How to Build a Cage for an Unreleasable or Injured Squirrel

Squirrels are wild animals that best thrive when they are left in the wild, but certain situations require that squirrels be raised or kept in captivity because they are injured or otherwise unreleasable. Creating a cage for a squirrel in such a situation will allow for the squirrel to be housed safely in captivity while providing solutions to all of its basic needs. A simple wire cage can provide plenty of climbing and living space for a captive squirrel.

Things You'll Need

  • Wire mesh
  • Wire cutters
  • Heavy-duty wire
  • Spring-loaded hook closure
  • Plastic zip-ties
  • Corrugated plastic sheet
  • Pen or marker
  • Utility knife
  • Packaging tape
  • Awl
  • Platforms
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create a pattern for the squirrel cage depending on personal preference for size and shape. This pattern will be used to cut the wire mesh into appropriately sized panels. The finished cage should be taller than it is wide to accommodate for climbing and multiple platform levels. The pattern should be designed for coordinating front and back panels, left and right side panels, top panel and any ledges that will be installed inside the cage.

    • 2

      Cut out all five panels and any ledges needed for the cage construction. Use the wire cutter to clip off any sharp pieces to make smooth edges. Choose which panel will serve as the front of the cage and trim out a large square entryway using the wire cutter.

    • 3

      Create a door for the newly cut entryway by cutting out a piece of wire mesh that is approximately 1 inch larger on each side than the hole that was cut in the cage frame. Attach the door to the door frame on one side using strong wire. Wrap wire loosely enough that the door can swing freely. Finally, attach the spring-loaded hook closure to the opposite side of the door so that the door can be latched closed.

    • 4

      Connect the front, back and side panels together using plastic zip-tie closures. These temporary closures will allow the cage to be held together while wire is tightly wrapped to permanently bind the cage panels together. Before permanently connecting each panel, check to make sure that the cage is the proper height, width and shape.

    • 5

      Connect the top panel of the cage to the cage frame using the same method. Use enough wire as is necessary for a secure hold. Make sure there are no places where a squirrel could squeeze through the panels. Wrap wire ends tightly so that no sharp points stick out.

    • 6

      Set the finished cage frame on the corrugated plastic sheet. Use a pen or marker to draw a border around the cage with approximately 1/2-inch allowance on each side of the cage. Remove the cage from the sheet and use a utility knife to score the plastic. Score through only half of the thickness of the sheet; don't cut completely through.

    • 7

      Draw a set of lines about 2 1/2 inches out from the scored lines in the corrugated plastic sheet. Cut through these lines completely. This section will make up the sides of the cage base. Now cut the corners from the plastic sheet to create the sides, then flip the plastic sheet over. Fold the sides up, creating a square or rectangular base sized to fit the outside of the squirrel cage. Secure the sides in place using packing tape. A secure packing tape job will prevent leaking, so do not be afraid to go heavy on the tape.

    • 8

      Set the cage in the corrugated plastic sheet base. Use the awl to puncture a hole in each side of the cage base, then use plastic zip-ties to attach the base and the cage to each other. You can use other attachments to connect the cage and cage base together as desired.

    • 9

      Use heavy-duty wire to attach platforms inside the cage. Squirrels enjoy climbing, so attach a number of alternating platforms throughout the cage.