Flying Squirrel Care Guide

Flying squirrels are among the most unique and enchanting small mammals occasionally kept as exotic pets. These nocturnal gliders require specialized care, extensive commitment, and experienced handling to thrive in captivity while maintaining their natural behaviors.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about flying squirrel care and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Flying squirrel ownership is regulated or prohibited in many areas. Always check local, state, and federal laws before considering ownership and consult with qualified exotic veterinarians.

About Flying Squirrels

Flying squirrels are small nocturnal mammals capable of gliding through the air using a membrane called a patagium that stretches between their front and back legs. The most common species in the pet trade are Southern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys volans) and occasionally Sugar Gliders (though technically different animals).

Key Characteristics

• Size: 4-5 inches body, 3-4 inch tail
• Weight: 2-4 ounces when adult
• Lifespan: 10-15 years in captivity
• Activity: Strictly nocturnal
• Social: Highly social, prefer pairs or groups
• Gliding: Can glide 100+ feet between trees

Natural Behaviors

Nocturnal activity:

• Sleep all day: Active only during dark hours
• Peak activity: Most active around midnight
• Territorial: Mark territory with scent glands
• Exploration: Constant movement and investigation

Gliding abilities:

• Patagium membrane: Skin flap enables gliding
• Steering: Use tail as rudder during gliding
• Landing: Skilled at precise landings
• Distance: Can glide remarkable distances

Social structure:

• Colony living: Live in groups in tree cavities
• Pair bonding: Form strong social bonds
• Communication: Variety of chirps, clicks, and scent marking
• Grooming: Mutual grooming strengthens bonds

Legal Considerations

Ownership Regulations

State laws:

• Prohibited states: Many states prohibit flying squirrel ownership
• Permit requirements: Some states require special permits
• Licensed breeders: Must purchase from licensed sources
• Transport restrictions: Interstate transport regulations

Local ordinances:

• City regulations: Municipal pet ownership laws
• Zoning restrictions: May be prohibited in certain areas
• Homeowner associations: Additional restrictions possible
• Rental properties: Landlord permission required

Legal compliance:**

• Research thoroughly: Check all applicable laws
• Permits first: Obtain all necessary permits before acquisition
• Licensed sources: Only purchase from legal, licensed breeders
• Documentation: Maintain all legal paperwork

Housing Requirements

Cage Specifications

Minimum requirements:

• Size: 6 feet tall x 3 feet wide x 3 feet deep minimum
• Vertical space: Height more important than floor space
• Bar spacing: 1/2 inch maximum to prevent escape
• Multiple levels: Several platforms at different heights

Construction materials:

• Powder-coated metal: Safe, durable, easy to clean
• Secure latches: Escape-proof locking mechanisms
• Ventilation: Adequate airflow without drafts
• Safety: No sharp edges or toxic materials

Environmental Setup

Essential furnishings:

• Nest boxes: Multiple sleeping areas (one per squirrel)
• Branches: Natural branches for climbing and gliding
• Platforms: Various heights for landing practice
• Wheels: Large exercise wheels (12+ inches diameter)

Substrate and bedding:

• Nest box bedding: Fleece, shredded paper, or aspen shavings
• Cage bottom: Paper towels or fleece liners
• Avoid: Cedar, pine, or dusty bedding materials
• Cleaning: Daily spot cleaning, weekly deep cleaning

Environmental Enrichment

Climbing structures:

• Natural branches: Varying diameters and textures
• Rope bridges: Safe rope or chain connections
• Platforms: Multiple levels and landing areas
• Hiding spots: Pouches, tubes, and enclosed areas

Exercise opportunities:

• Flying space: Room for short gliding distances
• Climbing challenges: Complex branch arrangements
• Exploration items: Safe toys rotated regularly
• Foraging opportunities: Hidden food and treats

Diet and Nutrition

Natural Diet Replication

Wild diet composition:

