How to Tell If a Baby Squirrel is Hungry 
Observe the baby squirrels’ actual nest to see if there are any. Listen to their high-pitched squeaks, or watch for them sucking on one another. If you hear them sucking, feed them. If you do not see them sucking, try feeding them using an o-ring syringe. Re-warm the bag every two hours.
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See the actual nest with baby squirrels
If you want to know if the baby squirrels are hungry, go to the actual nest with the babies. The babies are not yet old enough to move around on their own. So if you see them licking a washcloth, it is likely that they are hungry and need a snack. But if they seem to be avoiding your presence, you can still pick them up and place them back in the nest.
When observing the nesting phase, you’ll notice that the babies are pink and have no hair. Their eyes open at four weeks old. After a month, their lower front teeth start coming through. By seven weeks, they are fully furred and have lower incisors. Eventually, they’ll get cheek teeth and are able to eat by themselves.
Listen for a high-pitched squeaking distress call
You can usually recognize a hungry squirrel by its squeaking distress call. It sounds like it’s crying for food. When the baby squirrel is alone, it’s likely that its mother has left the baby alone, possibly because the mother has been trapped in another yard, or it has fallen from a tree and is dead. Regardless of the cause, you can always check on the baby squirrel if you hear the distress call.
You can also listen for a “muk-muk” distress call from the baby squirrel. This sound sounds like a stifled sneeze and is a warning to the mother squirrel to feed her baby. Other squirrels make shrill cries that sound like bird chirping. You can hear a baby squirrel’s distress call from far away, even if the mother squirrel is not around to listen.
Use an o-ring syringe to feed them
A good way to properly feed a squirrel is with an o-ring syringer. A single-use syringe isn’t enough; the squirrels’ tongues are too small for a single-use syringe. You can use a 10-cc o-ring syringe to feed a baby squirrel later. You can use a photo of the feeding tools to show you how to feed your little friend.
It’s important to keep in mind that baby squirrels need special feeding tools because they are often hungry. A common type of syringe recommended by wildlife rescue groups is the Henry’s Miracle O-ring syringe. This syringe is easy to use, durable, and reusable. If you’re not sure which one to purchase, here are a few tips to make the process easier.
Look for sucking on each other to satisfy their sucking instinct
When you observe a baby squirrel, look for signs of an unhealthy lifestyle. If you observe the squirrel eating or drinking in a corner, then it probably has a low calcium level. This can result in severe nutritional deficiencies and even lead to sudden death. You can help the squirrel get back on its feet by introducing calcium supplements. Squirrels need about 20 to 40 mg of calcium a day to maintain their healthy bones. Low levels of calcium may lead to heart arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, and sudden death.
If you observe a baby squirrel with a scab on its penis, the infant may have suffered an internal injury. Sucking on one’s penis can result in swelling and scabs. If a baby squirrel sucks on another, he or she may not be able to urinate properly. If this happens, separate the babies to prevent any further damage. In the meantime, soak them in warm water and apply an antibiotic cream.
Warming a baby squirrel
If a squirrel is too young to eat, it is not advisable to attempt to feed it yourself. A baby squirrel will be nervous, and you might accidentally overfeed it. When you are warming a baby squirrel, you should wrap it in a soft cloth or towel, and try to avoid getting the syringe stuck in its mouth. Make sure to check its breathing regularly to make sure it is not dehydrated. If you notice it cannot pee, take it to the vet immediately.
Before you try to warm a squirrel, you should first determine if the baby is a male or a female. Make sure it is a baby, and that it has fluffed out fur. Look for a body that is longer than average and without visible wounds. Baby squirrels don’t normally have wounds on their bodies, and most likely fell out of a nest. You should also check nearby nests to see if there are any other squirrels that may have fallen on the baby.
Why won’t my baby squirrel eat?
How to tell if a baby squirrel is hungry
The signs that a baby squirrel is hungry are that it will cry beg for food and try to get food from anything or anyone around.
What should you do if you think a baby squirrel is hungry?
If you think a baby squirrel is hungry you should take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
How often should a baby squirrel eat?
A baby squirrel should eat every 2-3 hours.
What kind of food should a baby squirrel eat?
A baby squirrel should eat a diet that consists of 60% insects 20% fruits and nuts and 20% plants.
What happens if a baby squirrel doesn’t eat?
If a baby squirrel doesn’t eat it will starve to death.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is getting enough to eat?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is getting enough to eat if it is gaining weight has shiny fur and/or has a lot of energy.
How much food should a baby squirrel eat in a day?
A baby squirrel should eat about 1/4 – 1/2 cup of food per day.
Can a baby squirrel overeat?
Yes a baby squirrel can overeat and become obese which can lead to health problems.
What are the consequences of a baby squirrel not getting enough to eat?
If a baby squirrel does not get enough to eat it will become malnourished which can lead to health problems and/or death.
What are the consequences of a baby squirrel overeating?
If a baby squirrel overeats it can become obese which can lead to health problems.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is malnourished?
The signs that a baby squirrel is malnourished are that it is thin has dull fur and is lethargic.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is obese?
The signs that a baby squirrel is obese are that it is heavy has a lot of fat around its middle and/or has trouble moving.
What are some health problems that can be caused by malnutrition in baby squirrels?
Some health problems that can be caused by malnutrition in baby squirrels are weakened immune systems organ damage and/or death.
What are some health problems that can be caused by obesity in baby squirrels?
Some health problems that can be caused by obesity in baby squirrels are joint problems heart disease and/or type 2 diabetes.
What is the best way to ensure that a baby squirrel is getting enough to eat?
The best way to ensure that a baby squirrel is getting enough to eat is to take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
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.
