The earliest known fossil of squirrel species dates back to the Eocene epoch. It was a long time ago, about 65 to 35 million years ago. At that time, dinosaurs had just become extinct, mammals had not yet gained control of the land, the Tibetan Plateau had not yet formed, Europe and North America were still connected by land, and South America was a large island. The most primitive squirrels lived in North America and had a similar appearance to today's flying squirrels. A series of squirrel species fossils have been found in the late Eocene strata of North America, different from any other squirrels. The exceptionally rich diversity of fossil squirrel species in North America shows that the squirrel family originated in North America during the Eocene epoch and evolved into species with diverse forms and adaptations to various environments over the long years, spreading to continents beyond Oceania. Among the existing species of squirrels in the order Rodentia, the families Gliridae distributed mainly in Eurasia and Sciuridae and Aplodontiidae distributed in North America have a close relationship. The family Sciuridae is the most well-known and widely distributed group of squirrels, with the greatest variety of species.
Squirrels are suitable for all people to keep. They are gentle, cute, obedient, tame, and likable. Most squirrels are typical arboreal animals. They have slender bodies and look especially small with their soft and dense fur. Female individuals weigh slightly more than male individuals. Squirrels like to live alone on tree trunks, some also build nests on dense tree branches, or use the abandoned nests of crows and magpies, and sometimes make nests in tree holes.
1. Teeth too long
Long-term consumption of soft food can cause teeth to grow too long without proper grinding. Overgrown teeth can harm the inside of the mouth and affect food intake. In addition, it can lead to gum decay and rhinitis. This will cause the teeth to gradually loosen and fall out. After one side of the teeth fall out, the other side of the teeth will require regular trimming surgeries due to the lack of normal grinding. Early diagnosis can lead to early treatment.
2. Injuries caused by fighting
Squirrels have a habit of attacking the weak in their group. Squirrels that appear healthy but are already seriously ill will be attacked by healthy squirrels. If these attacked squirrels are dissected, it will be found that they were already sick. In addition, weak squirrels are also very susceptible to attacks. If squirrels are found fighting, each squirrel should be separated using cages. Injured areas should be treated with antibiotics to prevent wound infection; larger wounds should be surgically sutured. Due to the possibility of mutual killing, weak squirrels should be isolated as early as possible.
3. Pneumonia
Squirrels are prone to pneumonia when under excessive stress, excessive humidity, and poor air circulation. Symptoms such as coughing, loss of appetite, and lethargy will appear, followed by death. Human colds can also be transmitted to squirrels, so special attention should be paid. Treatment with antibiotics is possible.
4. Hypocalcaemia
Female squirrels before and after giving birth are prone to this disease. Due to the decrease in calcium concentration in the blood, symptoms such as spasms, paralysis, and motor disorders appear. If calcium supplements are not injected in time, there is a risk of death. Calcium supplements can be added to the diet of pregnant and lactating female squirrels as a preventive measure. In addition, sunbathing is also important.
5. Rickets
Squirrels, like humans, can also suffer from rickets. In addition to regularly supplementing calcium and active vitamin D, sunbathing is essential. The use of artificial sun lamps is effective, but improper wavelengths of ultraviolet rays can cause severe burns, so it is best to inquire with the hospital before use.
6. Urethritis
Urethritis can occur when the urethra is infected with bacteria. Male squirrels may experience difficulty urinating due to swelling of the penis. The pain caused by urination can lead to painful cries. If these symptoms are detected, urine tests should be performed immediately and appropriate antibiotics should be used for treatment.
7. Fractures
Squirrels may suffer fractures from improper jumps while playing indoors. Simple fractures can heal without surgery by following the hospital's instructions. Squirrels have low tolerance for anesthesia, so it is best to avoid surgery. However, if the spinal bones are injured, the prognosis may not be good.
During the usual breeding process, do not intentionally scare the squirrels. Treat them gently and give them enough sense of security. During the domestication process, give the squirrel a simple and cute name, and conduct related training such as calling their names. When the squirrel performs well, give appropriate food rewards. The squirrel will be willing to cooperate with you in subsequent domestication. Pay attention to the cleanliness of the squirrel's drinking water, and make different adjustments according to the seasons to reduce the risk of adverse reactions and diseases caused by improper drinking water. For example, increase the frequency of replacing drinking water in summer; avoid squirrels drinking freezing water with lower temperature in winter; during the special period of squirrels, pay attention to the appropriate addition of their nutrition.
The hair of a squirrel also needs regular grooming to avoid knotting and shedding. It is generally recommended to groom them 1 to 2 times a week. However, different individuals and different breeds may have different situations, so pet owners can adjust depending on the circumstances. During the seasonal molt, more frequent grooming is needed. Generally, once a day is ideal.
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