Care for Baby Squirrels Feeding and Nutrition Guide

When you find an orphaned baby squirrel, knowing how to feed it properly is crucial for its survival. Here, we’ll cover the essentials of feeding baby squirrels, including the type of milk to use and how to administer it.

What Kind of Milk Do You Feed Baby Squirrels

Baby squirrels require a special diet that mimics their mother’s milk. The best option is a puppy milk replacer, such as Esbilac, which is available at pet stores. Cow’s milk and other non-specific animal milks can cause digestive problems and should be avoided. If you can’t find puppy milk replacer, goat’s milk is a safer alternative, but only use it temporarily until you can get the right formula.

How to Feed a Baby Squirrel with a Syringe

Feeding a baby squirrel with a syringe ensures precise control over the amount of milk they consume, preventing overfeeding. Use a small syringe without a needle, ideally a 1 cc or 3 cc size. Fill the syringe with the milk replacer and slowly feed the squirrel drop by drop. Hold the squirrel upright to prevent choking and ensure it is warm before feeding, as cold squirrels can’t digest food properly.

What to Feed a Baby Squirrel with Eyes Closed

A baby squirrel with its eyes closed is likely very young and needs formula specifically designed for infant animals. Esbilac puppy milk replacer is ideal. Feed the baby squirrel every 2-3 hours, including at night, using a small syringe. Warm the formula slightly before feeding, but make sure it’s not too hot. Monitor the baby’s weight to ensure it’s gaining steadily, as this is a sign of proper nutrition.

What to Feed a 4 Week Old Baby Squirrel

At four weeks old, baby squirrels are starting to grow more fur and become more active. They still need formula but can start to nibble on solid foods. Continue with the Esbilac milk replacer, but introduce small amounts of soft foods like mashed fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Ensure that the solid foods are small and soft enough for them to chew and swallow without difficulty. what is choke in horses

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kind of milk is safe for baby squirrels?
A: Esbilac puppy milk replacer is the best milk for baby squirrels. Goat’s milk can be used temporarily if necessary.

2. What is a substitute for squirrel milk?
A: Goat’s milk or a homemade mixture of half-and-half and heavy cream can be used in emergencies until you get the proper formula.

3. What can I give a baby squirrel if I don’t have formula?
A: In an emergency, you can use goat’s milk or a homemade mixture of half-and-half and heavy cream, but switch to Esbilac puppy milk replacer as soon as possible.

4. How often should you feed a baby squirrel?
A: Feed baby squirrels every 2-3 hours, including at night for very young squirrels.

5. Can baby squirrels drink cow’s milk?
A: No, cow’s milk can cause severe digestive issues and should be avoided.

6. How do you know if a baby squirrel is hungry?
A: A hungry baby squirrel will be restless, make squeaking noises, and try to suck on your fingers.

7. What temperature should the formula be?
A: The formula should be warm, around body temperature, but not hot. Test it on your wrist before feeding.

8. Can you feed a baby squirrel with a bottle?
A: It’s better to use a small syringe for better control and to prevent overfeeding.

9. When can baby squirrels start eating solid food?
A: At around four weeks old, you can start introducing small amounts of soft, solid food.

10. How do you keep a baby squirrel warm?
A: Keep the baby squirrel in a warm, draft-free environment. Use a heating pad on a low setting under half of their enclosure.