How to Take Care of a Baby Squirrel With Eyes Open 
If you find a baby squirrel with its eyes open, you need to know how to take care of it properly. First, leave it alone for some time. Feed it and check for dehydration. After that, you can try to care for it further by checking for dehydration and keeping it warm and out of direct sunlight. If all else fails, you can also try to find its parents.
If you find a baby squirrel alone
Depending on the species, a squirrel litter usually includes two to eight young. It is best to approach an orphaned baby squirrel only when it is in distress. During this time, it will most likely approach a passerby in order to get your attention. You can also feed it uncooked rice or bird seed in a sock and wrap it in a soft towel. Be sure not to feed the baby with your hands, as it could be frightened or scared.
If you do find a baby squirrel, you should first make sure it is actually a baby. A baby squirrel will have a fluffed tail and a longer body, and will not have visible wounds. A squirrel baby typically falls out of its nest, so make sure to look for other nearby nests before taking it in. If the baby squirrel is still cold, try to find a wildlife rehabilitator to help.
Leave it alone for a grace period
The first step to taking care of a baby squirrel is to clean it. A squirrel’s head may not be moving, so use a soft cloth to check for spinal injury. A broken leg or tail may also be present. When in doubt, contact a professional wildlife rescue organization. If the squirrel is not injured, leave it alone for a grace period. If the squirrel has been injured in some way, call a wildlife rescue organization right away.
In general, mother squirrels will not abandon their babies unless the baby starts crying or feeding. If the mother squirrel has not reclaimed the baby by that time, she may not have noticed her baby at all. It is important not to handle the baby during this period. Human scent isn’t a deterrent for the mother to reclaim her young. However, the presence of humans may make the baby squirrel despondent and make it less likely to return.
Check for dehydration
A small, hairless baby squirrel may be emaciated or have moderate dehydration. It is safe to assume that the baby squirrel is dehydrated, but some methods do not work. One way to determine if a squirrel is dehydrated is by pinching its skin. If the skin is dry or has hair, dehydration may be a life-threatening condition. This test is not accurate, so assume that the squirrel is dehydrated when you first see him.
A baby squirrel should drink milk every time it feeds, but it should also be stimulated to urinate after feeding. Mother mammals will lick their babies to help them initiate urination. A baby that is unclean can develop diaper rash and urine burns on a tender belly. A healthy baby should be stimulated to urinate at least every two to three hours after feeding. Another effective method is to tickle the genitals of a baby squirrel to stimulate urination. This method should be used until the baby squirrel is about six weeks old.
Feed it
There are several steps to feeding a baby squirrel, and one of them is ensuring the food is dissolved completely. If you’re feeding a baby squirrel with its eyes open, you should also be sure that you use a syringe with no air pockets. Fill the syringe about halfway with formula, and feed the squirrel slowly. Don’t try to feed the baby squirrel too much formula at once, as the syringe should have no air pockets.
If you have a family pet, you might have brought home a new member of the clan. The baby squirrel relies on its mother for a long time. They don’t begin weaning from the mother until they’re around 8 weeks old. However, a six-week-old squirrel is still totally dependent on its mother’s milk until it’s 12 weeks old. Using a washcloth mimicking a mother’s lick will help it stay clean and supple.
Check for MBD in an older squirrel
Signs of MBD include decreased appetite, a general lack of activity, lethargy, and seizures. The disease may develop gradually or suddenly, depending on the severity. In the case of an older squirrel, it may come on suddenly, but most cases are mild. It is possible to treat MBD with calcium treatments and proper nutrition. It is important to monitor the condition of an older squirrel closely so that it can be diagnosed and treated.
When you first notice symptoms of MBD, you should try to prevent it. The best way to prevent MBD is to feed your baby a high-quality diet. You can do this by supplementing with calcium and vitamin D-rich foods. Supplements are also effective, especially if you have access to a safe outdoor enclosure. All-bright spectrum light bulbs can be placed in the cage to help provide vitamin D for the baby squirrel.
What is the best way to take care of a baby squirrel with eyes open?
By providing it with a clean and comfortable environment proper nutrition and plenty of water.
How often should you clean a baby squirrel’s cage?
At least once a week.
What type of food should you feed a baby squirrel?
A diet rich in proteins fats and carbohydrates.
How much water should a baby squirrel drink per day?
About eight ounces.
What is the best way to provide a baby squirrel with a clean and comfortable environment?
By keeping its cage clean and free of debris and by providing it with plenty of bedding material.
What is the best way to provide a baby squirrel with proper nutrition?
By feeding it a diet rich in proteins fats and carbohydrates.
What is the best way to provide a baby squirrel with plenty of water?
By giving it fresh water daily.
What is the best way to provide a baby squirrel with a safe and comfortable environment?
By keeping its cage in a quiet and warm place away from any potential predators.
What is the best way to socialize a baby squirrel?
By slowly and carefully introducing it to other squirrels and allowing it to play and interact with them on a regular basis.
How often should you handle a baby squirrel?
Only as often as necessary and always with clean hands.
How long does it take for a baby squirrel to open its eyes?
About two weeks.
When can a baby squirrel start eating solid food?
Around six weeks.
What is the weaning process like for a baby squirrel?
The weaning process is gradual and should be started around six weeks after the baby squirrel is born.
How long does it take for a baby squirrel to be fully weaned?
Around eight weeks.
What is the average lifespan of a squirrel?
Around 10 years.
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.
