General Information:
The name 'flying squirrel' actually describes over 50 species within the family Sciuridae. Their name is somewhat of a misnomer as flying squirrels are not capable of powered flight like that of a bird, but they do glide.
Flying squirrels have wing-like folds of skin that are referred to as patagia. The patagium membrane can be found on flying squirrels, bats, and other gliding mammals and will assist them when gliding by acting similarly to a parachute that prevents them from plummeting down. In addition, they have cartilage spurs on each wrist that can extend similarly to fingers, further stretching the patagia - we won't go too deeply into bio-aerial locomotion.
Although they're incredibly agile gliders, they can be quite clumsy on all fours.
In the exotic pet trade, you typically find 3 flying squirrels; Southern Flying Squirrels, Eastern Flying Squirrels, and less commonly, Northern Flying Squirrels.
Their care is mostly interchangeable, but they're high maintenance pet rodent that requires specialist care and an owner experienced with exotic pet rodents. With that being said, flying squirrels will usually form very strong bonds with their owners.
Their life expectancy is around 10-15 years, and they're an omnivorous, nocturnal rodent.
Please, ensure that your flying squirrels originate from reputable breeders and have not been wild-caught.
Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
First things first, flying squirrels need a lot of space. We highly recommend you offer a metal cage with more vertical space than horizontal. The bar-spacing on your cage must be quite small as they can easily escape.
Most people commonly use large bird cages and aviaries as they tend to have a smaller bar-spacing than that of chinchilla cages.
We would advise enriching the cage with toys for a mostly arboreal animal such as ropes, branches, hammocks, as well as small and safe hides. When furnishing the cage, ensure there is still room for them to safely glide from item to item. Arguably, they can be kept somewhat similarly to sugar gliders.
The name 'flying squirrel' actually describes over 50 species within the family Sciuridae. Their name is somewhat of a misnomer as flying squirrels are not capable of powered flight like that of a bird, but they do glide.
Flying squirrels have wing-like folds of skin that are referred to as patagia. The patagium membrane can be found on flying squirrels, bats, and other gliding mammals and will assist them when gliding by acting similarly to a parachute that prevents them from plummeting down. In addition, they have cartilage spurs on each wrist that can extend similarly to fingers, further stretching the patagia - we won't go too deeply into bio-aerial locomotion.
Although they're incredibly agile gliders, they can be quite clumsy on all fours.
In the exotic pet trade, you typically find 3 flying squirrels; Southern Flying Squirrels, Eastern Flying Squirrels, and less commonly, Northern Flying Squirrels.
Their care is mostly interchangeable, but they're high maintenance pet rodent that requires specialist care and an owner experienced with exotic pet rodents. With that being said, flying squirrels will usually form very strong bonds with their owners.
Their life expectancy is around 10-15 years, and they're an omnivorous, nocturnal rodent.
Please, ensure that your flying squirrels originate from reputable breeders and have not been wild-caught.
Care:
Housing/Enrichment:
First things first, flying squirrels need a lot of space. We highly recommend you offer a metal cage with more vertical space than horizontal. The bar-spacing on your cage must be quite small as they can easily escape.
Most people commonly use large bird cages and aviaries as they tend to have a smaller bar-spacing than that of chinchilla cages.
We would advise enriching the cage with toys for a mostly arboreal animal such as ropes, branches, hammocks, as well as small and safe hides. When furnishing the cage, ensure there is still room for them to safely glide from item to item. Arguably, they can be kept somewhat similarly to sugar gliders.
Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/230528074656209787/
Credit: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/417920040420595778/
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Credit: https://www.zoochat.com/community/media/sugar-glider-enclosure.391593/
Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/69454019223209841/
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Socialising:
Most flying squirrels cohabit well with other flying squirrels. They've been documented to share their nests with other species such as owls and bats during the colder months - don't replicate this in captivity.
Flying squirrels can form very strong bonds with their owners, particularly if you've had them from a young age. They're not afraid to call for you if they're ready to be handled (they can be quite noisy).
Diet:
Flying squirrels require an omnivorous diet, but are considered to be one of the more carnivorous squirrels. In the wild, they'd consume insects, fungi, fruit, nuts, and seeds. Sometimes, they've been known to consume carrion, birds, and eggs.
In captivity, some keepers offer common rodent mixes add in various items. Rodent mixes alone are not suitable.
We would recommend a squirrel pellet, and you must offer the following as well:
Please feel free to ask more questions.
Most flying squirrels cohabit well with other flying squirrels. They've been documented to share their nests with other species such as owls and bats during the colder months - don't replicate this in captivity.
Flying squirrels can form very strong bonds with their owners, particularly if you've had them from a young age. They're not afraid to call for you if they're ready to be handled (they can be quite noisy).
Diet:
Flying squirrels require an omnivorous diet, but are considered to be one of the more carnivorous squirrels. In the wild, they'd consume insects, fungi, fruit, nuts, and seeds. Sometimes, they've been known to consume carrion, birds, and eggs.
In captivity, some keepers offer common rodent mixes add in various items. Rodent mixes alone are not suitable.
We would recommend a squirrel pellet, and you must offer the following as well:
- Calcium supplement
- Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, buckwheat, hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, and other suitable seeds and nuts.
- Fruits and vegetables
- Fungi such as edible mushrooms
- Edible sticks and roots
- Dried insects
- Live insects
- Chicken and boiled eggs
Please feel free to ask more questions.