What Do I Feed a 11-18 Week Old Squirrel?
Your pet squirrel is only eleven to eighteen weeks old. He or she will be starving soon if you don’t provide proper nutrition. Here are some foods that are suitable for this age group: Peanuts, Esbilac, Field corn, and High-Calcium vegetables. You can also purchase plastic adaptors for 10cc syringes, which hold elongated nipples for feeding baby squirrels. You must make sure that you put the nipples against the roof of the mouth of the squirrel so that the tongue can move comfortably.
Field corn
If you want to attract a squirrel to your yard, feeding it corn is an excellent choice. This food is nutritious for squirrels, but be sure to avoid corn with the husk and cob. Squirrels can’t eat the corn silk that surrounds the kernels. Although corn silk has essential vitamins and minerals, it’s difficult to chew. Your squirrel’s diet should consist of a variety of different foods, so corn shouldn’t make up more than 20% of the total diet.
If you don’t mind giving your squirrel some extra treats, you can feed it cracked corn every now and then. It’s best to use smaller kernels because large ones are choking hazards and may not fit through the squirrel’s intestines. Also, be careful to give your squirrel baby sweetcorn because it may choke on its own kernel. If it eats too much, it may develop dental problems and develop gum infections.
Peanuts
When deciding what to feed your squirrel, be sure to select in-shell nuts. These provide the squirrel with a chewy surface to help maintain their teeth, and they also contain essential fatty acids and natural protein. Peanuts, while they may look like a good choice, have a low nutritional value, and are not recommended for squirrels. The insidious mold that grows inside the peanut shell can be harmful to your pet.
A varied diet is vital for your baby squirrel’s health and well-being. If it doesn’t get the proper nutrition, it may develop metabolic diseases or end up in a rehabilitation facility. You should also provide a good source of calcium to avoid the development of hind leg paralysis. While your baby squirrel will probably be quite tame at this stage, you should make sure he or she is not exposed to the wrong foods.
Esbilac
For an 11 to 18 week old squirrel, you can start by using a high-quality dog food supplement, such as Esbilac. This formula is especially formulated for baby squirrels and is a low-fat option. To add fat to Esbilac, you can add whipping cream. Start with 1 teaspoon of cream per cup of reconstituted Esbilac. You can gradually increase the amount of cream and reduce its frequency or stop it altogether. Always stir the cream into the formula before feeding the squirrel.
If the baby squirrel is severely dehydrated, you can use a human convalescence liquid meal. This food is a temporary solution and cannot replace proper formula in the long run. Rehydrating your baby squirrel first with Pedialyte is a great idea before transitioning to Esbilac for 11-18 week old squirrel. If your baby squirrel is too young for the human milk formula, consider using Fox Valley squirrel formula.
High-Calcium vegetables
Squirrels are notorious for their greed and love to raid dumpsters are not their only source of food, either. They have even been observed eating tar paper from under shingles for weeks, and the poop was no different. In a starving situation, squirrels will eat just about anything! Here are some high-Calcium foods that your squirrel will love!
Animal grade bonemeal powder or eggshell powder can also provide calcium to your pet squirrel. Eggshells can be ground into powder using a coffee grinder or boiled eggshells. As part of the diet, you can also offer Vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium. Supplements are also a good source of vitamin D. A squirrel’s body needs Vitamin D in order to properly synthesize calcium.
Fruit
If you’re a new squirrel owner, it’s a good idea to use a syringe to feed your little one. You can buy one at most pharmacies for a few cents. For an 11-18 week old baby squirrel, mix 1 part puppy milk formula powder with 4 parts water. Avoid human baby formula, cow’s milk, or goat’s milk, which are all dangerous for your squirrel. Use a syringe and feed your squirrel about half to three-tenths of its body weight each time.
If you’re worried that your new pet is cold or wet, consider using a washcloth to mimic the way a mother licks her baby. A squirrel mom won’t take the baby back if it’s cold or wet. And if it does get cold, she won’t want it! Plus, the baby could be an orphan, so it’s best not to disturb them, unless you’re sure they’re all healthy.
Rodent block
When feeding your 11-18-week-old squirrel, a rodent block can be an excellent choice. This large pellet contains 100% nutrition and can be placed in its nest when the eyes open. Although rodent block doesn’t taste particularly good, it is the most nutritious solid food available while the squirrel is in captivity. This type of pellet is also known as a rat and mouse block and should be stored in a refrigerator in a tightly sealed container.
After removing the baby squirrel from its home, it is best to leave the nest to allow the mother to tend to her young. When the young are mobile enough to venture out on their own, they will begin to migrate. Once this occurs, the homeowner should begin to repair the damages to the nest so that this will not happen again. While you’re waiting for the baby squirrel to move out, the homeowner can leave the squirrel alone for a few days.
What kind of food do 11-18 week old squirrels eat?
Generally 11-18 week old squirrels eat the same things as adult squirrels.
This includes nuts fruits vegetables and insects.
How often should I feed a 11-18 week old squirrel?
You should feed a 11-18 week old squirrel twice a day.
What is the best way to feed a 11-18 week old squirrel?
The best way to feed a 11-18 week old squirrel is by putting the food in a bowl and placing it in their cage.
What happens if I don’t feed a 11-18 week old squirrel?
If you don’t feed a 11-18 week old squirrel they can become malnourished and may die.
Can 11-18 week old squirrels eat nuts?
Yes 11-18 week old squirrels can eat nuts.
Can 11-18 week old squirrels eat insects?
Yes 11-18 week old squirrels can eat insects.
Can 11-18 week old squirrels eat chocolate?
No 11-18 week old squirrels cannot eat chocolate as it is poisonous to them.
Can 11-18 week old squirrels eat fruit?
Yes 11-18 week old squirrels can eat fruit.
What is the best fruit for a 11-18 week old squirrel to eat?
The best fruit for a 11-18 week old squirrel to eat is a banana.
Can 11-18 week old squirrels eat vegetables?
Yes 11-18 week old squirrels can eat vegetables.
What is the best vegetable for a 11-18 week old squirrel to eat?
The best vegetable for a 11-18 week old squirrel to eat is a carrot.
What should I do if my 11-18 week old squirrel is not eating?
If your 11-18 week old squirrel is not eating you should take them to the vet as they may be sick.
My 11-18 week old squirrel is bleeding what should I do?
If your 11-18 week old squirrel is bleeding you should take them to the vet immediately.
My 11-18 week old squirrel has diarrhea what should I do?
If your 11-18 week old squirrel has diarrhea you should take them to the vet as they may be sick.
My 11-18 week old squirrel is constipated what should I do?
If your 11-18 week old squirrel is constipated you should take them to the vet as they may be sick.
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.
