Emma Jones
Freewheeling is a great way to give your chipmunk more exercise. So that the freewheel does not have any bad consequences, it must be well planned.
Have confidence in you and recognize their enclosure as their territory. Otherwise, freewheeling only leads to stressful chases behind a then completely frightened chipmunk. Determine the room for freewheeling and make it squirrel-proof, kitchens are rather unsuitable for this.
Stovetops, power cords, and cleaning supplies are just a few of the things that can pose a hazard. There is also a risk that the croissant could hide behind the cupboards. Also, the bathroom is not suitable. In the room intended for freewheeling, all cables must be stowed in cable ducts, gaps behind cupboards must be closed. Of course, all poisonous plants must also be removed.
The following list will help you prepare:
- Hot stovetops, dirty dishes with water in them, water in the sink, plastic bags from the last purchase, bread bags, or chemicals always pose a risk.
- Be careful with power cords, they tend to be chewed on.
- There must be no medication or cleaning agents in the freewheel area.
- There must not be any poisonous plants in the room (ask your florist if necessary).
- Be careful where you step so you don’t accidentally step on the squirrel.
- Be careful when closing drawers and cupboard doors, otherwise, the chipmunk can easily get crushed.
- Since chipmunks are extremely quick, it is common for them to slip through the crack when a door is opened.
- Books and similar items should stand firmly on the shelves.
- Windows must be closed to prevent the squirrel from escaping.
The first freewheel
A basic requirement for the first release is enough time because you don’t know how the chipmunk will react to the new impressions and when it will go back into the cage. Of course, you’ll have to stick with it throughout the freewheel, because squirrels do a lot of nonsense. If the squirrel doesn’t want to leave the enclosure when you open it, don’t push it or just put it out. If curiosity is high enough, the squirrel will want to discover the new world on its own. Especially at the first run, many squirrels only dare to go out briefly and then return to the cage. In this case, you should stop freewheeling and try again another day. This way you can lengthen your freewheel time after time.
Once the squirrel has gotten used to running free, the enclosure can stand up for a longer period of time. If only fed inside the cage, the squirrel will eventually return to the cage voluntarily. Tame animals can also be put back into the cage without any problems. Since chipmunks are very curious animals, they will carefully inspect the home while they are free.