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Flying Squirrel Captive
Name: Tammy
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: N/A
Question:
hello there,
was looking around the internet for ideas on what to feed my daughters'
pet flying squirrel when I happened across your page. When I saw the name
Roland F. Eisenbeis, Supt. of Conservation I decided to send an email
because my name is also Eisenbeis. My question is what types of fruits and
veggies should I feed him and is there anything he should not have?
Replies:
Hello,
I have been taking care of flying squirrels for twenty years as part of
our nature center display. We feed our flying squirrels Purina Mouse
Chow with an occasional supplement of acorns, when they are available,
and/or sunflower seeds. Sunflower seeds can be unhealthy if fed in too
large a quantity. The high oil content can lead to hair loss. Also,
changes in diet can lead to a loose droppings and a "messy" cage. Avoid
feeding large quantities of any fresh foods and only add them a couple
times a week, if you do.
Wayne Vanderploeg
Keep in mind tht flying squirrels are protected by Federal law and you must have
a license to have
one in captivity. If all else fails, contact a local vet. for guidance.
Steve Sample
Hi Tammy:
First your question: we feed a captive flying squirrel at River Trail
N.C. commercial mouse or rat chow and it seems to thrive, we've had it for
some years now. Sometimes we toss in some acorns or other nuts for variety.
I would not bother with soft fruits and veggies, I don't think it will eat
them.
Roland Eisenbeis was my superviser for several years before he retired
in the mid-1980's. He still lives in the suburbs of Chicago, and I
correspond with him occasionally.
John Elliott
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Update: June 2012
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