How to care for a infant squirrel: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding a baby squirrel alone can tug at your heartstrings, sparking an immediate desire to help. But before you rush in, remember that these tiny creatures require specialized care to survive outside their mother’s nest. Misguided efforts, however well-intentioned, can unfortunately do more harm than good. Knowing how to properly care for an infant squirrel dramatically increases its chances of survival and eventual release back into the wild. It’s a challenging but rewarding experience that demands dedication, knowledge, and a commitment to providing the right nourishment and environment.

Caring for a baby squirrel is vastly different from caring for a domestic pet. These wild animals have specific dietary needs, require a carefully managed environment, and must be handled with caution to avoid imprinting or causing unnecessary stress. This guide will provide essential information on how to assess the squirrel’s health, provide appropriate nutrition, create a suitable habitat, and ultimately, prepare it for a successful return to its natural environment. Neglecting any of these critical aspects can severely compromise the squirrel’s well-being and ability to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Infant Squirrel Care

How often should I feed a baby squirrel?

The frequency with which you need to feed a baby squirrel depends entirely on its age and development. Newborn squirrels, with their eyes closed, require feeding every 2-3 hours around the clock, including overnight. As they mature and their eyes open, the feeding schedule gradually reduces to every 4-5 hours during the day.

To elaborate, young squirrels require frequent feedings due to their high metabolism and rapid growth. Their tiny stomachs can only hold a small amount of formula at a time, necessitating regular replenishment. A consistent feeding schedule is crucial to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can be fatal for baby squirrels. Watch for signs of dehydration and weakness, which might indicate inadequate feeding or underlying health problems. You can gently pinch their skin; if it doesn’t snap back quickly, they are likely dehydrated. As the squirrel grows, you’ll notice it starts taking more formula per feeding and appears more satisfied after each meal. This is a good indicator that you can gradually increase the intervals between feedings. It’s also important to transition to more solid foods as the squirrel matures, offering small pieces of nuts, fruits, and vegetables alongside the formula. Eventually, the squirrel will wean off the formula entirely and rely solely on solid foods. Always provide fresh water in a shallow dish or bottle with a sipper tube.

What kind of formula is best for an orphaned squirrel?

The best formula for an orphaned squirrel is a commercially prepared milk replacer specifically designed for puppies, such as Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer (powder form is generally preferred), or Fox Valley Day One Formula. These formulas provide the necessary balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that squirrels need for healthy growth and development. Cow’s milk and human baby formula are unsuitable and can cause digestive issues and nutritional deficiencies.

While Esbilac is readily available, Fox Valley Day One is often considered the gold standard as it is more closely formulated to the specific nutritional needs of squirrels. It is crucial to prepare the formula according to the product instructions, ensuring the correct powder-to-water ratio. Over-diluting the formula can lead to malnutrition, while an overly concentrated mixture can cause dehydration and digestive problems. It’s always best to start with slightly more diluted formula when first feeding and gradually increase the concentration over a few days as the squirrel adjusts. Always warm the formula to the correct temperature before feeding, usually between 95-100°F (35-38°C). Test a drop on your wrist to ensure it feels comfortably warm, not hot. Never microwave the formula, as this can create hot spots and burn the squirrel. Use a small syringe or a specialized pet nurser bottle to feed the squirrel. The size of the syringe/nipple will depend on the age of the squirrel. Younger squirrels need smaller nipples/syringes.

How do I stimulate a baby squirrel to go to the bathroom?

Baby squirrels cannot urinate or defecate on their own and require stimulation from their mother. As a caregiver, you will need to mimic this process using a soft material, typically a warm, damp cloth or cotton ball, to gently stroke the squirrel’s anal and genital area.

This stimulation should be performed after each feeding and ideally whenever you suspect the squirrel might need to eliminate. Gently but firmly stroke the area from the abdomen down towards the tail using a circular motion. The warmth and gentle pressure will encourage the squirrel to urinate and defecate. Continue the stimulation until the squirrel stops eliminating, or until you are reasonably sure that it has finished. It is crucial to observe the color and consistency of the urine and feces. Healthy urine should be pale yellow, and feces should be solid and brown. Any changes in color, consistency, or frequency should be noted and discussed with a veterinarian or experienced wildlife rehabilitator. If the squirrel is not eliminating regularly, despite stimulation, it may indicate a health problem such as dehydration or constipation, and you should seek professional help immediately.

What’s the ideal temperature for keeping a baby squirrel warm?

The ideal temperature for keeping a baby squirrel warm depends on its age and fur development, but generally, aim for a temperature gradient within their enclosure, with one side warmer than the other. For newborns with no fur, maintain a warmer end at 95-99°F (35-37°C). As they grow and develop fur, gradually decrease the temperature to around 85-90°F (29-32°C) and eventually down to 75-80°F (24-27°C) as they become fully furred and more independent.

