Housing
Squirrels climb, leap and explore all day, so height matters as much as floor space. Give your squirrel the biggest enclosure you can manage: a tall, sturdy cage or aviary several feet in every direction, with strong wire and secure latches. Squirrels are strong chewers and clever escape artists.
- Natural branches and platforms at different heights
- A cosy nest box or hammock in a quiet corner
- Safe, chew-friendly materials (avoid soft plastics)
- Keep it away from drafts and direct sun
Diet
In the wild, squirrels eat far more than nuts. A good captive diet is balanced and varied.
- Daily: a quality squirrel or rodent block, plus fresh vegetables and leafy greens
- Sparingly: fruit and a small handful of nuts in the shell, which also wears their teeth down
- Always: fresh, clean water
- Never: salted, sugary or processed snacks, chocolate or caffeine
Calcium is especially important for growing squirrels. Ask an exotic-animal vet to confirm a supplement and feeding plan for your squirrel.
Enrichment & play
A bored squirrel is a destructive squirrel. Rotate toys, hide food for foraging, and offer things to chew, shred and dig through. Daily supervised time out of the cage in a squirrel-proofed room keeps them fit and happy.
Handling & bonding
Move slowly and let your squirrel come to you. Offer treats from your hand, speak softly and keep sessions short at first. Never grab a squirrel by the tail. Consistency matters more than length, and a few calm minutes each day builds trust quickly.
Health & vet care
Find an exotic-animal vet before you need one. Keep the enclosure clean and watch appetite, droppings, energy and coat. Call your vet promptly if your squirrel is lethargic, stops eating, or has runny eyes or breathing trouble.
Before you bring one home
- Check state and local rules about keeping squirrels where you live
- Set up the enclosure, food and water before pickup day
- Locate an exotic-animal vet nearby
- Plan for a long commitment: captive squirrels often live ten years or more
- Have a squirrel-proofed room ready for play time