Nutrition & Care for a Squirrel

Squirrels like all animals have complex nutritional needs. They require a well-balanced diet in order to maintain their health. Caring for squirrels can be difficult since they are wild animals. They are meant to run and climb outside and they have sharp teeth and claws which can be potentially dangerous. But there are special circumstances in which a squirrel may be kept, such as nursing it back to health or caring for an abandoned or orphaned baby.

  1. Squirrel Care

    • Check your state laws. In most states keeping a squirrel in your home is illegal and you could be charged with a large fine. If you find a small baby squirrel that is without a mother, contact your local veterinarian office and see if there is a local squirrel rehabilitator in your area that will take in the squirrel. In the meantime, provide a small nesting box that is filled with shredded T-shirt material. Do not use towels; loose strings can get caught around the squirrel's neck, causing suffocation.

    Important Nutrition

    • Nuts in a shell are tasty food choices for squirrels. Not only do they provide adequate nutrition, but also excellent chewing exercises, proteins and fatty acids. Nuts cannot comprise all a squirrel's nutritional needs; they are herbivores and they need a balanced diet. Squirrels also need a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, such as yellow squash, broccoli, grapes, leafy green vegetables, watermelon, carrots, peas and apples.

    Added Minerals and Nutrients

    • Squirrels need to get enough calcium to ensure that they do not develop metabolic bone disease, a debilitating illness that in severe cases can cause death. This disease is brought on by an unbalanced diet and a severe calcium deficiency. Ensure that the squirrel is eating plenty of green leafy vegetables, which are high in calcium. If the squirrel isn't consuming much of those vegetables, you can provide a calcium supplement. Liquid calcium can be added to water, though ensure it only has calcium and no other vitamins included. A supplement can also be prescribed by a veterinarian, or you can use a supplement designed specifically for squirrel calcium deficiencies in the form of pellets or nut balls.

    What Not to Give

    • It is important to never feed squirrels peanuts, which do not belong in the nut family but are actually legumes. The shells of peanuts can contain a toxic mold for squirrels which can hurt them. You must also be very careful if you have just found a baby squirrel. Do not feed it immediately; feeding a cold baby squirrel will result in death. Do not give a baby squirrel human formula or cow's milk which their systems cannot handle. Call your veterinarian and he can recommend a product or formula to rehydrate the baby squirrel.