Feeding a baby squirrel requires special care and attention. Here are some steps to follow:
Formula Feeding:
- Use a milk replacer formula, not cows milk or milk substitutes, as they can cause diarrhea and dehydration or send the squirrels body into shock.
- Mix the formula with very warm water and allow it to sit for a while in the fridge so it dissolves.
- Make sure the formula is very warm, as baby squirrels will not drink enough formula if it is only slightly warm.
- Feed the baby squirrel every 4 hours, and do not overfeed or increase feeding amounts too quickly.
- Weigh the baby every day at the same time to determine if they are gaining or losing weight and adjust the formula amount as needed.
- Stimulate the baby squirrel to poop and pee using a warm, wet cotton ball, Q-tip, the corner of a Kleenex, or your finger, and flick lightly across the genital area.
Solid Food:
- At about 6 weeks old, the baby squirrel will be ready to start nibbling on solid food.
- Introduce solid foods gradually and one at a time.
- Some good options for solid food include kale, broccoli, apples, grapes, sweet potato, and hard-shelled nuts out of the shell.
- Do not neglect the formula, which is still needed every 4 hours.
- American red squirrels are smaller than Eastern greys and so will need much less food.
- Continue stimulating urination and washing the face and neck after each feeding.
It is important to note that baby squirrels need lots of attention and affection, especially if they have no siblings. If you find a baby squirrel, it is recommended to take it to a licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator immediately upon receiving the animal, as most cases of baby animals that die on arrival to a rehabilitator is many times due to improper care given by the person that does not have the proper knowledge of hand-feeding small infant animals.
