How to tame a squirrel? The squirrel is one of the cutest representatives of the animal world, gaining popularity as a pet. Until recently, it was believed that it was very difficult to tame such a pretty creature, because a wild inhabitant of the forest is unlikely to allow himself to be picked up and allowed to stroke his red fur.
And yet, why not try to make friends with this shy animal, if he settled in the neighborhood in the nearest park or became an inhabitant of your home? How to tame a squirrel that has a large number of enemies in the wild and does not trust anyone, including humans?
Start dating
The beginning of acquaintance and, possibly, close friendship in the future with a new pet is recommended to start with the arrangement of the house, which can be used as a large cage or a spacious aviary. It is advisable to cover the floor with sawdust, a couple should be placed theresnags, twigs and small tree trunks for climbing. After all, the animal is very mobile and needs constant grinding of rapidly growing claws.
The house itself must be installed in a place where the squirrel would be most comfortable: away from prying eyes, in some secluded corner with the exception of direct sunlight.
In order for the animal to stop being afraid, at first it does not need to be disturbed, giving time to get used to the environment and new smells. You should know that for a squirrel, the location of surrounding objects plays a significant role. Changing the location of the cage can become stressful for the red creature, which will negatively affect its behavior.
How to behave with a new pet? How to tame a squirrel? During the first week, it is recommended to be in the field of view of the animal more often, letting him know that there is no threat from the owner.
What to feed the protein?
All the time should be monitored so that the pet is fed. According to the opinion of many people, as well as illustrations from children's books, the squirrel prefers to eat nuts: forest, cedar, walnuts. What do squirrels eat besides nuts? The diet of a pet can include pine, spruce, sunflower seeds, dry and fresh mushrooms, acorns, apples, pears, carrots, white crackers.
From berries, squirrels will gladly treat themselves to blueberries, raspberries, viburnum, mountain ash, blueberries, currants, cherries. It will be happy to gnaw on the buds, shoots and bark of shrubs and trees.breeds. In winter, the animal will not refuse dried fruits. The recommended number of feedings is 2 times a day; serving size is 50 grams. Ordinary water is suitable for drinking; You can also try giving your pet iced tea without sugar.
One of the elements of taming a forest dweller is hand feeding. First, the squirrel must remember who puts food in its cage. Over time, when the animal ceases to be frightened, you can try to bring an open palm with nuts or other food closer to it, while affectionately addressing the pet by name. Hands should not smell of perfumes, detergents and other fragrances that are not found in nature.
Squirrel name
Squirrel is recommended to give a name to which she should be accustomed from the very first days of her stay in the house. It should be easy to remember and clearly pronounced. You need to address the pet by name when communicating with him, feeding, stroking. Over time, the squirrel will learn its name and even begin to respond to it: turn its head when spoken to.
In keeping, squirrels are very neat animals, unpretentious in care. During the day they are awake. Living in spacious enclosures, they are able to bring offspring. Pregnancy lasts approximately 35 days. It is better to accustom a forest animal to a home lifestyle from an early age, therefore it is better to start a small squirrel at home as a pet, which can forget about its former lifestyle in just a few days. Adults brought from the forest get used very hard and can even die from boredom. The average lifespan in captivity is about 11 years.
The squirrel got used to it. Next steps
When the squirrel gets used to the home environment, you can try to release it. The animal must leave the cage on its own, without coercion. Also, he must return to his house on his own. You should know that any taming and teaching something to a squirrel should always be accompanied by a delicious treat.
The most difficult event in the process of taming is stroking an animal. The first attempts to touch the fur can be made after a long time of acquaintance with the animal, which at that time is already completely used to the owner. You can do this while eating. For the first time, 1-2 strokes will be enough, over time, their number can be increased. Subsequently, she will begin to get used to being touched and may even let you scratch her behind the ear and stroke her head.
How to tame a squirrel in the country?
How to make friends with a squirrel that lives in a nearby park, in a country house or on the territory of a private house planted with coniferous trees? The principle of operation is the same as when establishing contact with a pet. A delicious treat is a great stimulus for establishing communication. It is recommended to put nuts in the same place for a long time.
What do squirrels eat besides nuts? You can lure a forest dweller with seeds or cones, and be yourselfnear this place with treats, in the field of view of squirrels. At this time, cute animals can be invited to dinner.
A few tricks
How to call a squirrel? You can, for example, take 2-3 nuts and start clicking them loudly against each other. Gradually, the animals will get used to such feeding and will calmly perceive the person who brings them treats. At this moment, when contact is practically established, part of the food can be left in the outstretched palm. With a high probability, the red-haired creature will dare to climb down from the tree on his hand to treat himself to his portion of food. This is most likely if the principle of separate nutrition is applied: you can put ordinary food in the cage, and stretch out some goodies in the palm of your hand.
It should be understood that not every squirrel can be tamed enough to be stroked and picked up. Some individuals, if handled carelessly and for protection purposes, may even bite.
