Care for Newborn Chipmunks

Determine if the baby is truly an orphan. Baby chipmunks, especially older ones, can find themselves accidentally exposed, as they begin to explore their surroundings. These chipmunks are not orphans but simply wayward children. The mother will generally locate them and bring them back to the nest without any human interference. To determine whether or not the baby has been orphaned, leave him where you found him and place a warm water bottle next to him to keep him warm. If the mother is around, she will find him in a couple of hours and take him home. If you have not seen her by nightfall, take the baby indoors.

Create a nest. Place the baby in an open-topped, rigid, plastic container lined with a flannel shirt. It is important that the shirt have no holes or loose threads that can trap and potentially suffocate the baby. To keep the baby warm, place a warm water bottle in the nest and replace it often.

Determine the age of the baby. The age of the baby chipmunk will determine the next steps for caring for him. A baby chipmunk aged 1 week old or less will be naked and his eyes will be closed. He is generally 2 inches in length. The chipmunk's stripes will begin to appear between weeks 1 and 2, although his eyes will still be closed. The baby will be moving around a bit. Between 2 and 3 weeks, the baby's color pattern will be fully developed. He will actually look like a miniature version of the adult. His eyes are still closed. At 4 weeks of age, both his eyes and ears open. At 5 weeks old, the baby begins to move around quite a bit. His eyes are open and focused. By the time the baby reaches 8 weeks of age, he is very active and quite fast. He has a fully developed coat.

Feed the baby. Baby chipmunks will need to be fed according to their age. Esbilac is the only milk replacer that is acceptable for use with baby chipmunks; you can purchase this product from any pet supply store. Stimulate the baby by using a Q tip that has been moistened with warm water and gently wipe it across the genitals multiple times to encourage urination and defecation. For the first three feedings, you should offer plain electrolyte solution that has been warmed to body temperature. This serves to rehydrate the chipmunk. Using a 1-cc syringe, offer a drop of electrolyte solution and allow the chipmunk to drink the liquid sustenance. Mix the Esbilac according to the package instructions; feed him by following the same procedures. If the chipmunk drinks too much liquid at once, he will begin sneezing; excess formula or electrolyte solution will leak from his nose. Gently turn the baby so his nose is perpendicular to the floor and rub his back until he stops sneezing. Wipe away the excess fluid. After you have completed the feeding, perform the same process with the Q tip to encourage urination and defecation. Baby chipmunks up to 2 weeks of age will need to be fed and stimulated six times per day or every 3 hours. You can reduce the feeding and stimulation schedule to five times per day at 3 weeks, four times per day at 4 weeks and so on. You can begin to use supplementation with solid foods, starting at 4 weeks of age, along with rodent chow and a variety of fruits and nuts.

Offer teething materials. At 5 weeks, offer the baby limbs and twigs for him to chew on; this regimen will help to wear down his teeth until he is completely weaned.

Release the baby. After the chipmunk has reached 9 to 10 weeks of age, he is ready to be on his own. Acclimate him to the outdoors by placing his cage outdoors during the day. Begin opening the door and letting him explore while allowing him to return to the safety of the cage at night. Begin leaving less and less food in the cage to encourage him to explore, develop independence and find his own way into the natural environment.