Walnuts, acorns, almonds, and other nuts are all loved by squirrels. They love to hold them in their tiny paws as they eat. Nuts are a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and even fiber for a pet squirrel. Provide a few nuts a day as treats to your pet squirrel.
Full Answer
What do pet squirrels need to eat?
“Feeding Your Pet Squirrel” provides information on feeding and nutrition for your pet squirrel. Your squirrel needs a balanced diet containing protein, fat, and vitamins and minerals, including lots of calcium. Feed a variety of foods from each category in the amounts indicated.
Do squirrels like to eat walnuts?
Walnuts, acorns, almonds, and other nuts are all loved by squirrels. They love to hold them in their tiny paws as they eat. Nuts are a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and even fiber for a pet squirrel. Provide a few nuts a day as treats to your pet squirrel. Seeds should be the bulk of your squirrel's daily diet.
Can squirrels eat legumes?
Squirrels are quick critters who need to eat throughout the day to maintain their energy levels and body weight. A varied diet is crucial in keeping them healthy but you also need to make sure you feed your pet the appropriate foods, not just any variety of foods. Squirrels can eat a variety of plants, including legumes.
What are the best seeds for squirrels to eat?
Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and other large seeds that are found in most parrot or squirrel mixes should be available to your pet squirrel. These will provide the bulk of their calories and nutritional content but should not be the only food you offer. Squirrels who live solely on seeds will lack calcium in their diet...
What should I feed my pet squirrel?
Feeding Your Pet SquirrelRodent Block—2-4 small blocks per day. ... High-Calcium Vegetables—5-7 thumb-sized pieces per day. ... Other Healthy Veggies—2-3 pieces per day. ... Wild Foods—Unlimited while in season. ... Animal Protein. ... Fruit—2 slices per day. ... Nuts/Seeds—Two per day, preferably in the shell. ... Something to Chew On.
Can you feed a squirrel hamster food?
Rodent blocks are premade food designed for animals like hamsters, rats, guinea pigs, mice and squirrels. They include foods your squirrel needs every day and are already balanced for good nutrition. Rodent blocks can be the primary food source for your squirrel, making up 75 percent of her diet.
What do pet GREY squirrels eat?
Feeding Pet SquirrelsLegumes. Squirrels can eat a variety of plants, including legumes. ... Nuts. Everybody knows squirrels like nuts. ... Seeds. Seeds should be the bulk of your squirrel's daily diet. ... Fruits. Handheld pieces of berries, melons, apples, and other fruits can be offered sparingly. ... Insects.
What food is poisonous to squirrels?
Toxic foods are poisonous to squirrels and should be completely avoided....UNHEALTHY FOODSHigh-sugar foods (candy, cookies, granola, sweetened breakfast cereals)High-starch foods (pasta, bread, rice, potatoes)Salty foods.Human junk food.Cashews.Sunflower seeds.Dried corn.Pine nuts.
Do squirrels like peanut butter?
Other favorites aren't exactly natural, but the squirrels love them anyway. These additional foods include peanuts, peanut butter, pecans, pistachios, grapes, corn, squash, zucchini, pumpkin, strawberries, carrots, apples, sunflower seeds and even snack items, such as Oreo® cookies.
Do squirrels eat bananas?
Squirrels aren't picky eaters. They love nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and almost anything humans give. Speaking of bananas, squirrels will happily eat them. Eating fruits including bananas gives them the much-needed sugar-boost and energy to scramble around.
Can squirrels eat cheerios?
Cereals. Many backyard squirrel-watchers feed cereal to squirrels. Squirrels naturally love the grains and nuts incorporated into most cereals. Chex, Cheerios, Cap'n Crunch, shredded wheat, corn flakes, grape nuts–squirrels devour these tasty treats.
What do pet squirrels like to play with?
They like those hanging parrot toys with wood and rawhide. They also like the natural wood bird perches that attach to the side of the cage or you can get some tree branches and wire them to the cage vertically and horizontally so they can climb and sit on them.
