Cage vs out of cage

[Cami]

Hi. I have a question that maybe an experienced squirrel holder may be able to help me with. Is this a character trait or just testing the waters? Last night when I let Bany out of the cage, as I do every night after 20 minutes of running around, he leaped on top of his cage and started running around and hiding under towels and squeaking chirping then barking. He kept staring at wall and freezing and when I would call him, he just had an attitude. I had to cover him to catch him and return him to his cage. He was not happy and hid in his pouch.

This morning he was shy and then eventually we played while in his cage. I didn’t want a repeat of last night

Is it because he is secure in his cage? This is something that just started last night. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am not sure if I should get some rescue remedy, or what. He ate rosemary, tiny cucumbers and asparagus after eating his block. I also have read where some people are giving tums once or twice a week to their squirrels. Is this something I should do?

Last night was very unusual for him, he has never barked and shaken his tail like that before.

[stepnstone]

Hi. I have a question that maybe an experienced squirrel holder may be able to help me with. Is this a character trait or just testing the waters? Last night when I let Bany out of the cage, as I do every night after 20 minutes of running around, he leaped on top of his cage and started running around and hiding under towels and squeaking chirping then barking. He kept staring at wall and freezing and when I would call him, he just had an attitude. I had to cover him to catch him and return him to his cage. He was not happy and hid in his pouch.

This morning he was shy and then eventually we played while in his cage. I didn’t want a repeat of last night

Is it because he is secure in his cage? This is something that just started last night. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am not sure if I should get some rescue remedy, or what. He ate rosemary, tiny cucumbers and asparagus after eating his block. I also have read where some people are giving tums once or twice a week to their squirrels. Is this something I should do?

Last night was very unusual for him, he has never barked and shaken his tail like that before.
"Character trait/ testing the waters" is a good description. Also known as "predator alert", he was in alarm mode... and found his voice. Something scared him, he could have seen a shadow,
something moved, pet/animal, bird flying across the window outside, you suddenly turned on a light... :rolf No need to use anything, he'll calm down on his own with a little comfort. His cage is his safe zone.

Tums are used for those going through mbd or those needing supplement calcium. This has nothing to do with this behavior which is perfectly normal for his wild instincts coming in to play.
How old is your boy?

[Cami]

Thank you for responding. I rescued him early May. I am guessing about 4/5 months. He had his right foot injured when dropped by bird. He was dragging it under his body. A little thing when I rescued him. Thank God for TSB! This is an amazing source.

[stepnstone]

he leaped on top of his cage and started running around and hiding under towels and squeaking chirping then barking.
He kept staring at wall and freezing and when I would call him, he just had an attitude.


Thank you for responding. I rescued him early May. I am guessing about 4/5 months.
He had his right foot injured when dropped by bird. He was dragging it under his body. A little thing when I rescued him. Thank God for TSB! This is an amazing source.

Poor baby, very possibly whatever he thought he saw that scared or startled him was giving him flashbacks and he kicked into survival mode.
I can imagine how an experience like that wouldn't be something eaisily forgot.

Did his foot heal and go back to normal where he has full use?

[sundoesshine]

"Character trait/ testing the waters" is a good description. Also known as "predator alert", he was in alarm mode... and found his voice. Something scared him, he could have seen a shadow, bird flying across the window outside...

If you have open windows, he may have caught a scent that was alarming to him or if there are any new odors or scents in the house or on you from the outside world, it might trigger him. I've read that even the faintest scent of bleach can really make some mad.

[Cami]

It is definitely weaker. He favors the other foot. Falls on occasion but other than that it’s ok. He is quite sweet and loves his pouch, but since last night, is more scared and goes in corner hunkered down tight when I open his cage. I feel so bad because of how I had to catch him. I didn’t even think of the flash back. He loves his ears rubbed and if I hold the pouch he pokes out and closes his eyes and rests. I am certain he was so scared and with all the scurrying and hiding out, he is going to take some time to feel comfortable again, literally afraid of his own shadow. Poor Baby. He will get extra loving tonight. Applesauce😀. He loves to eat that off my finger. He also plays and rolls with my hand, just love the little guy.