Hi Everyone!

[Farmergirl]

Hi All!

I’m so glad to have found this board, as my family and I are brand new to the world of squirrels. We were given a young, female, non-releasable N. Flying Squirrel. She has been raised by hand since she was a baby, and is about four months old. We’ve had her for just a few days now, and I’m trying to learn everything I can.

Since I’ve seen in other posts that knowing her diet and living situation is key:

Diet: We’re feeding her Exotic Nutrition rodent blocks and Henry’s Healthy Blocks, as well as a variety of fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, and mealworms.

Habitat: She has a 3’w x 2’d x 4’h cage, with a variety of sticks, toys, pinecones, and hidey holes. Also three hammock beds up in corners.

I’ve been handling her everyday, trying to get her used to me, and she’s shy, but making progress, responding to me when I talk to her.

We’re really excited to have her as part of our family, and to be part of this community. Looking forward to getting to know you all!

[island rehabber]

Glad you found us! We have some true flying squirrel experts here and I will direct them to your thread. They are such magical creatures and even though in all these years I have only rehabbed ONE, I will never ever forget her!

[TubeDriver]

Welcome to the TSB! As was mentioned, there are some flyer folks here so they can help. I know we have them around where I live but I have only seen one in the wild. It does make me smile to know that when the sun goes down, a bunch of tiny furrbabies start their night of zooming around!

[TomahawkFlyers]

Howdy, FarmerGirl!

Welcome! A couple of thoughts for you:

1. Henry's Healthy Blocks are a complete foundation to a terrific diet. The Exotic Nutrition Rodent Blocks are not necessary, and they take up room in the flyer's diet that is better used by supplemental nutrition items found on the Food Pyramid found here: https://www.henryspets.com/healthy-d...pet-squirrels/. Take to heart the toxicity of acorns. It is counterintuitive, but they can and will kill an NR because they have lost enough "wild" to not know when they have a bad acorn. Also, we have completely eliminated seeds/corn from our kids' diet and the difference in energy and appearance is noticeable. Nuts are essential, but is limited, limited quantities. They are at the top of the pyramid. Our kids get a small portion of a shelled walnut, pecan, or almond with each day's feeding. We also give them in-the-shell nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans, in particular) once or twice a week to keep their teeth healthy and under control.

2. Her "house" sounds terrific! She needs good amounts of out-of-cage time to stay mentally and physically healthy. The one thing we introduced to our kids' habitat long ago is wheels. Wheels are a gift to these kids that, if you could hear their sub- and supersonic speech, you's be drowned in "Thank You." We've been through several types and brands, and we have landed squarely on this one: https://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Recom...435178098&th=1. Not a lot of Amazon reviews - the company is relatively new there, but has been in business selling these for years. Pricey, but SAFE, functional, and durable.

3. Bonding. It sounds as if things are going well. A thought for you ... we have found that even the wildest of flyers who wind up with us will create a bond if we allow them the time and space to come to us rather than imposing ourselves on them. At first, simply an open cage door and our sitting in a chair will eventually net a a nose, ears, curious eyes, and whiskers popping up over the arm of the chair to investigate that "big thing that smells funny." The temptation to you is to reach out. Don't. When they feel safe enough, they'll come closer and closer until they make contact with you. When this happens, quietly, softly, and gently reach out. Soon enough, they'll be clamoring at the front of the cage to get out and climb all over you. Not the same as the deep bond created when nursing an infant through to adulthood, but better than most other experiences in life.

4. You have been given a gift like no other. From what you have written, it is evident that you know this. Your flyer is one lucky girl. If you have questions or need anything at all, we're here for you.

By the way, I understand from your post that you have a Northern Flying Squirrel. Somewhat larger than a Southern, and lightly brownish/grayish belly fur instead of the pure white of a Southern. If this is the case, it it sometimes possible to "potty train" them, if only to get them to recognize an area that is to be used for business. Unlike their Southern cousins, they do have some decorum.

Hi All!

I’m so glad to have found this board, as my family and I are brand new to the world of squirrels. We were given a young, female, non-releasable N. Flying Squirrel. She has been raised by hand since she was a baby, and is about four months old. We’ve had her for just a few days now, and I’m trying to learn everything I can.

Since I’ve seen in other posts that knowing her diet and living situation is key:

Diet: We’re feeding her Exotic Nutrition rodent blocks and Henry’s Healthy Blocks, as well as a variety of fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds, and mealworms.

Habitat: She has a 3’w x 2’d x 4’h cage, with a variety of sticks, toys, pinecones, and hidey holes. Also three hammock beds up in corners.

I’ve been handling her everyday, trying to get her used to me, and she’s shy, but making progress, responding to me when I talk to her.

We’re really excited to have her as part of our family, and to be part of this community. Looking forward to getting to know you all!