Baby Ground squirrel questions

[fwill]

Greetings, this is my first post and my first squirrel. I got a baby ground squirrel a few months ago when he was starving, covered in bugs, injured, and nearly dead and his eyes were not yet opened.

In my area I believe he would have been euthanized as he was in terrible shape, they are considered pests, and I couldn’t find anyone credible to take him. I bottle fed him and have now him on a good diet with Henry’s squirrel blocks and a variety of fresh food. He is now about 5 months old and a beautiful bushy tailed little guy, who looks like an adult size.

I have him in the critter nation double cage with toys, a large exercise wheel, and tunnels. He also gets out to play daily which consists of climbing up me, hanging out on my shoulders, and running around. I’m not sure what to do with him and when he will get wild. I have a variety of rescue pets and have no problem caring for him but want what’s best for him. My neighbors trap, poison and kill squirrels so I’m worried about releasing him.

When will he develop wild instincts? Someone in wildlife rehab told me he would get wild and need to be released.

[CritterMom]

Can you tell us what type of ground squirrel he is? There are about a million different varieties out there.

[fwill]

He is a California ground squirrel.

[GoldenEyes]

He is a California ground squirrel.

Please check PM for contact info.

[Diggie's Friend]

These squirrels, not confined to California, inhabit the Pacific coastal region of the North America, they are found in various kinds of habitats, even those near the shoreline.

Being that these rodents are omnivores, these rodents major in seeds, but also consume fruits, berries, flowers, stems, roots of non toxic plant sources, nuts, seeds, insects, and also insect larva. More rarely, small mammals.

As per a captive diet, no one food should dominate the others. a species appropriate block diet should be included in support of vitamin and mineral requirements.

I know for fact that they go for these mealies; just don't overfeed them, as they are high in fat, though also a good source of protein. About 1 supermealie every other day if squirrel isn't obese.

https://vita-mealie.weebly.com/dried...-listings.html

http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/cal...ndsquirrel.htm

http://animalia.bio/california-ground-squirrel

http://www.nhptv.org/natureworks/cal...ndsquirrel.htm

https://animals.mom.me/owning-ground-squirrel-3180.html