Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You’ll Need:
- Large multi-level cage
- water dish or bottle
- nesting material
- plentiful supply of food
Step1
Find a veterinarian in the area who is experienced at treating ground squirrels. Take your squirrel to the veterinarian regularly. Ground squirrels are susceptible to internal and external parasites.
Step2
Purchase a large cage for your pet ground squirrel. A rabbit cage, sugar glider, ferret or other large rodent cage works well. A multilevel cage is the best option as the squirrel needs room to play and climb.
Step3
Create a nest in the cage for the squirrel. Use cloth or hay as nesting material. Place the nest away form the squirrel's food and litter box.
Step4
Put a small litter box in the cage. Fill the cage with organic litter—do not use cedar chips. Clean the litterbox often. Squirrels are very clean animals.
Step5
Feed your pet ground squirrel grasses, seeds and grains. Nuts, cottage cheese and yogurt should be given only as a rare treat. Give the squirrel a dish with fresh water or use a water bottle made for gerbils.
Step6
Shower your pet with attention. Ground squirrels are very affectionate and need to spend a lot of time with their pet owner.
Comments
Sharron said
on 1/6/2008 It is illegal in most states to keep any wildlife as a pet. In fact, it is illegal to keep them more than 48 hours before turning them over to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. What you are teaching is breaking the law.