How Long For Baby Squirrel to Open Eyes Without Teeth?
How old is a baby squirrel? The earliest squirrels open their eyes at about three to four weeks of age. Then there are some important milestones that should be met before the baby squirrel is considered old enough to open its eyes. Here are some guidelines:
3-4 weeks old
It takes about three to four weeks for a baby gray or Eastern gray squirrel’s eyes to open, and it’s common to find pictures of a newly born squirrel sprawled out with a straight tail behind it. At around five weeks, the squirrel begins to sit up and start to move around, gaining more movement. By the time it’s around five weeks old, it is completely covered in fur and its tail appears fluffy and long.
The next step in preparing for this crucial stage is to feed the baby squirrel solid foods. At this point, you should start introducing a few pieces of fruit and vegetables. Squirrel Complete is a high-protein pellet mix that includes healthy nuts and vegetables. Feeding the squirrel with this mixture should be done using a stainless steel water bottle, ceramic cup, or glass feeding dish. These are better sanitary than plastic and can be chew-proof.
No teeth
How long does it take a baby squirrel to open eyes without teeth? At three to four weeks of age, squirrels start developing fur and have lower front teeth. They also have hairless areas under the tail and lower legs. Once they have their lower teeth, they are ready to move around. After this age, baby squirrels start growing upper incisors and can open their eyes, either clear or clouded.
If you think your baby squirrel has diarrhea, check to see if it is suffering from diarrhea. If its stools are soft and runny, it may be due to the transition to a formula or a lack of exercise. If it is running on an empty stomach, try wiping it with a wet cloth. If the squirrel does not urinate or pee, it may have a fever, bowel movement, or other health issue. If these symptoms persist, take your baby squirrel to the veterinarian immediately.
No malocclusion
When a baby squirrel first opens its eyes, he or she is most likely displaying signs of no malocclusion. However, if your baby squirrel is showing other signs of no malocclusion, it may be in need of a dental checkup. Your veterinarian can determine the cause of the condition by examining your baby squirrel in a quiet room. To help soothe a baby squirrel, you can use a Q-tip dipped in warm saline solution. Your wildlife rehabilitator may also prescribe antibiotics if necessary.
Malocclusion occurs when the teeth of a squirrel are not positioned properly in their mouths. In rodents, this can be fatal and requires dental surgery. In some cases, a squirrel’s teeth are misaligned and must be clipped every four weeks. However, if you see the teeth of a baby squirrel opening its eyes, it is most likely that no malocclusion will affect it.
Mother leaves nest
Upon leaving the nest, the baby squirrel begins to show more signs of independence. Its fur grows and its tail curls. By this time, the baby squirrel is ready to leave the nest. The baby squirrel will continue to live near its mother, but eventually it will be independent and survive on its own. But before it can fully become independent, it must go through a few developmental stages.
Unlike a human baby, the baby squirrel is not protected by the mother when she leaves the nest. It is usually only long enough to eat. She will return to her nest. If you are working around the nest, it might scare her off and leave her babies alone. Leaving them in the nest may scare the mother, so it is best to leave them alone until she returns to relocate the young.
No mother leaves litter
If you find an abandoned baby squirrel, do not disturb it. Mother squirrels quickly return to their nests to feed their young. The baby may be left unnoticed until it begins crying or feeding again. You may try to attract the mother to return by gently handling the squirrel. Mothers do not reject their young when they smell the scent of a human, but their presence may deter them from returning. You should keep a distance from the abandoned baby squirrel and follow FWC general emergency instructions.
It is important to remember that baby squirrels have no eyes if they are younger than four weeks old. Their eyes are closed until they open. Their teeth develop slowly and are not fully formed until the baby squirrel is at least 7 weeks old. This time period is important for the squirrels to develop their teeth. During this period, they will erupt their lower incisors and two upper incisors. After 6 weeks, their cheek teeth start to form.
No mother leaves nest
It is highly uncommon for a mother to leave her nest for her baby to open its eyes. A baby squirrel is helpless, without eyes, hair, or teeth, so it is dependent on its mother’s milk for survival. However, there are times when a mother squirrel does leave her nest to care for her offspring. When this happens, the baby squirrel may be suffering from a broken bone, be covered with maggots, or have fly eggs or rice grain-like caterpillars moving around. If it has cold and wet fur, or is crying nonstop, it is highly likely that the animal is in need of immediate veterinary attention.
The baby squirrel’s housing needs will vary with age. A young orphan should be placed in a warm, dry room. It should be kept in an insulated plastic box that is ideally free of drafts or noise. It should be covered in soft bedding that does not ravel, as wiggly baby squirrels may be strangled if they get too warm. If the baby squirrel is weak or young, a terry cloth towelling should be avoided, as the fabric can stretch and tear causing twisted limbs.
How long does it take for a baby squirrel to open its eyes?
One to two weeks.
How long does it take for a baby squirrel to be born?
Around six weeks.
How long does it take for a baby squirrel to be able to walk?
Around three weeks.
How long does it take for a baby squirrel to be able to climb?
Around six weeks.
How long does it take for a baby squirrel to be able to eat solid food?
Around eight weeks.
How long does it take for a baby squirrel to be fully weaned?
Around twelve weeks.
How long does it take for a baby squirrel to be fully independent?
Around sixteen weeks.
How long does it take for a baby squirrel to reach sexual maturity?
Around twelve months.
How long does a baby squirrel stay with its mother?
Until it is fully independent.
How long does a squirrel live in the wild?
Around five years.
How long does a squirrel live in captivity?
Around ten years.
How often do squirrels have litters?
Once a year.
How many babies are in a typical litter?
Around four.
How much does a baby squirrel weigh at birth?
Around one ounce.
How much does an adult squirrel weigh?
Around two pounds.

Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.