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Thread: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

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  1. #1
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    Default Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    It is recommended by many that squirrels get at least one hour per day of natural sunlight to help provide vitamin D as well as other health benefits. If you choose to do this, use careful judgement, common sense, and these guidelines:

    1. Never place a caged squirrel in direct sunlight.
    2. Always provide water and shade.
    3. On hot and/or humid days, indoor squirrels should be kept inside.
    4. To-be-released squirrels need to be slowly acclimated to summer temps.
    5. Never leave indoor squirrels (or unacclimated to-be-released squirrels) unattended outdoors.
    6. Make sure your squirrel is in a secure cage (they can chew through screening), safe from predators, and not exposed to mosquitoes.

    Symptoms of Heatstroke
    Mild--Damp fur, appears to be sweating, rapid heartbeat and breathing
    Moderate--Drooling or "foaming at the mouth," labored breathing, vomiting
    Severe--diarrhea (may contain blood or mucous), uncoordination, seizures, collapse

    If you see any of these symptoms, bring the squirrel indoors immediately and begin Emergency Cool-Down Procedures.

    A squirrel can develop heatstroke in as little as 10 minutes, even in the shade!
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  3. #2
    randall Guest

    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    Hi
    No thet don't need everyday sun exposure but if you first receive the baby squirrel, begin to feed every two hours AFTER he is rehydrated for several days.

    THIS IS AROUND THE CLOCK, EVEN AT NIGHT.

    Continue to feed every two hours if the baby is under two weeks old.

    Feed every three hours from two weeks old until his eyes are opened. (about 4-5 weeks old)

    Feed every four hours until weaned, between seven to ten weeks old.


    WEANING THE BABY

    After the baby has opened his eyes, you can begin to introduce solid food into his diet.
    Remember; continue to feed the baby his formula until he no longer wants it. (About 7 to 10 weeks)

    Because nutrition is so important to a squirrel's fragile system, most rehabilitators begin the baby on Primate Dry Monkey Biscuits. This has the right amount of nutrients to keep the baby from acquiring severe ailments such as Metabolic Bone Disease, rickets, seizures, malnutrition, brittle bones, or other problems.

  4. #3
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    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    I must respectfully disagree with you that once squirrels reach the age of 7-8 weeks old they need daily sun exposure. This is the age at which mamma squirrel would let them out of the nest to explore. They require sunlight in order to metabolize calcium.
    Island Rehabber
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    "Ancora Imparo" (I am still learning)
    Michelangelo


    *
    If you can't afford the vet,
    You can't afford a pet.
    NEGLECT IS ABUSE.

    "Better one day in the trees, than a lifetime in a cage."

    '...and the greatest of these, is Love. '

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  6. #4
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    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    How do you all give your squirrels sun exposure? Hammy is near a sliding glass door, but sun never directly shines through it, so I am worried he needs more light.
    "Wanna help me find my nuts?"

  7. #5
    PBluejay2 Guest

    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    Quote Originally Posted by LydiaAmaranth
    How do you all give your squirrels sun exposure? Hammy is near a sliding glass door, but sun never directly shines through it, so I am worried he needs more light.
    Sunlight filtered through glass won't cut it. The glass filters out a lot of the UV rays (even screen filters out a lot). I wheel my cages outside every day I can. You can also purchase UV bulbs at PetSmart. Look for "Repti-sun 10" (about 35 dollars) or "Repti-glo 10" (about 20 dollars), and keep them on during the day within two feet of the cage.

  8. #6
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    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    Isn't Hammie a flyer? Being nocturnal, I think they get their Vitamin D from their diet more than sun...pretty sure the flyer folk feed mushrooms to provide the D they need. This is just stuff I have gotten from reading the board - I don't have a flying squirrel. The flyer folk can help you though - they are just now waking up, stretching, grooming, and getting ready for a big night. The squirrels, too...

  9. #7
    Squirells Guest

    Lightbulb Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    Quote Originally Posted by PBluejay2 View Post
    Sunlight filtered through glass won't cut it. The glass filters out a lot of the UV rays (even screen filters out a lot). I wheel my cages outside every day I can. You can also purchase UV bulbs at PetSmart. Look for "Repti-sun 10" (about 35 dollars) or "Repti-glo 10" (about 20 dollars), and keep them on during the day within two feet of the cage.

    Could it be in a room with vented "windows" not strait in the light? Maybe this way more shines thru?
    ��
    Last edited by Squirells; 04-02-2017 at 11:23 AM. Reason: Mistake in size

  10. #8
    EricSteve Guest

    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    Yes ,i have also heard and read about this man.Its almost true,The squirrel need sunshine on daily basis.There is no doubt in this.If you have few pet squirrel then you must have to arrange this for them.

  11. #9
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    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    If you like to give your squirrel some daily sunlight for warmth, melatonin, etc. that is fine.

    Your squirrel, if eating a healthy diet with rat block, boo balls, or HHBs, do NOT need sunlight, or a UV lamp, for their vitamin D requirements. They get all the vitamin D they need in the above healthy diet foods. The lamps by the way, can be dangerous to their eyes.

