Recognizing What Your Baby Squirrel Needs
Every year, countless tiny lives are disrupted when baby squirrels find themselves orphaned. Whether it’s due to a fall from a tree, the loss of their mother, or other unfortunate circumstances, these vulnerable creatures require immediate and specialized care to survive. One of the most critical aspects of providing that care is understanding the specific nutritional needs of a newborn squirrel. Giving them the proper newborn squirrel food, in the right amounts, and at the correct intervals, is crucial for their healthy development and eventual release back into the wild. Without a solid understanding of newborn squirrel food and care, even the best intentions can have devastating consequences. This guide aims to provide you with comprehensive information on how to feed a newborn squirrel, ensuring they have the best possible chance at a healthy and happy life.
Before you can start feeding a newborn squirrel, it’s essential to accurately determine their age. This will guide your feeding schedule and the type of newborn squirrel food you provide. Squirrels develop rapidly in their early weeks, and their needs change accordingly.
A squirrel just a few days old (around one to seven days) will be very small, often referred to as a “pinky” due to their pink skin. Their eyes will be closed, and they’ll have very little or no fur. As they progress into the one to two-week stage, some fur will begin to appear. By two to four weeks, their eyes will start to open, and they will become more active. From four to six weeks, they’ll be fully furred and significantly more mobile. Knowing these milestones is crucial in determining not only the schedule but also the amount of newborn squirrel food to give.
Equally important is assessing their hydration level. Dehydration is a common issue in orphaned newborn squirrels and must be addressed before feeding. You can check for dehydration by gently pinching the skin on their back; if it doesn’t snap back quickly, they are likely dehydrated. Another indicator is the color of their gums; pale or white gums suggest dehydration. Before offering any newborn squirrel food, prioritize rehydration. Unflavored Pedialyte (or a homemade electrolyte solution, discussed later) is ideal for this purpose. Administer small amounts frequently.
While providing care yourself might seem appealing, knowing when to seek professional help is paramount. The absolute best-case scenario is always to reunite the baby squirrel with its mother. If you find a seemingly abandoned squirrel, observe it from a distance for a few hours to see if the mother returns. You can even try placing the baby in a shallow box near the tree where you found it, ensuring it’s protected from predators and the weather. If the mother doesn’t return, or if the squirrel shows signs of injury, severe dehydration, hypothermia, or seizures, immediate intervention from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is necessary. These professionals have the expertise and resources to provide specialized care that goes beyond simply providing newborn squirrel food. They can assess the squirrel’s overall health, treat any underlying conditions, and prepare it for a successful return to the wild.
Choosing the Right Newborn Squirrel Food Options
The cornerstone of caring for a newborn squirrel is providing the correct newborn squirrel food. Steer clear of cow’s milk. It lacks the essential nutrients that squirrels need and can cause digestive problems. The best option is a commercially available puppy milk replacer, specifically the powdered form, such as Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer. This formula is readily available at pet stores and online, and it’s formulated to meet the specific nutritional requirements of young mammals. Another good option, although potentially harder to find, is Fox Valley Animal Nutrition Day One Formula.
It’s crucial to mix the powdered formula according to the package instructions. Using too much or too little water can affect the nutrient concentration and lead to digestive issues. Use clean, sterilized bottles or syringes for feeding. Always prepare fresh formula for each feeding and discard any leftovers to prevent bacterial growth.
In a pinch, if commercial Pedialyte is unavailable for rehydrating a dehydrated baby, you can prepare a homemade electrolyte solution. A simple recipe consists of one cup of warm water, one teaspoon of sugar, and a pinch of salt. This solution helps to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, but it should only be used for rehydration and not as a substitute for proper newborn squirrel food.
There’s a wide range of foods that should be strictly avoided when feeding a newborn squirrel. Solid foods, nuts, and seeds are unsuitable for their delicate digestive systems. Their bodies are not yet equipped to process these items, and they can cause choking, blockages, or nutritional imbalances. The focus should remain solely on providing the appropriate newborn squirrel food formula until they reach the stage where they can gradually transition to solid foods.
Techniques and Timetables For Successful Feeding
Proper feeding techniques are just as important as selecting the right newborn squirrel food. Gather your supplies: small syringes (one cc or three cc) without needles are ideal. You can also use special small animal nipples designed for feeding orphaned wildlife. Soft cloths will be needed for cleaning and stimulating elimination.
