choose to continue treating them as pets. Because if you raise them to be domesticated, then they grow up and all the above stuff happens and you want them to be free after all-- they will be at a serious disadvantage in the wild. Or you may end up needing to cage them, but keeping them like that as adults is like caging a lion in the living room. They will be very unhappy & you'll have deprived them of their true nature-- to run free in the trees.
I understand you're just concerned about the bullying now, but honestly, your troubles are going to be huge compared to this in a year.

[KAM2017]

You are doing an awesome job and they look so very sweet and healthy! If you can put the time a work in and you want to keep them, their life span will be extended so much! My squirrels do not like strangers as the person in the comment above had said but they do not attack or bite even if someone they don't know touches them. I rescue other animals too so I have a mobile vet come to my house for vet care and her and her vet tech entered their always open cage, put their hands into their nest box to pet them and they let them and then came out of their box and just watched them. They will flee not bite or attack, again this is based on my experience with my two who are brother and sister. I think that once you try to play with the hyper one you will see he is just playing. You are doing awesome for them and I appreciate your post because I have not seen too many people who have two and do not plan on releasing ( like me ). I really feel you are doing something amazing and if they have all their needs met, Better food than in the wild and no predators than you are doing them a favor and giving them a longer and better life. They are sooo cute! I miss when mine were that little!!

[cava]

They will flee not bite or attack, again this is based on my experience with my two who are brother and sister.


I'm just curious, how do you plan to keep them from mating?

[KAM2017]

Usually squirrels will not mate with a sibling. In the wild the female has like 10 males compete to mate and will never mate with that squirrel again. I know it can happen and I do have a vet who will spay and neuter them who does most of the vet care for exotics and wildlife in Florida. They have been through their first heat and didn't try to mate with each other but I'm still debating on whether or not to get them fixed. It just worries me with such a surgery and being so small. I guess if they did we would have babies. I still am on the fence on getting them fixed because of that though.. I probably will go ahead and get them fixed though just to prevent moodiness during heat and them mating. I heard it's better that animals go through one heat before spay and neutering but idk if that is true or not? If you are in Florida I can give you information of that vet so you can get yours neutered if you would like. 😊

[KAM2017]

https://www.facebook.com/kati.montuori/videos/1386050798101097/

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1786740148032158&id=100000885706539

Here are a few videos of mine when they were a little older than yours are now.

[Buzzellsc]

They are both males so I don't think they will be mating. That's the main reason I'm nervous about keeping them because I don't want them to be territorial and try and kill each other. But as of right now sleep curled up together and run around with each other. Where one is the other is always near. Worst case scenario one gets mean I will start doing the cage outside and hiding his food so he can prepare for the outdoor but till then they are running track around me and having fun. They should be fine just still learning and want to give them a great life. :)

[Buzzellsc]

We have pictures and videos on their Instagram page we made them. We need to post more but have been busy.
Squirrel_boys

[Buzzellsc]

Well I’m back...and I just got attacked in the face twice and on the hand.I tried to treat it as playing but he drew blood. I grabbed him and put him in the cage. I think it’s time i start getting him use to the outdoors. So the big question is do I let them go at the same time or do I keep the shy one. I really do love them and it’s really upsetting to have to do this but I can’t keep getting attacked in the face.I had them running around the house last night and I noticed the one is very reliant on the other. He follows him everywhere and they play a lot. I don’t know what to do :(

[TubeDriver]

They do wild up at some point. Squirrels in captivity can live longer than 10 years and can't be trained like a domestic animal. I would do a proper "soft-release" and try to release both of them together. This way, they can rely on each other for a while until they go their separate ways!







Well I’m back...and I just got attacked in the face twice and on the hand.I tried to treat it as playing but he drew blood. I grabbed him and put him in the cage. I think it’s time i start getting him use to the outdoors. So the big question is do I let them go at the same time or do I keep the shy one. I really do love them and it’s really upsetting to have to do this but I can’t keep getting attacked in the face.I had them running around the house last night and I noticed the one is very reliant on the other. He follows him everywhere and they play a lot. I don’t know what to do :(

[cava]

Release the together. Even the shier one (which it's common to have one more dominant than the other) would be able to survive outside. Unless he is disabled he is designed to survive outdoors, they are wild animals. It's easy to forget when we rear them from helpless babies. Squirrels have different personalities and your shy one will benefit from going out with the one he seems dependent on. If you hold him back and wait until later, you will be putting him out alone, which isn't optimal. Plan a soft release, putting them in an outdoor enclosure for a couple of weeks, and chances are you will see personalities change as the both wild up. I think you are doing the right thing.