How Much Milk Should a Baby Squirrel Drink?
So, you’re looking after a little baby squirrel. But, how much milk should he or she drink? First, he or she should stay in a cage for two weeks. At that time, you should give them a daily bottle of milk. Never let them out into the woods. If the squirrel is severely debilitated, it might need a liquid convalescence meal.
Almond milk is not suitable for baby squirrels
If you own a squirrel, you know that it can be a little bit hard to keep up with the dietary requirements of a baby. Almond milk is highly nutritious, but it is not suitable for baby squirrels. Baby squirrels’ digestive systems are fragile and almond milk is a good choice for an adult. However, it is not recommended for baby squirrels, as it contains too many calories and artificial sweeteners. The best milk for baby squirrels is Esbilac, which is readily available in most pet shops and places like Chris’s Squirrels and More.
If you think your baby squirrel will enjoy almond butter, try serving them in small amounts. Almonds can be hard on a squirrel’s stomach, so you’ll need to give them only a small amount. But make sure you choose a pure source, as almonds can contain cyanide compounds, which can cause digestive upset. A squirrel’s digestive system is not as sensitive as a baby’s, so don’t be fooled by their cute faces!
If you are worried about your baby squirrel’s diet, don’t worry. There are several ways to supplement the diet of your baby squirrel. You can use puppy milk formula powder. Just mix the powder with 4 parts water if you’ve recently found it. Avoid goat’s milk, human baby formula, and almond milk. Depending on the type of formula you give your baby squirrel, it can take six to eight cubic centimeters of milk or about one-third to three-tenths of a quart of liquid.
Human milk is not suitable for severely debilitated/emaciated baby squirrels
In some cases, a baby squirrel may not be able to feed due to a lack of blood or other complications. If this happens, you should stop feeding and wash the baby’s face, as formula tends to dry and stick to the skin. If this is the case, the baby may become uncomfortable or even lose fur. In nature, the mother squirrel cleans her baby by licking it, so you may want to consider giving your baby squirrel a formula instead of human milk.
Whether or not the squirrel is dehydrated is another issue. If the skin is falling flat for more than 4 seconds, the squirrel may have a medical condition and require treatment. If you suspect that the baby is suffering from emaciation, check the body temperature, look for cuts and bruises, and give it extra care. Here are some pictures of healthy and unhealthy baby squirrels.
The best solution for feeding an orphaned animal is to provide rehydration. Generally, human milk is not suitable for severely debilitated/emaciated baby squirrels. A sterile solution of 20% dextrose is administered to a severely debilitated squirrel via a stomach tube. A single mL should be administered to an infant while a three to five-mL solution should suffice for a juvenile and up to an adult. It is best to avoid using concentrated intravenous glucose solutions for wildlife.
Human convalescence liquid meal
Human convalescence liquid meals are intended to revive severely debilitated babies. They do not replace proper formula in the long run. The best option is to start with rehydrating them with Pedialyte, followed by introducing a human formula such as Esbilac puppy formula or Fox Valley squirrel formula. However, feeding a squirrel by weight does not work well for many reasons, including that it tends to have a swollen belly.
The first step is to examine the squirrel carefully. Observe its behavior, size, and age. Also, keep detailed records of its care. A professional wildlife rehabilitation facility may have a different formula for the baby squirrel than an owner, which is harder on its digestive system. However, this is not a reason to use an inferior formula. When in doubt, consult with a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator.
A healthy diet will ensure a healthy squirrel’s development. You should feed the squirrel a variety of foods that contain the right combination of vitamins, minerals, and calcium. If possible, feed your squirrels broccoli and arugula, as they are high in calcium. Kale and radicchio are also high in calcium. Moreover, they’ll love to eat nuts.
How much milk should a baby squirrel drink?
A baby squirrel should drink about 3/4 cup of milk a day.
How often should a baby squirrel drink milk?
A baby squirrel should drink milk 3-4 times a day.
What type of milk is best for a baby squirrel?
Whole milk is best for a baby squirrel.
How long should a baby squirrel drink milk?
A baby squirrel should drink milk for the first 8-10 weeks of life.
What happens if a baby squirrel doesn’t drink enough milk?
A baby squirrel who doesn’t drink enough milk may become dehydrated or malnourished.
What happens if a baby squirrel drinks too much milk?
A baby squirrel who drinks too much milk may develop diarrhea or stomach problems.
Can a baby squirrel drink cow’s milk?
Yes a baby squirrel can drink cow’s milk but it is not as nutritious as squirrel milk.
Where can I get squirrel milk?
You can purchase squirrel milk online or at some pet stores.
Do I need to give my baby squirrel milk?
No you don’t need to give your baby squirrel milk but it is a good source of nutrition.
Will my baby squirrel drink milk if I offer it to him?
Some baby squirrels will drink milk if offered but others may not be interested.
How do I know if my baby squirrel is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration in a baby squirrel include lethargy dry mouth and sunken eyes.
How do I know if my baby squirrel is malnourished?
Signs of malnourishment in a baby squirrel include weight loss lethargy and weakness.
What should I do if my baby squirrel is dehydrated?
If your baby squirrel is dehydrated you should take him to the vet immediately.
What should I do if my baby squirrel is malnourished?
If your baby squirrel is malnourished you should take him to the vet immediately.
Is it normal for a baby squirrel to refuse milk?
Yes it is normal for a baby squirrel to refuse milk at times.
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.
