by Jessy Hudson

Created on: October 24, 2009

Although they may seem like an unlikely addition to a household, pet squirrels can be quite entertaining and affectionate. There are generally three types of squirrels that may be kept as pets: tree squirrels, ground squirrels and flying squirrels. Since they are sometimes considered a "wild" animal, it is always a good idea to check with the local authorities before obtaining a squirrel, to ensure that it is legal in your area to keep a squirrel as a pet.

Squirrels are very active and inquisitive creatures that need a good deal of mental stimulation in order to stay happy and healthy. In the wild, a squirrel will spend a good deal of its time running about, leaping from branch to branch and searching for food. These are behaviors that need to be kept in mind both when designing a cage for your pet and choosing what objects to put within it.

The first type of toy that your squirrel should have is a climbing toy. This can be a set of branches inside the cage, a network of ropes, a few small ladders (these can usually be found in the bird section of the pet store) or a combination of all of these. A squirrel in the wild will spend the majority of its day moving, so it is important that they get exercise.

Another way that your squirrel can get exercise is through use of a wheel. Most squirrels will use wheels, but you should be sure that the wheel is large enough for the squirrel to use comfortably. Also, the wheel should be tail-safe, meaning that it is designed to ensure that your pet will not get its tail caught between the wheel and the stand while they are running. It should also be noted that, although climbing toys and wheels will get your pet moving, they should still be allowed a good amount of free time outside the cage.

Some other toys that your pet may enjoy include stuffed animals, hammocks, and any toy that is made for ferrets or rabbits. These can include chews, balls with bells inside, or toys that you can hide treats inside of. Stuffed animals tend to be a particular favorite, but be sure to remove the eyes, nose, or any other parts that your pet can chew off, to ensure that they do not accidentally swallow them.

As long as the toy is made of non-toxic materials, does not have broken or easily removable pieces and is shaped so as to avoid your pet getting its head or paws stuck inside of it, almost any toy will be beneficial and interesting for your pet. Just remember that keeping the basic needs of exercise and mental stimulation in mind when choosing toys will help to ensure that your pet squirrel will be a happy and healthy member of your family.

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