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Thread: Hello, Friends!

  1. #1
    Basilplant Guest

    Default Hello, Friends!

    My name is Basil. For the longest time I was not a fan of squirrels, until I saw one on my back deck a few months ago grooming itself. And the way that it was grooming itself reminded me of the way my pet rats groom themselves. And then I thought to myself 'I've been giving these guys a ton of flack based off of stereotypes. I hate it when people hate rats because of stereotypes so why am I doing the same thing that makes me angry?'
    And with that I decided to learn more about them and to pay more attention to them. Now i love them. And i would very much like to get one as a companion. However i like to think i have a decent level of common sense and am interested in having a good idea of what I would be getting myself into by having one of these little guys around.
    I would only get a squirrel after I no longer have rats, so that would be in 2 to 4 years because I would like to use that cage to house a squirrel (triple unit critter nation). And possibly buy extra units to expand the cage. Which I think is a nice chunk of time to research.
    I am very used to rats and their needs and have no idea where to even start with a squirrel, so I shall be here and I shall learn and I will make sure I am fully prepared long before I begin looking for one

  2. Serious fuzzy thank you's to Basilplant from:

    LR (11-26-2017)

  3. #2
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    Default Re: Hello, Friends!

    Hi Basil, to TheSquirrelBoard

    I'm glad that you're the type of person that does your research before making a decision. I'm also glad that you finally have come to love our squirrel friends. You probably have already found out that squirrels are classified as rodents just like your rat friends. They have many things in common BUT they also are quite different. I personally have never owned a rat but I know those that do and they LOVE their rats.

    The first thing to consider is that squirrels are considered wildlife. With this designation they are illegal to own in most states. In most states it is extremely difficult or even impossible to get vet care because of this. Most vets won't treat wildlife and those that do will usually only treat them for licensed rehabbers.

    Another thing to consider is that squirrels don't have a long history of domestication like cats and dogs. They are 'wild at heart'. Those of us that are regular members of this board have either experienced it OR have seen it frequently from other posters. Squirrels that are raised from babies or even pinkies will usually reach a point where they begin to wild up. Of course, there are exceptions. A 'wilding up' squirrel can become vicious. I can't even begin to tell you of the MANY cases of squirrels that have attacked their primary care giver or a family member. It's usually a family member. A common scenario is a squirrel that is very loving to its human 'mama' and a holy terror to the rest of the family. There have been attacks that ended at the ER.

    Another thing to consider is that squirrels make lousy pets. We preach this constantly because frankly... they are. Even the sweetest squirrel will bite the crap outta you if it moves them. They will chew your furniture and actually anything else in your home. They are extremely messy and they poop and pee anywhere and everywhere. I've been on this board for about 6 years and from what I have learned, the last thing in the world I want is a pet grey squirrel. I do have 2 flying squirrels. They can be very loving and bond well with people.

    As you learn about squirrels you will find that they can live up to 15 years or even longer. A realistic expectation would be at least 10-12 years. This differentiates them from rats that have a life expectancy of 2-4 years. Owning a squirrels is a very long term commitment especially if that squirrel has wilded up and hates your guts. It has happened.

    Here's the deal friend, we don't encourage people to own pet squirrels because of the issues I just mentioned. Members of TSB are committed to returning squirrels to their home which is the trees. Now, if you are 100% committed, there are squirrels that are considered non-releases due to disabilities that make their survival in nature impossible. Occasionally a home is sought for a non-release squirrel. Those squirrels don't go to just anyone. A squirrel like that would only be placed with a person that is knowledgable and has a track record of commitment to a disabled animal.

    This would be my recommendation. Stick with rats. They are very loving and make good pets. Squirrels don't. This was lesson 1 of your pursuit of knowledge about squirrel pets. . I encourage you to stick around and learn here. I would say that TSB is the largest resource on the planet regarding interaction of squirrels with people.

    Welcome again. We're happy you found us.

  4. 10 TSBers pass along the fuzzy thanks to HRT4SQRLS:

    cava (11-26-2017), island rehabber (11-26-2017), Jen413 (12-01-2017), LR (11-26-2017), Mel1959 (11-26-2017), muggsy'sgm (11-26-2017), Nancy in New York (11-26-2017), stepnstone (12-01-2017), stosh2010 (11-26-2017), TubeDriver (11-26-2017)

  5. #3
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    Default Re: Hello, Friends!

    HRT4SQRLS, that was one of the best, most succinct answers to this ongoing question (How do I Get a Pet Squirrel?) that I've seen in a very long time. I think we should make it a Sticky!!

    Everything HRT4SQRLS said is true gospel, Basil. I have raised and released appx 250 grey squirrels. Only one of them was ever a "pet" and he released himself off my balcony as soon as he got the chance. They are wild things....they don't really want to live with us.
    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. '

  6. 7 TSBers pass along the fuzzy thanks to island rehabber:

    cava (11-26-2017), Fuzz24butt (12-09-2017), HRT4SQRLS (11-26-2017), Jen413 (12-01-2017), LR (11-26-2017), Nancy in New York (11-26-2017), stepnstone (12-01-2017)

  7. #4
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    Default Re: Hello, Friends!

    Just a thought: how about becoming a wildlife rehabilitator in NJ, Basil? I know the need there for squirrel rehabbers is huge, and you could really get to know squirrels from newborn to release. THink about it -- we can hook you up.
    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. '

  8. 4 TSBers pass along the fuzzy thanks to island rehabber:

    cava (11-26-2017), HRT4SQRLS (11-26-2017), LR (11-26-2017), TubeDriver (11-26-2017)

  9. #5
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    Default Re: Hello, Friends!

