Keeping a squirrel as a pet can be both possible and challenging.

Squirrels require an extremely high level of care and attention. It’s important to note that they have a tendency to bite, and their bites can be quite severe, potentially reaching the bone.

Unlike domestic animals, squirrels are wild animals and behave accordingly. They do not exhibit the same behavior and reactions as domesticated pets.

Squirrels have continuously growing incisors, with a growth rate of about 6 inches per year. This means they need constant access to objects for chewing to keep their teeth trimmed. With jaw strength of around 7000 pounds of pressure, they are powerful animals and can easily jump up to 15 feet.

To provide adequate living conditions, a squirrel would require a cage the size of a wall, allowing them ample space for running, jumping, and climbing to maintain their muscle tone.

The primary caregiver of the squirrel must never be away from home for more than 24 hours at a time.

While squirrels may tolerate people, only the individual who hand-raised the squirrel can safely feed it. Others who attempt to feed it may be subject to attacks.

You mentioned Skittles, your squirrel. Skittles has specific needs due to being blind in one eye, lacking depth perception in the other, and experiencing neurological damage and seizures. Because of these conditions, Skittles cannot be released into the wild and requires continuous care.

For you, Skittles brings joy and can be petted, cuddled, and played with. However, your husband, who Skittles doesn’t recognize as her primary caregiver, faces challenges. Even changing Skittles’ water results in her climbing to a high point in her cage and urinating on him. The last encounter between your husband and Skittles led to multiple bites, totaling 11, and 22 resulting wounds.

Squirrels can provide enjoyment for individuals who lead a quiet, home-based lifestyle and have the necessary resources to care for them. However, it’s important to recognize that they remain wild animals and require extensive care three times a day throughout their lives.