How to Take Care of a Baby Squirrel That Has Fallen From Its Nest 
If you see a baby squirrel that has fallen from its tree, the first thing you need to do is pick it up and place it in a nest box. A plastic container with the lid off works well. A fleece blanket or soft cloth can be a temporary heat source. Avoid cardboard boxes, which may dehydrate the baby. Soft clothes like towels may also be used, but make sure you don’t touch its nails.
How to take care of a baby squirrel
You might be wondering how to take care of a baby squirrel that’s fallen from its nest. First of all, you should make sure that the squirrel is indeed a baby. If the tail is fluffed out and the body is longer, chances are the squirrel is fine. In addition, a baby squirrel won’t have any visible wounds. Normally, squirrels fall from their nests. Before releasing the squirrel, you should look for nearby nests or other squirrels.
The next step is to place the baby squirrel in a donut-shaped nest. Then, gently pat it down. Make sure that the nest is warm and dark. Be sure to keep your pet away from the baby squirrel and do not feed it, as this may cause the baby squirrel to get hurt. You can also try playing the baby squirrel’s distress call, but make sure to only play it once.
Once you have rescued the baby squirrel, the next step is to bring it inside. To make it comfortable, you can use a plastic box with holes. It’s best to avoid using a cardboard box or towels as these can irritate the baby squirrel’s nails. Also, be sure to keep a soft cloth around the baby to serve as temporary heat source. The mother squirrel may be very wary of your approach if you’re using towels or other soft cloths as a cover.
How to hand rear a baby squirrel
Hand-rearing a baby squirrel that has fallen from its tree nest is possible if the animal has not been injured. In most cases, the mother squirrel will go out to forage for food and secure a new nest. But there are times when the mother may leave only one baby. If you happen to notice this behavior, don’t panic. You can hand-rear the baby squirrel until the mother comes back to reclaim her babies.
Baby squirrels usually fall from the nest for various reasons. One of these reasons is the fear of humans. If the baby squirrel approaches you, it’s because the mother has been away for a long time. You’ll have to be gentle with it, as it might not be able to move around by itself. But the reward is great. If you can hand-rear a baby squirrel, it may become a wonderful pet.
Keeping the temperature stable is the first step in hand-rearing a baby squirrel. Put the baby squirrel in a soft cloth or box. Wrap it tightly to keep it warm. If the outside temperature is too cold, the mother won’t recognize the difference. The warmer the squirrel’s body temperature, the more likely it will survive. You can also place the baby inside a warm fleece scarf.
How to know if a baby squirrel is an orphan
If you find a baby squirrel that has fallen from its home, you might be wondering how to know if it is an orphan or just a broken-down juvenile. Squirrels usually have litters of two to eight young, depending on species. Generally, older orphaned babies will approach passersby and be comforted.
The first thing to check is whether or not the infant has fallen from its nest. If the eyes are closed, it may be because the mother has already left the area. Baby squirrels that are abandoned often fall from trees thirty feet above, which can cause serious injuries. If it has not fallen from the nest, it may have fallen from a tree, whose branches were cut recently, or from a porch where new lattice was just applied.
You should not place the baby in direct sunlight or expose it to high temperatures. Ensure the box does not reach over 100 degrees. If it does, the squirrel will grow up to be an escape artist or a biter. Once it is placed in its new home, the baby squirrel should be comfortable and fed at least three times a day. This procedure will not hurt the baby squirrels but may make the mother nervous.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is healthy?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is healthy if it has bright eyes a clean coat and is alert and active.
How often should you feed a baby squirrel?
You should feed a baby squirrel 3-4 times a day.
What kind of food should you feed a baby squirrel?
You should feed a baby squirrel a diet of 50% kitten formula and 50% fruits and vegetables.
How do you know when to wean a baby squirrel?
You should start to wean a baby squirrel when it is eating solid foods on its own and is no longer nursing from its mother.
What should you do if a baby squirrel is rejected by its mother?
If a baby squirrel is rejected by its mother you should take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible.
How do you care for a baby squirrel with fleas?
You should give the baby squirrel a flea bath using a mild dish soap and warm water.
How do you care for a baby squirrel with mites?
You should take the baby squirrel to a vet to get rid of the mites.
How do you make a nest for a baby squirrel?
You should make a nest for a baby squirrel out of a small box lined with soft materials such as towels or blankets.
How often should you clean a baby squirrel’s nest?
You should clean a baby squirrel’s nest once a week.
What should you do if a baby squirrel is injured?
You should take the baby squirrel to a vet as soon as possible.
What should you do if a baby squirrel is ill?
You should take the baby squirrel to a vet as soon as possible.
How do you socialize a baby squirrel?
You should socialize a baby squirrel by handling it often and letting it play with other animals.
When can you release a baby squirrel into the wild?
You can release a baby squirrel into the wild when it is fully grown and can take care of itself.
What should you do if you can’t take care of a baby squirrel?
You should take the baby squirrel to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
What should you not do with a baby squirrel?
You should not try to raise a baby squirrel yourself as it is illegal in many states.
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.
