Tips for Feeding a Baby Squirrel

Squirrels thrive best in their natural habitat and are not suitable as pets. If you come across a baby squirrel in need of assistance, seek guidance from a wildlife rehabilitator to ensure proper care. Follow their instructions on preparing a rehydrating solution or milk replacement formula and feeding the squirrel with patience and caution. As the squirrel grows, introduce solid foods gradually under the rehabilitator's guidance.

Consult a wildlife rehabilitator before intervening with a wild squirrel. Search for local wildlife rehabilitators online or contact your government's environmental or wildlife agency. Assist the squirrel only if advised by an expert. Here are reasons why seeking professional guidance is essential:

• A seemingly orphaned baby squirrel may not actually need help; its mother could be nearby.
• Baby squirrels demand constant care during their initial weeks of life.
• Successfully reintegrating a cared-for squirrel into the wild is challenging due to its lack of essential survival skills.
• Caring for squirrels or other wildlife without proper authorization may be illegal and result in penalties.

Seek guidance from a wildlife rehabilitator before handling a baby squirrel. Only proceed if advised by the rehabilitator. If necessary, create a temporary nest for the squirrel by following these steps: Gather nesting material, handle the squirrel gently with gloves, transport it home, place it in a container with ventilation holes, create a nest inside the container, and provide gentle warmth using a heating pad.

Check for dehydration based on the wildlife rehabilitator's instructions. Pinch the squirrel's skin to assess dehydration. If the skin remains raised for over a second, dehydration is likely. Conversely, if the skin falls quickly, dehydration is less probable. Follow the rehabilitator's guidance regarding hydration.

Prepare a rehydrating solution using Pedialyte, water, or a homemade mixture. While water suffices, Pedialyte is preferable. Alternatively, create a homemade solution with salt, sugar, and warm water. Reserve this solution for dehydration emergencies, not regular feedings.

Utilize powdered puppy milk replacer if the squirrel doesn't require rehydration. This formula becomes necessary after rehydration or if the squirrel is hydrated. Mix powdered puppy milk replacer with distilled water and whipping cream or yogurt, refrigerating any unused portion for up to 3 days.

Warm a small quantity of liquid and fill an oral syringe for feeding. Heat Pedialyte, water, homemade rehydrator, or formula in a microwave-safe bowl for 5 seconds. Test the temperature on your wrist. Reheat if too cold or wait if too warm. For older squirrels, use a larger oral syringe.

Determine the suitable amount of liquid for feeding based on the squirrel's age.

Consult the wildlife rehabilitator's recommendations for precise measurements. Generally, follow these guidelines:

• For pink, eyes-closed babies under 2 weeks old, administer 0.5 to 1 cc (ml) every 2 hours.
• For open-eyed, fully-furred babies aged 2-6 weeks, provide 2-4 cc (ml) every 3 hours.
• From approximately 6 weeks until weaning, offer 4-5 cc (ml) every 4 hours, including night feedings until at least 6 weeks of age.

Hold the baby squirrel upright and direct the dropper towards the roof of its mouth. To prevent aspiration, ensure the squirrel remains upright during feeding. Follow these steps:

• Gently cradle the squirrel to keep it secure.
• Use your thumb to tilt the squirrel's head slightly upward.
• Wear gloves and maintain cleanliness.
• Adhere to any alternative feeding instructions provided by the wildlife rehabilitator.

Administer the feeding liquid slowly to prevent aspiration or choking. For newborn squirrels, provide one drop at a time on the lips. If the squirrel has fur and open eyes, dispense 3-4 drops at a time just past the lips.

• Feeding at a slow pace may take up to an hour.
• If liquid leaks from the mouth or nose, pause feeding and wait before resuming.

Facilitate bowel movements in newborn squirrels after each feeding. Stimulate urination and defecation by gently rubbing the genital and anal area with a warm, damp cotton ball or swab. Afterward, clean the area with a damp cloth.

• Once the squirrel's eyes open, it should eliminate waste without assistance.

Involve the wildlife rehabilitator if encountering feeding difficulties. If the baby squirrel experiences feeding challenges like gagging or disinterest, promptly reach out to the rehabilitator. It's crucial to seek professional assistance, especially when facing feeding issues.

• If the squirrel struggles to urinate or defecate despite stimulation, contact the rehabilitator immediately.

Follow the rehabilitator’s guidance for selecting the initial solid food. Wildlife rehabilitators may suggest various solid foods for baby squirrels. While packaged feeding blocks are commonly recommended, preferences vary among experts. Some may recommend rodent blocks, while others prefer squirrel-specific options available online.

• They might also recommend specific brands and where to purchase the feeding blocks.

Introduce solid food when the squirrel's eyes are fully open. Around 4-5 weeks old, most baby squirrels fully open their eyes. At this stage, offer the chosen feeding block after providing formula. Initially, the squirrel might not show interest, but it will eventually start nibbling.

• Provide a water source in the enclosure alongside the food block, ensuring fresh water is available daily.
• Continue formula feeding on schedule until the squirrel loses interest, typically at 7-10 weeks old.

Gradually introduce vegetables and other nutritious foods. After the squirrel adapts to feeding blocks, incorporate small pieces of broccoli, kale, or other greens. Introduce one type of vegetable at a time and observe for any adverse reactions like diarrhea.

• Supplement feeding blocks with small portions of seeds, nuts, and fruit pieces, introduced one at a time.
• Introducing foods individually aids in identifying potential food sensitivities.

Consult a rehabilitator for the squirrel's release back into the wild. After weaning, the squirrel is prepared for reintroduction into its natural habitat. However, this process requires expertise, so seek guidance from a professional rehabilitator for the transition.

• If considering keeping the squirrel as a pet, be aware of legal restrictions and the challenges of caring for squirrels. Generally, they fare better in their natural environment.

• Oral syringe (1 cc or 2-4 cc)
• Pedialyte or similar hydration solution
• Powdered puppy milk replacer
• Shallow water dish
• Squirrel enclosure