What to Do When You See a Baby Squirrel
When you see a baby squirrel, there are several things you should do to help them. These include keeping them out of direct sunlight, warming them up with Pedialyte, and helping them relieve themselves after each feeding. It is also important to reunite them with their mother if they are separated from her. You can also visit your local wildlife center for more information about the care of baby squirrels. You can even learn how to train them to go outside and eat on their own!
Keep baby squirrels away from sunlight
The first thing to do when rescuing a baby squirrel is to keep it warm. Do not feed the baby squirrel while it is cold and instead, put it in a container and secure it to a tree. If you cannot leave the box with the baby squirrel, try placing a blanket over it. Never leave the baby in direct sunlight as it will dehydrate and burn. You can also play baby squirrel crying sounds on youtube to entice the mother to return. However, make sure not to threaten her or leave the babies outside for up to 24 hours.
Unlike human babies, baby squirrels do best in a large, vertical cage. A large box will help them get the necessary exercise and stimulate their natural instinct to go to the bathroom. Provide a mineral stone and a hanging water bottle. The first two weeks are the most important for a baby squirrel. After that, you can take them outside for short periods of time. But be sure to supervise the baby squirrel’s activities as it will need to stay indoors for the rest of its life.
Keep them warm with Pedialyte
One way to keep your baby squirrel warm is to add a small amount of Pedialyte to their food. If baby squirrels get dehydrated, they need a drink of water before they eat. To rehydrate them, simply mix Pedialyte with salt and water. Give them a small amount every 15 minutes. Do not heat the Pedialyte too much or let them get too warm.
If you notice your baby squirrel is dehydrated, the first thing you should do is offer it Pedialyte. It’s one of the best hydration solutions for infants and can be purchased at any grocery store or pharmacy. Remember to add Pedialyte before feeding any other food to prevent dehydration. Feeding it food too soon may cause it to be dehydrated and sick.
Help them relieve themselves after each feeding
You may need to help your baby squirrel relieve themselves after each feeding. They often go into a “nursing trance,” looking at you with wide open mouths, and will continue to drink drops of formula from the syringe. To awaken them, wash their face. This can help stimulate their urination. Alternatively, you can try removing their syringe and using a smaller one.
For the first few days, you need to help your baby squirrel relieve itself after each feeding. Place a small box or large Tupperware container under it. Make sure that the lid is well-ventilated, or else the baby squirrel may crawl away and fall into the container. Then, place a heating pad under the box. Afterwards, you can gently brush the squirrel’s fur. Then, allow it to rest for at least an hour.
To stimulate the baby squirrel’s natural urge to relieve themselves, make sure to wipe them clean after each feeding with a warm, moist cotton ball. Using a soft cloth will help them simulate the mother’s tongue. This will make them pee and poop. If you don’t stimulate them, they may not pee or poop for several feedings or even a day. A dry, dehydrated baby squirrel may not relieve itself at all.
Help them reuniting with their mother
The first step in reuniting a baby squirrel with their mother is to keep the animal warm. Keep the temperature below the freezing point and avoid placing the baby squirrel in a hot object like a soda bottle. It is important to keep the baby squirrel warm so that it will not become dehydrated overnight. Also, make sure the area is free of pets and children. Then, place the container under the tree where the baby squirrel was found.
Once you’ve located the baby squirrel, you can keep it warm by bringing it a soft cloth. The next step is to take the baby back to a tree where their mother nests. Ideally, it should be in the tree close to where it was found, or at least in a nearby tree. Try not to leave the baby in a cold room; instead, place it in a quiet area away from people and pets.
What is the best way to feed a baby squirrel?
The best way to feed a baby squirrel is to give it milk from a syringe.
How often should a baby squirrel be fed?
A baby squirrel should be fed every two to three hours.
What type of milk should be given to a baby squirrel?
The best type of milk to give a baby squirrel is goat’s milk.
Where can I get goat’s milk?
Goat’s milk can be purchased at most grocery stores.
How do I know if a baby squirrel is dehydrated?
A baby squirrel is dehydrated if it has sunken eyes a dry nose and dry mouth.
How do I give a baby squirrel fluids if it is dehydrated?
A baby squirrel can be given fluids by using a syringe to give it milk or water.
What are some signs that a baby squirrel is ill?
Some signs that a baby squirrel is ill are if it has a runny nose watery eyes and is lethargic.
What should I do if I think my baby squirrel is ill?
If you think your baby squirrel is ill you should take it to a vet.
How do I know if a baby squirrel has enough fur?
A baby squirrel has enough fur if it has a thick coat of fur and does not look bald.
What should I do if a baby squirrel does not have enough fur?
If a baby squirrel does not have enough fur you should take it to a vet.
How do I know if a baby squirrel is too cold?
A baby squirrel is too cold if it is shivering and has a cold nose.
How do I know if a baby squirrel is too hot?
A baby squirrel is too hot if it is panting and has a hot nose.
What is the best way to keep a baby squirrel warm?
The best way to keep a baby squirrel warm is to put it in a box with a hot water bottle.
What is the best way to keep a baby squirrel cool?
The best way to keep a baby squirrel cool is to put it in a box with a cold pack.
How do I know when to release a baby squirrel?
You should release a baby squirrel when it is fully furred can eat on its own and is active.
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.
