Owning or caring for a squirrel is vastly different from caring for a traditional pet. These fascinating creatures are high energy, intelligent, and incredibly destructive if not provided with the right environment. Whether you are a licensed rehabilitator or caring for a special needs animal that cannot be released, you need gear that stands up to their constant gnawing and climbing. This guide helps you navigate the market to find safe, durable, and appropriate supplies.
What to Look For
When evaluating products, safety and durability must dictate your choices. Squirrels have powerful jaw muscles and teeth designed to crack hard nuts. Any cage or enclosure must be constructed from heavy duty metal, preferably powder coated steel or stainless steel. Plastic or wooden housing will be chewed through in hours. Look for tight bar spacing, typically half an inch or less, to prevent escapes or head entrapment. Ensure any locks are spring loaded or are carabiner style, as squirrels are surprisingly good at figuring out simple latches. For feeding supplies, look for stainless steel or ceramic bowls that cannot be tipped over easily.
Top Types to Consider
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Heavy Duty Multi Level Cages
These large, tiered cages are designed for ferrets or chinchillas but are ideal for squirrels. They feature multiple levels, ramps, and platforms.
Pros: The vertical space maximizes floor area usage which satisfies the animal’s urge to climb. Most are designed for easy cleaning with pull out trays. The metal construction withstands serious chewing better than standard wire cages. -
Outdoor Release Flight Cages
For those preparing squirrels for release or housing them in a semi natural environment, large flight cages are essential.
Pros: They provide ample space for jumping and gliding practice. You can include natural branches and foliage to mimic the wild environment. They offer better ventilation than indoor setups and allow for more natural behaviors. -
Natural Wood Gnawing Toys
You need to provide alternatives to your furniture. High quality gnawing toys made from apple wood, willow, or untreated pine are crucial.
Pros: They satisfy the biological need to gnaw, which keeps teeth healthy and trimmed. Natural wood is safe if ingested in small quantities. It provides mental stimulation by preventing boredom. -
Lock Back Feeder Stations
These are specialized metal feeders that secure food while minimizing waste.
Pros: They keep food dry and safe from the elements. The heavy duty lid mechanism stops raccoons or birds from stealing the squirrel’s specific diet. They reduce the mess caused by foraging.
How to Choose
Start by evaluating the squirrel’s specific life stage and health status. A baby squirrel requires a smaller, secure enclosure like a plastic bin modified with wire mesh, whereas an adult needs the height of a multi level cage. If you are setting up an indoor habitat, consider your own flooring; a deep seed guard or tray is vital to contain bedding and thrown food. When selecting food items, always consult a veterinarian specializing in exotic wildlife for nutritional guidance. It is easy to buy the wrong pellets, so check labels carefully for calcium to phosphorus ratios. You might find a great cage online, but be sure to check the current price on Amazon to ensure you are getting the best deal for such a significant purchase. Prioritize non toxic finishes on any wood products to avoid accidental poisoning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent error is using inappropriate bedding. Avoid cedar and pine shavings at all costs. The aromatic oils in these woods can cause severe respiratory distress and liver damage in small animals. Instead, use fleece bedding, paper based bedding, or shredded aspen. Another mistake is feeding an exclusively seed based diet. While they love sunflower seeds, these are high in fat and low in calcium. A diet lacking in balanced rodent block can lead to Metabolic Bone Disease, a painful and often fatal condition. Avoid letting your squirrel roam the house unsupervised; they will chew electrical wires and drywall, creating safety hazards for both the animal and your home.
Bottom Line
Selecting the right products for squirrel care is about balancing their wild instincts with domestic safety. Invest in metal housing, provide proper enrichment, and stick to a vet approved diet. By focusing on these core needs, you ensure your squirrel stays healthy, active, and entertained.
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What you need to know
If you want to support squirrels, the kindest approach is feeding wild visitors in your garden rather than keeping them as pets. In many areas keeping wild squirrels is restricted or illegal, so beginners should focus on feeders and food suited to garden wildlife. Look for sturdy, weatherproof feeders with a lid the animals can lift, which keeps food dry and gives natural foraging behaviour.
For food, plain nuts in shell such as hazelnuts and walnuts, plus seeds, suit squirrels well, while salted or roasted snacks should be avoided. Position feeders where cats cannot ambush easily, and clean them regularly to limit disease spread between animals. Offer a shallow water source too. If you find an injured or orphaned squirrel, contact a licensed wildlife rescue rather than attempting to raise it yourself.