How to Care For an Orphan Squirrel 
If you are wondering how to care for an orphan squirrel, then you’ve come to the right place. These babies are generally very docile and won’t bite or aspirate. If the mother doesn’t come home within 30 minutes, bring the baby indoors. If there are any dangers nearby, bring the baby indoors as soon as you can. Baby squirrels do not bite or aspirate, but they do need a rodent block.
Baby squirrels are docile
If you have an orphan squirrel, you may be wondering how to care for it. While baby squirrels are cute when they’re young, you should be cautious. They’ll likely attack you and others, even if you’re just trying to hold them or play with them. If you find an orphan squirrel on the street, don’t throw it out the back door – they’re likely to be a menace to your neighborhood.
They do not bite
To begin, you must ensure that the squirrel does not bite. This is a very common occurrence when homeowners use pest control services to remove the problem. First, you should leave the mother squirrel alone for a period of grace. Once the young are mobile enough to leave the nest, the mother will relocate them to a safer location. Then, make repairs in the nest to avoid this situation from reoccurring.
They do not aspirate
Most orphan squirrels do not aspirate. If they do, it is most likely due to a natural sucking reflex. If this occurs, the squirrel may end up with pneumonia. The fluid in the squirrel’s nose or lungs may aspirate, which can lead to the development of pneumonia. Babies develop pneumonia from aspiration. If you suspect that your orphan squirrel is suffering from aspiration, do not attempt to feed him by reclining.
They need a rodent block
A rodent block is a complete food for an orphaned squirrel. It contains all of the foods that a squirrel requires on a daily basis. It can provide up to 75 percent of the food your squirrel eats. Some rodents won’t consume a rodent block until they are very young. In addition to a rodent block, you should provide fresh fruit and vegetables, along with a variety of nuts and seeds.
They can become injured
If you see an orphaned squirrel, take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center to get the proper care. A squirrel’s birth litter can contain two to eight young. If an orphaned baby is injured, it will approach people nearby and cry out for help. Then, you should take the squirrel to a wildlife rehabilitator, who can take care of it until it is old enough to survive on its own.
They need high-protein pellets
To provide a balanced diet for Orphan squirrels, it is crucial to feed them healthy, nutritious food. A squirrel’s nutritional needs vary depending on its age and size. Baby squirrels under six weeks of age are not yet ready for solid food and are dependent on their mother’s milk. For this reason, it is imperative to find a place where they can be reunited with their mother. In the meantime, the best thing to do is to feed them healthy pellets and vegetables.
They need a grace period
Many homeowners who hire pest control services often leave orphaned baby squirrels unattended for a grace period. This is because the mother squirrel will move the young out of the nest once they are mobile. Afterward, it is important to make the necessary repairs so this does not happen again. For more information on orphan squirrel care, contact a wildlife rehabilitator in your area. This article will help you prepare for the arrival of a new squirrel in your yard.
They need fried food
Did you know that orphan squirrels need fried food to survive? If you see one of these tiny creatures crawling up your leg, it may be an orphan. If you do not see the mother returning soon, you should intervene and help save it. You can also feed them nuts in shells or fruits. Nevertheless, do not make them eat human food immediately. It will take them more than two weeks to learn how to feed themselves without human assistance.
How long does an orphaned squirrel stay with its mother?
Orphaned squirrels stay with their mothers for about two months.
How many litters does a mother squirrel have in a year?
A mother squirrel has between one and six litters in a year.
What is the average litter size for a squirrel?
The average litter size for a squirrel is three.
How often do baby squirrels nurse?
Baby squirrels nurse every two to three hours.
When do baby squirrels open their eyes?
Baby squirrels open their eyes when they are about four weeks old.
When do baby squirrels start to eat solid food?
Baby squirrels start to eat solid food when they are about six weeks old.
When do baby squirrels start to explore outside the nest?
Baby squirrels start to explore outside the nest when they are about eight weeks old.
What kind of food do squirrels eat?
Squirrels eat a variety of foods including nuts seeds fruits and bark.
How much food does a squirrel eat in a day?
A squirrel eats about one and a half to two cups of food in a day.
What kind of shelter do squirrels live in?
Squirrels live in a variety of shelters including trees burrows and nests.
How do squirrels keep warm in the winter?
Squirrels keep warm in the winter by using their fur to create a layer of insulation.
How do squirrels stay cool in the summer?
Squirrels stay cool in the summer by using their tails to fan themselves.
What is the life expectancy of a squirrel?
The life expectancy of a squirrel is about 10 years.
What are some of the predators of squirrels?
Some of the predators of squirrels include birds of prey snakes and cats.
What can people do to help orphaned squirrels?
People can help orphaned squirrels by providing food water and shelter.
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.
