Flying Squirrels

Question
I have a southern flying squirrel.I got her when she was about 2-3 months old.I have had her since november 2008.She lets me pet her,but she bites sometimes.Do you know how tame they need to be before you pack them in your shirt pocket?Will they try to get out?P.S.She hasn't been out of her cage yet.Als,do you know iftheyteethe like human babies?Is that a stage they go through?

Answer
Thanks for choosing all experts and taking care of your animal(s).

Flying squirrels make great pets and make great pocket pets as you asked. They need time to bond with their owners just as babies bond with the mother. To do this you need to take lots of time with her. There is an item call a bonding pouch that will help with this. Using this you take the squirrel and keep it in the pouch for several hours a day for several weeks. This allows the squirrel to learn your heart beat, scent, and warmth. It is also important to pet them a lot to allow the animal to get use to your touch and interaction.

Here is a link to show you what a bonding pouch is:
http://www.exoticnutrition.com/sugar-glider-pouches.htm

For the biting
You must remember that it is always going to be "wild" and tend to bite on occasions as a instinct. It also may be because you wake her, bother her during eating, or take something from her. Try to avoid these things. You can work on the biting by making sure that you give warning when you pick up. Work on bonding and petting often, and if necessary you can wear gloves until she breaks this habit.

Squirrels teeth grow constantly throughout their lives, and so you should make sure that they are provided with chewing material. Hard bark and large bones are good for this.You can slowly get her to accept brushing as with other animals by first letting her taste the toothpaste several times so she can get use to it, then by letting her hold the brush and get familiar with it as well. I suggest using(if you go this route) an infant tooth brush and either cat/dog tooth paste because it is fluoride free. But most rodents use blocks, nuts, and chew treats for their teeth and do just fine.

Now in carrying in your pocket is all based on when you bond. Once you are able to carry her around in her pouch and she begin to climb into your pocket, on your head/shoulders, ect then you will know that it is safe for her to be carried around. Make sure to test her in safe area like your home, shed, a friends home before going outside for her safety. This way she is use to new surrounds and you can assure she will stay with you so when you do go outside you can feel more calm and easy about her staying. Another suggestion is to try outside time with you and her first in a cage made for rodents. They make kennels(or you can build one) that both you can get in and play but she cant squeeze out of. This give her time outside safely and you to practice with her not leaving you .

I hope this helps and below is some links I think you might like:


http://www.ehow.com/how_2155935_bond-pet-squirrel.html

http://www.answerbag.com/articles/How-to-Bond-With-a-Pet-Squirrel/7ed7eceb-a247-...