To take care of a baby squirrel properly, follow these key steps:
1. Keep the Baby Squirrel Warm
- The baby squirrel must be warm before feeding or giving fluids. Use a heating pad without auto shutoff or a warm water bottle wrapped in a cloth to maintain consistent warmth
- A baby squirrel should feel much warmer than your skin; if it feels cool, it is at risk of hypothermia, which can be fatal
2. Hydration First
- Before feeding formula or milk replacer, rehydrate the baby squirrel with a homemade electrolyte solution (e.g., 1 teaspoon salt + 1 tablespoon sugar in 1 quart warm water)
- Hydration is critical because dehydration is a major risk after separation from the mother. Avoid giving milk or formula until the baby is properly hydrated
3. Feeding Formula
- Use a specialized squirrel milk replacer like Wombaroo or a homemade goat milk formula; do not use cow's milk, human baby formula, or other substitutes unsuitable for squirrels
- Feed the baby squirrel warm formula using an O-ring syringe or dropper, feeding slowly to avoid aspiration pneumonia
- Feed amounts depend on the squirrel’s weight; generally, 5% of body weight in mL per feeding for newborns, increasing gradually
- Newborns need feeding every 2 hours during the day, spacing out as they grow older
4. Stimulate Elimination
- Baby squirrels under 5 weeks cannot urinate or defecate on their own and need stimulation after feeding. Use a warm, damp cotton ball or tissue to gently stimulate the genital area
5. Transition to Solid Foods
- Around 6-7 weeks old, start introducing solid foods gradually while continuing formula feeding until at least 14-16 weeks
- Begin with soft, nutritious foods like specially formulated squirrel blocks, soft nuts (e.g., pine nuts), fruits (apple, banana), and vegetables (broccoli, kale)
- Provide fresh water in a bottle or bowl once solids are introduced
6. Housing and Safety
- Keep the baby squirrel in a quiet, warm, and secure environment, such as a pet carrier or nest box with soft bedding
- Protect from predators if outdoors by placing the baby safely in a basket or nest in a tree
Following these guidelines will help ensure the baby squirrel’s survival and healthy development until it can be released or cared for further. Sources:
