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Article By Ratkateers Rodentry

Description
Eleven to 13 inches from nose to tail tip, the red squirrel weighs 5 to 9 ounces. It has rusty-red back and sides, dull white under parts, and an elegant white ring around each eye.

Range
Red squirrels live primarily in coniferous forests of Canada, Alaska, the Rockies, and the northern United States. They also thrive in deciduous forests. They live throughout Minnesota, with the exception of some western counties where farms and grasslands dominate.

Although Squirrels are rapidly increasing in popularity as pets, they are not suited for every home, and no one should undertake the task lightly. While some people can keep Squirrels successfully, more often than not the owners end up getting severely bitten and it ends up an unpleasant experience for the owner and the squirrel. Squirrels are generally not recommended for homes with children or elderly people, as they might be too fast or too dominant in their play and interaction with these people, leading to bites. If after much research and consideration one decides to take a Squirrel into captivity, it is recommended that you get your Squirrel when it is a baby. Hand feeding is often recommended, as a hand fed baby will often be a tamer adult. It has been reported that if one spends a significant amount of time bonding with the squirrel that the squirrel will become quite devoted to its human companions. Bonding time must consist of undivided attention, and it is important to remember that squirrels are not like a dog that can lie at your feet. When attempting to bond with the squirrel the person cannot be doing other things at the same time they are playing with the squirrel, Squirrels are into everything and if you are not playing with them, they will find other entertainment immediately. You will need to safeguard your home to keep your squirrel safe from the numerous perils that no doubt beset your home. Some household dangers include heating vents, and other household pets such as cats or dogs that can injure your squirrel. They are insatiably curious animals, and will happily play with anything you have laying around, so make sure you keep valuables and treasured items inside drawers or they may get destroyed by an inquisitive Squirrel. They see a person's hands as playground material and they do chew like puppies, their teeth are so sharp that they can bring blood just by playing. It has been reported that squirrels kept in captivity become rather territorial and do not like other people to get too close to their chosen human, so it is not a good idea to let your squirrel out around strangers, because they can be very aggressive towards people that they do not know. Litter box training can be a difficult task with most squirrels, though some can be trained. It is important to remember that most squirrels cannot be housetrained so make sure you keep this fact in mind before you decide to keep a squirrel as a pet. They can be kept inside cages, but this requires extra training and can be difficult and depressing for the squirrel. We recommend at least a 24 x 24 x 30 galvanized cage. Proper care and feeding of your squirrel will lead to a long, prosperous and happy relationship, a fascinating commune with nature.

We recommend the following foods for your new Squirrel:
Nuts (avoid peanuts)
Seeds
Dried CornFruits
Pinecones
Vegetables

Squirrels are playful, and when a squirrel is playing, it may often chew on your fingers or hands or even your ears; but this is generally a gentle chewing like a puppy or kitten might do. If a squirrel draws blood, it's not playing. It is intending to bite you, either because it's frightened or because it's angry. Their nails are very sharp and if you do not get your squirrel tame enough to clip them once a week, you will be scratched. It has been suggested that an alternative to clipping is to add some rough areas to the bottom of their enclosure to cause natural wear to their nails.

Positive attributes of the species?
They are very cute and friendly, curious, and interesting to watch, or just have hanging out on your shoulder.

Negative attributes of the species?
They are speedy, and dont stay in one spot long

How well do they interact with people?
When bottle raised they make great pets, but they are speedy

How easily do they train?
When bottle raised very well

What type of housing do they need?
The larger the cage the better. I keep mine in a cage about 5 feet by 3 feet

What do you feed them?
Squirrel food, Monkey Chow, Rodent Blocks, fresh vegies and corn, some fruits, and dried fruits and veggies. Dog bones, wood chews

How do they interact with other household animals?
They are jumpy but do ok

How destructive are they for an average household (gnawing, climbing, etc.)? They like to chew!!!!

Are there any problems associated with their nails?
No

Do they have any potentially offensive odours?
No

How messy are their dropping and can they be litter trained?
They can be litter box trained and are not messy

What vet care should be expected?
They do not have any medical problems associated with them, except for issues with calcium. make sure you have an exotic pet in the area

At what age would it be best to get one?
6 weeks or under

What personal traits should someone keeping them have?
Be patient, they are out of their nest box randomly through the day and night, so you never can be sure when they will be out playing