Cage accessories?

[Samthesquiirrel]

My baby has recently started climbing, and I want to put something in his cage to climb on but I’m afraid to just go out and get sticks and branches because I don’t know if some trees are toxic to squirrels. (The only reason I’m scared is because I used to have rats and some plants/trees were toxic for them). Are any trees toxic? Or what do you guys recommend for cage accessories?

[RockyPops]

I know oak, maple etc. should be ok. Many more I'm sure!

Does your baby have a nest box inside his cage. They start nest building instincts very young.

A deer antler is good for them to chew on and helps with calcium.

[Samthesquiirrel]

I know oak, maple etc. should be ok. Many more I'm sure!

Does your baby have a nest box inside his cage. They start nest building instincts very young.

A deer antler is good for them to chew on and helps with calcium.

Thank you! He doesn’t have a nesting box but I’ll get one ASAP. I’m not sure where I could get a deer antler though.

[Mel1959]

You can buy deer antlers at big box pet stores. They sell them for dogs.

[RockyPops]

When you get the nest box, you'll need to furnish the baby with fleece scraps etc. for him to use as his leaves. He will take the scraps one or two at a time and arrange his house the way he wants it. They are so funny when they start this.

Be careful what you give him for stuffing. Some material can get them tangled and break toes and wrap up and cut off circulation. I believe fleece scrap is whats recommended.

You have any pictures?

[HRT4SQRLS]

There is a member on TSB that makes all types of cage gear.
http://www.auntiemmscustomboutique.com/

You can also buy small animal cage gear on Etsy.

Fleece cubes, hammocks and pouches are favorites.

[Samthesquiirrel]

I was wondering how big the hole should be in a nesting box?

[Mel1959]

That depends on the type of squirrel and where you live. I live in Florida and our adult eastern gray squirrels weigh about 350-425gr. Eastern Grays in northern regions are larger. And Fox squirrels are larger still. The holes in our nest boxes are about 2.5 inch diameter. Ideally a predator guard should go in front of the hole to keep raccoons and other predators out. In the pictures the piece in front of the hole is the predator guard.

Squirrels will modify the hole as they see fit.

[island rehabber]

Love those boxes your hubby makes, Mel. I have two at my release site and they are always occupied.

[brogca]

That depends on the type of squirrel and where you live. I live in Florida and our adult eastern gray squirrels weigh about 350-425gr. Eastern Grays in northern regions are larger. And Fox squirrels are larger still. The holes in our nest boxes are about 2.5 inch diameter. Ideally a predator guard should go in front of the hole to keep raccoons and other predators out. In the pictures the piece in front of the hole is the predator guard.

Squirrels will modify the hole as they see fit.

Are these boxes for sale?

[Miami Samii]

That depends on the type of squirrel and where you live. I live in Florida and our adult eastern gray squirrels weigh about 350-425gr. Eastern Grays in northern regions are larger. And Fox squirrels are larger still. The holes in our nest boxes are about 2.5 inch diameter. Ideally a predator guard should go in front of the hole to keep raccoons and other predators out. In the pictures the piece in front of the hole is the predator guard.

Squirrels will modify the hole as they see fit.

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL BOX! I would love to put one in my tree, but my HOA here in central FL forbids interaction with wildlife. I also have a neighbor who hates squirrels and shoots to kill. That's how I came to have little Orphan Rocky. It would be nice to have a condo ready for him if/when he hears the call of the wild. Are these boxes for sale? Just so I know.

[Mel1959]

Are these boxes for sale?

My husband makes them occasionally and will sell them, but honestly the shipping cost is pretty expensive. Are you handy with tools, or know someone who is? My husband has plans that I could send you.

[Mel1959]

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL BOX! I would love to put one in my tree, but my HOA here in central FL forbids interaction with wildlife. I also have a neighbor who hates squirrels and shoots to kill. That's how I came to have little Orphan Rocky. It would be nice to have a condo ready for him if/when he hears the call of the wild. Are these boxes for sale? Just so I know.

Thank you, you are only about an hour or so from me. If you, or you know someone who is handy with tools, i have plans I can send you.