Wanted baby squirrel in houston tx

[zr11990]

I am looking for a baby squirrel for a pet. I had one that I found and he was doing very well but he just died with no warning. My family is heartbroken. You can call me at 832-573-4664

[damesta]

Domestic squirrels are illegal to keep as pets in Texas so you aren't going to find anyone selling them. It is relatively common to find babies that have fallen out of trees but it really is best to take them to state licensed rehabbers that can care for them properly and save their lives, babies need very specialized care and can die very quickly if not cared for properly.You might want to look into getting a flying squirrel or chipmunk though. Go by S&S and see what they have in stock. Heres their website:

http://www.sandsexoticanimals.com/

[zr11990]

I know its illegal to keep a squirrel but I never was on to obey stupid laws. Why is it I can kill all I want to but I cant keep one and love it as a pet. I know how to take care of them. I just raised one from a kit but we believe it was injured when it fell and it just took a while. Chipmonks are not squirrels and they dont have the personality of squirrels. Ill find one somewhere. I dont want to rob a nest because really its best for the critter to live his life like it was meant to but somewhere Ill find one captive bred.

[Kamiki]

No one can make you "obey stupid laws," but it would be very irresponsible for someone to sell a captive baby to you if they know it is illegal. Its also very irresponsible for you to keep one if its illegal - if you're caught your precious baby can be taken from you and euthanized by authorities.

Also, nothing dies for "no" reason. You should figure out what killed your baby before you even CONSIDER getting another one. Otherwise, there is no way to rule out something you did - even if you were unaware what you were doing wrong.

I agree with the other poster, you should consider a flying squirrel or similar critter - something legal that an exotic vet can examine for you.

[zr11990]

I know and was speaking to a wildlife rehabilitater through the whole thing. One moment Ike was fine and the next moment he started convulsing. I went home and he was dead. The lady told me that the only thing she thought of that could have happened was that it was damage from him falling from the tree that finally got him. If I hadnt found him he would have died that day. You can say what you want but I spent hundreds of dollers on that squirrel and would have spent more. I loved him more than my cockatoo in the short amount of time I had him and would have given a lot to save him. I actually had to go into the garage so no one would see a 40 year old man crying over a squirrel. Nothing has the personnality of a squirrel and nothing can take Ikes place but if I can find a way to get one and not take away the freedom of a wild one, screw the law. As I said, it makes no sense that I can kill all I want to but I cant keep one as a pet.

[Wolfy-hound]

Keeping illegil animals as pets damages the entire hobby. Posting on a forum that you want to keep a illegil pet damages the hobby.
Why not get licensed as a wildlife rehabilitation person and that way you CAN keep them, even if it's only one or two. Then you can help squirrels legally.

[Cat_72]

I know and was speaking to a wildlife rehabilitater through the whole thing. One moment Ike was fine and the next moment he started convulsing. I went home and he was dead. The lady told me that the only thing she thought of that could have happened was that it was damage from him falling from the tree that finally got him. If I hadnt found him he would have died that day. You can say what you want but I spent hundreds of dollers on that squirrel and would have spent more. I loved him more than my cockatoo in the short amount of time I had him and would have given a lot to save him. I actually had to go into the garage so no one would see a 40 year old man crying over a squirrel. Nothing has the personnality of a squirrel and nothing can take Ikes place but if I can find a way to get one and not take away the freedom of a wild one, screw the law. As I said, it makes no sense that I can kill all I want to but I cant keep one as a pet.

James,

I understand what you are feeling about this, but try to step back and look at it logically. If you keep one illegally, and are reported, the animal will be seized and euthanized. Wouldn't that be even more heartbreaking for you? And is it fair to the animal, keeping one knowing that simply by fulfilling YOUR wants, it could cost him his life?

Secondly....if it is illegal to keep as a pet, you will not be able to find a vet to treat him if something should go wrong. Squirrels can contract and carry diseases (including diseases that can be transmitted to humans), parasites, all kinds of issues. Again, would you feel terrible if this animal developed a problem and died simply because you had said, "screw the law" and could not get him treated?

Also a good thing to note - a LOT of animals are cute and adorable as babies, but that doesn't mean that they will stay that way as they grow up, especially once they reach sexual maturity.

I'm not sure what type of rehabilitator you spoke with, but it seems odd to me that she would have allowed you to keep it illegally if she were truly a licensed and knowledgeable rehabilitator. I would think that she also would have known that baby squirrels often will have convulsions because of becoming hypoglycemic.

Anyway...what I'm trying to say is that while I understand your desire to keep a pet squirrel, the welfare of the animal really should be put before YOUR wants.

[SPJ]

LOT of animals are cute and adorable as babies, but that doesn't mean that they will stay that way as they grow up, especially once they reach sexual maturity.

That is exactly what will happen with a squirrel.

[zr11990]

I actually would love to be a wildlife rehabilitater. I could raise up the little babies and let them go free, but I checked into it and the government buriocracy makes it impossible. I dont know how the ones who have the liscense got it but its damn hard. Oh well I guess Ill set abunch of quirrel feeders out and watch them in my back yard.

[Cat_72]

That's a great idea, James....it's not having them hand-tame, but the next best thing. ;)

I know my mom feeds a BUNCH of squirrels and deer in her backyard, and they have gotten so used to her, they are ALMOST like pets. She can tell most of the "regulars" apart, and even has names for em, lol....it's a hoot sitting in front of the big sliding glass doors and watching them run and play.

[zr11990]

Yea but they dont come running to you and purr in your ear and curl up and sleep in your hand either.

[Cat_72]

No, and they don't bite a chunk out of your ear when they mature and get feisty.