Best Nest Box Material ?

[Rhapsody]

I was wondering what would be the best stuffing for Max's new nest box - what materials should I use?

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

How about this, cut up some old t-shirts, you can get any nice soft material you want to really just put it in a pile when he is old enough, let the fun begin he will fill up the box with what he wants in it. Another thing they love paper towels, if my squirrels are bored I give them a couple and they go on a rampage to get their nest just right.

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

For the nestboxes in my outdoor release cage, I use batting material, such as what is used inside comforters and quilts. It keeps them nice and toasty. You can get it at any craft store.

[island rehabber]

I once saw a squirrel drey at my vet's office, and it was loaded with corn husks! So, since I give my squirrels corn slices as a treat, they get the husks for bedding.

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

I always fill my nestboxes with pine needles and pine branches. Make sure it is the kind with soft needles not like a Christmas tree. They always seem to love it. I fill the bottom with the pine needles and put the pine branches up the sides of the box and over the top in an arch. For the first night or two the pine smell kinda scares them and they don't like to go in, but after that they love it. They stay very warm and toasty too.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Last winter I went to the 1$ store and bought fleece scarfs in black & pink for my Moms wild squirrels to use in their nests.
I cut them up into little squares like you would be making a quilt.
Well last week I had my daughter boyfriend climb up in my Moms tree to survey it for trimming...when he came back down out of the tree he informed me of 2 squirrels nests with black material in them.:flash3 :flash3
They are smarties alright.

[Buddy'sMom]

Is this for inside or outside? If for outside, take care not to load it with stuff that will retain water.

Pine needles and batting drain and dry very quickly. And they are very good insulators because both trap air pockets. Also, fleece dries quickly and provides some coziness. We put those plus fresh leaves inside and the squirrels seem to like it.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[LynninIN]

Max is a unreleasable grey squirrel due to a foot problem.

Sammy has small flannel blankets in both his nest box and nest cube. He loves Viva paper towels to shred and use as nest filler. He only likes Viva brand.:dono I cut a paper towel into 4 or 6 pieces and put them around the room for him to find. I've also given him small 1x1 pieces of flannel. Sammy takes small stuffed toys into his nest, he uses a star shaped one for a pillow.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

he uses a star shaped one for a pillow.
we would expect nothing less from Sammy.:multi

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

I didn't realize he was a nonreleaseable. If he will be staying inside, I woudn't go with the pine needles, unless you want some bugs in your house, lol. Probably the paper towels or fleece would be better.

[anneke]

Max is a unreleasable grey squirrel due to a foot problem.

Sammy has small flannel blankets in both his nest box and nest cube. He loves Viva paper towels to shred and use as nest filler. He only likes Viva brand.:dono I cut a paper towel into 4 or 6 pieces and put them around the room for him to find. I've also given him small 1x1 pieces of flannel. Sammy takes small stuffed toys into his nest, he uses a star shaped one for a pillow.

What a cute image. I didn't know they could have small stuffies to keep them company.

[LynninIN]

What a cute image. I didn't know they could have small stuffies to keep them company.
The ones meant for small dogs work well. I avoid plastic eyes or noses and the beanie type.

[anneke]

The ones meant for small dogs work well. I avoid plastic eyes or noses and the beanie type.

The cotton batting inside is fine for them, too? I see some threads where there is concern expressed about that material-

[LynninIN]

The cotton batting inside is fine for them, too? I see some threads where there is concern expressed about that material-
I've not had a problem with the cotton batting and I can't recall anyone else having any with indoors either. Giving it to outdoor squirrels isn't a good idea because it doesn't dry fast. Anneke, you would have to watch Lilly's toys for wetness and clean them often.

They will unstuff them sometimes, like this........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE-jU6hTYBo

[anneke]

I've not had a problem with the cotton batting and I can't recall anyone else having any with indoors either. Giving it to outdoor squirrels isn't a good idea because it doesn't dry fast. Anneke, you would have to watch Lilly's toys for wetness and clean them often.

They will unstuff them sometimes, like this........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE-jU6hTYBo


I'll be sure to watch for things getting wet.

And Sammy is just too damn cute. You have some adorable clips of him.

[Rhapsody]

Is this for inside or outside?


Max is a unreleasable grey squirrel due to a foot problem.



Yes.... that is correct Max is unreleasable due to a foot problem that resulted in the loss of three entire nails on his front left paw.

[Luv4scratty]

I put an old scarf in mine but wild squrriels use hay, leaves and other soft materials, i would suggest a scarf!

[Rhapsody]

My Sugar Gliders ended up sharing some of their yellow fleece pieces with Max and his Nest Box........ and all is well. Thx.