How to Make Squirrel Formula at Home 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make squirrel formula at home, then you’re in luck. There are several ways to create the perfect squirrel food, and you can learn about them all in this article. Here are a few of them: Peel grapes, use an eyedropper, and use Esbilac milk replacer powder. Moreover, you can feed baby squirrels up to 5% of their body weight.
Table of Contents
Peeling grapes
Squirrels love to eat human foods, but there are some fruits and vegetables that are not only good for humans but also good for them. Grapes are a great choice for your squirrel because they are nutritious and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Besides being delicious, grapes also provide them with calcium, phosphorous, and potassium. In addition, they contain polyphenols that protect the squirrel from free radicals.
You can use grapes or raisins to make squirrel formula. To prepare the fruit, simply cut the grapes in half and peel. This method will make the grapes more nutritious than commercial fruit and vegetable snacks. You can also try blending fruit with milk formula or rehydration solution. In this way, you can feed your squirrel a nutritious snack and a glass of water at the same time. However, you need to make sure that the mixture is dissolved completely before you give it to your squirrel.
Using an eyedropper
There are several things to remember when making your own squirrel formula. The size of the syringe should be appropriate for the size of your squirrel. If you use a larger syringe, the fluid may aspirate the animal’s nose. You should also use an eyedropper rather than a baby bottle. Make sure the dropper is not placed on the squirrel’s tongue or lips, or the liquid could come out too fast.
Squirrels don’t like nipples, so you can try using a dropper or syringe that doesn’t have nipples. However, some baby squirrels will not accept the tips of a syringe, and this can cause serious damage to their gums and teeth. Baby squirrel teeth grow at a rate of six inches per year, so feeding them with a different tip may damage their gums and cause them to die.
Using Esbilac powder milk replacers
Using Esbilac powder milk replaces in squirrel formula is the safest and easiest way to give your furry friend the nutrition it needs. These milk replacers are available from your local pet store or most pet shops. The powder should be diluted with water to make a smooth, lukewarm drink for your squirrel. Be sure to always use lukewarm water because hot milk is deadly to wildlife.
You can purchase Esbilac powder milk replacers in grocery stores and pharmacies. Most grocery stores carry them. However, you can also purchase goat milk powder at any pet shop or pharmacy. The milk replacer should be refrigerated until feeding time. Then, warmed a little before giving it to your squirrel. If you don’t have goat milk at home, you can use Ensure Vanilla Flavor for a temporary solution.
Feeding baby squirrels 5% of body weight
The ideal amount to feed baby squirrels is 5% of their body weight in grams. This feeding frequency matches the frequency at which mother squirrels feed their young in the wild. However, a baby squirrel can be a notorious hog and overfeeding is bad for them. Not only can overfeeding lead to life-threatening diarrhea, but it also makes them more susceptible to predators. The best way to prevent overfeeding is to weigh the baby squirrel before you feed it.
Ensure that the squirrel is warm before you begin feeding it. The temperature should be around 98 degrees before you begin giving it formula. It must also be weak, unresponsive, and prone to dark urine. After the squirrel has reached these conditions, wait for a few hours before giving it formula. Rehydration and digestion cannot happen at the same time. Mix one cc of formula with one cc of water. If the squirrel has reached this stage, add two and a half cc of formula to one cc of water.
Keeping track of baby squirrels
When making squirrel formula, keep track of your baby squirrels’ age by looking for a baby with open eyes. If it is younger than four weeks old, it is still an infant. By three weeks of age, it will have soft fur around its mouth and no teeth. At four to six weeks, the top incisors will begin to emerge and the cheek teeth will follow. Baby squirrels should be housed in a box or cage until they reach seven weeks of age.
During these early weeks, baby squirrels still drink their mother’s milk. So to make squirrel formula, you can mix puppy milk formula powder with four parts lukewarm water. For recently found babies, use four parts water and two parts lukewarm water. Human baby formula, cow milk, and goat milk are toxic to baby squirrels. Make squirrel formula in small batches. Baby squirrels need approximately 6 to eight cubic centimeters of formula every two to three hours.
What kind of milk is best to use for squirrel formula?
Whole milk is best to use for squirrel formula.
How much milk should be used for every 8 ounces of water?
For every 8 ounces of water 4 ounces of milk should be used.
What is the temperature that the milk and water mixture should be heated to?
The milk and water mixture should be heated to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
How many times a day should a baby squirrel be fed?
A baby squirrel should be fed 4-6 times a day.
What is the best way to feed a baby squirrel?
The best way to feed a baby squirrel is by using a small soft-bristled paintbrush Q-tip or syringe.
How much formula should a baby squirrel be given each feeding?
A baby squirrel should be given 1-2 milliliters of formula each feeding.
What age can a baby squirrel start eating solid food?
A baby squirrel can start eating solid food at around 4-5 weeks old.
What are some good solid foods to give a baby squirrel?
Good solid foods to give a baby squirrel include vegetables fruits nuts and insects.
Should a baby squirrel be weaned completely off of formula?
Yes a baby squirrel should be weaned completely off of formula by 8-10 weeks old.
How often should an adult squirrel be given fresh water?
An adult squirrel should be given fresh water every day.
What is the best way to provide fresh water to a squirrel?
The best way to provide fresh water to a squirrel is by using a water bottle with a metal sipper tube.
Should a squirrel be given a bath?
No a squirrel should not be given a bath.
How often should a squirrel’s cage be cleaned?
A squirrel’s cage should be cleaned every week.
What is the best way to clean a squirrel’s cage?
The best way to clean a squirrel’s cage is by using hot water and soap.
What are some things that should be avoided when cleaning a squirrel’s cage?
When cleaning a squirrel’s cage you should avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach.
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.