When preparing the formula, ensure you follow the mixing instructions precisely. Hygiene is paramount; sterilize all feeding equipment thoroughly before each use. Formula should be stored properly in the refrigerator and warmed to body temperature before feeding.
Positioning the squirrel correctly during feeding is crucial to prevent aspiration. Always hold the squirrel upright, never on its back, as this can cause formula to enter its lungs. Support the squirrel gently but firmly in your hand, mimicking how its mother would hold it.
Administer the formula slowly and steadily to avoid overwhelming the squirrel. Allow them to suckle at their own pace. After each feeding, it’s essential to stimulate urination and defecation. Gently massage the squirrel’s anal area with a soft, damp cloth until they eliminate. This mimics the mother’s natural behavior and is crucial for their digestive health.
The feeding schedule varies depending on the squirrel’s age. During the first week of life, they need to be fed every two to three hours around the clock. As they grow, the intervals can be gradually extended. By weeks two to four, feeding every four to five hours during the day is sufficient, and you can eliminate nighttime feedings. The amount of formula to feed at each stage will vary based on the individual squirrel’s appetite, but it’s generally safe to allow them to eat until they appear satisfied.
If a squirrel refuses to eat, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. First, check the formula temperature; it should be warm, not hot or cold. Make sure the nipple is flowing correctly, allowing the formula to come out easily. Ensure the squirrel is warm enough, as hypothermia can suppress their appetite. Gently stroking the squirrel or offering gentle encouragement may also help stimulate their appetite. If the squirrel continues to refuse food, seek guidance from a wildlife rehabilitator.
Weaning and Welcoming Solid Foods
As the squirrel grows, it will eventually reach a point where it’s ready to transition from newborn squirrel food to solid foods. This weaning process should be gradual and carefully monitored.
Signs that a squirrel is ready to start weaning include showing interest in solid foods, actively exploring their environment, and developing teeth. When these signs appear, you can start introducing small amounts of age-appropriate solid foods. Suitable options include small pieces of avocado, mashed vegetables like sweet potato or peas, commercially available squirrel blocks or rodent blocks, and small pieces of fruits like apple or grape. Wild berries can also be offered if you can positively identify them as safe for consumption.
During the weaning process, gradually reduce the amount of formula you offer as the squirrel consumes more solid food. Continue to monitor their weight and overall health to ensure they are getting adequate nutrition. During weaning, it’s important to avoid foods high in starch, such as acorns or grains, as they can be difficult for the squirrel to digest. Nuts should also be avoided until they are fully weaned.
Transitioning to Independence
If your goal is to release the squirrel back into the wild, the final stage of care involves transitioning them to independence. This requires creating a suitable environment that mimics their natural habitat. A large cage with climbing branches, nesting boxes, and enrichment items is essential. Providing access to the outdoors for limited periods can also help them acclimate to their natural surroundings.
There are two main approaches to releasing squirrels: a soft release and a hard release. A soft release involves gradually acclimating the squirrel to its release environment by providing food and shelter in a designated area. This allows them to become familiar with the area and develop essential foraging skills. A hard release, on the other hand, involves simply releasing the squirrel into the wild without any prior acclimation. The best approach depends on the individual squirrel and the specific circumstances.
Before releasing a squirrel, ensure they are healthy, able to climb and forage independently, and free from any signs of illness. Release them in a safe area with plenty of trees and food sources, away from roads or other hazards. The time of year is also an important consideration; avoid releasing squirrels during the winter months when food is scarce.
Sometimes, squirrels cannot be released back into the wild due to injuries or other conditions that make them unable to survive on their own. In these cases, it’s essential to provide ongoing, appropriate care in a captive environment, ensuring they have a comfortable and enriching life.
In Conclusion
Caring for a newborn squirrel is a demanding but ultimately rewarding experience. By understanding their specific needs, providing the correct newborn squirrel food, and following proper feeding techniques, you can give these vulnerable creatures the best possible chance at survival. Remember that reuniting the baby with its mother is always the best option. And when in doubt, consult with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. With dedication and the right information, you can make a real difference in the life of a newborn squirrel and contribute to the conservation of these fascinating animals. The journey to nourish a newborn squirrel may have challenges, but the profound impact you will have on their lives will be worth every effort.
