How to Take Care of a Newborn Baby Squirrel
You’ve just purchased a squirrel as a pet. Now, you’re wondering how to take care of a newborn baby squirrel. The following article will explain how to feed your new pet. Also, learn how to check for hypoglycemia. Here are some tips and tricks that won’t hurt your new squirrel’s health. These tips will also help you avoid making the new squirrel a pet, and help you bond with your pet.
Guide to taking care of a baby squirrel
If you have a newborn baby squirrel at home, you may want to learn about feeding and grooming your new friend. Babies are susceptible to dehydration, especially the smaller ones. To prevent dehydration, begin by raising the temperature of the squirrel’s body with a small bottle of water or Pedialyte or Gatorade. Be sure to warm the water to body temperature.
While the squirrel is warm, it’s important to check it for injuries and dehydration. Cracks or open wounds should be treated by a veterinarian, but there are other common ailments that can be treated by yourself or a wildlife rehabilitator. You can also check the baby for dehydration and other common problems. If the baby squirrel seems to be healthy and is alert, you can take it to a wildlife rehabber for further evaluation.
While feeding your baby squirrel, keep in mind that a baby squirrel may be dehydrated and may need formula. To help keep the squirrel hydrated, heat Pedialyte to 98°F, and then feed it through a needleless syringe. Avoid overfeeding because it could cause suffocation. Also, do not force feed the squirrel as this could be fatal.
Feeding a baby squirrel
The baby squirrel is very small, only about the size of a woman’s thumb, with no hair. After about two weeks, they begin to develop soft, reddish sable hair around their mouth. They also begin to grow lower front teeth around three weeks. After another four to six weeks, their eyes open and their lower front teeth appear. Around six weeks old, their legs and belly start to have hair. Once they are fully furred, they can sit up.
To give a newborn baby squirrel milk, you can use a Q-tip to massage the genitals and nose with a soft washcloth to mimic the mother’s tongue. Make sure to give the squirrel several minutes of this stimulation to get the baby squirrel’s bladder empty. You can also buy squirrel formula made from goat milk or soy milk if you’d prefer a non-human formula. However, it’s important to avoid using human milk and soy milk as these contain substances that could harm the baby squirrel.
Checking for hypoglycemia in a baby squirrel
Several factors may contribute to the onset of hypoglycemia in newborn squirrel monkeys. One of these factors is the presence of maternal rejection or trauma. Socially reared squirrel monkeys are more prone to hypoglycemia than newborn ones. Nevertheless, this disease does not cause immediate death. The best way to detect hypoglycemia in newborn squirrel monkeys is by measuring their glucose concentration. A blood test can be performed easily with a meter.
Dehydration is another possible cause of hypoglycemia in newborn squirrels. If the baby squirrel is not properly hydrated, it may be suffering from pneumonia, which can cause serious damage to the squirrel’s lungs. The baby squirrel may have a runny or congested nose, resulting in a cough or back arching. If you notice any of these signs in your baby squirrel, you should take it to a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. In some cases, molasses or syrup applied to the baby’s gums can cure a hypoglycemic episode. A pinch test is not reliable when the baby squirrel is hairless or emaciated. In such cases, you should have a bottle of Fox Valley Electro-Stat Powdered Electrolyte handy for administering
Avoid treating a baby squirrel like a pet
If you encounter a baby squirrel, do not attempt to treat it like a pet. They need special care and should not be exposed to noises, children, and odors. Do not use commercial squirrel formulas and do not try to feed it to a squirrel. Inadequate care can result in the squirrel’s death. Read below to learn more about proper squirrel care. And don’t try to feed the baby squirrel with commercial formula!
For feeding, you can use an all-natural yogurt that contains bacterial cultures. You can buy this at a health food store or grocery store. Among the best brands are Dannon, Stonyfield Farms, and Brown Cow. You should also use a small cloth over the formula for the baby squirrel’s comfort and warmth. Be sure to use a soft cloth that does not rip or ravel. Avoid using fabric softener, as this can be damaging to the squirrel’s respiratory system. You can also use wood chips for bedding, as they release aromatic oils.
How do you know when a newborn baby squirrel is ready to be on its own?
You’ll know the baby is ready to be on its own when it is able to climb and run well has a full coat of fur and is eating solid food.
How often should you feed a newborn baby squirrel?
You should feed the baby squirrel every two to three hours.
What type of milk should you feed a newborn baby squirrel?
You should feed the baby squirrel goat’s milk cow’s milk or a milk replacer designed for kittens.
How can you tell if a newborn baby squirrel is dehydrated?
You can tell if a newborn baby squirrel is dehydrated if it has a dry mouth sunken eyes or is lethargic.
How do you rehydrate a newborn baby squirrel?
You can rehydrate a newborn baby squirrel by offering it a sugar solution Pedialyte or plain water.
What should you do if you find an injured baby squirrel?
If you find an injured baby squirrel you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator for help.
What should you do if you find an orphaned baby squirrel?
If you find an orphaned baby squirrel you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator for help.
What should you do if you find a baby squirrel that has been abandoned by its mother?
If you find a baby squirrel that has been abandoned by its mother you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator for help.
What should you do if you find a baby squirrel that appears to be sick or injured?
If you find a baby squirrel that appears to be sick or injured you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator for help.
What should you do if a baby squirrel is in immediate danger?
If a baby squirrel is in immediate danger you should remove it to a safe location and then contact a wildlife rehabilitator for help.
What should you do if you find a baby squirrel but are not sure if it is orphaned?
If you find a baby squirrel but are not sure if it is orphaned you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator for help.
What are some signs that a baby squirrel is Orphaned?
Some signs that a baby squirrel is orphaned include it being found away from its nest it being found during the day or it crying and calling for its mother.
How can you tell the difference between a baby squirrel that is orphaned and one that has been abandoned?
You can tell the difference between a baby squirrel that is orphaned and one that has been abandoned by its mother by its behavior.
An orphaned baby squirrel will be more active and vocal while an abandoned baby squirrel will be more passive and quiet.
How can you tell the difference between a baby squirrel that is sick and one that is injured?
You can tell the difference between a baby squirrel that is sick and one that is injured by its behavior.
A sick baby squirrel will be more lethargic and quiet while an injured baby squirrel will be more active and vocal.
What are some common injuries or illnesses that baby squirrels can suffer from?
Some common injuries or illnesses that baby squirrels can suffer from include dehydration malnutrition parasites and injuries from falls.
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.
