What is the function of a squirrel's tail, and what should be noted when keeping one?

If we were to name the most lively animal, the squirrel would be one of them, constantly jumping up and down without rest. The squirrel's appearance is very cute, with a head like a mouse, but it has a very fluffy tail, covered in fur, and is extremely endearing. So, what is the function of a squirrel's tail? What should be noted when keeping one?

I. The functions of a squirrel's tail

That's right, many people know it is for balance. Its oversized tail helps the squirrel maintain body balance while jumping, allowing it to jump farther and easily leap from one tree to another. When the squirrel jumps down from a tree, its big tail also spreads out its long fur, acting like a parachute, which both slows the descent and maintains balance, while also serving as a sponge pad upon landing to prevent injury.

Squirrels can also transmit information and communicate feelings by wagging their tails.

II. What should be noted when keeping a squirrel?

1. Choosing a cage

Squirrels are very active and full of energy, so they need a large space for activity. Therefore, the cage chosen must be large. Having sufficient space for activity is greatly beneficial to the squirrel's life and growth, helps the squirrel absorb daily nutrients well, and can effectively prevent the onset of some diseases.

Although squirrels use their eyes more and their hearing is not as strong, they should still be kept as far away from electrical appliances as possible, such as TVs and computers, which emit relatively strong radiation.

Squirrels like to tear and bite things, especially the bedding in the cage, so when choosing bedding, try to use cloth, wood shavings, or newspaper. Do not choose softer paper such as toilet paper. Once a squirrel eats toilet paper, it can easily get stuck in the squirrel's upper palate, causing discomfort and possibly death in severe cases.

2. Living environment requirements

Squirrels are not particularly strict about their living environment, but contact with excessive dust should be avoided as much as possible. Too much dust exposure can easily cause respiratory diseases in squirrels, such as pneumonia and allergies. Squirrels also prefer a quiet environment; an overly noisy environment can easily cause them panic. Too many people or too much noise can frighten squirrels, because they are very timid and may even be frightened to death.

3. Notes on feeding, cleaning, etc.

Squirrels like to eat hard-shelled foods such as walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pine nuts. Their diet is mainly hard-shelled fruits. Their teeth are very good, and eating such hard foods also helps them wear down their teeth. This is their living habit.

Squirrels themselves are very clean, so do not bathe them frequently, because they clean themselves. If it is not absolutely necessary to bathe them, then do not do so.

Squirrels are also like people: they fear sun and heat, and fear cold and freezing. So normally in summer, pay attention to sun protection, and in winter, pay attention to keeping warm, to avoid symptoms such as heatstroke or catching a cold.