They are very social and require a significant commitment of time from their owners. They have been kept as pets since the Colonial era.Flying Squirrels are the only nocturnal tree squirrel, and are the smallest of all squirrels.They may store up to 15,000 nuts in a season.They steer by adjusting the tautness of the patagium (furry membrane), and use their tail as a stabilizer and to brake before landing. coloratus, and the Virginia Northern flying squirrel G. There are two subspecies of the Southern Flying Squirrel in the southern Appalachians, the Carolina Northern flying squirrel, G. Belly hair differs but can also vary (Northern has dark gray belly hair at the base tipped with a lighter color, Southern is more white.).Southern tend to be more grayish, but color is variable, and they are smaller, at about 8-10 inches.Northern adults are larger, measuring about 10-12 inches (but juveniles could be confused with adult Southern) with cinnamon /grayish/ reddish-brown or blackish brown fur.It is hard to distinguish between the two, although Species : Two species are found in North America: Northern ( Glaucomy sabrinus) and Southern ( Glaucomy volans). His wildlife cam captured the culprit.Ĭontents: Species, Interesting Facts, Identification, Distribution, Preferred Nesting Habitat, Diet, Nesting Behavior, Nestboxes, Nestbox Location, Recommended Distance Between Nestboxes, Monitoring, Nesting Timetable, Longevity, More Info. S & S Exotic Animals, Inc.Gene Glaser of MO was trying to figure out who was eating his suet at night. There has never been a known case of rabies in flying squirrels. The flying squirrel's body secretes an oil that totally repels any lice, fleas, mites, ticks, etc. You should use a calcium supplement and add liquid vitamins to their water. This is due to the fact that they are nocturnal and don't get sufficient sunlight. The bonding process should be swapped around so the squirrels will be interactive with everyone and not just one individual.įlying squirrels are prone to developing a calcium deficiency. By carrying a squirrel around on your body so that they feel the heartbeat, body warmth and body odor, the bond takes place. This pouch should be placed near your body preferably over the heart. It should be made of a material that is easy to breath through. The squirrels can exercise inside the cage and branches and bird perches can be spread around so they can jump from perch to perch.Ī bonding pouch is a great idea during the bonding process. The squirrel will chose one corner of the cage for its bathroom and that area should be cleaned every few days. Wood shavings provide a suitable bedding material and all types of wood are acceptable. A nestbox should be mounted near the top of the cage to create a suitable environment for an adult squirrel. When the flying squirrel reaches 5 to 6 months of age, a larger cage is appropriate. A flying squirrel needs a small cage during its first few months to restrict their activity level. A wire cage allows them to climb and provides better air circulation. A spool of rabbit salt should be kept available at all times.įlying squirrels should be housed in a wire cage and not an aquarium. Provide water in an open container, not a water bottle.

Try to offer a variety of these items since all squirrels don't have the same preferences. A commercial flying squirrel food made by Brisky should also be used. Other foods that may be included in their diet are carrots, mealworms and sunflower seeds. Fresh fruits may include apples, grapes, oranges, peaches, pears or plums. At least 40% of their diet should be fresh fruit to keep their digestive system working smoothly. Nuts may include peanuts, pecans or walnuts. They can live up to 15 years in captivity.Ī good flying squirrel diet consists of a combination of fresh nuts and fruits. Although nocturnal in nature, flying squirrels will interact during daylight hours. The Southern flying squirrel has large dark eyes and a bushy tail which it curls behind its back. Adult flying squirrels weigh approximately 4 to 5 ounces and are approximately 1 foot in length.