What to Put in a Squirrel Cage
Your squirrel will need a variety of things to play with, including chew toys, natural under-footing, and laundry. You should give your squirrel a variety of toys and other things to keep it occupied during its first few weeks in captivity. It will also be helpful to give it calcium supplements. For the first few weeks, the squirrel may also start acting out, so be sure to provide fun things to keep it entertained.
Chew toys
Chew toys are an essential part of a squirrel’s diet. They help erode their teeth and provide exercise. Chew toys can be anything from a ball made of fruit woods to colorful bagel bites. Wooden balls are also great for nervous nibblers. A variety of other toys can be used in the cage, such as climbing posts and ladders. All of these toys will entertain your squirrel and help it get plenty of exercise.
Keep fresh water close by. Although squirrels don’t need a lot of water, they do need plenty of chewing material. Wooden balls, sterilized bones, and pieces of hard wood all make great chews for squirrels. Also try corncobs, pumice stone, mineral blocks, and fruit tree branches. A few different chew toys can be added to your squirrel’s cage to keep them entertained.
Calcium supplements
Adding calcium supplements to your squirrel’s diet is essential. A balanced diet should include several foods rich in calcium. Include broccoli and arugula in their diets. You can also feed them kale and radicchio. They’ll also love spirulina and kale pellets. Calcium supplements are also effective for paralyzed or weak-boned squirrels. It’s important to keep a diary of how much calcium your squirrel is getting, so you can monitor its response to the calcium supplements.
Powdered calcium supplements come in several forms. Powders can be mixed with squirrel food or sprinkled on top. A cuttlebone can be a convenient option for some squirrels, but it may not be suitable for all species. Liquid calcium supplements can also be given. The powder form is easier to administer and remains the gold standard. You can also add a small amount to the squirrel’s water, but it should not be given to sick or lethargic squirrels.
Natural under-footing
Squirrels can live a long life in captivity if provided with the proper care. They are sensitive to their environment and need long, low cages with plenty of interaction with their holder. They may need manual bladder expression to regain bladder function, so it’s important to keep an eye on their health. They should also be monitored closely for any signs of infection. Listed below are some tips for natural under-footing for squirrel cages.
Laundry
Do not wash laundry in the squirrel’s cage. It can cause serious health problems. Use soap without fragrances and dyes. Also, keep the squirrels away from the laundry area. The noise can harm the baby. You should also avoid using commercial formulas that contain fragrances or dyes. If you do choose to wash your baby’s clothes in the squirrel’s cage, be sure to do it outside the home.
Protection from the sun, rain and wind
A good squirrel cage should have a release box that is large enough to allow your pet to run and jump around. Squirrels need time outside to acclimate to outside temperatures. When choosing a squirrel cage, be sure to keep the bars about 1/2 inch apart. Your squirrel should have room to move around in its cage, and should have a place to hide if they are caught by a predator.
Pre-release cages
Before releasing your new squirrel into the wild, it is essential to acclimate it to outdoor conditions and temperature. To facilitate the process, place it in a cage with plenty of space, and provide some natural elements that the squirrel might find useful. Adding acorns, maple seed keys, pine cones, and bark and moss are all good choices for a squirrel’s cage. Keep in mind that releasing the squirrel into a cage will likely cause it to be absent for a few days or even weeks, depending on the location and species of your release.
After a couple of weeks, release the pre-release squirrel on its own property. Ideally, it should be released on a piece of property near to where it was raised. If the release site is not suitable, it can reduce its survival rate and cause further stress. It is also best to enlist the help of another caregiver or family member to house the pre-release squirrel cage. In either case, you should be able to monitor post-release integration closely.
What are the best materials to use for a squirrel cage?
Answer 1: The best materials to use for a squirrel cage are those that are non-toxic durable and easy to clean.
What is the best way to clean a squirrel cage?
Answer 2: The best way to clean a squirrel cage is to use a mild soap and water solution.
What are the best toys for a squirrel cage?
Answer 3: The best toys for a squirrel cage are those that are non-toxic durable and safe for chewing.
What is the best bedding for a squirrel cage?
Answer 4: The best bedding for a squirrel cage is that which is non-toxic absorbent and comfortable.
What is the best food for a squirrel cage?
Answer 5: The best food for a squirrel cage is that which is nutritious high in fiber and low in sugar.
What are the best water sources for a squirrel cage?
Answer 6: The best water sources for a squirrel cage are those that are clean fresh and easily accessible.
What are the best hiding places for a squirrel cage?
Answer 7: The best hiding places for a squirrel cage are those that are safe secure and provide a sense of privacy.
What are the best exercise options for a squirrel cage?
Answer 8: The best exercise options for a squirrel cage are those that are safe stimulating and allow for a variety of movements.
What are the best enrichment options for a squirrel cage?
Answer 9: The best enrichment options for a squirrel cage are those that are safe stimulating and allow for a variety of activities.
What are the best materials to use for a squirrel cage?
Answer 10: The best materials to use for a squirrel cage are those that are non-toxic durable and easy to clean.
What is the best way to clean a squirrel cage?
Answer 11: The best way to clean a squirrel cage is to use a mild soap and water solution.
What are the best toys for a squirrel cage?
Answer 12: The best toys for a squirrel cage are those that are non-toxic durable and safe for chewing.
What is the best bedding for a squirrel cage?
Answer 13: The best bedding for a squirrel cage is that which is non-toxic absorbent and comfortable.
What is the best food for a squirrel cage?
Answer 14: The best food for a squirrel cage is that which is nutritious high in fiber and low in sugar.
What are the best water sources for a squirrel cage?
Answer 15: The best water sources for a squirrel cage are those that are clean fresh and easily accessible.
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.
