Squirrels, with their bushy tails and playful antics, can seem like charming pets. If you’re wondering “Can You Raise A Squirrel As A Pet?”, it’s essential to understand the commitment and specific care these wild animals require. While it’s possible to keep a squirrel as a pet, it’s not as straightforward as caring for a cat or dog. Providing the right environment, diet, and training approach are crucial for their well-being and your success as a squirrel owner.
Providing the Right Habitat for Your Pet Squirrel
When considering keeping a squirrel as a pet, housing is a primary concern. Whether indoors or outdoors, the enclosure must prioritize your squirrel’s safety, particularly from predators. Standard cages designed for rabbits or chickens are often inadequate because squirrels are adept at escaping through small openings.
For optimal security and freedom for climbing, a mesh wire cage is highly recommended. The minimum size should be two feet in width, length, and height to allow ample space for movement. A taller cage is preferable to a deeper one, catering to their natural climbing instincts. This specialized habitat will ensure your pet squirrel is both safe and comfortable in its environment.
Nourishing Your Squirrel: Diet Essentials
Feeding your pet squirrel correctly is vital for their health. The best approach is to mimic their natural wild diet as closely as possible. This includes a variety of items such as:
- Pinecones
- Seeds
- Mushrooms
- Flowers and buds
- Berries
- Acorns
- Walnuts
- Pecans
Squirrels are opportunistic eaters and will consume whatever food is accessible. However, as their caretaker, it’s your responsibility to ensure they receive a balanced and healthy diet. Although squirrels may enjoy human foods like cake, snacks, and processed items, these are detrimental to their health. An improper diet can lead to serious health issues in squirrels, including obesity and digestive problems. Therefore, stick to natural, squirrel-appropriate foods to keep your pet healthy.
Training and Handling Your Pet Squirrel
While squirrels are intelligent creatures, training them presents unique challenges due to their wild nature.
Toilet training, especially for young squirrels, requires patience and consistency. For baby squirrels, you’ll need to stimulate them to urinate and defecate. Using a damp cotton ball to gently massage their anal area in a circular motion, several times daily, is necessary. Around five to six weeks of age, they will develop independent bladder and bowel control.
Once they reach this stage, you can begin litter box training. Use a safe pellet litter that won’t cause harm if ingested. Encourage litter box use by placing their droppings in the box, helping them associate the scent with the designated area.
General training relies on building habits through routine and positive reinforcement. Establish a consistent schedule for interactions and activities with your squirrel. Reward desired behaviors with praise and healthy treats. Punishment is ineffective as squirrels don’t understand it, and many “bad” behaviors are simply natural instincts. Instead of punishing unwanted actions, focus on removing tempting objects or relocating your squirrel to a less stimulating area.
Raising a squirrel as a pet is a significant undertaking that requires dedication, understanding of their specific needs, and a commitment to providing a suitable environment. By focusing on proper housing, nutrition, and training techniques, you can create a fulfilling relationship with your pet squirrel.
