How to Care For an Infant Squirrel
In the first few weeks of a squirrel’s life, the squirrel is still a baby. It can become independent between 10 and 12 weeks of age. To care for an infant squirrel, use your knowledge about feeding and handling the species. In this article, you’ll learn about how to place an infant squirrel, treat hypoglycemia, wean the squirrel off formula, and deal with diarrhea. For more information, please visit our articles on feeding and caring for squirrels.
Table of Contents
Placement of infant squirrels
It is important to observe a few factors when placing infant squirrels. If the baby is under five weeks old, it does not produce its own body heat. To provide the baby with warmth, you can place a heating pad on low setting. Place the infant squirrel in a soft cloth and gradually bring the heat up through the layers. The warmth will not overheat the baby. It is also important to observe the mother squirrel’s behavior when caring for her baby.
If the baby squirrel has closed eyes, this is an indication of exposure. The infant may have wriggled out of the nest when its mother is away. This can cause serious injuries. The baby is also dehydrated and starving. Additionally, the baby may be covered in dirt and insects. It is important to observe the baby squirrel in a quiet place and to ensure its safety. A squirrel will approach a passerby if it is in distress.
Treatment of hypoglycemia
The treatment of hypoglycemia in an infant has several steps. The first step is to check the baby’s blood sugar levels. If the blood sugar levels are low, the infant should be fed molasses. A few tablespoons of syrup on the gums of an infant will help correct the symptoms within half an hour. A feeding trance can help prolong feeding times. It also helps to tap the squirrel’s head gently to clear the air.
Another step is to administer formula. This should be done slowly. Using a syringe, administer the liquid very slowly. The syringe should not contain air pockets. Never give a squirrel too much formula at one time. Once the infant squirrel begins eating, give it a half-pecan treat. Also, make sure it drinks fresh water daily. Alternatively, if the squirrel is not eating, give it formula from a syringe.
Weaning off of formula
For this step, you will need a dropper. You should use a baby bottle or an eyedropper, as a larger syringe will increase the risk of aspiration, which will cause the fluid to bubble out of the squirrel’s nose. If the dropper does not fit the squirrel’s mouth, use a smaller one. Also, be sure not to squirt the fluid, as the squirrel’s natural reflex is to suck.
After weaning an infant squirrel off of formula, you can try offering it solid food. Depending on the species, this can be fruit, nuts, or even raw vegetables. You can also introduce your squirrel to hard-shelled nuts. It is recommended to wean the squirrel at approximately 10 to 12 weeks. Until then, you should provide the squirrel with the same amount of food as it was previously receiving. But it is still important to make sure that your squirrel does not become chilled.
Diarrhea
You can spot the symptoms of infant squirrel diarrhea by observing the baby’s non-formed stools, dampness, and excessive thirst. Baby squirrels that have diarrhea usually produce urine within a few seconds or minutes after the last feeding. If you notice a yellow stain, cut back on the formula and stimulate urination. Symptoms of diarrhea can last for a few days or weeks, so you should get your baby a veterinarian’s consultation right away.
While most people can survive aspiration pneumonia, most infant Gray squirrels will not make it past their first birthday. This condition can also be deadly because of the squirrels’ natural predators and their lack of food. Diarrhea in infant squirrels is a sign of a potentially dangerous condition and should be treated promptly. If you are unsure about the signs of infant squirrel diarrhea, you can check their droppings and take them to the vet immediately.
Pneumonia
The first step in treating a squirrel with pneumonia is to ensure it is breathing properly. Using a syringe with a small hole will not cause an aspiration, which means the fluid will bubble out of the squirrel’s nose. You should also clean out the squirrel’s airways with a baby bottle or eyedropper. When preparing the solution, avoid placing it on the squirrel’s lips or tongue, as they have a strong sucking reflex.
