What to Feed a Baby Squirrel?

Knowing what to feed a baby squirrel is crucial, as these tiny creatures require feeding every 2.5 to 4 hours until they reach 12 weeks of age. In fact, their survival depends entirely on receiving the right nutrition in precise amounts, ranging from just 0.5cc for newborns to 16-18cc for older squirrels.

Caring for young squirrels requires specific knowledge about proper nutrition and feeding techniques. The best feeding solution is puppy milk replacer, specifically Esbilac, mixed with water and cream – however, common mistakes like using cow’s milk can be fatal. As baby squirrels grow, their dietary needs change significantly, with solid foods being introduced around 6 weeks of age.

This vet-approved guide will walk through the essential aspects of baby squirrel nutrition, including detailed feeding schedules, proper formula preparation, and the transition to solid foods. Whether caring for a newborn or a juvenile squirrel, this resource provides the vital information needed to ensure proper development and growth.

Signs Your Baby Squirrel Needs Feeding

Recognizing when a baby squirrel needs feeding requires careful observation of both physical and behavioral signs. Primarily, understanding what to feed a baby squirrel starts with knowing when they’re ready for nourishment.

Physical signs of hunger

A healthy baby squirrel should feel warm to touch and appear bright pink with pink gums and lips. When assessing what to feed a baby squirrel, first check these vital physical indicators:

• Body temperature feels cooler than your skin
• Skin appears wrinkly or loose when pinched
• Gums look pale or grayish instead of pink
• Sunken or dry eyes
• Dehydrated appearance with visible ribs

Behavioral indicators

Baby squirrels display distinct behaviors when hungry. A well-fed squirrel remains quiet, while hungry ones vocalize their needs. Notable behavioral signs include:

High-pitched squeaking or distress calls indicate what can baby squirrels eat urgently. Additionally, desperate squirrels might run up to humans or climb legs seeking nourishment. Furthermore, healthy babies respond actively to touch and environment, while hungry ones appear lethargic or unresponsive.

When to start feeding

Before determining what do baby squirrels eat and drink, ensure proper preparation. The baby must be warm – attempting to feed a cold squirrel can be fatal. Consequently, if the squirrel feels cool, warming comes first.

Understanding what do juvenile squirrels eat begins with proper hydration. A dehydration check involves gently pinching the skin – if it stays up for more than a second, the squirrel needs immediate hydration. Moreover, wait 12-24 hours after hydration before introducing what to feed young squirrels.

Baby squirrels under five weeks require feeding every 2-3 hours during daytime. Notably, sick or dehydrated babies need additional night feedings until fully recovered. Watch for signs of overfeeding, such as bloating or diarrhea, which can be life-threatening.

Essential Feeding Equipment for Baby Squirrels

Proper equipment selection plays a vital role in determining what to feed a baby squirrel safely and effectively. Selecting the right tools ensures proper nourishment while minimizing risks of aspiration or infection.

Feeding tools and supplies

Understanding what to feed young squirrels starts with gathering the correct supplies. Primarily, syringes serve as the safest feeding tool, with sizes varying based on the squirrel’s age. For babies under 100 grams, 1cc syringes provide maximum control, whereas older squirrels benefit from 3cc to 10cc sizes.

Essential equipment includes:

• O-ring syringes for smooth plunger movement
• Specialized nipples (both small and medium sizes)
• Digital scale for weight monitoring
• No-shut-off heating pad
• Clean storage containers
• Sterilization equipment

The choice of nipples deserves special attention when determining what can baby squirrels eat. Although various options exist, modified nipples approximately matching a mother squirrel’s nipple length prove most effective. Therefore, many rehabilitators trim standard nipples to prevent aspiration risks.

Proper sterilization methods

Maintaining strict hygiene remains essential when considering what do juvenile squirrels eat and drink. After each feeding, all equipment requires thorough cleaning and sterilization. The process involves several critical steps:

First, disassemble all feeding equipment completely. Subsequently, rinse items under running water to remove formula residue. Afterward, place items in hot water (50°C/120°F) with a sanitizing soap.

