The back and tail are deep reddish-brown, with a white band from the cheeks to the sides. The forelimbs and ventral side are yellowish-brown, and the abdomen is white. Among the generally plain and monotonous-coloured squirrels, it is a less magnificent species.
Size: about 20cm in length
Tail length: about 15cm
Origin: Malay Peninsula, Sumatra
Dietary habits: mainly plant-based omnivorous
Reproduction method: viviparous
It inhabits the medium-sized squirrels in tropical rainforests.
Three-coloured squirrel: Size: Body length is about 20cm and tail length is about 15cm. Origin: Malay Peninsula, Sumatra. Dietary habit: mainly plant-based omnivorous. It inhabits medium-sized squirrels in tropical rainforests. The back and tail are deep reddish-brown, with a white band from the cheeks to the sides. The forelimbs and ventral side are yellowish-brown, and the abdomen is white. Among the generally plain and monotonous-coloured squirrels, it is a less magnificent species. It inhabits dry trees, but obtains food mostly from the ground.
Recommended for pet lovers, the back and tail are deep reddish-brown, with a white band from the cheeks to the sides. The forelimbs and ventral side are yellowish-brown, and the abdomen is white. Among the generally plain and monotonous-coloured squirrels, it is a less magnificent species. It inhabits trees, but obtains food mostly from the ground. The feeding method is the same as other squirrels such as Pallas's squirrel.
1. Long teeth
The teeth grow excessively long due to the inability to properly grind them while eating soft food. Overgrown teeth can cause damage to the inside of the mouth and affect food intake. It can also lead to gum decay and nasal inflammation. This will cause the teeth to gradually loosen and fall out. After one side of the teeth falls out, the other side needs regular trimming surgery due to the lack of normal grinding. Early diagnosis can lead to early treatment.
2. Injuries caused by fights
Squirrels have a habit of attacking weaker individuals in their groups. 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 infected with serious diseases. In addition, weak squirrels are also easily targeted for attacks. When a squirrel fight is observed, each squirrel should be separated in cages. Injured areas should be treated with antibiotics to prevent infection, and larger wounds should be sutured. Due to the possibility of cannibalism, weak squirrels should be isolated as soon as possible.
3. Pneumonia
Squirrels are prone to pneumonia when under excessive stress, excessive humidity, or poor air circulation. Symptoms include coughing, loss of appetite, and lethargy, followed by death. Human colds can also be transmitted to squirrels, so special attention should be paid. Treatment can be done with antibiotics.
4. Hypocalcemia
Female squirrels during pregnancy and after birth are prone to this disease. It is characterized by spasms, paralysis, and motor disorders due to decreased calcium concentration in the blood. If calcium supplements are not administered in a timely manner, there is a risk of death. Calcium supplements should 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 regular calcium and active vitamin D supplementation, sunlight exposure is also crucial. The use of artificial sun lamps is effective, but improper wavelengths of ultraviolet rays can cause severe burns. Therefore, it is best to consult a hospital before use.
6. Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infections can occur when the urethra is infected with bacteria. Male squirrels can also experience difficulty urinating due to penile swelling. The pain during urination can cause them to emit distressed cries. If these symptoms are observed, immediate urine testing should be done, and appropriate antibiotics should be used for treatment.
7. Fractures
Squirrels may experience fractures due to improper jumps while playing indoors. Simple fractures can heal without surgery if instructions from a hospital are followed. Squirrels are not tolerant to anesthesia, so it is best to avoid surgery. However, if the spinal bones are affected, the prognosis may not be good.
1. Breeding method: Squirrels generally reach sexual maturity and can start breeding at around 9 to 10 months old. The mating season is usually from January to February and April to May, during which the conception rate is higher. The gestation period for female squirrels is about 38 days. About 1 to 2 weeks before giving birth, pregnant female squirrels can be moved into the maternity box. The males and females must be separated and a large amount of water and food should be provided. If necessary, mealworms can be added. The baby squirrels will start eating food after 1 to 2 weeks of being born and can be fed with some fresh fruits and high-quality feed. They can be weaned at 5 weeks old and kept in separate cages.
2. Feeding: Squirrels seem to primarily feed on seeds of the family Sciuridae, but they also consume a considerable amount of insects in the wild, so it is best to also feed them some animal-based food. Nuts like walnuts and chestnuts are favorites of squirrels. Biting open the hard shell is not only a game for squirrels, but it also helps them wear down their teeth. It is best to regularly feed them this type of food. If artificial feed is the main food, additional foods such as apples should be supplemented.
3. Cage: Squirrels are very active and especially fond of climbing trees, so the cage should be wide and tall to provide ample space for movement. Since squirrels are accustomed to building nests in trees, nest boxes should be installed at a high point in the cage. Nest boxes designed for small birds with entrances located high up can be used as substitutes. Squirrels move very quickly, so care should be taken when opening and closing doors to avoid them escaping. If they do manage to escape, do not grab them forcefully to prevent being bitten by them.
4. Dietary restrictions: Squirrels should not eat meat or eggs as they have a significant impact on their digestive system. Vegetables that are not suitable for consumption include carrots, potatoes, beans, ginger, scallions, garlic, and chili peppers. Fruits and vegetables that should not be eaten in large quantities include cabbage, rapeseed, lettuce, bamboo shoots, lotus root, cucumber, tomatoes, eggplant, bananas, oranges, watermelons, and pears. Dried fruits, candied fruits, unripe or processed nuts are also difficult to digest. Beverages, especially carbonated drinks, should be avoided. Tea (there have been reports of squirrels dying after consuming tea), cat and dog pet food (because they contain meat), apple seeds, and cherry kernels are toxic to squirrels. Insects should not be consumed, although they are nutritious, they can increase the squirrel's wild instincts. Chocolate and foods containing caffeine should not be consumed either, as both can overexcite squirrels, which is harmful to their physical and emotional health. It can even cause rapid heart rate and death or heart failure.
Clearing excrement, regularly maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the cage, for the cleanliness of the fur and the health of the squirrel, clean before feeding every morning. Feeding utensils need to be regularly disinfected, and sand baths should be performed at least once a week. The sand bath box should be able to hold 4 liters of sand, and fine sand should be put in the box. Each sand bath should last for 20-30 minutes to enhance health. Some small wooden sticks can also be placed in the cage for the squirrel to gnaw on.
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