How to Build an Indoor Squirrel House

Squirrels, like all other animals, need protection from the elements. An indoor squirrel house allows the squirrels to build a nest and give birth in a safe place. Build your own squirrel house to provide the small animals with this safe home. The squirrel house plan provided is made with plywood and secured with wire nails, and the lid can open and close for easy cleaning.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/2 sheet of 4' X 8" plywood (you can use 1/2" or 3/4")
  • 1 pair of 1 1/2" utility hinges
  • 1 hook and eye closure (1")
  • 1 1/4 " or 1 1/2" wire nails, 17 or 18 gauge
  • 2 heavy duty nails
  • Pine straw
  • Saw
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Instructions

  1. Indoor Squirrel House

    • 1

      Cut the sides of the squirrel house from your wooden board. The left side is 22 inches high on one side, 20 inches high on the other, and 15 inches wide, with the top cut at about a 45-degree angle. Cut a 2 1/2-inch hole near the highest top corner. The right side is the same measurements as the left but does not include a hole.

    • 2

      Cut the front and back of the squirrel house from the wooden board. The front measures 20 inches high on each side and 10 inches wide. The back measures 25 inches high on either side and 9 inches wide.

    • 3

      Cut the top and bottom of the squirrel house from the wood. The top measures 14 inches by 18 inches and the bottom measures 14 1/2 inches by 9 inches.

    • 4

      Nail the sides to the back, leaving space at the top for the lid and for attaching the house to a tall object. Attach the front and bottom pieces with the nails. Drill a couple of 1/4-inch vent holes near the top of the front, back and side opposite the entrance hole.

    • 5

      Attach the top with the utility hinges. Attach the hook and eye closure in the front of the top and front piece so it can be securely closed.

    • 6

      Fill the bottom of the house with about 2 inches of clean pine straw. The Squirrel Rehab website suggests placing a stick on the inside for the squirrels to climb up. Mount the house 10 to 12 feet high using the 2 nails.