How to Feed a Baby Squirrel Milk 
If you have a baby squirrel and are wondering how to feed it milk, keep in mind that cow’s milk is highly toxic to squirrels. So what can you feed a baby squirrel? In this article, we’ll look at some suitable formulas for older squirrels, as well as how to keep a baby squirrel warm and clean. Read on for tips on how to feed a baby squirrel! This article also covers topics such as how to keep a squirrel warm and what kind of skin to expect.
Cow’s milk is toxic to squirrels
There is a common misconception that cow’s milk is toxic to baby squirrels. The truth is that baby squirrels can have a wide range of health problems, including a severe lack of energy and growth. Moreover, baby squirrels can be fatally ill if they drink undiluted cow milk. According to medical experts, cow milk shocks the squirrels’ bodies. Baby squirrels with cow milk can suffer dehydration and diarrhea, as well as suffer from heart arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death. Hence, it is important to know why cow milk is toxic to baby squirrels.
Squirrels can consume fruit juice. Fruit juice that is 100% fruit juice is fine for squirrels. Fruit juice that contains artificial ingredients is not recommended, either. Fresh vegetables, such as apricots or bananas, are preferred by squirrels. Fresh fruit juice should be 100% pure. Do not give your squirrels vegetable juice that has been pasteurized. Also, make sure that you don’t give your squirrels bread that has mold on it.
Suitable formulas for older babies
Suitable formulas for older babies are designed to provide nutritional benefits similar to breast milk. These formulas are often called “follow-on formulas” and are available in stores and pharmacies. While these formulas are very similar to the first infant formula, they contain different quantities of certain nutrients. Designed for older babies, these formulas can provide essential nutrients for babies who are starting to grow. In addition, these formulas typically contain more casein than whey protein.
Suitable formulas for older babies can be dairy or soy-based. Goat’s milk formula is not suitable for babies with cows’ milk allergies. It contains higher amounts of casein, a type of protein that is harder to digest than whey. Suitable formulas for older babies are also available made from soya, which is less likely to cause allergies in babies. However, it’s still best to talk to a health professional before giving your baby any new formula.
Keeping a baby squirrel warm
Baby squirrels are pink, about the size of a woman’s thumb. At this age, they have no teeth and no fur. After about two weeks, they start to develop reddish sable hair around their mouths, and the upper and lower front teeth will start to emerge in about three to four weeks. They are still sexy and have no teeth yet, but by three to four weeks they will have their first set of lower front teeth, and their tails will have a few short hairs. You should keep them in a box or cage until they reach seven weeks of age, or until they are fully furred and have developed their incisors.
A warm nest box is a good option, but a soft cloth should be used to pick up the baby. Do not place a towel or cardboard box on the squirrel, as these could catch on their nails and dehydrate the baby. Also, if you find the baby squirrel without its mother, keep the area warm with a heating pad. Keep in mind that babies are not able to generate their own heat, so be sure to monitor the baby’s body temperature to be sure it is at a normal level.
Cleaning its skin
If you’re giving your baby squirrel its first bottle of milk, make sure you clean its skin thoroughly before doing so. A washcloth will do the trick. It is important to mimic a mother’s licking action when cleaning the baby squirrel’s skin. If possible, try to keep the interaction with the squirrel as brief as possible. However, don’t forget to clean the cage and surrounding area as well.
First, clean the squirrel’s face and neck to prevent any infection. After cleaning the baby, use Instant Shampoo to remove the dirt and oils on the baby’s skin. Rinse the squirrel well afterward. You can also use a Q-tip to stimulate its genitals to remove parasites. Then, place it in a tree nearby or near its nesting tree.
How do you know when a baby squirrel is ready to be weaned?
Baby squirrels are typically weaned between 4-5 weeks old.
What kind of milk do you use to feed a baby squirrel?
You can use cow’s milk goat’s milk or a milk replacer specifically designed for squirrels.
How often do you need to feed a baby squirrel?
Baby squirrels should be fed every 2-3 hours.
How much milk should you give a baby squirrel per feeding?
For newborn squirrels you should give them about 1 ml of milk per feeding.
This amount can be increased to 2-3 ml as they get older.
What happens if you overfeed a baby squirrel?
Overfeeding a baby squirrel can cause diarrhea which can lead to dehydration.
What is the best way to feed a baby squirrel?
The best way to feed a baby squirrel is by using a small syringe or eyedropper.
What do you do if the baby squirrel won’t eat?
If the baby squirrel won’t eat you can try warming the milk to body temperature or offering it from a different syringe.
What are the signs of dehydration in a baby squirrel?
Dehydration in a baby squirrel can cause lethargy sunken eyes and a dry mouth.
What are the signs of overfeeding in a baby squirrel?
Overfeeding a baby squirrel can cause diarrhea which can lead to dehydration.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is too cold?
A baby squirrel that is too cold will have cold dry skin and may be lethargic.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is too hot?
A baby squirrel that is too hot will have warm dry skin and may be lethargic.
What is the ideal temperature for a baby squirrel?
The ideal temperature for a baby squirrel is between 21-24 degrees Celsius.
What should you do if a baby squirrel is too cold?
If a baby squirrel is too cold you can try gently warming them with a heating pad set on low or a rice sock.
What should you do if a baby squirrel is too hot?
If a baby squirrel is too hot you can try cooling them down with a cool damp cloth.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is in shock?
Some signs that a baby squirrel is in shock are weakness lethargy and low body temperature.
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.