  12. #10
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    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    I've just discovered the Squirrel board and so just learning alot about some of this stuff. My girl is 3.5 years old and has really only ever had sun exposure from a window while playing around my office. She seems pretty healthy. I do give her deer antlers to chew on and she eats mushrooms practically every day. Is that the source of her vit. D then?

  13. #11
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    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    Does this thread information and sunlight exposure apply to Flying squirrels as well, being nocturnal?

  14. #12
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    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    Quote Originally Posted by tphss
    Does this thread information and sunlight exposure apply to Flying squirrels as well, being nocturnal?
    Our flyer experts can really give you the scoop here, but no flyers do not have the same need for sunlight exposure for exactly the reason you stated: they are nocturnal and they metabolize calcium & Vit D differently.
    Island Rehabber
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    Wildlife Rehabilitator


    "Ancora Imparo" (I am still learning)
    Michelangelo


    *
    If you can't afford the vet,
    You can't afford a pet.
    NEGLECT IS ABUSE.

    "Better one day in the trees, than a lifetime in a cage."

    '...and the greatest of these, is Love. '

  15. #13
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    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    Does anyone know where I can get a coupon code for HHB?

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    Default

    I noticed that when ever I take my Squirrel's out for some sun, and bring them back inside they get extremely hyper. Is this normal?!
    mama of 3

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    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    Hey guys so I am thoroughly confused about the UV light situation. Just to update everybody Skippy and Kody are doing fabulous. I would show pictures except for I have no idea how to on this thread. Now that it's winter and I can no longer take them outside for sun exposure I got a a UVB bulb but I have no idea how to use it or where to put it. Any suggestions would be great. Also this Bulb is just UVB it is not UVA do they need to have both? It is 26W Repti Glo 10.0 compact. It says REPTILE UVB 150 ON the package.

  18. #16
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    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    By the way to update, my flyer hates the Zilla UV light, when I turn it on she runs back to her cage immediately.
    She seems extremely healthy and strong now with the proper diet I've been feeding her the last few months, mushrooms are daily, and pretty much every day she eats especially the very dark brown inside the mushroom.

  19. #17
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    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    Quote Originally Posted by island rehabber
    Our flyer experts can really give you the scoop here, but no flyers do not have the same need for sunlight exposure for exactly the reason you stated: they are nocturnal and they metabolize calcium & Vit D differently.
    I just ordered a Zilla UV light, just in case. I might turn it on for her a little bit everyday. Although she's been a really good girl and she eat ALL the mushrooms I leave in her bowl (and quickly disposes of it from another side... lol).

  20. #18
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    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    Roxi, my suggestion to you would be for your girl to get 1-2 Henry's Healthy Blocks per day...the Adult Formula. They are a supplementary rodent block that will give her the calcium she needs to avoid MBD. Unfortunately it's never too late for a squirrel in captivity to develop MBD, and with no natural sunlight (only an OPEN window counts) your girl is at risk. Henry Blocks are yummy to squirrels which makes it easy to get good vitamins & minerals into them.
    www.henryspets.com I use them for all my rehab squirrels, ESPECIALLY when I have to overwinter some and they are not getting natural sunlight all winter long in my living room.....
    Island Rehabber
    NY State Licensed
    Wildlife Rehabilitator


    "Ancora Imparo" (I am still learning)
    Michelangelo


    *
    If you can't afford the vet,
    You can't afford a pet.
    NEGLECT IS ABUSE.

    "Better one day in the trees, than a lifetime in a cage."

    '...and the greatest of these, is Love. '

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  22. #19
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    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    Quote Originally Posted by island rehabber View Post
    Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    It is recommended by many that squirrels get at least one hour per day of natural sunlight to help provide vitamin D as well as other health benefits. If you choose to do this, use careful judgement, common sense, and these guidelines:

    1. Never place a caged squirrel in direct sunlight.
    2. Always provide water and shade.
    3. On hot and/or humid days, indoor squirrels should be kept inside.
    4. To-be-released squirrels need to be slowly acclimated to summer temps.
    5. Never leave indoor squirrels (or unacclimated to-be-released squirrels) unattended outdoors.
    6. Make sure your squirrel is in a secure cage (they can chew through screening), safe from predators, and not exposed to mosquitoes.

    Symptoms of Heatstroke
    Mild--Damp fur, appears to be sweating, rapid heartbeat and breathing
    Moderate--Drooling or "foaming at the mouth," labored breathing, vomiting
    Severe--diarrhea (may contain blood or mucous), uncoordination, seizures, collapse

    If you see any of these symptoms, bring the squirrel indoors immediately and begin Emergency Cool-Down Procedures.

    A squirrel can develop heatstroke in as little as 10 minutes, even in the shade!
    I just bought vitamin d3 for my nyka. How many mgs should she get daily?

  23. #20
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    Default Re: Do Squirrels Need Daily Sun Exposure?

    Quote Originally Posted by SandyC View Post
    I just bought vitamin d3 for my nyka. How many mgs should she get daily?
    Do not give your squirrel Vitamin D3. Squirrels only need a small amount of Vitamin D and should get it from their diet (mushrooms, block etc.) not from a supplement. Vitamin D3 can be poisonous to rodents as it’s used in rodenticides.

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