What Can I Feed a Sick Squirrel?
If your squirrel is feeling under the weather, there are a number of things you can feed it to make sure he stays healthy. You can try offering him a variety of insects like crickets or mealworms, which are rich in vitamins and minerals. Sunflower seeds and peanuts are also good choices, as are acorns. However, be careful not to overfeed your pet! It may be better to try to treat the ailment yourself and only feed the squirrel what is sickly.
Rodent blocks
There are many ways to feed a squirrel. One of these is to mix peanut butter and oil into a paste, which can be microwaved for 45 seconds. Then, pour this paste over the rodent blocks, and let them stand for an hour. After the oil has soaked in, lay the blocks on parchment paper or a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake the blocks at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour, and allow them to cool completely before serving. The blocks will keep in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.
Another effective way to feed a sick squirrel is by giving her fresh food. A rodent block is a great, nutritious snack for your pet. Compared to most other mixes, this product contains more phosphorus than other options. The added phosphorus may cause your sick squirrel to gain weight, so feeding it once a day is fine. Also, try to give her a rodent block twice a day.
Sunflower seeds
It is a common misconception that feeding sunflower seeds to a sick squirrel is the best way to help him recover. In reality, sunflower seeds don’t provide sufficient nutrition for squirrels and can lead to malnutrition. Although sunflower seeds are an excellent source of phosphorus, they aren’t the best option for squirrels, as other types of food are better for their health. Luckily, there are a variety of healthy foods you can give your sick squirrel instead.
One type of sunflower seed that is considered safe to feed a sick squirrel is unsalted. While this type of seed contains a high level of phosphorus and carbohydrates, it doesn’t have any of the essential nutrients a sick squirrel needs. Sunflower seeds also contain over one hundred milligrams of sodium, which is toxic to squirrels. It is best to avoid salted sunflower seeds in general, as these may lead to kidney problems in the animal.
Peanuts
Squirrels can eat a variety of foods, but they are particularly prone to metabolic bone disease, or MBD, which weakens the bones. People who rehabilitate wild animals have noticed an increase in the incidence of MBD. Peanuts and sunflower seeds are popular choices for squirrels. You can also offer your pet a handful of these foods if you notice a change in its behavior.
Avoid sugared or salted snacks. Both of these foods can be poisonous to squirrels. Sugar makes squirrels hyper, and is not healthy for them. Avoid giving squirrels pizza, hot dogs, or other junk food. Even if you have a squirrel in your yard, you don’t want to put it in a cage and worry about it getting sick. It’s also important not to overfeed it.
Acorns
Acorns are rich in vitamins and minerals, and they are easily available to squirrels. They are not bitter and are not difficult to collect. In fact, they are plentiful in many places. If you notice a squirrel hiding in a tree, wait until it drops acorns and offer them to your sick animal. This will help you get your animal back to good health. In addition, acorns are great for the environment, and you can forage for them yourself in the wild.
Acorns are a rich source of nutrients and can be eaten by sick animals. They are the favorite food of many species of wildlife, including squirrels. Acorns can be ground into a fine powder, stored in the freezer, or fridge, and can be used for baking. If you want to feed a squirrel, make sure to get the right kind of acorn, as these contain tannins and can be harmful for your pet.
Bird seed
If your sick squirrel is refusing to eat the food you are providing, there are several foods that you can offer to help the animal recover. Squirrels need a diverse diet that is rich in vitamins, calcium, and other essential nutrients. In a perfect world, you would never feed a squirrel any foods high in sugar or fat, as these items will only make the animal sick. However, in reality, squirrels do like some high-calorie, low-nutrient foods. While corn is a healthy option for birds, it is not as beneficial to squirrels’ diets. Nonetheless, peanuts and corn are fine to give a squirrel if they are getting a more varied diet.
Aside from containing the proper amount of fats and nutrients, bird seed is also beneficial to squirrels. Black oil sunflower seeds are especially popular among squirrels. A nut-based blend is also great for squirrels. In addition to sunflower seeds, nut-based mixes are good sources of energy. Alternatively, you can try giving a sick squirrel a little bit of bird seed infused with hot sauce.
Flea powder
Using flea powder to treat a sick squirrel is a simple and effective way to get rid of the critters’ parasites. Typically, squirrels do not require deworming. However, when your squirrel gets worms, he or she may not gain weight and may wave at you from under its body. Luckily, there are a few different flea killers that you can use to kill fleas, including Revolution/Selamectin. The solution is not toxic and you can use it in a small amount on a cotton swab or a plastic syringe.
If your squirrel is suffering from mange, you may want to consider using a flea powder. The disease is contagious and can lead to patches of skin with no fur. It is a relatively easy disease to treat but you will need to be cautious. Using a powder or liquid is recommended because the fleas don’t usually carry the disease that a tick does. Moreover, a few drops of flea powder will do the trick.
Is it okay to feed a sick squirrel?
Yes you can continue to feed a sick or injured squirrel.
What should I feed a sick squirrel?
You can feed a sick squirrel kitten food soy-based baby formula boiled chicken and hard-boiled eggs.
How often should I feed a sick squirrel?
You should continue to feed a sick squirrel every day.
How do I know if a squirrel is sick?
Some signs that a squirrel may be sick include lethargy weight loss hair loss and unkempt fur.
How do I catch a sick squirrel?
One way to catch a sick squirrel is to place a large box over the squirrel and then slide a piece of cardboard under the box to trap the squirrel inside.
How do I handle a sick squirrel?
When handling a sick squirrel be sure to wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
How do I transport a sick squirrel?
The best way to transport a sick squirrel is in a small secure box with ventilation holes.
How do I care for a sick squirrel?
When caring for a sick squirrel be sure to keep it warm and in a quiet dark place.
What do I do if a sick squirrel dies?
If a sick squirrel dies be sure to dispose of the body properly.
How can I prevent my squirrel from getting sick?
Some ways to prevent your squirrel from getting sick include feeding it a nutritious diet keeping its cage clean and taking it to the vet for regular check-ups.
What are some common diseases that affect squirrels?
Some common diseases that affect squirrels include mange rabies and typhus.
How do I treat a sick squirrel?
The best way to treat a sick squirrel is to take it to the vet.
What should I not feed a sick squirrel?
You should not feed a sick squirrel chocolate caffeine alcohol or anything else that contains these substances.
How long does a sick squirrel live?
A sick squirrel can live for several weeks or longer if it receives proper care.
What happens if I don’t treat a sick squirrel?
If you don’t treat a sick squirrel it will likely die.
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.
