Hi all.
I've had my little girl for about 6 months now since she was a baby. I didn't think I would have her long term, but it's looking more like that will happen.
I am in a state where keeping captive squirrels is illegal. I plan on releasing her as soon as my situation permits, but right now, I want to prevent or be ready for any type of physical ailment she might develop - because if anything were to happen to her, I wouldn't be able to take her to a vet in my state (or anywhere nearby). I do have a connection to a wildlife rehabilitation center that I have volunteered with for years, but to be honest I don't trust them so I would like to not resort to asking them questions.
I know that on this board people write in with all kinds of medical issues but I would like to not have to scroll through all of them to figure out what are one-off situations or what are really typical situations that I should try to prepare for.
So my question is, to those of you who have had experience caring for grey squirrels in LONG TERM captivity -- what are some of the most common physical ailments/problems that happen with squirrels that are kept captive long-term? And how can I prepare, in case something happens? How would I get medication and how would I know how to deliver it to her (besides coming to this board in a panic)?
I'm looking for feedback specifically from those who have cared for multiple captive squirrels for years at a time.
Thanks!