Hi,
I'm going to be moving three squirrels into an outdoor enclosure late October; they'll be soft-released from here, but as it will be pretty far up north where the winters are long and cold, and late in the season when they move in, we'll be overwintering them in the enclosure, and then letting them out in the spring.
Would anyone be able to advise on good natural bedding that can be purchased to line their nest box for the winter? I'm looking for something that will keep them warm and dry, that is soft and comfortable, and that won't break the bank. They'll be in a Coveside squirrel nestbox (wood -- sturdy and well-constructed) and the cage will be partly covered with a tarp, but there may be dampness from rain and snow blowing in.
In the past I've given them fleece blankets, sometimes with Timothy hay, avoiding bedding that absorbs moisture like the shredded cardboard stuff or cotton. But I'm reading that hay and straw are too stiff, and I'd rather the squirrels start moving away from our synthetic stuff. I live in a big city so can't easily forage clean leaves, pine needles, moss, etc.
Does anyone know of anything that meets my criteria that is available commercially?
Thanks in advance for any ideas and suggestions!
redcedar