What is true about housing northern flying squirrels?

• A. They should always be housed in separate cages
• B. They are extremely social and should be housed together whenever possible
• C. They must be kept in isolation for health
• D. They should be housed with large mammals

Answer: (B)

Northern flying squirrels are highly social animals, and their welfare in rehabilitation improves when they can share a space with conspecifics. In the wild they live in family groups and engage in social grooming, play, and mutual grooming, all of which help reduce stress and support normal behavior and recovery. Therefore, housing them together whenever feasible best matches their natural needs and enhances overall well-being.

To put this into practice, provide enough space and enrichment—multiple perches, nesting sites, and climbing opportunities—and monitor for signs of aggression. If fighting occurs, you may need to separate individuals temporarily while keeping them in the same general area or rotate social groupings, rather than keeping them in complete isolation. This approach still requires quarantine or isolation only when necessary for health or disease control, not simply to avoid social housing. Avoid housing with large mammals, which can pose safety risks and do not meet their social needs.

In short, group housing supports social behavior and welfare, making it the best practice whenever possible.