7.2 babies

Female Japanese lissen can get a nest when they are at least one year old. The first usually contains one or two babies. In the following nests they can have more babies, four or sometimes even six. Some females get six in their first nest. Six babies can be rough for a squirrel. I know people who give the mother squirrel special food to give her more strength in this kind of situation . I have tried this for my last nest as well and the results were great. The mother squirrel looked good. Her fur was shiny and her tail stayed nice and bushy, with all the hairs still there.

The mating ritual is a bit strange. The first time a male has to be approved by a female. This goes in quite a sportive way. The young male runs after the female. This adventure can take a couple of days. The running wheel will be frequently used to build up stamina.

When the babies come, the mother squirrel stays in the nesting box for a few days. She only comes out fast to eat and immediately goes back to the babies. Only after a week the mother squirrel gets more active. It is best to leave the mother squirrel alone and stay out of her way as much as possible.

If the nipples of the mother squirrel are suckled eagerly, you can be sure the babies are doing good.

When the babies are 5 weeks old, the eyes open and when they’re 6-7 weeks old, they come out of the nesting block. By 11-12 weeks they are independent, usually when they can crack hazelnuts by themselves. This is when they would be able to go to a new owner. The first solid food the babies eat is pine tree seeds. Later they eat the “grownup” food.