A baby squirrel can be treated by picking him up and placing him in a suitable container. It should be kept warm and given a bath, but do not give him formula immediately. He will require at least 24 hours of re-hydrating fluids and may have pneumonia if the liquid is not properly re-suspended. If you notice any of the signs listed above, he or she may be suffering from aspiration pneumonia.
Nutritional needs
The nutritional needs of an infant squirrel can be met through various feeding methods. You can feed the baby squirrel three or four times a day for the first six weeks. As a result, it should receive around 0.5 to 1 cc of formula every feeding. The feeding frequency can be increased if you have more than one baby squirrel. By the time the squirrel is about two to four weeks old, you can cut back on the feeding frequency to once every four hours.
An orphaned baby squirrel should first be rehydrated by placing it in a perforated box. Cotton material is preferred for the bedding. Heating pads may be placed under half of the box. Temporary hot water bottles can be used as well. If the infant squirrel is dehydrated, an electrolyte replacer should be administered. If you notice any unusual or irritated behavior in the squirrel, seek help from professionals.
What is the best way to feed an orphaned infant squirrel?
Answer 1: The best way to feed an orphaned infant squirrel is by using a syringe or eyedropper to feed it infant formula milk replacer every two to three hours.
What is the ideal temperature to keep an orphaned infant squirrel?
Answer 2: The ideal temperature to keep an orphaned infant squirrel is between 86 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
How often should an orphaned infant squirrel be fed?
Answer 3: An orphaned infant squirrel should be fed every two to three hours.
What are some signs that an orphaned infant squirrel is not doing well?
Answer 4: Some signs that an orphaned infant squirrel is not doing well include lethargy not feeding well and dehydration.
How can you tell if an orphaned infant squirrel is dehydrated?
Answer 5: To tell if an orphaned infant squirrel is dehydrated gently lift up its skin.
If the skin stays up or if it takes a long time for the skin to go back to normal then the infant squirrel is dehydrated and needs fluids.
How can you give an orphaned infant squirrel fluids if it is dehydrated?
Answer 6: You can give an orphaned infant squirrel fluids by using a syringe or eyedropper to give it pedialyte or plain water every few hours.
What type of milk replacer should be used to feed an orphaned infant squirrel?
Answer 7: A milk replacer that is specifically for infant animals should be used to feed an orphaned infant squirrel.
How much milk replacer should be given to an orphaned infant squirrel?
Answer 8: The amount of milk replacer that should be given to an orphaned infant squirrel will depend on its weight.
As a general rule of thumb you should give around 1 cc of milk replacer per ounce of body weight.
What is the weaning process for an orphaned infant squirrel?
Answer 9: The weaning process for an orphaned infant squirrel involves slowly transitioning it from milk replacer to solid foods.
This process should start around 3 to 4 weeks of age and should be done gradually over the course of a few weeks.
What are some solid foods that can be given to an orphaned infant squirrel during the weaning process?
Answer 10: Some solid foods that can be given to an orphaned infant squirrel during the weaning process include fruits vegetables nuts and pellets.
How can you tell if an orphaned infant squirrel is ready to start the weaning process?
Answer 11: You can tell if an orphaned infant squirrel is ready to start the weaning process if it is active and alert has doubled its birth weight and has good muscle tone.
How often should an orphaned infant squirrel be given solid foods once the weaning process has started?
Answer 12: An orphaned infant squirrel should be given solid foods 3 to 4 times per day once the weaning process has started.
What is the best way to introduce an orphaned infant squirrel to solid foods?
Answer 13: The best way to introduce an orphaned infant squirrel to solid foods is to start by offering small amounts of liquid food such as soup or smoothies.
Once the squirrel is taking these well you can start offering small amounts of solid foods.
What should you do if an orphaned infant squirrel refuses to eat solid foods?
Answer 14: If an orphaned infant squirrel refuses to eat solid foods you can try offering them softer foods or foods that have a strong smell.
You can also try offering the food in a different way such as chopped up minced or pureed.
What is the average lifespan of a squirrel?
Answer 15: The average lifespan of a squirrel is around 10 years.
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.
