Dremomys pernyi

1 Long-nosed Squirrel Breed Overview

The Long-nosed Squirrel, also called the ‘red-mouthed rat’, has habits little different from ordinary squirrels, being active in the morning and at dusk. Captive Long-nosed Squirrels are often called ‘little devils’ because, small as they are, they are the most destructive at home.

Chinese Name: Perny’s Long-nosed Squirrel (Dremomys pernyi)

Latin Name: Dremomys pernyi

Kingdom: Animalia

Order: Rodentia

2 Physical Characteristics of the Long-nosed Squirrel

The Long-nosed Squirrel, also called the ‘red-mouthed rat’, lives in dense forest in the wild and is not entirely arboreal, often coming to the ground. What does it look like?

The adult Long-nosed Squirrel is 20-25 cm long, with slightly short limbs and a long, slender tail with short, fluffy hair. The back fur is grayish-brown and the belly fur grayish-white. It generally lives in dense forest, with habits little different from ordinary squirrels, but is not entirely arboreal.

3 Long-nosed Squirrel Habitat

Because captive keeping of the Long-nosed Squirrel is uncommon, its care can refer to squirrel management. Providing a suitable environment is very important, as is regular cleaning.

Captive Long-nosed Squirrels can be kept in a combined wire cage with passages, aiding mating and management; a bamboo or wooden cage is easily chewed through. The housing should be dry, warm in winter and cool in summer; the suitable temperature for growth and breeding is 10-30 C, optimal about 15 C, with relative humidity 40-50%. Because they cannot tolerate high heat, at 35 C they can die of heatstroke, so in summer ensure ventilation and shade. Keep proper temperature; in autumn prevent cold drafts to avoid rheumatic arthritis. Also they do not need strong light; too much light causes rough, dull coat.

Remove droppings and keep the cage clean; to clean the coat and benefit health, sweep before feeding each morning. Disinfect equipment regularly; give a sand bath at least once a week, using a 4-liter sand box, 20-30 minutes each time, to boost health.

4 Long-nosed Squirrel Feeding Guidelines

Captive feed can refer to squirrel feed. Although pine cones are their favorite, do not feed only that. How to give healthier, balanced food?

Captive feed is divided into greens and concentrates. Greens include carrot, water spinach, various fresh fruits, and other fresh vegetables. Concentrates include wheat bran, corn flour, bean powder, grains, plus a little salt, yeast powder, bone meal, honey, and trace elements, made into dry pellets. Place some thin wood sticks in the cage for the squirrel to gnaw.