How to Care For an Orphaned Squirrel
You might wonder how to care for an orphaned baby squirrel. There are several factors you should know. First, avoid treating the animal like a pet. Keep the baby squirrel in a room with little to no human traffic. Moreover, avoid exposing it to species it should fear. If this happens, the squirrel is likely to get into trouble with people and pets. Instead, try to follow the following guidelines.
Letting a baby squirrel live its life in its natural habitat
If you have found a baby squirrel in your yard, you should not attempt to hand raise it. Instead, you should take it to a wildlife rehabilitator. They can take care of the young squirrel until it is old enough to live on its own. It will need daily exercise and care in order to stay healthy. However, you should avoid socializing your baby squirrel with other pets or people. Squirrels do not have the same fear of people as other pets and should not be treated as pets.
Moreover, keeping a baby squirrel in a small cage can result in growth deformities and is an easy target for predators. Likewise, keeping the squirrel in a cage may also expose it to harmful substances, such as chemical sprays. To avoid the risk of human contact, you can place a mineral stone for the baby squirrel to lick. Mineral stones contain essential minerals and vitamins that are essential for the growth of a squirrel.
Avoid treating an orphaned squirrel like a pet
If you want to save an orphaned squirrel, you need to know that squirrels are not meant to be house pets. Wild animals have instincts that are contrary to ours, and keeping one in your home is against state regulations. It is also illegal to have a wild animal as a pet in some states, including South Carolina. Nelson says that you should avoid raising a squirrel as a pet unless you have a permit.
In many countries, raising a baby squirrel is against the law, and you’ll be charged with a maximum of two years in jail. Alternatively, you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can help you with the orphaned squirrel. Although raising a feral animal is more difficult than taking care of a domestic animal, proper care and attention can make them thrive.
Proper diet for a baby squirrel
Squirrels have very slow taste buds, so feeding them too much of anything is dangerous for their health. They should eat only fruits, nuts, and vegetables, and not human foods. Avoid giving them pet treats, frozen foods, and unpeeled fruits. Always choose certified organic foods, and don’t give them seeds. They can choke on these things. Instead, give them a small amount at a time and make sure to thoroughly clean the food.
A proper diet for a baby squirrel should include all-natural yogurt with bacterial cultures. You can find this at your local grocery or health food store. Some brands to look for are Dannon, Stonyfield Farms, and Brown Cow. You should measure out a tablespoon for every five grams of baby squirrel. If you want to make a recipe, you can use the ingredients as a guide.
Avoiding treating a baby squirrel like a pet
If you want to avoid treating an orphaned squirrel like if you had a pet, be sure you know what you’re doing. You can start by avoiding feeding the baby. Mother squirrels will often leave the baby alone in the nest for a grace period before the young are mobile enough to venture out. Then, if the mother decides to return, make repairs to prevent a repeat situation.
If you’re feeding a baby squirrel, ensure that you place the baby squirrel in a quiet room and use soft towels. Wrapping the baby in a soft cloth or towel will help the squirrel feel secure and less anxious. If it doesn’t drink water well, allow it to dry up before feeding it. It’s better to keep the cage in an isolated room than to expose it to high-traffic areas. A licensed wildlife rehabilitator can provide more detailed advice and instructions regarding feeding.
Keeping a baby squirrel warm
If you’re looking for information on keeping a squirrel as a pet, read this article. There are several techniques you can use to keep your baby warm. The first of these is using an earthenware hot water bottle, wrapped in a towel-like cloth. The next step is to place the container under a heating pad. Be sure to check the temperature of the squirrel’s cage regularly. If it’s below 104 degrees Fahrenheit, it needs to be warmed up.
Another effective way is to place a soda bottle filled with hot water near the baby squirrel. Make sure to cover the baby squirrel with a sock so that you don’t disturb her. It will be a good idea to keep a tee shirt or sock nearby as well. You should always supervise the baby squirrel from a distance and don’t put it out before nightfall. Keep in mind that the squirrel mother may be nearby and could be scared of humans.
What is the best way to care for an orphaned squirrel?
The best way to care for an orphaned squirrel is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
How long does it take to raise an orphaned squirrel?
It takes approximately 4-5 months to raise an orphaned squirrel.
How often should you feed an orphaned squirrel?
You should feed an orphaned squirrel 3-5 times per day.
What kind of food do you need to feed an orphaned squirrel?
You need to feed an orphaned squirrel kitten food insects and fruits.
How do you know if an orphaned squirrel is healthy?
You know an orphaned squirrel is healthy if it has clear eyes a clean coat and is active.
Where should you keep an orphaned squirrel?
You should keep an orphaned squirrel in a quiet warm and safe place.
What is the best way to handle an orphaned squirrel?
The best way to handle an orphaned squirrel is to gently pick it up with a towel.
How can you tell if an orphaned squirrel is dehydrated?
You can tell if an orphaned squirrel is dehydrated if it has a dry nose and mouth.
What is the best way to rehydrate an orphaned squirrel?
The best way to rehydrate an orphaned squirrel is to give it Pedialyte or water with a dropper.
How often should you give an orphaned squirrel water?
You should give an orphaned squirrel water every 2-3 hours.
How often should you give an orphaned squirrel Pedialyte?
You should give an orphaned squirrel Pedialyte every 4 hours.
What are the signs that an orphaned squirrel is too cold?
The signs that an orphaned squirrel is too cold are that it is lethargic and has a low body temperature.
What are the signs that an orphaned squirrel is too hot?
The signs that an orphaned squirrel is too hot are that it is panting and has a high body temperature.
How can you tell if an orphaned squirrel is in pain?
You can tell if an orphaned squirrel is in pain if it is crying has a swollen area or is bleeding.
What is the best way to comfort an orphaned squirrel?
The best way to comfort an orphaned squirrel is to give it a warm soft and safe place to nest.
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.
