Flying squirrels are common in North America.
Flying squirrels are members of the rodent order of animals, which also extends to regular squirrels. What makes a flying squirrel different from a typical squirrel is its side flaps that extend from its wrists to its ankles, allowing it to glide from tree to tree. Female flying squirrels enter into a reproductive period known as "estrus" twice a year. This is commonly referred to as "going into heat." If you have a flying squirrel that is in heat, there are measures that you should take to keep your squirrel safe and comfortable.
Instructions
1. Track the female flying squirrel's age to anticipate her first heat cycle. Flying squirrels usually reach sexual maturity between 6 and 11 months of age.
2. Observe physical signs of estrus. The primary physical symptom is a swollen, protruding vulva. Behaviorally, flying squirrels in heat tend to be anxious and aggressive.
3. Allow for breeding to occur once estrus is detected. A female who is in heat will be interested in and receptive to a male flying squirrel, and he, in turn, will show interest in breeding with her. There is a 24-hour period in which conception can occur. If mating does not occur within this period, the female will go into heat again in about 30 days. If you do not want the female to conceive, keep her away from males during the first 24-hour period, as well as the following 24-hour period 30 days later. The next estrus should be about six months later.
4. Provide food, water and a clean habitat for the female while she is in heat. Refrain from handling females in estrus, because they are more likely to bite.
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