What to Feed a Four Week Old Baby Squirrel 
The first step in ensuring a healthy life for your pet baby squirrel is learning what to feed them. There are several foods to consider, from Esbilac formula to processed, high-carb and fat-rich foods. Thankfully, there are many options that are safe and natural for baby squirrels. In this article, you’ll discover what to feed a baby squirrel, including how to prepare it.
Esbilac formula
In order to provide the proper nutrition to your baby squirrel, you can use an Esbilac infant formula. The formula is designed to replace the nutrients in cow’s milk. However, since baby squirrels cannot digest cow’s milk, it is better to use a liquid milk replacement formula. Esbilac is a good choice for newborn squirrels and can be used for feeding from two to six weeks of age.
When choosing the right formula for your baby squirrel, it is important to choose a high-quality product. Esbilac cans and liquid formulas should be stored in a cool, dry place, so that the nutrients remain intact. It is also important to keep the baby squirrel warm and rehydrated, as both can lead to diarrhea. There are several alternatives to Esbilac formula, such as a homemade goats milk formula with egg yolk.
Avoid feeding squirrels on processed foods
If you have a baby squirrel, avoid feeding it junk food, processed vegetables, and other food items. Squirrels are omnivores, and their diet is similar to our own. Junk food is highly toxic for squirrels and difficult for them to chew. Peanuts are also harmful for squirrels, as they are legumes, and don’t contain any valuable nutrients.
In the perfect world, squirrels don’t eat dairy products, chocolate, or candy. Even packaged pet treats are bad for them. In fact, they’re probably not even a bit interested in them. But the truth is, squirrels are busy animals that need a lot of energy to run around and play. And although they enjoy some questionable foods, they also need plenty of fuel to keep them going.
A young baby squirrel should be left in a cage for at least two weeks before being released outside. You can record the mother squirrel feeding her babies with your cell phone, and play the video for the baby in the cage. Make sure you’re out of sight while you film the baby squirrel. The video should be as realistic as possible – the mother will not be able to find it. You may also want to play with the baby while the mother is in another area.
Avoid feeding squirrels on foods high on carbs
For your pet squirrel, you may want to begin introducing solid foods at 6 to 7 weeks of age. Even though they will still need formula every four hours, this is the time to transition them to solid food. Choose natural, healthy alternatives instead of junk food. The best choices are fruits, vegetables, nuts, and pecans. Whenever possible, give your baby squirrel a variety of solid foods.
Your baby squirrel will need to be fed solid foods after two weeks of being on formula. Make sure to introduce them to Squirrel Complete, a mix of high-protein pellets and nuts. Your squirrel will need a glass water bottle and stainless steel or ceramic feeding dish, as these are chew-proof and lead-free. You may also consider using a ceramic feeding dish, as it is more sanitary than plastic. Until your squirrel starts eating solid foods, you should feed them Squirrel Complete using a glass water bottle or stainless steel cup, or a ceramic feeding dish. Both are lead-free and dishwasher safe.
Avoid feeding squirrels on foods high on fat
There are some foods that you should avoid feeding a four-week-old baby squirrel. First, cheese. Squirrels love cheese. In fact, they will chase crickets and mealworms. Insects are a great source of vitamins and minerals, including calcium. You can also try giving them moths. But remember that they are still very young and should only be fed small amounts of these foods.
Secondly, milk and dairy products. Scalded milk, coconut milk, and kitten milk may be harmful to your baby squirrel. Second-stage Esbilac and PetAg Petlac can also harm your baby squirrel. Although their manufacturers have addressed these problems, there are some problems with earlier-date codes. Unless the animal is very young, it is best to avoid feeding 4 week-old baby squirrels on these foods.
Third, baby squirrels need a balanced diet that contains lots of vitamins and minerals. Without proper nutrition, they’re prone to bone diseases. Grapes are excellent sources of vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, potassium, copper, manganese, fiber, and Vitamin K. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is needed for blood clotting and supports healthy bones. Hard-shelled nuts are also excellent choices for your baby squirrel.
How often should you feed a 4 week old baby squirrel?
Every 3-4 hours.
What kind of milk should you feed a 4 week old baby squirrel?
Whole milk or a milk replacer specifically designed for squirrels.
How much milk should you feed a 4 week old baby squirrel?
2 tablespoons per feeding.
What type of food should you introduce to a 4 week old baby squirrel?
Soft moistened cat or dog food.
How much food should you introduce to a 4 week old baby squirrel?
1 tablespoon per feeding.
When can a 4 week old baby squirrel start eating on its own?
When it is around 6 weeks old.
What is the weaning process for a 4 week old baby squirrel?
Gradually increase the amount of solid food while decreasing the amount of milk until the squirrel is only eating solid food.
What are some signs that a 4 week old baby squirrel is ready to start eating solid food?
When it can hold its head up and has lost its “milk teeth”.
What should you do if a 4 week old baby squirrel is not interested in eating solid food?
Soak the food in milk or a milk replacer.
Where should you keep a 4 week old baby squirrel?
In a warm quiet place.
What kind of cage should you use for a 4 week old baby squirrel?
A small cage with a wire floor and a towel or blanket for bedding.
What temperature should the 4 week old baby squirrel’s cage be?
Between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
How often should you clean the 4 week old baby squirrel’s cage?
Once a week.
How often should you change the 4 week old baby squirrel’s bedding?
When you clean the cage.
What should you do if the 4 week old baby squirrel is not gaining weight?
Take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
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.
