How to keep a pet squirrel in small apartment

Squirrels are energetic, intelligent, and adorable creatures that can make unique pets for the right owner. However, keeping a squirrel in an apartment requires careful planning, knowledge, and commitment. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about legally owning, housing, feeding, and caring for a pet squirrel in an apartment setting.

Understanding the Legal Aspects

Before considering adopting a squirrel, it is important to check your local laws. In many areas, keeping wild squirrels as pets without special permits is illegal. Regulations regarding the domestication of wild animals vary from place to place, and some states and countries have strict restrictions. To ensure you comply with legal requirements, contact your local wildlife agency or conduct thorough research online before bringing a squirrel into your home.

Choosing the Right Squirrel Species

Not all squirrel species are suitable for domestication, and some adapt better to apartment living than others. Among the most common pet-friendly squirrels are flying squirrels, red squirrels, and gray squirrels. Flying squirrels are often the best choice due to their smaller size and social nature, making them well-suited for indoor living. Red squirrels are highly energetic but can also be territorial, requiring extra care and space. Gray squirrels, being larger, need a more spacious environment and additional stimulation to remain happy and healthy.

Creating a Comfortable Habitat

Providing a proper habitat is essential for a pet squirrel’s well-being. A spacious, multi-level cage is necessary to accommodate their active lifestyle. The cage should be at least three to four feet high, allowing for ample climbing and jumping opportunities. Wire cages with small gaps no wider than half an inch are ideal to prevent escape. Additionally, squirrels need time outside their cage to roam freely. A designated squirrel-proofed room should be prepared by removing toxic plants, securing electrical wires, and keeping fragile or valuable items out of reach. This space will ensure their safety while allowing them to explore and exercise.

To keep a pet squirrel mentally stimulated, it is important to provide enrichment. Wooden branches for climbing and chewing, exercise wheels with solid surfaces to prevent tail injuries, and interactive toys will keep them engaged. Foraging activities, hammocks, and nesting pouches also contribute to their comfort and overall well-being.

Providing Proper Nutrition

A well-balanced diet is crucial for maintaining a squirrel’s health. Their diet should consist of a variety of nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans, which should always be unsalted and raw. Fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, berries, and leafy greens should be included to provide essential vitamins. Since squirrels require a good amount of protein, offering cooked eggs, mealworms, or specially formulated squirrel food can help meet their nutritional needs. Additionally, calcium is vital in preventing bone diseases, so cuttlebones, calcium blocks, and high-calcium vegetables like kale should be part of their diet. Always provide fresh water in a bottle or shallow dish to keep them hydrated.

Building a Strong Bond

Unlike cats or dogs, squirrels require unique bonding techniques. Establishing trust takes time and patience. Gentle handling is essential to help them feel comfortable in their new environment. Slow and calm movements prevent them from feeling threatened, while hand-feeding treats can create a positive association with their owner. Spending daily quality time together strengthens the bond and provides them with a sense of security. However, it is important to respect their space and allow interactions to occur naturally rather than forcing them.

Flying squirrels, in particular, are known for their strong social tendencies and often form deep attachments to their owners when raised from a young age. The more positive experiences they have with human interaction, the more affectionate they become.

Ensuring Proper Health Care

Like any pet, squirrels are prone to health issues that require attention. Some common health problems include metabolic bone disease, which results from calcium deficiency, respiratory infections due to drafts or poor ventilation, and parasitic infections such as fleas, mites, or intestinal parasites. Finding an exotic animal veterinarian who specializes in small mammals is essential for proper medical care. Regular check-ups and a well-balanced diet are key factors in ensuring a pet squirrel remains healthy.

Challenges of Keeping a Squirrel in an Apartment

While keeping a pet squirrel can be rewarding, it comes with several challenges. One of the most significant hurdles is legal restrictions, as many places do not permit squirrels as pets. Ensuring that it is legal in your area before adopting one is crucial. Additionally, squirrels have high energy levels and require plenty of out-of-cage time, making them difficult to manage in small living spaces. Without enough stimulation, they may become destructive.

Another challenge is their natural chewing habit. Since their teeth continuously grow, they need to gnaw on objects regularly. This can lead to damaged furniture, wires, and household items if they are not closely supervised. Furthermore, finding a veterinarian capable of treating squirrels can be difficult, making specialized medical care harder to access in case of emergencies.

Another consideration is their lifespan in captivity. While wild squirrels can live up to 10 years, pet squirrels often have shorter lifespans due to stress, improper diet, and inadequate care. Ensuring that they receive proper nutrition, medical attention, and enrichment is vital to keeping them healthy and prolonging their lives.

Keeping a pet squirrel in an apartment is a unique and rewarding experience, but it requires dedication, time, and effort. These animals need a safe and enriching environment, a proper diet, and daily interaction to thrive. Legal considerations, their energetic nature, and specialized care requirements must all be carefully evaluated before deciding to adopt one. However, for those who are prepared to meet their needs, a pet squirrel can become an affectionate and entertaining companion.