A nestbox measuring 5 by 5 by 5 inches with a flip-top lid (for ease of removing the squirrel) should be provided for the animal's comfort, giving it a dark place to make a nest. The box should be mounted high in the cage and should contain bedding or nesting material made of 100-percent cotton for warmth and safety. If the nesting material contains polyester or rayon, accidents can occur: Unbreakable threads can wrap around the squirrel's legs, feet or other body parts, then become tight, cutting off blood circulation and causing damage.

Choose one of the many varieties of rodent litter for the bottom of the cage. Avoid cedar or pine that isn't kiln dried, because these may contain phenols that might cause respiratory problems.

For water, use an open container as opposed to a water bottle. If the ball sticks in the water bottle, some squirrels will give up before dislodging it, resulting in dehydration and death.

Do not use anything made of plastic in the cage. Some plastics are harmful to flying squirrels. For exercise, provide an 11-inch ferret wheel. Hamster wheels are too small, and squirrels will not run on them.

Author(s): Curt Howard

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