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squirrel dad
05-08-2018, 12:40 PM
Is it typical for a grey squirrel to only be friendly with one person? I spend most of the time with our little grey named Penny. She has a birth defect that gave her deformed rear feet. She can't hang on with her back feet so she is non releasable. She is very healthy and playfull otherwise. Lately she is becoming more aggressive toword my fiance. To say the least this is becoming an issue. Is there anything we can do to change this mean streak? Penny is great with me. Like a big baby. Unfortunatley something will have to change and it is heart breaking to even thing about not having Penny here.:help

TubeDriver
05-08-2018, 12:48 PM
Some squirrels will become "one person" squirrels, that is not uncommon. You might try having your fiance feed Penny treats through cage bars so she gets used to your fiance. Also, have your fiance wear an old tee shirt (that she no longer wants) and then place it in Penny's cage so she gets used to the scent of your fiance. If her hind feet are deformed, she certainly will not be releasable (that would be a death sentence), what other options do you have?



Is it typical for a grey squirrel to only be friendly with one person? I spend most of the time with our little grey named Penny. She has a birth defect that gave her deformed rear feet. She can't hang on with her back feet so she is non releasable. She is very healthy and playfull otherwise. Lately she is becoming more aggressive toword my fiance. To say the least this is becoming an issue. Is there anything we can do to change this mean streak? Penny is great with me. Like a big baby. Unfortunatley something will have to change and it is heart breaking to even thing about not having Penny here.:help

Trooper
05-08-2018, 03:22 PM
My 8 years old Trooper was a sweet lovable buddy to everyone, even as I took walks and he met stranger people, he was loved by everyone in our family and out, until.......he became a teenager (about8 months old) and he only chose me. Bit my wife several times, as well as my son, cousin and friends that came to visit.

Although he was reared to be handled by many in our family, I was the one that did most of his duties, feeding, changing cage, medication bathing, etc. etc. and of course lots of love and caresses and petting which in the end, I believe he became extremely jealous of me with everyone.

So the summary in my own unprofessional rehabber opinion is: the more one person interacts with the squirrel, the more close the circle of trust and acceptance it becomes for him or her, to the exclusion of everyone else except the main caregiver.

Regards,

Trooper's dad

squirrel dad
05-08-2018, 04:10 PM
Trooper that seems to be the way are situation is going. And getting worse now that I'm the only one that is comfortable with her.

SophieSquirrel
05-08-2018, 06:37 PM
Although he was reared to be handled by many in our family, I was the one that did most of his duties, feeding, changing cage, medication bathing, etc. etc. and of course lots of love and caresses and petting which in the end, I believe he became extremely jealous of me with everyone.

So the summary in my own unprofessional rehabber opinion is: the more one person interacts with the squirrel, the more close the circle of trust and acceptance it becomes for him or her, to the exclusion of everyone else except the main caregiver.

Trooper's Dad is spot on. When a squirrel is raised by multiple people and given equal care and love by all the squirrel may favor one over there other and view him/her as the Alpha giving occasional nips to others in the household. When you introduce a complete stranger that is a whole other set of rules. Squirrels use visual and scent recognition but scent is the more dominant of the senses. An item of clothing may help but I have never tested that theory - worth a try. Best if you fiancée "gloves up" until this resolves itself. I is important that she doesn't exhibit fear or avoid the squirrel.

Also you are right around the time of her first heat (Estrus) and that will pass.

How does she feel about the squirrel after you get married? Have that discussion now as release would be a death sentence without a doubt.

If someone said to me "it's me or the squirrel" I would choose the squirrel, but that's just me. Penny obviously loves you and depends on you.

Being new to the board do you have this link on diet? https://www.henryspets.com/healthy-diet-for-pet-squirrels/