For complete sterilization, choose among three primary methods:

• Boiling items for 5 minutes
• Using steam sterilization
• Soaking in a bleach solution (2 teaspoons per gallon of water) for 2 minutes

After sterilization, place equipment on clean, unused paper towels to air dry thoroughly. Store dried items in a clean, protected area to prevent contamination when planning what do baby squirrels eat and drink.

Essential maintenance includes replacing syringes periodically, particularly when the rubber gasket hardens or sticks. Similarly, avoid using soap for cleaning small feeders, as residue removal proves challenging and potentially harmful.

What to Feed a Baby Squirrel at Different Ages

The dietary needs of orphaned squirrels evolve rapidly through their early development stages. Understanding what to feed a baby squirrel requires careful attention to age-specific nutritional requirements and feeding schedules.

Newborn to 2 weeks

Initially, newborn squirrels need specialized formula feeding. Tiny pink-skinned babies under 2 weeks require 0.5 to 1 cc of formula every 2 hours. The best formula consists of puppy milk replacer mixed with distilled water and whipping cream. For optimal nutrition, mix 8 oz of powdered puppy milk replacer with 16 fl oz of distilled water and 2 fl oz of whipping cream.

3 to 5 weeks feeding guide

Following the newborn stage, what to feed a baby squirrel changes in terms of quantity and frequency. Between 2-6 weeks, babies need 2-4 cc of formula every 3 hours. Generally, a healthy squirrel should receive approximately 5% of their body weight in formula at each feeding. For instance, a 100-gram squirrel should receive 5 cc of formula.

6 to 8 weeks nutrition plan

Understanding what do juvenile squirrels eat becomes crucial at this stage. At 6-7 weeks, babies begin weaning while still consuming formula. Accordingly, rehabilitators introduce primate chow and gradually add various foods, primarily:

• Apples and grapes
• Hard-shelled nuts (out of shell)
• Broccoli stems and kale
• Green beans

9 weeks and beyond

By 9-10 weeks, what can baby squirrels eat expands significantly. Rather than relying solely on formula, they need more nutritious solid foods with three formula feedings daily. What do baby squirrels eat and drink at this stage includes:

• Rodent blocks (Kay-Tee Forti-Diet or Mazuri)
• Fresh leafy greens like kale and dandelions
• Natural branches for chewing
• Corn and sweet potato

Essential to note, what to feed young squirrels should never include large amounts of nuts, corn, or seeds alone, as this can lead to metabolic bone disease. This condition manifests through labored breathing, low activity levels, and potentially fatal complications.

Common Feeding Problems and Solutions

Feeding challenges often arise when caring for orphaned squirrels, but understanding what to feed a baby squirrel becomes easier with proper knowledge of common problems and their solutions.

Refusing to eat

Baby squirrels occasionally refuse food due to teething, which occurs twice during development. Throughout this period, caregivers might notice blood on the nipple and reduced appetite, which typically resolves within 24 hours. Understanding what to feed young squirrels during teething requires patience and careful observation.

Essential steps when a squirrel refuses food:

• Check body temperature remains warm
• Ensure proper hydration levels
• Maintain a quiet feeding environment
• Hold the squirrel upright while feeding

Overfeeding issues

Determining what can baby squirrels eat involves careful portion control. Overfeeding presents serious risks, as baby squirrels tend to eat enthusiastically beyond their needs. A properly fed stomach should feel soft like a half-filled water balloon and deflate before the next feeding.

When bloating occurs, caregivers must immediately adjust what do juvenile squirrels eat and drink. Skip one feeding and provide hydration fluids instead. For relief, submerge the squirrel’s lower body in warm water up to the armpits and gently massage the abdomen.

Digestive problems

Understanding what to feed a baby squirrel becomes crucial when dealing with digestive issues. Diarrhea often results from overfeeding, improper formula mixing, or feeding too frequently. The condition appears as watery stools, unlike normal yellow-orange, soft nuggets.

