Squirrels belong to the family of small size rodents and are not exactly popular pets. Yet many people prefer them as pets. Due to their furry look, a lot of people consider them as potential pets. But by nature they are wild and do not live well in confinement. They mainly live survive on nuts and are day creatures.
But they can feed on insects, tree sap and require a high calcium diet.
Is Adopting a Pet Squirrel a good Idea?
Origin of Squirrels
The name Squirrel originated from its French version of esqurel and the name was coined in the 14th century. These little naughty rodents are widely available across many states of America, Europe, Africa and even Asia. They have a huge variety in their family which include tree squirrel, flying squirrel, chipmunks, prairie dogs and more.
They can survive in any kind of climate which is what makes them available in s many different continents and regions with different types of climate and weather.
Structure of Squirrels
Squirrels are fast paced animals with extremely sharp teeth and ever growing nails. They can range in size from the average 7-10 cms to the abnormally large size of 50-70 cms approximately. Their weight can vary from a meagre 10 grams to a whopping 8 kgs based on their size and genes.
Also their fore limbs are much smaller than their hind limbs making it easy for them take high leaps and jumps. Their fur is extremely soft and cuddly with furry or bushy tails. Their tails are often longer than the rest of their body. It is these traits that make a lot of people want to keep them as pets.
Is Adopting a Pet Squirrel a good Idea?
Advantages of Keeping Squirrels as Pets
- The main advantage of petting squirrels is that they are great source of entertainment as they are highly active
- Squirrels breed only once or twice a year which makes them minimum problem when it comes to multiplication
- They keep your lawns and yards absolutely clean
Disadvantages of Petting Squirrels
- They need large cages to be kept healthy and happy
- They do not think twice before digging their teeth into anything, starting with food, junk food, wires, cables, wallpaper, wooden objects and everything that suits their fancy
- They need a lot of attention and freedom to play in the outdoors
- They need complete baby-sitting and supervision throughout the day and night due to their hyper active and wild nature
- They cannot be tamed at all, if they like you they’ll stay with you or else they might just run off
- It is quite difficult to feed squirrels and expensive as well, due to their sensitive system and high calcium and protein requirements
- Due to their sharp nails and teeth they are prone to attack people within seconds of feeling threatened in any way
- Their teeth need something to chew on constantly, lack of which may lead to serious illness for the squirrel
Is Adopting a Pet Squirrel a good Idea?
Caring for a Pet Squirrel
- The basic necessity of a squirrel is a massive cage and loads of care and attention
- They prefer clean living areas and litter other areas therefore you need to be careful about their out of cage surrounding as well
Above all, squirrels are wild animals and it is best to let them carry on with their true nature.
