How to Care For a Flying Squirrel 
Before you decide to bring home a flying squirrel, you should know a bit about these animals and their needs. These mammals don’t hibernate, which means they’re active year-round. Despite their robust health, flying squirrels require annual visits to a veterinarian. These pets are particularly lively at night, so carrying them will help you build a strong bond with them. Listed below are some tips to help you care for a flying squirrel:
Enclosures
When purchasing an enclosure for a flying squirrel, keep in mind that it will need to be tall and have plenty of room for climbing and leaping. These animals also need social interaction, so you’ll need to make sure that your enclosure has a lot of room to accommodate this activity. Depending on which flying squirrel you get, you may also want to consider a cage designed for sugar gliders. Just remember to make sure that the mesh spacing is at least 1/2 inch by an inch.
To make sure your flying squirrel is secure, consider placing it in a tree at a height of at least 10 feet above the ground. This will protect the flying squirrel from predators, but if the tree is already dead, you may attract more flying squirrels and risk being bitten by them. Another option is to use a bonding pouch. This tool is extremely effective in bonding. Once you’ve got your flying squirrel, you can take advantage of its natural behavior to explore and climb.
Diet
To make sure your pet flying squirrel is healthy and strong, follow these feeding guidelines: Feed your pet a balanced diet with many fruits and vegetables. Choose foods rich in calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D3. You should also avoid giving your pet packaged squirrel food and pet treats. Instead, choose a homemade diet made with nutritious ingredients and high-quality supplements. A good diet includes a variety of fruits and vegetables that are high in calcium, including broccoli and arugula. You can also give your pet hard-boiled eggs and chicken treats.
It is important to avoid feeding your flying animal raw meat, since this can cause digestive issues. Flying squirrels are highly social animals and will bond with other flying squirrels. Therefore, don’t house them together at first; otherwise, they’ll bond. Also, don’t house multiple flying squirrels together; they’ll soon bond. Calcium supplements and a complete pellet diet will help your flying squirrel avoid deficiency issues. If you’re planning to keep more than one flying squirrel, remember to separate them for several months.
Exercise
Unlike other pets, flying squirrels need to be handled gently and in a safe environment. Stress in their natural habitat can lead to behavioral problems, such as hair loss and self-mutilation. They may also exhibit behavior changes, such as lunging or circling their cage. In addition to food, flying squirrels also consume insects, buds, fungi, and carrion. Predators include snakes, owls, and hawks. Domestic cats may also prey on flying squirrels.
When kept as pets, flying squirrels need a regular amount of exercise. They can be caged, but they tend to thrive when allowed to spend time outside of their enclosure. To provide these activities, you can use in-cage toys. Also, keep your flying squirrel entertained by playing with them. In addition to playing, make sure to clean their cage frequently. And, don’t forget to feed them healthy, nutritious food.
Stress
Studies have shown that the hormone cortisol is present in high levels in flying squirrels, but that they do not show the same negative effects as in humans. This hormone binds to a carrier protein found in their blood, preventing it from constantly activating their tissues. Hence, caring for a flying squirrel should not result in chronically high levels of cortisol. Here are some ways to lower stress levels in your flying squirrel:
First of all, you should not keep your flying squirrel in complete darkness all the time. Since they are nocturnal and do not use the light for long periods, you need to keep the light at a level that matches their natural seasonal cycle. Dim lights should be used for sick flying squirrels, but not complete darkness. Always remember to clean your flying squirrel’s bedding regularly. A good brand of bedding is Viva.
Getting a companion
Getting a companion for your flying squirrel is a great idea for the safety of both of you. These furry rodents form a strong bond with their owners and often need company when you’re not home. They are also very small, and they can be carried in a pocket. Luckily, the majority of flying squirrels aren’t aggressive toward other animals. However, you should always supervise your flying squirrel when it’s out of its cage.
Although these pets may be quite small, flying squirrels are very intelligent creatures. You may even bond with them over their cute, fluffy behavior. While they are not considered perfect pets, they make great companions, and they’re often a great choice for younger children and adults alike. However, you should consider whether or not flying squirrels are legal in your state. Even though they’re incredibly adorable, they need to be handled frequently during the first few weeks of their lives.
What is the typical lifespan of a flying squirrel?
The typical lifespan of a flying squirrel is 5-8 years.
What do flying squirrels eat?
Flying squirrels are omnivores and their diet consists of insects fruits nuts and sap.
Where do flying squirrels live?
Flying squirrels are found in North America Europe and Asia.
How do flying squirrels fly?
Flying squirrels glide through the air using the skin between their legs called a patagium.
What is the difference between a flying squirrel and a glider?
A glider is a type of flying squirrel that is found in Australia and Indonesia.
Gliders have a longer and flatter tail and a narrower body than flying squirrels.
How big are flying squirrels?
Flying squirrels range in size from 5 to 10 inches long not including their tail.
What is the average weight of a flying squirrel?
The average weight of a flying squirrel is 1-2 ounces.
How many types of flying squirrels are there?
There are three types of flying squirrels: the Northern the Southern and the Appalachian.
What is the scientific name for flying squirrels?
The scientific name for flying squirrels is Glaucomys.
What is the highest recorded jump of a flying squirrel?
The highest recorded jump of a flying squirrel is 150 feet.
How often do flying squirrels mate?
Flying squirrels mate once a year.
How many young does a flying squirrel have at a time?
A flying squirrel typically gives birth to 2-6 young at a time.
What is the gestation period of a flying squirrel?
The gestation period of a flying squirrel is 38-42 days.
When do flying squirrels reach sexual maturity?
Flying squirrels reach sexual maturity at about 1 year old.
What is the home range of a flying squirrel?
The home range of a flying squirrel is about 1 acre.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
