How to Raise a Siberian Chipmunk? Detailed Guide to Care
Squirrels have a wide distribution range and can be caught throughout the cold temperate forest regions. The Siberian chipmunk, also known as the Northeast squirrel, is a small mammal of the genus Sciurus in the family Sciuridae, nicknamed "grey dog" and affectionately called "Demon King squirrel" by squirrel keepers. Another claim is that the Demon King squirrel originates from the UK, which is a ploy used by squirrel sellers to fetch a higher price. Let's take a look below at how to raise a Siberian chipmunk!
How Much Does a Siberian Chipmunk Cost?
The price of Siberian chipmunks varies from place to place, and they usually only become available around May. The wholesale price for adults is between 80 and 120 yuan, while the price for juveniles is between 140 and 150 yuan (these are first-batch prices).
How Long Do Squirrels Live?
Under normal keeping conditions, a squirrel's lifespan is generally 2-3 years. Most squirrels live around 2.5 years, and some long-lived squirrels reach over 3 years, but these are still few. However, the lifespan of the "gongpo" type is generally slightly longer, at 3-3.5 years. Male squirrels usually live longer than females, while females that have never bred live longer than males. Squirrels actually begin to age slowly at just over 1 year old, and after 2 years old you can see obvious signs of old age, such as fur that is no longer as glossy and even as before, hair loss, loose skin, slow walking, and a marked reduction in climbing stairs and "tightrope walking."
How to Raise a Siberian Chipmunk
1. Breeding method: Squirrels generally reach sexual maturity at 9-10 months of age and can begin mating. January-February and April-May each year are the peak estrus periods, when the conception rate is relatively high. The female's gestation period is about 38 days. About 1-2 weeks before the expected due date, the pregnant female can be moved into a birthing box. Males and females must be separated into different cages, and plenty of water and food must be provided. If necessary, drop in mealworms. After the pups are born, they begin eating feed at 1 week old, and can be given some fresh fruit and high-quality concentrated feed. They can be weaned at 5 weeks of age and raised in separate cages.
2. Food and feeding: Squirrels appear to feed on the seeds of Fagaceae plants, but in nature they also eat a considerable number of insects, so it is best to also feed them some animal-based food. Nuts such as walnuts and chestnuts are a squirrel's favorite; biting open the hard shells is not only a game for squirrels but also helps wear down their teeth. It is best to feed this kind of food regularly. If commercial feed is used as the staple food, apples and other foods should also be supplemented separately.
3. Cage: Squirrels are very lively and especially love climbing trees, and their activity space is relatively three-dimensional, so a wide and tall cage should be chosen as much as possible. Since squirrels are accustomed to building nests in trees, the nest box should be installed high up in the cage. A nest box for small birds with an entrance at a high position can be used instead. Squirrels move very quickly, so be careful when opening and closing the door to prevent them from escaping through the gap. If one does escape, and you suddenly grab it forcefully, be careful to avoid being bitten by the squirrel.
4. Dietary restrictions: Squirrels should not eat meat or egg foods, as these have a great impact on the digestive system. Vegetables that should not be eaten raw: carrots, potatoes, beans, ginger, scallions, garlic, chili peppers, etc. Fruits and vegetables that should not be eaten in large amounts: bok choy, rapeseed greens, lettuce, celtuce, lotus root, cucumber, tomato, eggplant, banana, orange, watermelon, pear, etc. They should not eat preserved dried fruit, candied fruit, unripe or processed nuts, as these are difficult to digest. Beverages, especially carbonated drinks. Tea leaves (there are reports of squirrels dying after eating tea leaves). Cat and dog pet food (because it contains meat). Apple seeds and cherry pits (toxic to squirrels). Insects should not be fed; although insects are nutritious, eating them will increase a squirrel's wildness. Foods containing chocolate and caffeine should not be fed; these two things can make squirrels overly excited, which is bad for both their body and mood, and in severe cases can lead to death from an excessively fast heart rate or from heart failure.
6. Daily management: Remove feces and always keep the cage clean and hygienic. In order to clean the fur and benefit the squirrel's health, clean every morning before feeding. Feeding utensils should be disinfected regularly. A sand bath should be given at least once a week; a sand bath box that can hold 4 liters of sand is suitable, with fine sand placed inside. Each sand bath should last 20-30 minutes and can enhance health. Some thin wooden sticks can also be placed in the cage to let the squirrel gnaw on them to wear down its teeth.
Disease Prevention and Treatment in Siberian Chipmunks
1. Overgrown teeth: Long-term consumption of soft food prevents the teeth from being properly gnawed and worn down, causing them to grow too long. Overgrown teeth can damage the inside of the mouth and affect food intake. In addition, symptoms such as gum decay and rhinitis may occur concurrently. This will cause the teeth to gradually loosen and fall out. After teeth on one side fall out, the teeth on the other side, lacking normal gnawing and wearing, require regular cutting surgery. Early diagnosis offers hope for early treatment.
2. Injuries from fighting: Squirrels have a habit of attacking the weak within the group. A squirrel that looks healthy but is already suffering from a serious illness will be attacked by healthy squirrels. If these squirrels that die from being attacked are dissected, it will be found that they were already suffering from serious illness. In addition, physically weak squirrels are also very likely to be attacked. If fighting is discovered, each squirrel should be separated with a cage. The injured area should be treated with antibiotics to prevent the wound from suppurating; for larger wounds, surgical suturing should be performed. Because of the possibility of cannibalism, weak squirrels should be isolated as early as possible.
3. Squirrel pneumonia: When under excessive stress, in overly humid conditions, or with poor air circulation, squirrels are very prone to pneumonia. Symptoms such as coughing, loss of appetite, and listlessness appear, followed by death. Human colds can also be transmitted to squirrels, so special attention should be paid. Antibiotics can be taken for treatment.
4. Hypocalcemia: Female squirrels before and after giving birth can suffer from this disease. Due to a decrease in blood calcium concentration, symptoms such as spasms, paralysis, and motor incoordination appear. If calcium injections are not given early at this point, there is a risk of death. Adding calcium supplements to the diet of female squirrels during pregnancy and postpartum lactation can serve as a preventive method. In addition, sunbathing is also very important.
5. Rickets: Squirrels, like humans, can also suffer from rickets. In addition to regularly supplementing calcium and active vitamin D, sunbathing is also indispensable. Using artificial sun lamps works well, but improper ultraviolet wavelengths can cause severe burns, so before use it is best to consult a hospital in detail.
6. Urethritis: Bacterial infection of the urethra can cause urethritis. Male squirrels may also have difficulty urinating due to swelling of the penis. Because of the pain produced during urination, they will make painful cries. If these symptoms are found, a urinalysis should be done immediately and appropriate antibiotics used for treatment.
7. Squirrel fractures: When squirrels play indoors, improper jumping may cause fractures. For simple fractures, as long as the hospital's instructions are followed, they can heal without surgery. Squirrels do not tolerate anesthesia well, so surgery is best avoided. However, if the spine is injured, the prognosis may be poor.