What to Do With Baby Squirrel 
There are several steps you can take when you find a baby squirrel. Read our guide to Hand-rearing a baby squirrel, Stimulate its genitals to make it pee, and Relocate the animal. A baby squirrel is a small creature about the size of a half-size chicken. They are very active and need frequent cleaning, so you’ll need to make sure that you clean their cage frequently.
Releasing a baby squirrel from its mother
Releasing a baby squirrel from its mom is an extremely delicate process. It is essential that the baby is returned to a safe place, away from predators, and with plenty of food and water. A squirrel at four months of age is not ready for independence and is likely to be easy prey. As such, it should be closely monitored during its first week, so it can get accustomed to its new surroundings and find its own food and water.
After finding a squirrel, you should put it in a perforated box and check for injuries. Place a heating pad underneath half of the box, or place a temporary hot water bottle. You can also give it electrolyte replacer. If the squirrel is in any danger, contact a wildlife rehabber immediately. Otherwise, you may risk causing further injury or death. You should always keep any injured animal out of reach of children or pets.
Hand-rearing a baby squirrel
Hand-rearing a baby squirrel is not something you should attempt at home. This is because squirrels can be very solitary once they are not babies. They are not good pets as they can bite if you try to feed them. If you do not know how to care for a squirrel, consider taking it to a Wildlife Rehabilitator. The information in this article is meant for people who cannot reach a Wildlife Rehabilitator. Be sure to store this information out of the reach of children and pets.
A newborn squirrel will need to be fed formula every two to three hours. The best type of formula is Esbilac, which is formulated for squirrels. However, you should only use a syringe that is small enough to prevent aspirating the baby. A syringe with the correct size will help you keep a baby squirrel alive. You should also be sure to keep the baby squirrel away from other litters, to avoid cross-infection.
Stimulating the genitals to make it pee
It is natural for a mother to stimulate her baby squirrels to eliminate their waste. This will help keep them clean and healthy. However, this task is rarely willingly performed by baby squirrels. To help them avoid these problems, try stimulating their genitals with a Q-tip. For the female squirrel, you can also use a heating pad. Just make sure you don’t let the squirrel smell the heating pad!
First, make sure the baby squirrel is not dehydrated, and rehydrate it before feeding it. To help your baby squirrel urinate, use a Q-tip or soft cloth to stimulate the genitals. Once the squirrel has peed, try to massage its genitals with warm water for a few minutes. If you want to induce urination, make sure you do this slowly and consistently.
Relocating a baby squirrel
If you’ve recently caught a baby squirrel, you may be wondering where to relocate it. While there are laws prohibiting squirrel release on public lands, many people recommend relocating the squirrel to a wild, undisturbed location with freshwater sources. While the ideal location is the woods, an underdeveloped area near a water source may also be an appropriate habitat. Relocating the baby squirrel should be done with caution, however.
First, you need to be sure you don’t harm the animal. Make sure you use gloves and place the baby squirrel in a box with ventilation holes. Line the box with newspaper or a towel. Be careful not to feed or water the baby squirrel, as it could cause more harm than good. You may also want to play a distress call to alert the mother squirrel. The call should be loud and repeated only once.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is healthy?
A healthy baby squirrel will have bright eyes a fluffy tail and will be playful.
What should you do if you find a baby squirrel?
The best thing to do is to leave it where you found it.
Mother squirrels often hide their babies and will come back for them.
What should you not do if you find a baby squirrel?
Do not try to feed the baby squirrel.
They have a very sensitive stomach and feeding them the wrong thing can make them very sick.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is injured?
If a baby squirrel is injured it will usually be crying or have visible injuries.
What should you do if you find an injured baby squirrel?
The best thing to do is to take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center where it can get the care it needs.
What should you not do if you find an injured baby squirrel?
Do not try to care for the baby squirrel yourself.
They require specialized care and you may do more harm than good.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is orphaned?
Orphaned baby squirrels will usually be crying and searching for their mother.
What should you do if you find an orphaned baby squirrel?
The best thing to do is to take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center where it can be bottle-fed and cared for until it is old enough to be released.
What should you not do if you find an orphaned baby squirrel?
Do not try to care for the baby squirrel yourself.
They require specialized care and you may do more harm than good.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is sick?
A sick baby squirrel will usually have its eyes closed be listless and have a runny nose.
What should you do if you find a sick baby squirrel?
The best thing to do is to take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center where it can get the care it needs.
What should you not do if you find a sick baby squirrel?
Do not try to care for the baby squirrel yourself.
They require specialized care and you may do more harm than good.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is cold?
A baby squirrel that is cold will usually be shaking and have its fur fluffed up.
What should you do if you find a cold baby squirrel?
The best thing to do is to take it inside and warm it up gradually.
Do not put it in a hot environment as this can shock the baby squirrel.
What should you not do if you find a cold baby squirrel?
Do not try to feed the baby squirrel.
They have a very sensitive stomach and feeding them the wrong thing can make them very 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.