What should I put in my squirrel cage?
To make your squirrel feel more at home, put twigs, leaves, grass, and bark on the bottom of the cage. This will give him a variety of materials to choose from when making his nest comfortable. Provide your squirrel also with branches throughout the cage so he can get his exercise and feel more comfortable.
Can squirrels eat apples?
Squirrels enjoy the delicious sweet taste of apples and eat whole fruit along with the skin and even the apple seeds. It is however recommended that you remove the core from the apple before feeding it to your pet squirrel as the apple seeds contain toxins that can be dangerous to squirrels.
What do squirrels drink?
As it turns out, squirrels actually drink a lot of water, and they need even more water during warm weather, lactation and pregnancy. It's crucial that they have a clean source of water, and if they cannot get this from their natural environment, then there is nothing wrong with helping them out.
Are raisins safe for squirrels?
If given the choice, the critter will eat as many raisins as possible, because they, like humans, enjoy the taste. As a responsible pet owner or animal lover, you must not take this as an indicator that raisins are too good for squirrels. So, the answer is, raisins are safe for squirrels in moderation.
Is guinea pig food OK for squirrels?
We do have members that feed a Keytee product to their squirrels that is designed for mice and rats. A guinea pigs diet is closer to that of a rabbit. The difference is in their nutritional requirements. A good quality rodent block is essential to a squirrel's diet!
Can squirrels eat cat food?
squirrels prefer to eat dry solid cat food. They prefer eating solid dry cat food, however, if they only have access to wet food, they will consume it. Wet cat food provides Taurine which is what's found in the muscle meat of animals.
Can squirrels eat Ritz crackers?
No, junk food such as french fries, pretzels, crackers, or anything salted should not be fed to animals of any kind. Their bodies can't digest food the same way that we can. If you love feeding your backyard squirrels, avoid feeding them salted or sugary snacks.
Do squirrels eat apples?
Squirrels are known to store nuts by burying them, but they are omnivores that also eat apples, insects and much more besides.
How to keep squirrels safe from predators?
Squirrel accommodations. You can create a cage that is kept inside or outside as long as your squirrel is safe from predators.
How to keep squirrels from climbing?
Put away any small objects that your squirrel can knock over and break while climbing. Cover small holes and put away appliances your squirrel can climb in to hide. Secure chemicals and other dangerous substances, including processed snacks your squirrel may get into.
How to get squirrels out of your house?
Preparing your home for squirrels. Squirrels love to climb, play, and hide. Since they are wild animals, you may consider letting your squirrel in and out of your house. You’ll need to ensure your house and backyard are safe for your new pet, which means you should: Put away any small objects that your squirrel can knock over ...
How to train a squirrel to use the litter box?
Encourage your squirrel to use the litter box by placing their feces there, so they smell it and associate the box with using the bathroom. General training for your squirrel. While squirrels are difficult to train, you can build habits over time by encouraging certain behavior.
How to adopt a squirrel?
First, have your squirrel checked out by a veterinarian. If you decide to adopt a squirrel, it is a lifetime commitment. Once squirrels are domesticated, they lose their natural instincts to survive in the wild. Preparing your home for squirrels. Squirrels love to climb, play, and hide.
How big should a squirrel cage be?
The cage should be a minimum of two feet across on all sides to be big enough for your squirrel to move around and taller than it is deep. Feeding your squirrel. The best strategy for feeding your pet squirrel is to match what they would eat in the wild. This includes: Pinecones. Seeds. Mushrooms. Flowers and buds.
Why won't my squirrels understand being punished?
Your squirrel won’t understand being punished when they are “bad” because many of their less desirable behaviors are natural instincts. Instead, remove objects that you want them to leave alone, or move them to another room or area with fewer distractions. Pagination. 1.
What do squirrels eat?
In the wild, southern flying squirrels eat a variety of nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. In captivity, they do well with a varied diet that can include : A variety of fresh veggies (corn, sweet potatoes, and portabello mushrooms are popular) and fruit (oranges provide calcium)
How tall should a squirrel cage be?
