How to Tell the Age of a Baby Squirrel
Several methods exist to gauge the age of baby squirrels. These methods depend on how old the baby is, its physical development, and the time of year. However, there is no exact way to determine the age of a baby squirrel. These methods are very helpful, but they cannot be relied on. This article will give you a rough estimate of the age of a baby squirrel. The method of X-rays is the most common and can be applied to many types of squirrels.
X-rays
Squirrels typically open their eyes at a range of ages. If they’re still covered in fur and do not have open eyes, they’re likely under a month old. Until they have teeth, squirrels have a closed mouth. They may not have teeth. Observation of their development of these characteristics can give an idea of how old they are.
Scientists have developed various methods to determine squirrel ages. The veterinarians and wildlife biologists use different methods, including X-rays to determine bone growth. They also weigh the squirrel’s eye lens, which can give a rough estimate of its age. However, some methods are more accurate than others. For example, if a squirrel is found to be about 12 weeks old, it’s probably too old for X-rays.
When the baby squirrel reaches two weeks of age, it’s already starting to develop a distinct appearance. By three weeks of age, its eyes and ears have opened and the fur on the body has begun to grow in. Their bodies are covered with smooth gray fur and the tail hair has grown out. The body is also covered with hair, but it’s still missing teeth. If the baby squirrel has an open mouth, it’s probably about five weeks old.
Aspiration
There are several ways to determine the age of a baby squirrel. You can also determine the age of an older squirrel. Its lower incisors are the first signs of age, and a squirrel with no teeth is less than three weeks old. A squirrel’s eyes are open when they are five to six weeks old, and they may be either clear or cloudy. These signs do not necessarily indicate an adult squirrel’s age, but they may be a good indication of age.
First, you need to pick up the baby squirrel and wrap it up in a warm cloth. This will raise the body temperature of the squirrel. The mother squirrel will not recognize an abnormal body temperature, so it is important to gently hold the baby to warm it up. It’s important to keep in mind that the temperature outside the nest may be extremely cold. Keeping the squirrel warm can help keep it warm for a long time.
Fur
If you find a squirrel in your yard and would like to know its age, you can use the fur to make a rough estimate. At four weeks old, the squirrel is still covered in fur, has closed eyes and its ears are pointing away from its head. At this stage, it is about four to five inches long, has fur on its back, and is still nursing. At six or seven weeks, it will have furry tail and lower front teeth. At this age, it can start eating solid food, but still needs mother’s milk.
If you find a baby squirrel, make sure to check it for injuries before feeding it. You can clean its fur using blue Dawn soap or Instant Shampoo, a no-rinse formula that cleans while dissolving dirt and oils. Once you’re done cleaning the fur, you can check for parasites. It’s best to keep the fur of a baby squirrel between six and eight weeks old.
Eyes
There are several ways to determine the age of a squirrel. Using the eyes, you can tell how old a squirrel is by its facial features, its tail length, and its ears. At five weeks old, a baby squirrel has eyes and can do more jumping than before. Mother squirrels do not need to watch over their babies all day, but they do teach them how to jump around and navigate the tree branches. By six weeks old, a baby squirrel looks like a miniature adult. At seven weeks old, baby squirrels begin to behave and explore the world on their own.
If you see a squirrel with closed eyes, it is less than four weeks old. Open eyes are an indication of more than four weeks old. Baby squirrels with no teeth are very young. The first incisors erupt at around three weeks. By six weeks, the top two incisors will appear. At this age, the cheek teeth will also appear. The eyes will be cloudy or clear when a baby squirrel is about six weeks old.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is around 3 weeks old?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is around 3 weeks old if it is starting to eat on its own and is beginning to move around more.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is around 6 weeks old?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is around 6 weeks old if it is weaned from its mother is fully furred and has a full set of teeth.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is around 8 weeks old?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is around 8 weeks old if it is beginning to explore its surroundings and is playing with other young squirrels.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is around 12 weeks old?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is around 12 weeks old if it is eating on its own is fully furred has a full set of teeth and is beginning to explore its surroundings.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is around 16 weeks old?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is around 16 weeks old if it is weaned from its mother is fully furred has a full set of teeth and is beginning to explore its surroundings.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is around 20 weeks old?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is around 20 weeks old if it is weaned from its mother is fully furred has a full set of teeth and is beginning to explore its surroundings.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is around 24 weeks old?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is around 24 weeks old if it is weaned from its mother is fully furred has a full set of teeth and is beginning to explore its surroundings.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is around 28 weeks old?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is around 28 weeks old if it is weaned from its mother is fully furred has a full set of teeth and is beginning to explore its surroundings.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is around 32 weeks old?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is around 32 weeks old if it is weaned from its mother is fully furred has a full set of teeth and is beginning to explore its surroundings.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is around 36 weeks old?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is around 36 weeks old if it is weaned from its mother is fully furred has a full set of teeth and is beginning to explore its surroundings.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is around 40 weeks old?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is around 40 weeks old if it is weaned from its mother is fully furred has a full set of teeth and is beginning to explore its surroundings.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is around 44 weeks old?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is around 44 weeks old if it is weaned from its mother is fully furred has a full set of teeth and is beginning to explore its surroundings.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is around 48 weeks old?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is around 48 weeks old if it is weaned from its mother is fully furred has a full set of teeth and is beginning to explore its surroundings.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is around 52 weeks old?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is around 52 weeks old if it is weaned from its mother is fully furred has a full set of teeth and is beginning to explore its surroundings.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is around 56 weeks old?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is around 56 weeks old if it is weaned from its mother is fully furred has a full set of teeth and is beginning to explore its surroundings.

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.