How to Take Care of a Grey Squirrel

Grey squirrels are small woodland creatures that can be found all throughout Canada and the United States. These little critters typically come in two colors: grey and black -- both are considered to be Grey squirrels. In the wild, Grey squirrels forage for nuts, seeds and other food to keep them alive during the cold winter months. Although adult squirrels are not common pets, sometimes orphaned baby squirrels must be cared for until they are ready to return to the wild.

Things You'll Need

  • Heating pad
  • Rehydrating solution
  • Eyedropper
  • Puppy milk
  • Small box
  • Pet Carrier
  • Large cage
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Instructions

    • 1

      Warm the baby squirrel thoroughly with your hands or with a heating pad set on low. Squirrels that have been abandoned by their mother will be quite cold and need to be warmed up straight away.

    • 2

      Feed the baby squirrel with a re-hydrating solution such as Pedialite --- use the unflavored variety. Baby squirrels that have been left on their own will be very dehydrated and should never be given milk straight away since they won't be able to digest it. Warm the solution to room temperature and administer it via an eyedropper that allows you to control the flow of fluids into the squirrel's mouth. Feed the rehydration solution to the baby every 30 minutes for the first few feedings.

    • 3

      Stroke the baby gently after each feeding to stimulate the squirrel. If you are raising a single baby Grey squirrel it is important to handle and play with the baby to keep it stimulated. Only one person should interact with the baby Grey squirrel so that it maintains a fear of humans when it is released into the wild.

    • 4

      Wean the baby off the rehydration solution by mixing it gradually with puppy milk solution (this is suitable for squirrels too.) Start by mixing the puppy milk with a three to one ratio of rehydration solution to milk. Gradually increase the amount of milk over the next few feedings until the squirrel is eating only milk.

    • 5

      Feed the grey squirrel according to its body weight. A 20 gram baby Grey squirrel needs 1 cc of milk, a 40 gram baby needs 2ccs of milk and a 80 gram baby requires 3 ccs of milk. When the squirrel reaches 200 to 400 grams it can be fed 14ccs per feeding. As the baby ages, you can decrease the frequency of feedings.

    • 6

      Adjust the squirrel's living quarters as he begins to age. At first, keep the baby in a small box with air holes and a heating pad. At about five weeks, move the baby to a small pet carrier that provides them with more room to run around. Move the squirrel to a large cage at about 8 weeks of age to prepare them to be released into the wild.