SAEDNEWS: Squirrels are wild rodents, not meant to live with humans. Even when tamed, they stay semi-wild and can cause challenges for owners. Still, many people are curious about keeping them, and understanding their care is essential.
According to Saed News Family Service, if you have a tree squirrel and cannot return it to the wild due to illness or other issues, it is essential to gather information on long-term care to ensure the animal remains safe. This guide provides key points for keeping squirrels.
Squirrels are semi-domesticated rodents. While they are not considered domestic animals in most European countries, keeping them as pets has become more common in Iran in recent years. In the wild, squirrels use their climbing abilities to live in forests, often in holes they create in trees. They can consume both natural foods and human-prepared foods.
Squirrels are extraordinary gymnasts, and their long tails make them easily distinguishable from other ground mammals. Fossils indicate that gray squirrels have existed for 50 million years in North America. They belong to the rodent family.
The scientific name of the squirrel, Skiouros, comes from two Greek words: Skia (shadow) and Oura (tail). Squirrels sleep curled on their tails, which inspired ancient Greeks to name them “Skiouros,” meaning “one who sits in the shadow of its tail.” Centuries later, the French created the name “esquirel,” and today they are called “squirrels.” There are 365 squirrel species worldwide.
Tree squirrels have sweat glands on their feet, between the soles and toes. They mark their territory by leaving scent traces on surfaces. If a nest is infested by fleas or disturbed, squirrels will abandon it and build a new one. This is why there are usually more nests than squirrels in an area.
Gray squirrels build nests in unusual places, including attics, cars, chimneys, grills, and balconies. When sensing danger, they freeze in place or flee to the nearest tree or object they can climb. Male squirrels groom themselves twice as much as females, and they are among the cleanest rodents. Their front teeth grow continuously at approximately 15 centimeters per year but remain short due to regular gnawing.
Adult squirrels weigh around 700 grams, with a body length up to 32 cm and a tail length up to 30 cm. Their normal body temperature is 38°C, slightly higher during hibernation. In captivity, male squirrels live up to 7 years and females up to 4 years. Squirrels have four incisors—two on the upper jaw and two on the lower—which must be worn down by gnawing.
In young squirrels, males have a greater distance between the anus and genital opening than females (similar to kittens). In adult males, the genital organ is visible. Male squirrels often live longer in captivity than females.
Cage size depends on the squirrel’s size. Large squirrels need tall cages with multiple levels to climb safely, while small squirrels require smaller cages. Newborns should remain in an incubator. A suitable cage for large squirrels should have at least three shelves and a ladder, although not all need to be inside the nest. Tree squirrels can jump well and climb better than ferrets.
Line the cage floor with newspaper for easy cleaning. Ensure the cage is stable, and the doors are tightly secured. Squirrels need a safe sleeping area, such as a wooden or cardboard nest, with soft bedding like wool (avoid paper towels). Hammocks made from old clothing are also suitable.
Squirrels are active and curious, so a larger cage is better. Ideal dimensions: 1.5 meters high, 1 meter wide, and 2.5 meters long. Use metal mesh under wooden shelves to prevent damage from chewing. Cage doors should have two latches.
Keep cages away from direct sunlight and avoid placing them in rooms with televisions, as electromagnetic and ultrasonic waves can stress squirrels. Avoid proximity to dogs and cats to reduce stress.
Provide branches and logs for climbing and playing. Avoid chewable objects made of unsafe materials, sharp objects, or toxic woods. Non-toxic woods like willow, maple, or fruit trees are suitable and help control dental growth. Replace gnawed wood regularly.
Provide a nest measuring at least 15 cm (length) × 20 cm (width) × 15 cm (height) and fill it with dried grass, shredded paper, or leaves for resting.
Squirrels usually urinate and defecate in specific cage corners. Clean these areas regularly. Squirrels may eat their droppings, so monitor them. Wash the nest and food dishes daily, and clean the entire cage 2–3 times a year, replacing bedding.
The Iranian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) is a medium-sized species with a head-body length of 192–230 mm, a long bushy tail of 128–138 mm, grayish-brown back, and yellow underside. Tail coloring varies with latitude, with red distinguishing this squirrel from other Iranian species.
Squirrels enjoy small toys, preferably without eyes or noses that could be swallowed. They like stuffed squirrels and climbing sticks. Ground squirrels enjoy large wheels and balls; small wheels may cause injury. Ensure all items are securely attached to the cage.
Squirrels’ teeth grow about 6 inches per year. Offer nuts with shells, corn, seeds, bones, and wood for gnawing. Chewing bones also provides essential calcium.
Squirrels are active for a few hours after sunrise and before sunset. During awake hours, allow supervised cage-free time. Cover electrical wires to prevent chewing.
Squirrels tolerate cold but are sensitive to heat. Keep them away from direct sunlight. Excessive cold may induce short-term hibernation.
Squirrels get messy while eating. Use stainless steel, durable plastic, or ceramic containers for washing.
Indoor squirrels rarely hibernate fully. If a squirrel becomes inactive in winter, it may be resting. Domestic squirrels live 2–8 years, while wild squirrels can live up to 20 years.
Common issues include osteoporosis, external parasites, respiratory illnesses, and poisoning. Regular veterinary care is essential.
Provide minerals and supplements in blocks or powder. Fresh water should be available in bottles and bowls. Feed seeds, nuts, fruits (fresh or dried), and vegetables like lettuce and cabbage. Offer a variety of foods to prevent digestive problems. Weekly intake: 450–600 grams.
In summer, squirrels are active 2–3 hours after sunrise, rest in the afternoon, and resume activity 2 hours before sunset. They return to their nests before dark. In winter, activity occurs in the morning and midday. Tree squirrels do not hibernate, but some ground squirrels enter deep winter sleep. Adults usually live alone but share nests in extreme cold.
Bites often occur when feeding squirrels by hand. Never hold food between fingers. Squirrels are always alert for predators and rarely focus solely on eating.
A nutritional disorder caused by calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D deficiency. Domestic squirrels in Iran often suffer due to inadequate diet. Ensure sufficient mother’s milk for infants and supplement with calcium later.
Fleas, lice, and mites can infest squirrels, transmitting disease. Treat with specialized medications carefully to avoid toxicity.
Squirrels are less domesticated than rabbits or hamsters and are more prone to biting. Keep them in a spacious cage (approx. 1 meter) with strong metal bars. Provide branches for chewing to maintain dental health. Cage doors should have two latches, as squirrels quickly learn to open them.
Squirrels are most active in late winter. Males chase females, followed by mating rituals in trees. Gestation lasts 33 days for small species and over 60 days for larger species like gray and fox squirrels. Birth usually occurs in early spring, with an average of 4 offspring per litter. Some species may have a second litter in mid-summer if food is sufficient. Females select the strongest males and do not mate again afterward to regulate population. Newborns weigh 31–1035 grams, are 2–5.4 cm long, and are blind and toothless until 6–8 weeks.