• Insects: 40-50% of natural diet
• Nuts and seeds: 25-30% of diet
• Tree sap: 10-15% when available
• Fruits: 10-15% seasonal availability
• Bird eggs: Occasional protein source

Captive Diet

Protein sources (40-50%):

• Live insects: Crickets, mealworms, waxworms
• Cooked chicken: Small pieces, no seasoning
• Hard-boiled eggs: Excellent protein source
• Commercial insectivore diet: High-quality pellets

Fruits and vegetables (30-35%):

• Apples: Remove seeds, small pieces
• Grapes: Cut in half to prevent choking
• Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
• Sweet corn: Fresh or frozen, not canned

Nuts and seeds (15-20%):

• Sunflower seeds: In shell for enrichment
• Almonds: Unsalted, occasional treats
• Pumpkin seeds: Raw, unsalted
• Pine nuts: High-fat treat, limit quantity

Feeding Schedule

Nocturnal feeding:

• Evening meal: Primary feeding at dusk
• Midnight snack: Small supplemental feeding
• Fresh water: Available 24/7, changed daily
• Remove uneaten: Clean out old food daily

Feeding considerations:

• Portion control: Flying squirrels prone to obesity
• Variety: Rotate foods to prevent boredom
• Calcium supplement: Especially for breeding females
• Avoid: Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, sugary foods

Health and Veterinary Care

Finding Veterinary Care

Exotic veterinarian:

• Experience required: Must be familiar with flying squirrels
• Emergency care: 24-hour exotic animal services
• Preventive medicine: Regular health examinations
• Specialized knowledge: Understanding of flying squirrel physiology

Common Health Issues

Calcium deficiency:

• Symptoms: Tremors, seizures, weak bones
• Causes: Inadequate calcium in diet
• Prevention: Proper diet and calcium supplementation
• Treatment: Immediate veterinary intervention

Obesity:

• Symptoms: Inability to glide properly, lethargy
• Causes: Overfeeding, lack of exercise
• Prevention: Proper diet and adequate exercise opportunities
• Treatment: Diet modification and increased activity

Stress-related issues:

• Symptoms: Over-grooming, aggression, loss of appetite
• Causes: Improper housing, handling, or social isolation
• Prevention: Appropriate environment and minimal stress
• Treatment: Environmental modification and patience

Preventive Care

Regular monitoring:

• Daily observation: Behavior and appetite monitoring
• Weekly weights: Track weight changes
• Monthly health checks: Visual examination for problems
• Annual veterinary exams: Comprehensive health assessment

Environmental health:

• Temperature control: Maintain 68-75°F consistently
• Humidity levels: 40-60% relative humidity
• Air quality: Good ventilation, avoid aerosols
• Stress reduction: Consistent routines and minimal disturbance

Behavior and Bonding

Natural Behaviors

Scent marking:

• Territory marking: Use scent glands to mark territory
• Recognition: Identify individuals by scent
• Stress indicator: Excessive marking may indicate stress
• Normal behavior: Part of natural communication

Gliding practice:

• Short flights: Practice gliding within cage
• Landing skills: Develop precision landing abilities
• Exercise: Important for physical and mental health
• Space requirements: Need adequate height for gliding

Bonding with Humans

Trust building:

• Patience required: Can take months to develop trust
• Consistent handling: Regular, gentle interaction
• Food rewards: Use favorite foods for positive association
• Respect boundaries: Don’t force interaction

Handling techniques:

• Gentle restraint: Cup hands to contain, don’t grab
• Support body: Always support body weight
• Quick movements: Be prepared for sudden movements
• Bonding pouch: Carry in bonding pouch for close contact

Social Needs

Pair bonding:

• Same-sex pairs: Often successful in captivity
• Opposite-sex pairs: Require breeding management
• Introduction process: Gradual introduction in neutral territory
• Separation ability: Must be able to separate if incompatible

Solitary keeping:

