Information about squirrels

Japanese flying squirrel

Size: Body length about 15cm

Tail length about 12 cm

Origin: Asia

Eating habits: Plant-based omnivore

The back is grey-brown and the belly is white. There are membranes connecting the limbs, which allow them to glide through the air when opened. The nocturnal animals have unique big eyes and are very cute in appearance. Mainly active at night, it is the most suitable pet for night owls. Prepare a nest box for the birds in the cage, which can be used when sleeping during the day. After being tamed, it can be released outside the cage and glide inside the house. They belong to the same family as squirrels and can be raised in similar ways. They usually eat fruits and squirrel artificial feed as their main food, and occasionally feed some animal food.

European red squirrel

Size: Body length about 30cm

Tail length about 20cm

Origin: Central Europe to West Asia

Eating habits: Plant-based omnivore

A large squirrel. The body is bright reddish brown and the belly is white. The ears have long hair. It is large in size and lively in movement, so it needs a fairly large cage when raised.

Tricolor Squirrel

Size: Body length is about 20cm

Tail length is about 15cm

Origin: Malay Peninsula, Sumatra

Eating habits: Plant-based omnivore

A medium-sized squirrel that lives in tropical rainforests. The back and tail are dark reddish brown, with stripes of white stripes from the cheeks to the sides. The forelimbs and ventral sides are yellowish brown, and the belly is white. Among squirrels whose coat color is generally plain and drab, it is one of the less gorgeous ones. They live in trees, but mostly get their food from the ground. Just raise them in the same way as other squirrels such as chipmunks.

Squirrels

Chickens, turtles, rabbits, birds, monkeys

Raising methods

1. Food

Squirrels seem to feed on the seeds of Fagaceae plants, but they also eat a lot of insects in nature, so it is best to feed them some animal food. Nuts such as walnuts and chestnuts are the favorites of squirrels. Biting open the hard shell is not only a game for squirrels, but also helps wear down their teeth. It is best to feed this type of food frequently. If artificial feed is the main food, apples and other foods should also be supplemented.

2． Breeding Cage

Squirrels are very lively and especially like to climb trees. The space for activities is relatively three-dimensional, so you should try to choose a cage that is as wide and tall as possible. Since squirrels are accustomed to nesting in trees, the nest box should be installed high in the cage. The nest box can be replaced by one with a high entrance and exit for small birds. Squirrels move very quickly, so be careful when opening and closing doors to avoid taking advantage of the opportunity to escape. In case of escaping, if you suddenly grab it with force, avoid being bitten by the squirrel.

3. Others

April to May every year is the breeding season for chipmunks and Hokkaido squirrels, and 4-5 squirrels can be born each time. Reproduction is similar to that of mice. When the baby squirrel's eyes are about to open, if it is taken away from its mother and raised, it will become close to people and climb onto the shoulders and heads without a care. Initially feed warm milk (30-40°C) through a straw, 3-5 times a day. Gradually switch to milk-soaked bread or other soft foods. Even if you start raising them after they grow up, as long as you train them slowly and patiently, they will become very close to people and crawl on the owners.

Disease

1. Teeth that are too long

If you eat soft food for a long time, the teeth cannot be worn properly and grow too long. Overgrown teeth can damage the inside of the mouth and interfere with food intake. In addition, symptoms such as gum decay and rhinitis may occur. This will cause the teeth to gradually loosen and fall out. After one tooth falls out, the tooth on the other side needs to be cut off regularly due to lack of normal grinding. Early diagnosis leads to early treatment.

2． Damage caused by fighting

Squirrels have a habit of attacking the weaker members of the group. Squirrels that appear healthy but are seriously ill will be attacked by healthy squirrels. If these squirrels were dissected and killed, they would be found to be seriously ill. In addition, weak squirrels are also vulnerable to attack. If you find squirrels fighting, separate each squirrel with a cage. The injured area should be treated with antibiotics to prevent the wound from suppurating; larger wounds should be surgically sutured. Due to the potential for cannibalism, weak squirrels should be quarantined as early as possible.

3. Pneumonia

Squirrels are susceptible to pneumonia when exposed to excessive pressure, excessive moisture, or poor air circulation. Symptoms such as cough, loss of appetite, and listlessness appear, and then death. Human colds may also be transmitted to squirrels, so special attention should be paid. It can be treated with antibiotics.

4. Hypocalcemia

Female squirrels before and after giving birth will suffer from this disease. Due to the decrease in calcium concentration in the blood, symptoms such as spasm, paralysis, and dyskinesia may occur. At this time, if calcium is not injected as soon as possible, there will be fear of death. Calcium can be added to the diet of pregnant and postpartum nursing female squirrels as a preventive method. In addition, sunbathing is also important.

5． Rickets

Squirrels, like humans, can also suffer from rickets. In addition to regular supplements of calcium and active vitamin D, sunbathing is also indispensable. Artificial sun lamps work well, but improper wavelengths of ultraviolet rays can cause severe burns, so it’s best to ask the hospital in detail before use.

6． Urethritis

Bacterial infection of the urethra can cause urethritis. Male squirrels can also have difficulty urinating due to an enlarged penis. There is a cry of pain due to pain during urination. If these symptoms are found, a urine test should be done immediately and appropriate antibiotic treatment should be used.

7. Broken bones

Broken bones can occur from improper jumping when squirrels are playing in the house. A simple fracture can heal without surgery as long as you follow the hospital's instructions. Squirrels do not tolerate anesthesia and surgery is best avoided. However, if the spine is injured, the prognosis may be poor.