How to Feed Infant Squirrels

Baby squirrels often become dislodged from their nests during severe storms. The mother may also succumb to a predator or other mishap which leaves the infants orphans. Most squirrels have three to four babies at a time. Born blind and hairless, the young infants depend completely on their mother. They nurse on their mother for about 75 days before being weaned. Baby squirrels accept being hand raised well but they do require a regular feeding schedule and warmth.

Things You'll Need

  • Towel or blanket
  • Heating pad
  • Box
  • Cage
  • 1 cc syringe
  • Electrolyte
  • Puppy milk replacer
  • 3 cc syringe
  • Washcloth
  • Straw
  • Bits of cloth
  • Fresh fruit
  • Cereal
  • Raisins
  • Acorns
  • Peanuts
  • Pine cones
  • Hardwood branches
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pick up the small squirrel once found. Wrap it in a blanket and hold it close to keep it warm. The squirrel requires that its body temperature be maintained at 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 2

      Exam the baby squirrel closely for any injuries. If it has any visible injuries contact a veterinarian.

    • 3

      Place the baby squirrel in a small box or cage. Place a heating bad set to low in the cage and cover it with a blanket or towel. Set the baby squirrel on the heating pad. If the squirrel gets too hot it will move off the heating pad.

    • 4

      Feed the baby squirrel a couple drops of electrolyte using a 1cc syringe. The electrolyte will help raise the squirrel's body temperature and rehydrate it.

    • 5

      Mix a commercial puppy milk replacer according to the directions on the label. Warm the fluid to 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 6

      Cradle the baby squirrel in the palm of your hand. Insert the syringe gently between its lips. Feed the baby squirrel slowly so it does not choke.

    • 7

      Feed the baby squirrel using a 3cc syringe every four hours during daylight hours. Feed the baby squirrel as much as it will eat but it should consume a minimum of 3 cc per feeding. When its eyes open feed it every six hours.

    • 8

      Rub the genital region of the baby squirrel using a warm washcloth after each feeding. The rubbing simulates the natural licking of the mother squirrel which encourages the baby squirrel to urinate and defecate.

    • 9

      Dice up fresh fruit, such as apples, cereal and raisins in the cage with the squirrel when its eyes open. Provide fresh water daily. Place shelled peanuts, acorns and pine cones in the cage for the squirrel. The baby squirrel will begin to consume food and continue to drink milk as it grows. The more food the baby squirrel eats the less milk it will drink.

    • 10

      Place hardwood tree branches into the squirrels cage as it grows so it can chew on them while it is teething. The baby squirrel will also enjoy playing with the branches. Provide straw and bits of cloth so it can form a nest. Clean the squirrel's cage daily.