The southern flying squirrel ( Glaucomys Volans) may be the cutest critter in North America, at least until they make their home inside YOUR home. And rodents and wires never mix and a potential fire hazard is always a concern.įlying squirrels are quite common throughout the eastern United States, but because they are nocturnal, they are rarely seen by people. Flying squirrel droppings look like tiny grains of rice and often vary in color from a dark gray to a light brown. Flying squirrels generally pose a minimal health risk, if a toilet site that has a lot of scat is located it is usually best to remove and replace the contaminated material and disinfect the area. Of course they always sound much larger than they really are too, something about the attic seems to amplify noise. Just imagine 5-10 hamster sized rodents running around, pooping and chewing on whatever they can find.
I have caught as many as 15 all living in the same attic.įlying squirrels can make quite a racket through the night if they are living in your attic. They are very social animals and commonly live in groups of 6-8 in a single cavity. S & S Exotic Animals, Inc.If you are hearing noises in your attic at night, there is a good chance it may be a flying squirrel, or more likely a group of flying squirrels. There has never been a known case of rabies in flying squirrels. The flying squirrel's body secretes an oil that totally repels any lice, fleas, mites, ticks, etc. You should use a calcium supplement and add liquid vitamins to their water. This is due to the fact that they are nocturnal and don't get sufficient sunlight. The bonding process should be swapped around so the squirrels will be interactive with everyone and not just one individual.įlying squirrels are prone to developing a calcium deficiency. By carrying a squirrel around on your body so that they feel the heartbeat, body warmth and body odor, the bond takes place. This pouch should be placed near your body preferably over the heart. It should be made of a material that is easy to breath through. The squirrels can exercise inside the cage and branches and bird perches can be spread around so they can jump from perch to perch.Ī bonding pouch is a great idea during the bonding process. The squirrel will chose one corner of the cage for its bathroom and that area should be cleaned every few days. Wood shavings provide a suitable bedding material and all types of wood are acceptable. A nestbox should be mounted near the top of the cage to create a suitable environment for an adult squirrel. When the flying squirrel reaches 5 to 6 months of age, a larger cage is appropriate. A flying squirrel needs a small cage during its first few months to restrict their activity level. A wire cage allows them to climb and provides better air circulation. A spool of rabbit salt should be kept available at all times.įlying squirrels should be housed in a wire cage and not an aquarium. Provide water in an open container, not a water bottle. Try to offer a variety of these items since all squirrels don't have the same preferences. A commercial flying squirrel food made by Brisky should also be used. Other foods that may be included in their diet are carrots, mealworms and sunflower seeds. Fresh fruits may include apples, grapes, oranges, peaches, pears or plums. At least 40% of their diet should be fresh fruit to keep their digestive system working smoothly. Nuts may include peanuts, pecans or walnuts. They can live up to 15 years in captivity.Ī good flying squirrel diet consists of a combination of fresh nuts and fruits. Although nocturnal in nature, flying squirrels will interact during daylight hours. The Southern flying squirrel has large dark eyes and a bushy tail which it curls behind its back. Adult flying squirrels weigh approximately 4 to 5 ounces and are approximately 1 foot in length.
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