Huangshan squirrel, as the name suggests, is a squirrel species living in Huangshan, Anhui. Its appearance is more common than other squirrel species, but it is also very cute and cute. They like to live in the woods, and are active and agile, and usually feed on all kinds of nuts. So what are the characteristics of such a lively, cute and cute Huangshan squirrel? Let's take a look together.

I. Morphological characteristics

The ideal body length of an adult Huangshan squirrel should be between 190mm-250mm. Like many squirrels, the tail is relatively large, and its length is equal to or slightly larger than the body length. Huangshan squirrels have the same color and luster on the abdomen, but the rear edge is black and yellow. The cheeks and muzzle are pale greyish-yellow. The inside of the limbs are ochre.

The forefoot of Huangshan squirrel is bare, with 4 finger pads and 2 palm pads; the big toe degenerates into a wrinkled skin fold. The hind palms and soles are bare, with 5 toe pads and 2 palm pads. The back of the body is olive-yellow; the base of the hair is gray-black, and the ends of the hair are black-yellow or all black; therefore, small black-yellow spots can be seen. Abdominal hair brown-gray or brown-yellow; hair base dark gray, hair tip light brown.

The cranial roof of the skull is enlarged, the muzzle is narrow and the zygomatic arch is straight. The interorbital space is wide, and its width is greater than the length of the nasal bone; the base of the supraorbital process and the orbital rim are elevated; the auditory vesicle is protruding, but not large. There are 3 protrusions behind the center of the occipital bone. Herringbone ridges are prominent. The incisors are flat and narrow. The first upper premolars are small cylinders, significantly smaller than the other teeth; the molars are low-crowned teeth, with a mound-like process on the chewing surface, but no central column.

Second, rearing environment

Huangshan squirrel with active personality, especially likes to climb trees and like to bite, so it is necessary to prepare for the squirrel when raising the squirrel at home Solid wire cage. It is recommended not to use bamboo and wood structure cages, which are easily damaged by squirrels.

The house should be dry, warm in winter and cool in summer. The suitable temperature for growth and reproduction should be maintained at 10℃~30℃, the most suitable breeding temperature is about 15℃, and the relative humidity should be maintained at 40%~ 50%. Since squirrels cannot withstand high temperature, they can die from heat stroke when the temperature is 35°C. Therefore, in the high temperature season in summer, attention should be paid to the ventilation and shade of the cage. Maintain a proper temperature and prevent cold wind from attacking in autumn, so as to avoid rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, squirrels do not need too strong light. If they receive too strong light, their coats are often disheveled and tarnished.

Remove feces, keep the cage clean and hygienic, and clean the fur and health of the squirrels every morning before feeding. Feeding utensils should be disinfected regularly, and sand baths should be carried out at least once a week. The sand bath box should be suitable for 4 liters of sand, and fine sand should be placed in the box. Sand bathing for 20 to 30 minutes each time can enhance health. You can also put some thin wooden sticks in the cage for squirrels to grind their teeth.

Three. Feeding points

Huangshan squirrels feed on the seeds of Fagaceae plants, but they also eat a lot of insects in nature. Therefore, it is best to also feed some animal food. Nuts such as walnuts and chestnuts are the favorites of squirrels. Biting through the hard shell is not only a game for squirrels, but also helps to wear their teeth. It is best to feed these foods regularly. If artificial feed is the staple food, apples and other foods should also be supplemented.

Okay, the above is all the introduction about Huangshan squirrel. If you are interested, you can learn more about it.