    Quote Originally Posted by HRT4SQRLS View Post
    Hi Basil, to TheSquirrelBoard

    I'm glad that you're the type of person that does your research before making a decision. I'm also glad that you finally have come to love our squirrel friends.
    Welcome to TSB----
    lots of GREAT info posted above.....
    Assisting rehabbers would be perfect way to "learn about" squirrels....

    _______________________________________________
    We all would love to SEE your Ratties.....Please post LOTS of photos here--or start a new thread with a new Title...
    If you wish you can e-mail your photos to me & I will post them here--for you.
    vesuviusguy@aol.com

    Put TSB Ratties in the e-mail message line---

  10. 2 TSBers pass along the fuzzy thanks to stosh2010:

    cava (11-26-2017), LR (11-26-2017)

  11. #6
    Basilplant Guest

    Default Re: Hello, Friends!

    This is all wondrous information and I thank you all for taking the time to respond and to pass on your knowledge.

    Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitatator or assisting one does strike my interest. Are there any resources that any of you know of that way I could get in touch with an organization?

    It would work perfect because I have been looking for animal volunteer opportunities the past couple weeks

  12. 2 TSBers pass along the fuzzy thanks to Basilplant:

    Jen413 (12-01-2017), LR (12-02-2017)

  13. #7
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    Default Re: Hello, Friends!

    Instructions on how to become a rehabber in New Jersey? Boy are you going to get a lot of instructions from here!

  14. #8
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    Default Re: Hello, Friends!

    http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/rehab_info.htm

    Basil, the link is for the regulatory agency in NJ that oversees wildlife rehabilitation. There is a lot of information. I read some of it. Actually, it's a little overwhelming. From what I gather there is apprenticeship required. That's where you would really learn the ropes of WL rehab.

  15. Serious fuzzy thank you's to HRT4SQRLS from:

    LR (12-02-2017)

  16. #9
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    Default Re: Hello, Friends!

    Quote Originally Posted by HRT4SQRLS View Post
    http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/rehab_info.htm

    Basil, the link is for the regulatory agency in NJ that oversees wildlife rehabilitation. There is a lot of information. I read some of it. Actually, it's a little overwhelming. From what I gather there is apprenticeship required. That's where you would really learn the ropes of WL rehab.


    New Jersey has, IMHO, an exemplary wildlife rehab certification program. Like Maryland, you have to actually know something in NJ before they hand you a license. (And unlike NY, where you pass a multiple guess test and they mail you a license. Don't get me started )

    We have a wonderful member, I Love Lucy, who runs a wildlife rehab center in western NJ. Contact her at:

    https://www.facebook.com/Gardenstatewildlifecenter/

    or...

    Jean Parker
    Garden State Wildlife Center
    P.O. Box 12
    Wickatunk, New Jersey 07765




    (732) 908-2345








    www.gardenstatewildlifecenter.org
    Last edited by island rehabber; 12-02-2017 at 07:52 AM.
    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. '

  17. 4 TSBers pass along the fuzzy thanks to island rehabber:

    cava (12-02-2017), LR (12-02-2017), Mel1959 (12-02-2017), Nancy in New York (12-02-2017)

  18. #10
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    Default Re: Hello, Friends!

    Quote Originally Posted by island rehabber View Post
    New Jersey has, IMHO, an exemplary wildlife rehab certification program.
    From a training and certification perspective this may be true, but their non-releasable policy is horrible <copied below>. I have no issue with a captive permit system for NR's that is fair to the holder and ensures proper housing, feeding and general care. Florida is actually not a free-for-all for pet squirrel owners. FL law clearly states what is adequate housing for a captive squirrel, and perhaps squirrels should be included in the FL Class 3 Permit tier, a free permit. My partially paralyzed "Lady" <photo attached> lives a happy life with much enrichment and does not need to be euthanized by order of the state.

    Excerpt from NJ Law:
    Animals that
    cannot meet these basic release crite
    ria, or cannot be returned to th
    e wild because of physical or
    behavioral problems are to be euthanized.
    On occasion, non-releasable animals may be placed
    in the permanent care of a permit holder in
    the animal exhibitor or
    zoological category, if ther
    e is an educational need for such animals. The
    final decision regarding placement of non-releas
    able wildlife, is that of the Division.

    "LADY"

    Name:  DSC01339.jpg
Views: 31
Size:  63.5 KB

  19. 2 TSBers pass along the fuzzy thanks to SophieSquirrel:

    cava (12-02-2017), LR (12-02-2017)

  20. #11
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    Default Re: Hello, Friends!

    Quote Originally Posted by Basilplant View Post
    My name is Basil. For the longest time I was not a fan of squirrels, until I saw one on my back deck a few months ago grooming itself. And the way that it was grooming itself reminded me of the way my pet rats groom themselves. And then I thought to myself 'I've been giving these guys a ton of flack based off of stereotypes. I hate it when people hate rats because of stereotypes so why am I doing the same thing that makes me angry?'
    And with that I decided to learn more about them and to pay more attention to them. Now i love them. And i would very much like to get one as a companion. However i like to think i have a decent level of common sense and am interested in having a good idea of what I would be getting myself into by having one of these little guys around.
    I would only get a squirrel after I no longer have rats, so that would be in 2 to 4 years because I would like to use that cage to house a squirrel (triple unit critter nation). And possibly buy extra units to expand the cage. Which I think is a nice chunk of time to research.
    I am very used to rats and their needs and have no idea where to even start with a squirrel, so I shall be here and I shall learn and I will make sure I am fully prepared long before I begin looking for one
    I've only had mine for 3 mths he was 2 mths when I got hjm he was the sweetest thing at first but after he attacked my motheojts law she had to ho to ER now Im trying to let him live outside but he's still growling at her amd shes threatened to kill him if he does it I love him so much but I would not do it again

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