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sqrlady
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« on: February 11, 2010, 08:57:59 PM » |
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There have been many questions about the laws regarding squirrels as pets in the state of Florida so I decided I would find out exactly what the laws are. I called Florida Wildlife Commission and asked many questions. According to the people I spoke with there the only real law they have about squirrels is that you may not release one that you have rehabbed without being under the license of a rehabber or being licensed yourself. There is no law in the state of Florida that requires a license of any kind to own or possess a squirrel. However if you are going to sell a squirrel you must have a USDA license (no rules from FWC about the sale). You can purchase a squirrel of any type, except Fox Squirrel, in this state witout any licensure at all. You should however never purchase a squirrel from any person selling one without a USDA license. I personally do not think most squirrels should be sold at all but if you run across someone selling any wildlife and they do not list a USDA license they should be reported to the USDA. In order to report you need to send all pertinent information, including where you saw the animals being advertised or sold, any contact information that may have been given, etc. You need to either fax this information or mail it to the USDA at the information below. You do not have to give your name but if you do they will send you the outcome. Your name is never released to the seller.
Fax number: 919-855-7123
Mail: USDA - Animal Care
920 Main Campus Dr.
Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27606
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ROCKYNUTS
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« Reply #1 on: February 12, 2010, 09:43:11 AM » |
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As of todays date, in Indiana, Gray and Foxers need a state permit to keep them. Reds are not listed, so you just might want to call IN DNR for any rules on keeping a Red as a pet.
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Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.
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sqrlady
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« Reply #2 on: February 12, 2010, 10:01:17 AM » |
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From my understanding most states have prohibitions on keeping any wildlife as pets without a license, except for a very few. Florida has a long list of animals that can be kept without licensure but each state has its own laws which must be followed. I personally don't think most squirrels should be kept as pets. It is a change in lifestyle to be owned by a pet squirrel, and it is certainly not for most people. Those who do have pet squirrels must realize the dedication it requires and be willing to live with bites, scratches, chewed items, etc. Before anyone gets a pet squirrel they need to do a lot of research into what they are getting into, in my opinion.
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Squirrel Nut
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« Reply #3 on: February 12, 2010, 10:04:35 AM » |
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They are most defiantly a pet that requires a change in you lifestyle. And they are demanding little creatures with fragile diets.
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Squirrels are a gift from God!
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sqrlady
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« Reply #4 on: February 13, 2010, 11:56:10 AM » |
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Diet is definitely important in keeping any animal. You have to know how best to feed to keep them healthy and happy.
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ROCKYNUTS
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« Reply #5 on: February 17, 2010, 03:02:00 PM » |
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And cost is something to think about also, for mine: two very large cages for when we can't watch them, 200 each, food for two 20 a week, toys(I did go overboard on this) 300, litter for the trays 16 last two weeks, wash cages each two weeks about 1 hour time, clean around cages each day 1/2 hour time, clean bedding once a week(goes in the wash with my stuff), interaction each and every day for as long as they want, money set aside for the vet in case something happens. They need sunshine each day or special lights with no sun. and lots of love.
A squirrel is special, with needs, not like a rat or mouse or guinea pig or ever a dog or cat, so before you even think about getting one, READ as much as you can about them and what other people have to say that have them, plus, with care they can live over 10 years.
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Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.
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ROCKYNUTS
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« Reply #7 on: February 17, 2010, 06:37:36 PM » |
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And also FORGET about VACATIONS or ANY getaways.  They DO NOT LIKE OTHER PEOPLE. That is the reason we no longer have an RV, is was not big enough for both boys to come with us, and no one else could care for them or would we want them to! |
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Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.
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sqrlady
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« Reply #8 on: February 18, 2010, 08:40:02 PM » |
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Squirrels are better than RVs anyway, but you are right there is a lot of expense and a whole different lifestyle if you have a pet squirrel. They are definitely not like having any other type of pet. They are an "alternative lifestyle" for sure. Very costly if you get all the things they need too. I would say that I spend about $10/week per squirrel for the supplies they need. Between foods, supplements, caging, toys and everything else I would guess that to be a low estimate too.
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ROCKYNUTS
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« Reply #9 on: February 19, 2010, 09:42:22 AM » |
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Oh, I thought I should say also they have TEETH, so if you have anything made of wood, nightstands, dressers, doors,chairs they like to chew. Also fingers, power cords, speaker wire, computer cords ect.
But, after reading all this about not having a squirrel as a pet, and if your in for the long haul, you will never find a love like that one with a squirrel, it is awesome!
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Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.
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sqrlady
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« Reply #10 on: February 19, 2010, 01:26:36 PM » |
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I have lots of scars to prove how effective their teeth are for sure. Plus it is hard to keep a remote control with buttons, walls are a favorite to chew, pens, candles, etc. If you love your "stuff" a squirrel is definitely not the pet for you. It is a lifestyle to own one or be owned by one.
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