🐿️ Can You Handle the Glide? The Truth About Keeping a Flying Squirrel as a Pet in Texas!
Hold onto your cowboy hats, folks, because we're about to dive deep into a topic that's wilder than a rodeo clown chasing a tumbleweed: keeping a flying squirrel as a pet in the great state of Texas! You saw that little critter in your backyard, right? Big, soulful eyes, a swoop-de-doo gliding maneuver that makes you gasp, and suddenly, you're thinking, "Man, this little dude would be a rad new roommate!"
But pump the brakes, partner. Texas is a land of big dreams, big steaks, and big, complicated laws when it comes to keeping native wildlife as a domestic buddy. This ain't like adopting a stray kitten off the porch. We're talking about a tiny, nocturnal daredevil with a serious attitude and a need for speed (and height!). Let's unpack this nutty situation, step-by-hilarious-step, so you don't end up on the wrong side of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Trust me, they don't mess around.
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| Can You Have A Flying Squirrel As A Pet In Texas |
Step 1: Checking the Vibe – Is This Even Legal, Y'all?
This is the big kahuna, the main event! Before you even think about naming your future pet "Glider Grizelda," you gotta know the legal score. When it comes to the Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans), the one you're most likely to see doing its thing in a Texas forest, things get sticky fast.
1.1 The Lowdown on Native Wildlife
Here's the deal: The State of Texas generally classifies native animals—that means critters that are naturally found chilling in the wild, like deer, raccoons, and yep, flying squirrels—as wildlife, not pets. This is a crucial distinction. Owning a native wild animal that you took from the environment is often a big ol' no-go without some seriously specialized permits (we're talking rehab centers or educational exhibits, not a family pet).
Think of it this way: the state wants that adorable little glider to be out there doing its squirrel-y duty, not chilling in a custom cage watching Netflix with you. It’s for the protection of the animal and the ecosystem, but mostly, it’s because a wild animal is never truly "tame."
QuickTip: Treat each section as a mini-guide.
1.2 The Plot Twist: Exotic vs. Native
Now, hold up. If you've seen people online with flying squirrels, they might be talking about a different species, like the Sugar Glider (which is an adorable marsupial from Australia and is not a true squirrel). The Sugar Glider is often legal to own as an exotic pet in Texas, but it's a completely different ballgame. If you're talking about the tiny, fuzzy, Texas-born one, you're likely out of luck unless you're a licensed rehabilitator. Do NOT confuse the two. One is legal; the other could land you in a heap of trouble with a hefty fine as a souvenir.
1.3 Pro Tip: Don't Try to Catch 'Em All!
Seriously, if you find a baby squirrel—flying or otherwise—it's crucial to call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They have the permits and the know-how. Trying to "rescue" and keep a wild animal, no matter how good your intentions, is called illegal possession and will not end well for you or the little guy.
Step 2: The Reality Check – What You're Signing Up For
Okay, let's say (hypothetically, and assuming you have a legal exotic flying squirrel, like a Sugar Glider, or somehow got a legitimate permit for a native one) you actually have one. Are you prepared? Because this isn't a goldfish, friend.
2.1 The Night Shift is Mandatory
These little guys are nocturnal. I mean, super nocturnal. They sleep all day, and when you're trying to wind down for your beauty sleep, that's their cue to throw a rave in their enclosure. Are you ready for pitter-patter and little leaps and bounds from dusk till dawn? If you need silence to sleep, this critter is going to drive you absolutely bananas! They are built for the twilight hours, so your bonding time happens when the moon is high and your eyelids are heavy.
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.
2.2 The Diet is a Full-Time Job
It's not just "nuts and berries." That's a cartoon squirrel. A flying squirrel's diet is complex and demanding. They are omnivores, meaning they need protein (insects! mealworms! crickets!) along with fresh fruits, veggies, and a specialized chow. Getting the nutritional balance right is vital, especially since they are prone to metabolic bone disease from a lack of proper calcium. This isn't a "set it and forget it" feeding situation. It requires planning, preparation, and maybe even a little bravery when handling live bugs.
2.3 The "Flying" Part Requires Real Estate
These guys don't fly, they glide, using a membrane called a patagium that stretches from wrist to ankle. That means they need space. A tiny birdcage won't cut it. We're talking about a large, tall enclosure—think a multi-level palace of climbing ropes, branches, and nest boxes. A good size for a pair might be . That's a lot of cage, buddy. You also have to let them out to glide, which means "squirrel-proofing" a whole room. Think: unplugging everything, covering vents, and moving grandma's antique vase.
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Step 3: Finding Your Fuzzball – The Ethical Road Trip
If you've checked the legal boxes (likely with a non-native Sugar Glider or another legal exotic squirrel species) and you're still all-in, you need to find an ethical source.
3.1 Vetting a Reputable Breeder
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
Do NOT buy from a sketchy roadside seller or someone who "found" a squirrel. This is how you end up with an illegally obtained, sick, or improperly socialized animal. A reputable, USDA-licensed breeder (for legal exotic species) is your only safe bet. They'll know the animal's history, genetics, and proper care.
They should be able to provide documentation.
The animals should look bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (pun intended).
They will likely quiz you to make sure you know what you're doing.
3.2 The Bonding Ritual: Tiny Pouch Time
Flying squirrels (and Sugar Gliders) are highly social. If they don't bond with a human early on, they can become nippy and aggressive. The key to bonding is carrying them in a bonding pouch (often a soft cloth bag worn inside your shirt) for several hours a day when they are babies. This means carrying a nocturnal animal on your body all day while you go about your business. Talk about dedication! It's like having a tiny, furry, high-maintenance celebrity tucked into your pocket.
FAQ Questions and Answers
How much does a flying squirrel cost in Texas?
A native Texas flying squirrel cannot legally be bought or sold as a pet. A similar, legal exotic pet like a Sugar Glider can cost between $150 and $1,000 depending on color, age, and lineage from a reputable breeder.
How do you stop a flying squirrel from biting?
Tip: Break down complex paragraphs step by step.
Biting usually comes from fear or lack of socialization. Consistent, gentle handling from a young age (the "bonding pouch" method) is key. If a legally owned pet squirrel bites, you need to understand the behavior (e.g., is it startled, defensive, or improperly bonded) and work on trust-building, not punishment.
What kind of cage is best for a pet flying squirrel?
The best enclosure is a very tall, multi-level cage made of wire mesh. For a pair of gliders, a minimum of is recommended to allow for climbing and gliding space. It must include secure nest boxes and plenty of branches.
What do you feed a pet flying squirrel for protein?
For legally owned flying squirrels or gliders, a proper diet requires high-quality protein, which can include specialized commercial pellets, cooked chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and live or frozen insects like mealworms, crickets, and waxworms. Calcium supplements are often required.
How long does a pet flying squirrel live?
With proper care, a Southern Flying Squirrel in captivity can live for 10 to 15 years, and a Sugar Glider can live for 12 to 15 years. This is a long-term commitment, not a short-term fling!
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