The floor space of two feet by two feet is adequate. The minimum height should be 3 feet tall, but 5 or 6 feet tall is better.
What is the smallest squirrel?
Southern flying squirrels are the smallest of the tree squirrels. Their northern cousins, a larger species, are also kept as pets. Southern flying squirrels are primarily nocturnal with large, round eyes that help them see at night.
What do hamsters eat?
Hamster pellets. A variety of fresh veggies (corn, sweet potatoes, and portabello mushrooms are popular) and fruit (oranges provide calcium) Mealworms and waxworms. In captivity, feed the equivalent of about 1 tablespoon of food in the morning and at night.
Do Southern Flying Squirrels like their owners?
Like sugar gliders, southern flying squirrels form an intense bond with their owners if acquired at a young age from a breeder. They are usually quite happy to spend time climbing and playing on their owner (as though the human is a tree).
Who is Lianne from Spruce Pets?
Characteristics, Housing, Diet, and Other Information. Lianne is a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and freelance writer who's written nearly 400 articles for The Spruce Pets. Flying squirrels make adorable pet rodents for the right person. Southern flying squirrels are the smallest of the tree squirrels.
Can you take a squirrel in from the wild?
If these squirrels are local in your area, do not attempt to take one in from the wild. In most cases, it is also illegal to do so.
What do squirrels need?
Your squirrel needs a balanced diet containing protein, fat, and vitamins and minerals, including lots of calcium. Feed a variety of foods from each category in the amounts indicated. Note: Amounts are for a 450-gram (1 pound) squirrel, and should be adjusted as necessary depending on your squirrel’s weight.
What are some wild foods that squirrels eat?
Wild Foods—Unlimited while in season. Magnolia cones, pine cones, pine branches and bark, branch tips of nontoxic trees, roses from your garden, wild rose hips, purslane, plaintain, lambs quarters, and dandelion greens can be gathered fresh daily. Look to see what the wild squirrels are eating in your area.
How to keep squirrels healthy?
1 hour per day in an outdoor cage or screened porch during the warm months provides Vit D and will help keep your squirrel healthy. An open window screened with aluminum screening or hardware cloth is another option.
Is there a vegetarian formula for squirrels?
Vegetarian formulas contain no preservatives, phytoestrogens, or nitrosamines. The 2014 is a low-fat, low-protein formula suitable for older squirrels. The 2018 is for growing squirrels ( under 18 months old). Store in the refrigerator. $5.00 for 5 lbs at the Crafty Rat:
Is a squirrel overweight?
Being overweight causes all kinds of health problems and is a major factor in diabetes in older animals. “Healthy weights” may vary: northern squirrels tend to be heavier than southern squirrels, and foxers are heavier than greys. In general, your pet should look like the healthy wild squirrels in your area.
When did squirrels become pets?
Dating back to the early 1700’s , squirrels have been en vogue as pets, and they’ve been often kept as housemates for wealthy families. Even notables like President Warren Harding —the 29th President of the United States—kept a pet squirrel he called ‘Pete’.
Do squirrels bark?
They’re a common sight throughout most of North America, and to many, squirrels are as cute and furry as they are entertaining. They’re small, too—they don’t bark , and they even seem to have personalities all their own.
Can squirrels be pets?
We’ve established that pet squirrels can be good pets if they’re domesticated very early in their life , and we’ve shown the reasons why a Flying Squirrel in particular could be a good pet if certain guidelines are followed.
How much water do squirrels need?
Squirrels drink a lot of water. According to the Squirrel Board, they can drink about 2-3 tablespoons per day, depending on the squirrel.
How to keep squirrels from eating rodent blocks?
If your squirrel pet doesn’t want to eat the rodent block, try coating it with a thin layer of unsalted peanut butter. (squirrels love peanut butter) Feed them 3-4 blocks per day and throw away any of the uneaten blocks. They won’t eat a block that is not fresh.
