How to Feed an Orphaned Baby Squirrel

Squirrels are among the most common wildlife orphans. It is not uncommon to find a baby squirrel alone following a storm or heavy winds. Aside from warming and hydrating the baby squirrel, feeding the squirrel is the most vital element of baby squirrel care. There is a very specific technique that must be used to feed an orphaned baby squirrel, as young squirrels are unable to eat on their own until the age of 6 or 7 weeks, at which point they will begin to wean as solid foods are gradually introduced. Improper feeding techniques can lead to malnutrition, serious respiratory illness and even death.

Things You'll Need

  • Small liquid syringe
  • Small cup
  • Microwave or tub of warm water
  • Esbilac puppy formula
  • Small towel
  • Warm washcloth
  • Paper towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Begin by mixing just a bit more than the amount of Esbilac puppy formula that will be needed for one feeding. Esbilac puppy formula is the best nutritional supplement for baby squirrels, as it's the closest to what the squirrel would receive in the wild. The frequency and amount of each feeding will vary depending on the baby squirrel's age (see Resources).

    • 2

      Place the mixed Esbilac puppy formula into a cup and microwave the cup for between 15 and 30 seconds, or until moderately warm. If a microwave is not available, fill a bowl with hot water and place the cup of formula in the hot water, stirring occasionally. If the formula requires additional warming, replace the water in the bowl as it cools.

    • 3

      Collect the small liquid syringe and a few paper towels to wipe up any drips. Retrieve the cup of formula once warmed and place them within reach of a comfortable chair where the squirrel caretaker will sit while the feeding takes place.

    • 4

      Collect the orphaned baby squirrel and wrap him in a small towel to maintain his warmth. Keep the baby squirrel upright at all times.

    • 5

      Fill the liquid syringe with some of the formula and give the baby squirrel formula, one drop at a time. Do not allow the baby squirrel to suck on the liquid syringe, as this will increase his chances of aspirating the liquid. If necessary, provide drops at a faster rate until the baby squirrel has consumed the recommended amount of formula for his age.

    • 6

      In small baby squirrels, under the age of 6 weeks, the caretaker must control how much food the baby squirrel eats. A squirrel will not fully develop the instinct to stop eating when full until around 6 weeks of age. As long as the baby squirrel is gaining weight, there is no need to increase the food intake. If the squirrel is not steadily gaining weight, or if he appears to be losing weight, feed more frequent meals and increase the concentration of the formula.

    • 7

      Once the feeding is complete, sit with the squirrel for a few minutes to allow him to digest his meal. Keep the squirrel upright to allow him to burp up any air that he swallowed during the feeding.

    • 8

      Stimulate urination and defecation in the baby squirrel after he's rested for about 10 minutes following his meal. In the wild, a baby squirrel's mother will stimulate urination and bowel movements in young squirrels (under the age of approximately 6 weeks) by licking the genitals. Bathroom activities must be triggered by using a soft damp washcloth or damp cotton ball to simulate the mother squirrel's licking. It may take a few minutes, so be patient.

    • 9

      Once the baby squirrel has gone to the bathroom, wipe him up and return him to his cage or box, which must be outfitted with a heat lamp or heating pad and soft cloth for the squirrel to use as a warm nest.