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WHAT ARE THEY…
Southern Flying Squirrels are nocturnal rodents that can be found outside. They are small, light, and have extra skin that they use to glide when they leap. Often they are mistaken as Sugar Gliders, a marsupial from Australia. In many states in the United States it is illegal to own Flying Squirrels because they are wild animals.

HOW MUCH OF A COMMITMENT ARE THEY…
Flying squirrels make great pets for people who are up late or very early, as they will sleep the day away. Squirrels live much longer lives then other rodents, usually between 10-15 years, their life expectancy should be factored in before the decision to get a squirrel is finalized. Think of where you’re life is going, and how that will effect your ability to spend quality time with your flyer.

When you acquire your baby squirrel you will spend the first month with them almost constantly. They must be kept on your person in a bonding pouch for at least 4 hours a day, with another hour with them at night. You can wear a bonding pouch around your neck under your shirt, bonding pouches should always be made out of fleece. I adopt pups out before they are fully weaned, which means you will have to hand-feed them formula for the first 2-3 weeks. If you would rather have a pup that was weaned by its mother, you can request that option. However, it may make the bonding process difficult.

In the wild, flying squirrels diet is varied. Seeds, nuts, berries, fruit, flowers, mushrooms, and bugs are the main sources of their diet 1. Squirrels will readily eat most foods offered to them. You should offer them a varied diet. Keep in mind that there is a lot of mixed information on the internet. Many information sources are wildlife rehabilitators, often they only care for an injured or sick animal till it is healthy, then it is released back into the wild. This short-term care, may be effective to rehabilitate the squirrel but might not be a balanced diet for the spoiled pet.

Many places sell “squirrel food” next to the wild-bird seed, do not feed this to your squirrel. These contain mostly corn, millet, and sunflower seeds. This is not a healthy diet.

If you are up to it, you can also mix your own squirrel food. The easiest would be to use a Parrot diet with Fruits and Nuts as a base and add to it. Adding a quality lab block like Mazuri, is helpful. This could incur a lot of waste, as many seeds especially safflower, millet, and milo are often skipped over by squirrels.

They also enjoy treats of mealworms, crickets, and their favorite… pecans. They should be given at least one to two whole nuts daily, with shell intact. They will open the shell themselves, which is good for their teeth and will keep them worn down.

WHAT SIZE CAGE DO THEY NEED…
At the bare minimal they will require 8 cubic feet, but honestly the bigger the better. They should be kept in cages that have narrow spacing (1/2 inch or 3/8). The best size cage is something either designed for a parrot, or for numerous small birds like finches. Taller cages are preferred. I personally recommend a cage that is two feet wide by two feet long by four feet high (not including stand). Cage must be 100% metal. Plastic will can be chewed through.

HOW MUCH EXCERSIZE DO THEY NEED…
Squirrels will need a squirrel proof room to run around in for an hour or two each evening, which also helps with forming a good bond between you and your squirrel. This room should be secure and have no holes or tiny areas for them to disappear in to. All wires should be protected from them. They will also greatly appreciate a large 10”+ wheel in their cage. The surface of the wheel should be solid or mesh.

HOW DO I ACQUIRE A SOUTHERN FLYING SQUIRREL…
We are hoping for some this fall, when they become ready. The Adoption fee is $500, which includes everything you will need for your squirrel. A large cage, food, calcium powder, a nesting box, a pouch for bonding, water bottle, wheel, as well as everything you will need for the weaning process. This cost can be lowered to $200 only if proof of an adequate cage and other essentials is provided. See Waiting List.

WHERE DO I FIND MORE INFORMATION…
National Flying Squirrel Association has a lot of good information. Be careful when using their message boards there is a mixture of facts and opinions. Differentiating between the two is difficult as some voice their opinions as indisputable facts. That said, be thorough and do your research. There is a lot to learn, and not repeating someone else’s mistake could save your flyer.