When diarrhea occurs, what do baby squirrels eat changes temporarily. First, stop formula feeding and switch to an electrolyte solution for 12-24 hours. Afterward, gradually reintroduce the formula by mixing it with the hydration solution. Essentially, prevention remains key – never feed a cold baby or exceed 5% of body weight per feeding.

What to feed a baby squirrel during digestive issues primarily depends on proper formula preparation and feeding intervals. Space feedings, at least three hours apart. Furthermore, monitor stool consistency – normal feces should be firm and light-colored. Undoubtedly, prompt action when digestive problems arise prevents dehydration and potential fatal complications.

Transitioning to Solid Foods

The journey of introducing solid foods marks a crucial milestone in understanding what to feed a baby squirrel. This transition phase requires careful attention to timing and food selection to ensure proper development.

When to introduce solids

The optimal time to begin solid foods arrives when baby squirrels reach 6 to 7 weeks of age. Primarily, this transition coincides with the development of their teeth and improved coordination. Formula remains essential during this period, with feedings needed every 4 hours.

Understanding what to feed a baby squirrel during weaning involves recognizing key developmental signs. Typically, weaning begins between the 7th and 8th week, with babies gradually reducing their formula intake. At this stage, what do juvenile squirrels eat expands beyond liquid nutrition.

Sweet potato serves as an excellent indicator of feeding progress. Babies initially shred their food, much like they would twigs in nature. Once caregivers stop finding orange shreds in the enclosure, this signals the squirrel has mastered chewing and swallowing.

Best starter foods

When determining what to feed young squirrels, creating a balanced starter menu proves essential. A thoughtful introduction of solid foods begins with a small platter containing:

• Kale pieces
• Apple slices
• Fresh pecan halves (out of shell)
• Broccoli stems
• Sweet potato chunks

Baby squirrels’ diet expands as they learn to eat properly. Maintaining calcium intake is crucial when the formula decreases. Their diet should include nutritious foods, with vegetables as the foundation.

Rodent blocks are essential for proper nutrition. These blocks provide complete nutrients and should be given fresh daily. Cut them into small pieces for easy eating. Once squirrels master these, introduce grapes and more vegetables.

Oak and maple twigs help with more than nutrition. They provide exercise for growing teeth and jaws. Each squirrel has unique preferences. Offer various healthy foods and monitor their response.

What To Feed A Baby Squirrel Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best milk replacer for baby squirrels? 

The recommended milk replacer for baby squirrels is puppy milk replacer, specifically Esbilac powder. It should be mixed with distilled water and whipping cream for optimal nutrition. Never use cow’s milk, as it can be harmful to squirrels.

What to feed a baby squirrel with eyes closed?

A baby squirrel with closed eyes should be fed a specialized squirrel milk replacer like Esbilac puppy formula. Avoid cow’s milk, almond milk, or homemade mixtures, as they can cause digestive issues. Use a syringe or dropper to feed every 3 to 4 hours, ensuring small, slow feedings to prevent choking. Keep the baby warm, as proper body temperature helps with digestion.

What to feed a baby squirrel with teeth?

Once a baby squirrel starts developing teeth, you can begin introducing soft solid foods like mashed fruits (apples, bananas), vegetables (sweet potatoes, carrots), and softened rodent blocks while continuing milk replacer. Avoid giving processed or sugary foods, as they can harm its development. Ensure a freshwater source is available as it learns to drink independently.

What to feed a 4-week-old baby squirrel?

At four weeks old, a baby squirrel should still be primarily on milk replacer, but you can start offering small bits of soft food like mashed fruits, vegetables, and soaked rodent blocks. It’s important to introduce solids gradually while monitoring digestion. Continue feeding formula every 4 to 5 hours and provide a warm, safe environment to support healthy growth.

What to feed a baby squirrel with eyes open?

A baby squirrel with open eyes can begin transitioning to solid foods while still receiving formula. Offer fruits, vegetables, nuts, and high-quality rodent blocks, ensuring a variety for balanced nutrition. As it gets older, gradually reduce formula intake while providing a shallow dish of water to encourage hydration. Avoid processed or seasoned foods, as they can be harmful.