How to Raise Gray Squirrels

Adult gray squirrels, who frequently inhabit yards and trees in and around human neighborhoods, are sometimes victims of accidents which leave young squirrels orphaned and alone. If you come across a nest of helpless baby squirrels, it is possible for you to become a foster parent and care for these creatures. With proper care, in fact, these grey squirrels can grow to become parents themselves.

Things You'll Need

  • Pediatric rehydrating solution
  • Medicine dropper
  • Blankets
  • Cardboard box
  • Heating pad
  • Paper towels
  • Powdered milk substitute
  • Warm water
  • Whipped cream
  • Dry dog food
  • Food bowl
  • Water bowl
  • Twig
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wait for two hours for the mother to arrive before handing the baby squirrels. The mother may have left the nest to forage for food. If two hours pass and the mother has not returned, it is safe to assume that she was injured or has perished.

    • 2

      Pick up the baby with your bare hands and rub them gently. It is important that babies stay warm. Squirrels should maintain a 98-degree Fahrenheit body temperature at all time.

    • 3

      Check for signs of injury and dehydration. A baby squirrel that is dehydrated will have grayish skin and will seem tired and unresponsive. If the squirrels are dehydrated, contact your veterinarian immediately. If not, the baby squirrels can be fed and cared for.

    • 4

      Feed the baby squirrels once they have become warm. It is very important that a cold baby is never fed. Give the babies pediatric rehydrating solution, such as Pedialyte. Heat the solution in the microwave for a few seconds and feed the babies a few ounces with a medicine dropper. Keep the baby grey squirrels warm during this feeding by wrapping them in a blanket. You should feed them nine times per day at this point.

    • 5

      Make a home for the baby squirrels by laying a warm blanket into a cardboard box. Place a heating pad on a "low" setting beneath the baby for added warmth. Cover the blanket with a layer of paper towels. Change the paper towels three to four times a day. Keep the box in a warm place that is also separate from any pets.

    • 6

      Switch the baby squirrel to a powdered milk substitute that is manufactured for dogs, such as Esbilac. When the squirrels have lost their umbilical cord and will not be satisfied by the other liquids alone--at about four weeks old--mix two teaspoon warm water, one teaspoon powdered milk and one teaspoon whipped cream for each squirrel. The cream will make the mixture sweeter and more attractive to the baby grey squirrel. Feed the squirrel one-quarter teaspoon every two hours.

    • 7

      Switch the baby grey squirrels to food once they begin to refuse the liquid. Give them dry dog food twice a day and fresh water several times a day.

    • 8

      Give the squirrel a small twig to chew on once it begins to teethe, which generally occurs at when the squirrel switches to dry dog food.

    • 9

      Release the squirrels a few days after they are consistently self-feeding. Place the box in a safe area that is away from cats, dogs or other animals. Allow the squirrel to roam and sniff around, but give them food and water until they have left for good.