Can I put two of my squirrels together to protect them from a hurricane

[Elton]

Can I put two of my squirrels together to protect them from a hurricane?

So we have a potential category two or three hurricane coming our way. I have an 8 month old female rescue squirrel and a two year old male rescue squirrel that come to me daily. They are free roaming and self-sufficient but still come back for some affection. Would it be safe to put them in a cage together during the storm? They will often come to me together and each sit on one of my shoulders during their visits. I’m very concerned that they would be hurt if the storm is really bad.

[Lighten-Up]

I understand your concern.

The fact that they sit together on each of your shoulders is a good start to know that they are familiar with each other, and not antagonistic in your presence.

I don't know this answer, you might actually have a better gauge on this since you know them, but I will ask a few questions.

What size cage will you put them in?
And for how long is a hurricane?
And is it possible to put in a divider should you have to.
And will they allow you to put them in a cage?
Is there any place that they can take refuge on their own?
Where would you put the cage?
Could you allow them in a larger room for the short duration to give them space to get away from each other? I realize you may not have a squirrel proof room.

Maybe answering these questions could help others give their thoughts.

[Elton]

So, to answer some of your questions. The cage is the pre-release cage that I raised each of them in before releasing them. It is approximately 4 feet tall 3 feet across and 2 feet deep. It has a number of climbing branches and a hammock along with a food dish and a water bottle. I would put the cage in my garage which is protected with hurricane proof garage doors and impact windows. They would need to be inside for approximately 12 hours assuming I can get them in the cage. I have put both of them in the cage separately in the last few months to deal with a few injuries they showed up with. I don’t have a larger room that I can put them in the house that my wife would tolerate. As far as a divider in the cage that would be pretty difficult. I do have a few puppy crates but I think the openings are too big and the squirrels were just get out.

[Lighten-Up]

That helps to understand better.

In my opinion, that seems like a really small cage for two adult/ish squirrels to spend a lot of time in. But you need to do what you feel best in your heart to do with what you have. If you were to put them both in the small cage, and they don't get along, then you remove one or both. Maybe they'll have a sense of the storm and be okay with it.

The only two thoughts I have not knowing your situation is could you quickly build a second cage to set next to it, so they would have company yet their own space? Maybe your could build the second on with only 3 sides to attach to the current one to save on materials. Then unattach it when the storm is past. Or could you find a way to section off a part of your garage with caging that abuts to a wall in the garage that isn't chewable? Of course I have no idea of your situation.

My thoughts are with you, as I can see that you care much for your wild friends.

[CritterMom]

I would also provide piles of bedding to burrow into, and cover most of the cage with a sheet or something to keep scary sights out. You will likely lose power which will make everything dark. They mostly hole up and sleep away stormy days - that may work in your favor. Good luck to all of you.

[Elton]

Thanks for the suggestions. Fortunately it looks like the worst of the storm is not going to hit my area and we’re just gonna have tropical storm force winds and about 12 inches of rain. Today I took my six month old and put her in the pre-release cage and she’s sleeping quietly in her hammock most of the time. My two year old has not been around so it has not been an issue, but if things get bad and I do find him I’m going to put him in a very large have a heart cage that my neighbor has.

[fanofmothernature]

Glad you found a solution! We are in Central Fl and will also get hit. Stay safe!