What type of squirrels are adopted?
The most common types of squirrels that were adopted or bought as pets were: Grey Squirrels. Red Squirrels. Flying Squirrels. Though the gray squirrel was the most common type to see as a pet.
How to keep a baby squirrel from coming back?
If you find a baby squirrel that is on its own and is not injured, leave it alone for a few hours. This will give the mother enough time to find it and carry it back to the nest. Continue to monitor the squirrel to keep it safe from predators. If it has been a couple of hours then the mother isn’t coming back.
How wide should a squirrel cage be?
You’ll want to get a cage that is at least two feet wide and two feet wide. Basically, you want to create a large aviary or large enclosure. Don’t use the fine mesh that you would use for birds. You need something strong that a squirrel can’t chew through. You may want to opt for a metal cage over wood or plastic.
How old do squirrels have to be to train?
Most people who have raised one usually found it as a baby and rescued it. You’ll do much better training a squirrel that is still a baby. Once they reach 9 weeks of age, it becomes harder to train a squirrel. At that point, they are skittish of humans and it will be hard to gain their trust.
Can you keep a squirrel as a pet?
Squirrels are wild animals and there are laws and regulations that make it illegal to keep a squirrel as a pet. However, this hasn’t stopped people from domesticating wild squirrels and raising them as their own pet. We all know that some people love exotic animals. I suggest before you get a pet squirrel, you research the laws in your area.
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Nuts
- Everybody knows squirrels like nuts. Walnuts, acorns, almonds, and other nuts are all loved by squirrels. They love to hold them in their tiny paws as they eat. Nuts are a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and even fiber for a pet squirrel. Provide a few nuts a day as treats to your …
Seeds
- Seeds should be the bulk of your squirrel's daily diet. Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and other large seeds that are found in most parrot or squirrel mixes should be available to your pet squirrel. These will provide the bulk of their calories and nutritional content but should not be the only food you offer. Squirrels who live solely on seeds will lack calcium in their diet an…
Vegetables
- After seeds, vegetables are the most important partof your squirrel's daily diet. Sweet potatoes and corn are popular choices and also very nutritious for your little pet. They provide key vitamins and minerals that seeds, nuts, and other foods don't offer your squirrel. A nice chunk of a vegetable will also give your squirrel a natural water source and add some variety to the diet.
Fruits
- Handheld pieces of berries, melons, apples, and other fruits can be offered sparingly. Too much fruit will cause diarrhea. A little bit every day will give your pet a small number of natural sugars and carbohydrates that they need to balance out their diet.
Insects
- While you may not like the idea of your little squirrel munching on a crunchy mealworm, your little rodent friend sure might! Squirrels will often enjoy the occasional mealworm or super worm, or may even jump at the chance to chase a cricket. Insects can be another way to add vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D to your squirrel's diet. Moths are another option if your squir…
Formulated Pellets
- Some companies make squirrel pellets that are formulated to be balanced nutritionally for squirrels. Many Northern and Southern flying squirrel owners prefer to feed these pellets with some added nuts, seeds, and other foods to ensure they are providing a well-balanced diet. Parrot biscuitsand monkey biscuits can also be fed as additional food but are not formulated to be the …
Supplements
- Many squirrels, especially flying squirrels, will need a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement if they don't get enough from the food they eat. In order to make sure your squirrel is getting enough calcium and vitamin D, you can dust fruits and vegetables with calcium powder made for reptilesa few times a week. Pet squirrels will eat a variety of things but that doesn't mean you should let i…
Characteristics
Habitat
Behavior
Miscellaneous
Conservation
Diet
- In the wild, southern flying squirrels eat a variety of nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. In captivity, they seem to do well with a varied diet that can include: Occasional treats of hard-boiled egg or chicken can add a bit of protein to the diet. Southern flying squirrels are said to love moths, too. Since they are susceptible to calcium deficienc...
Health
Conservation status