How to Care For Orphaned Squirrels
There are several things you can do to help an orphaned squirrel. This article will cover how to keep the squirrel warm, bring it back to its nesting tree, and avoid socializing with it. The mother will check on the baby and will likely go out to find food and build a new nest, but the mother will not leave the baby alone. When she returns, she will bring the baby back to the nesting tree.
Reuniting an orphan squirrel with its mother
Reuniting an orphan squirrel with its natural mother is important for the survival of the baby. Mother squirrels know best what is good for their offspring, and will not reject the baby if it is not in danger. A video of the baby crying is a great way to lure the mother into her territory. However, you must keep yourself out of the way of the mother squirrel and be prepared to wait for several hours while she comes back to the baby.
The first step in reuniting an orphan squirrel with its mother is to find its nest. Ideally, the baby is still within the nest. However, if you see the baby has already fallen out, you can line the nest with a soft cloth and a hot water bottle to attract the mother. Then, wait for the mother to arrive and bring the baby down. This process may be difficult, so gloves are recommended.
Keeping it warm
The most important aspect of keeping your orphaned squirrel warm is to avoid dehydration. The ideal body temperature for a baby squirrel is 99 degrees Fahrenheit. You can purchase a heating pad that will automatically shut off after a certain number of hours. If you’re not sure how to use one, here are some tips. Baby squirrels cannot regulate their own body temperature, so it’s best to use a heating pad with an automatic shut off timer.
First, prepare a warm, quiet room where the baby squirrel can move around freely. The best place to place the baby squirrel is a small box with ample ventilation, a large soft blanket and some warm water. Make sure the bedding is clean and non-ravelled, as wiggly baby squirrels can easily get strangled on loose threads. Similarly, avoid using terry cloth towelling for your squirrel, as the smell of human oils may cause the animal to become agitated or anxious.
Bringing it back to its nesting tree
Whenever possible, try to bring an orphan squirrel back to its nesting tree. Squirrels are not domesticated, and so they do not make good pets. If you do find an orphan squirrel, you should try to reunite it with its mother and provide it with the opportunity to grow up. Do not try to pick up a sick, injured, or cold baby because it is unlikely to receive the mother’s care.
It’s best to supervise the reunion attempt from a distance and avoid touching the babies. Remember, squirrels build several nests. If one is destroyed, momma squirrels will often move the babies to another location. To avoid disturbing the new babies, place them out for mom after sun up and before dark. It’s best to wait until the sun comes up to place them out for their mother.
What is an orphan squirrel?
Answer: A squirrel that has been orphaned is a young squirrel that has lost its mother.
How can you tell if a squirrel is orphaned?
Answer: If a squirrel is orphaned it will usually be alone crying and searching for its mother.
What should you do if you find an orphaned squirrel?
Answer: The best thing to do if you find an orphaned squirrel is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Why can’t you care for an orphaned squirrel yourself?
Answer: It is illegal in many states to care for wildlife without a license and it is also very difficult to properly care for an orphaned squirrel.
How long does it take for an orphaned squirrel to be rehabilitated?
Answer: The length of time it takes for an orphaned squirrel to be rehabilitated depends on the age of the squirrel and the severity of its condition.
What kind of care does an orphaned squirrel need?
Answer: Orphaned squirrels need proper food shelter and care in order to survive and eventually be released back into the wild.
What do orphaned squirrels eat?
Answer: The diet of an orphaned squirrel will depend on its age.
Baby squirrels need to eat a special formula that replicates their mother’s milk while older squirrels will need a diet of solid food such as nuts and fruits.
How often do orphaned squirrels need to be fed?
Answer: Baby squirrels need to be fed every 2-3 hours while older squirrels can be fed every 4-5 hours.
Where should orphaned squirrels be kept?
Answer: Orphaned squirrels should be kept in a clean warm and quiet place.
What is the best way to keep an orphaned squirrel warm?
Answer: The best way to keep an orphaned squirrel warm is to use a heating pad set on low or to place a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel in the squirrel’s enclosure.
How big should the enclosure for an orphaned squirrel be?
Answer: The enclosure for an orphaned squirrel should be big enough for the squirrel to move around freely but not so big that the squirrel feels lost or overwhelmed.
How do I know when an orphaned squirrel is ready to be released?
Answer: When an orphaned squirrel is ready to be released it will be eating on its own climbing and jumping.
It should also be at a healthy weight and have a clean bill of health from a veterinarian.
Where should I release an orphaned squirrel?
Answer: The best place to release an orphaned squirrel is in an area where there are other squirrels and where there are plenty of trees for the squirrel to climb.
How can I prevent orphaned squirrels from entering my property?
Answer: One way to prevent orphaned squirrels from entering your property is to trim trees and shrubs so that there are no low-hanging branches for the squirrels to jump onto.
You can also install a squirrel-proof fence around your property.
What should I do if I find an injured squirrel?
Answer: If you find an injured squirrel the best thing to do is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
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.