Maintaining the correct temperature is absolutely critical for a baby squirrel’s survival. They cannot regulate their own body temperature effectively until they are older and have developed sufficient fur. Too cold, and they will become hypothermic, which can quickly lead to death. Too hot, and they can overheat and dehydrate. That’s why providing a temperature gradient is important, allowing them to move to a warmer or cooler area as needed to regulate themselves. To achieve the correct temperature, use a heating pad set on low or a ceramic heat emitter placed on one side of the enclosure. Always cover the heating pad with a towel or blanket to prevent direct contact and burns. Monitor the squirrel’s behavior closely. If they are huddled near the heat source, they are likely too cold. If they are panting or trying to move away from the heat, they are too warm. Regularly check the temperature with a thermometer to ensure it stays within the appropriate range. When raising an orphaned squirrel, keeping the enclosure clean is also vital. Use unscented baby wipes or a soft, damp cloth to clean their bottoms after each feeding to simulate the mother cleaning them. This helps stimulate bowel movements, essential for healthy development. Avoid using scented products, as they can irritate the squirrel’s sensitive skin and respiratory system. Remember to always wash your hands before and after handling the squirrel to prevent the spread of disease.

How soon can I introduce solid food to a baby squirrel?

Solid food can be introduced to a baby squirrel around 5-6 weeks old, when they start showing interest in it. However, formula should remain the primary source of nutrition until they are closer to 8-10 weeks old, gradually decreasing the amount of formula as their solid food intake increases.

Introducing solid foods too early can lead to digestive issues, as their systems are still developing and primarily equipped to digest milk formula. Look for signs of readiness, such as nibbling on your fingers, exploring their surroundings with their mouths, or showing interest in the food you offer. Start with very small portions of soft, easily digestible foods like avocado, well-mashed banana, or rodent blocks soaked in formula to soften them. Once the squirrel is consistently eating solid foods, you can gradually introduce a wider variety of options. Focus on providing a balanced diet that includes rodent blocks (which should form the foundation of their diet), fresh fruits and vegetables (such as berries, apples, grapes, broccoli, and leafy greens), and nuts (in moderation, as they are high in fat). Always ensure fresh water is available. Monitor their weight and overall health to ensure they are thriving on the new diet.

How can I prevent a baby squirrel from imprinting on me?

To prevent a baby squirrel from imprinting on you, minimize direct physical contact, avoid allowing the squirrel to see your face clearly, and use squirrel-appropriate substitutes for nurturing behaviors. By wearing gloves, a mask, and a hat during feeding and handling, and providing a plush toy for the squirrel to cuddle with, you discourage the squirrel from forming a strong attachment to you and increase its chances of a successful release back into the wild.

To elaborate, imprinting is a critical learning process where young animals develop strong attachments, typically to their primary caregiver. In the case of squirrels being raised by humans, this can mean the squirrel identifies as human rather than as a squirrel. This poses significant challenges for their later release because they may not develop appropriate survival skills or fear of humans, making them vulnerable. Therefore, the key is to create an environment that resembles a natural squirrel habitat as much as possible. Use a syringe or specialized squirrel nipple for feeding, avoiding bottle feeding which often increases human-animal bonding. Also, limit handling to only essential tasks like feeding, cleaning, and health checks. During these interactions, wear clothing that obscures your features. Furthermore, introduce natural elements like branches, leaves, and nuts to the squirrel’s enclosure early on. This helps them acclimate to their natural environment and develop their innate foraging instincts. Interaction with other squirrels (if possible and after appropriate quarantine and health checks) is invaluable. If you are working with a wildlife rehabilitator, they may be able to pair your squirrel with others nearing release age to help them socialize and learn from each other. The goal is to minimize your role as their “parent” and maximize opportunities for them to develop as wild squirrels.

When is it safe to release a squirrel back into the wild?

It is generally safe to release a squirrel back into the wild when it is fully weaned (around 8-10 weeks old), exhibits independent foraging behaviors, demonstrates fear of humans and other domestic animals, and the weather is mild (spring or early fall) with abundant natural food sources available in a safe, appropriate habitat.

Successfully releasing a squirrel back into the wild requires careful observation and preparation. Weaning is crucial, as the squirrel needs to be able to obtain its own food. This can be assessed by observing the squirrel’s consumption of solid foods like nuts, seeds, and vegetables. It should no longer be dependent on formula or supplemental feeding. Equally important is ensuring the squirrel has developed appropriate survival skills. Observe if it can bury and retrieve nuts, climb effectively, and navigate its environment with confidence. It needs to have the physical coordination to escape predators. Furthermore, the squirrel needs to demonstrate a healthy fear of humans and other domestic animals like cats and dogs. Overly friendly or habituated squirrels are at higher risk of being injured or killed. Choose a release site carefully. The location should be a natural habitat with a healthy squirrel population, plenty of trees for shelter, and a reliable food supply. Avoid areas with heavy traffic, a high concentration of predators, or recent construction. A “soft release” method, where the squirrel is gradually acclimated to the environment in a release cage for a few days before full release, can increase its chances of survival.

And that’s about it! Raising a little squirrel is definitely a commitment, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Thanks for taking the time to learn about how to give your tiny friend the best possible start in life. We hope this guide has been helpful, and please feel free to come back anytime you have more questions – we’re always here to help you give your furry little buddy a happy and healthy life!