how to care for a infant squirrel

Finding a baby squirrel alone can be a worrying experience. Your first instinct is to help, and that’s a beautiful thing. These tiny, fragile creatures require very specific care to survive, and knowing the right steps is crucial. This guide will walk you through the essentials of how to care for a infant squirrel safely and effectively, focusing on their immediate needs for warmth, hydration, and proper nutrition.

First Steps: Warmth and Reuniting

Before you do anything else, the baby must be warm. A chilled squirrel cannot digest food. Create a soft nest in a box with a soft cloth and place a heating pad set on low underneath half of it. This allows the squirrel to move away if it gets too warm. Always check if the baby is truly orphaned. The mother may be nearby. If the squirrel is uninjured, place the warm box at the base of the tree and monitor from a distance for a few hours. Reuniting with its mother is always the best outcome.

The Ultimate Guide on How to Care for an Infant Squirrel

If the mother does not return, your help is needed. Never give a cold baby any form of milk or formula. Once the baby is warm and active, you can offer hydration. Pedialyte is a good initial choice. Use a small oral syringe or pet nurser and offer drops slowly, allowing the baby to swallow. Feeding should be done with the squirrel in an upright position, never on its back, to prevent aspiration.

Choosing the Right Formula and Feeding Schedule

After 24 hours of Pedialyte, you can introduce a specialized formula. Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer is a widely recommended option. Cow’s milk, human baby formula, or regular milk can cause severe digestive issues and are dangerous. Feed the baby every two to three hours, even through the night for very young squirrels. Their bellies are small, so they need frequent, small meals.

Supporting Their Natural Development

As the squirrel grows, its needs will change. Around five weeks old, you can introduce solid foods like rodent blocks, which provide balanced nutrition. Later, you can add small pieces of fresh vegetables and fruits. Provide a small, shallow dish of water. Remember, a pet squirrel is often illegal and is not the goal. The ultimate aim is to raise a healthy, wild animal that can be returned to its natural habitat.

Caring for an infant squirrel is a big responsibility that requires patience and dedication. By providing consistent warmth, proper nutrition, and a safe environment, you give this little life its best chance. For ongoing care, always consult with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can provide expert guidance.