• Not recommended: Flying squirrels are highly social
• Increased attention: Single animals need more human interaction
• Behavioral problems: May develop stereotypies if isolated
• Bonding intensity: May bond more intensely with owner

Reproduction and Breeding

Breeding Considerations

Expert-level only:

• Experience required: Only for very experienced keepers
• Genetic considerations: Avoid inbreeding
• Market planning: Ensure homes for offspring
• Legal requirements: Check breeding permit requirements

Sexual maturity:

• Age: 6-8 months for sexual maturity
• Breeding season: Spring and summer primary seasons
• Pair compatibility: Not all pairs will breed successfully
• Health screening: Both animals should be healthy

Reproductive Process

Mating and pregnancy:

• Gestation: 40 days gestation period
• Litter size: 2-4 babies typical
• Nesting: Provide extra nesting materials
• Minimal disturbance: Avoid disrupting pregnant females

Neonatal care:

• Altricial young: Born hairless and helpless
• Eyes open: Around 4-5 weeks of age
• Weaning: 8-10 weeks of age
• Development: Rapid growth and development

Training and Enrichment

Basic Training

Positive reinforcement:

• Food rewards: Use favorite treats for training
• Patience: Progress may be slow
• Short sessions: 5-10 minute training periods
• Consistency: Daily training for best results

Useful behaviors:

• Come when called: Helpful for management
• Pouch training: Enter carrying pouch voluntarily
• Gliding recalls: Return to owner after supervised gliding
• Handling tolerance: Accept necessary handling procedures

Environmental Enrichment

Foraging activities:

• Hidden food: Hide insects and treats throughout cage
• Puzzle feeders: Commercial or homemade food puzzles
• Rotating locations: Change food placement regularly
• Natural behaviors: Encourage natural foraging instincts

Physical enrichment:

• Climbing challenges: Complex branch arrangements
• New textures: Different materials for exploration
• Hiding spots: Various pouches and enclosed areas
• Exercise equipment: Wheels, climbing structures

Special Considerations

Nocturnal Schedule

Lifestyle adjustment:

• Evening interaction: Primary bonding time after dark
• Quiet days: Avoid disturbing during daylight sleep
• Noise control: Minimize nighttime disturbances
• Schedule planning: Plan around their natural rhythms

Travel and Boarding

Transportation:

• Travel carriers: Secure, well-ventilated carriers
• Stress reduction: Familiar items for comfort
• Temperature control: Maintain appropriate temperatures
• Legal documentation: Carry permits and health certificates

Boarding options:

• Exotic pet sitters: Experienced with flying squirrels
• Veterinary boarding: Facilities with exotic experience
• Friend/family: Trained in flying squirrel care
• Avoid: General pet boarding facilities

Emergency Preparedness

Emergency planning:

• Power outages: Backup heating plans
• Veterinary emergencies: 24-hour exotic vet contact
• Evacuation plans: Carrier and supplies ready
• Backup caregivers: Trained emergency contacts

Conclusion

Flying squirrels are extraordinary animals that can form deep bonds with dedicated caretakers willing to accommodate their specialized needs. Their nocturnal nature, complex social requirements, and unique behaviors make them fascinating but challenging companions requiring extensive commitment and expertise.

Success with flying squirrels demands understanding their natural behaviors, providing appropriate housing and enrichment, and maintaining their nocturnal schedule. They’re not suitable for casual pet owners but can provide remarkable companionship for those prepared to meet their unique needs.

The commitment to flying squirrel care spans potentially 15 years of specialized housing, nocturnal interaction, and expert veterinary care. Before considering a flying squirrel, carefully evaluate your ability to provide appropriate care, legal compliance, and long-term commitment to these remarkable gliding mammals.

For those unable to provide appropriate care, consider supporting flying squirrel conservation efforts and appreciating these amazing animals through educational programs and wildlife observation rather than private ownership.