Feeding baby squirrels requires special care and attention to ensure they receive the proper nutrition and hydration they need to grow and develop. Here are some tips on what to feed baby squirrels based on the search results:
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Formula: Baby squirrels less than 5 weeks old need to be fed a special formula. A recommended formula is a mixture of goat milk, plain yogurt, heavy cream, and egg yolk. It is important to make sure the formula is very warm, as baby squirrels will not drink enough formula if it is only slightly warm. When using a powdered formula, mix with very warm water and allow it to sit for a while in the fridge so it dissolves. Before each feeding, stir the formula and draw up enough syringes of cold formula for the feeding. Do not overfeed or increase feeding amounts too quickly, as baby squirrels will overeat and get diarrhea or bloating, which can be fatal. 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.
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Solid food: At about 6 weeks old, baby squirrels can start nibbling on solid food. Some recommended solid foods include kale, broccoli, apples, grapes, sweet potato, and hard-shelled nuts out of the shell. A good quality rodent diet is also recommended. Its best to provide a variety of these options. However, its important to continue feeding formula until the baby squirrel is ready to be weaned off of it.
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Hydration: Baby squirrels need to be hydrated properly. If a baby squirrel is dehydrated, it can be given Pedialyte for infants. It is important to make sure the baby squirrel is hydrated before feeding it formula.
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Stimulation: Baby squirrels less than 5 weeks old need to be stimulated to poop and pee. Use a warm, wet cotton ball, Q-tip, the corner of a Kleenex, or your finger, and flick lightly across the genital area. Some babies may need stimulation before and after feeding.
It is important to note that baby squirrels should never be fed cows milk, fruit juice, Tang, Sunny D, or any other sweet drink, as these can be harmful to their health. Homemade formulas found on the internet are also not recommended, as they can be inappropriate for squirrels and have deadly long-term effects. It is best to follow the recommended formulas and feeding guidelines provided by experts.
