What to Feed a Baby Ground Squirrel
What should you feed a baby ground squirrel? You can take it home as a new family pet, but what do you feed a ground squirrel after he or she is born? A baby squirrel will remain totally dependent on its mother for a long time. The baby will start weaning gradually after 8 weeks and will stay with the mother until it is around 12 weeks old. It is still totally dependent on its mother even if its eyes are open.
Nuts
You can provide your baby ground squirrel with a variety of nuts and seeds. They can also be fed formula every two to four hours. You should give them 0.5 to 1 cc per feeding during the first week. Then, you should give them 3 or 4 cc per feeding when the squirrel reaches two to three weeks of age. It is not advisable to feed your baby ground squirrel with packaged pet treats or squirrel food. Avoid giving them starchy foods, legumes, artificial sweeteners, and other ingredients.
Squirrels are known for their versatility. They will eat almost anything, from twigs and branches to nuts and seeds. They are generally non-picky eaters. You should never feed them dairy or chocolate. Squirrels are not picky eaters, so don’t worry if you don’t have these things in the house. But don’t worry if you accidentally spill some of your food on the ground. Squirrels don’t really mind a little tastier food!
Vegetables
Vegetables are a crucial part of a ground squirrel’s diet. These foods provide important nutrients and vitamins to your ground squirrel. Sweet potatoes and corn are especially popular options. These foods also provide a natural water source and variety in the squirrel’s diet. Fruits should be given sparingly, however, as too much fruit can cause diarrhea. However, a little bit of fruit may provide small amounts of carbohydrates to your ground squirrel.
As the baby ground squirrel grows, you can gradually introduce vegetables to him. You can start out by offering lukewarm milk, but not hot. Do not give your baby ground squirrel cow’s milk, as it is known to be harmful to wildlife. Instead, you can try to make a homemade formula, which you can get online. Your ground squirrel will love it! If you do decide to handfeed your ground squirrel, be sure to follow the instructions on the food packaging.
Puppy milk formula
If you have a pet ground squirrel, you should consider using puppy milk formula as a supplement. It can make the squirrel’s diet more nutritious, as it contains more nutrients and fewer calories than regular milk. But beware: this solution has risks. For example, you may accidentally aspirate the animal by using a larger syringe. To avoid aspirating the animal, you should use an eyedropper or a baby bottle instead. Make sure to keep the dropper away from the squirrel’s tongue and lips, as they are prone to sucking.
If you’d prefer to use a powdered form, you should use Esbilac. Its powder is easier for the squirrel to digest. Mix one part powder with four parts water until you have a smooth and lump-free mixture. A strainer is also a good idea. Mix the milk powder well and add more water as needed. Your baby ground squirrel will get enough nutrition from this diet, and will thrive.
High-Calcium vegetables
It is important to provide your pet with a high-quality diet that contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and calcium. A well-balanced diet should contain several different types of fruits and vegetables. A high-calcium vegetable diet should include arugula, broccoli, and kale. Avocados and peanuts are also good choices, but avoid giving them to your baby ground squirrel because they contain toxic skin and pit.
Red squirrels like to eat sunflower seeds and unsalted peanuts. Apples and carrots are also good foods to supplement a deficiency in calcium. Sweet corn is not a good choice for young red squirrels. A squirrel’s diet should consist of a variety of foods to ensure that it gets all of the vitamins and minerals it needs. But, make sure to avoid giving them too much of the same food.
How often should you feed a baby ground squirrel?
Every 2-3 hours.
What kind of milk should you feed a baby ground squirrel?
You can feed them cow’s milk goat’s milk or a milk replacement formula designed for puppies or kittens.
When can you start introducing solid foods to a baby ground squirrel?
At around 6-8 weeks old.
What kind of solid foods can you feed a baby ground squirrel?
You can start by offering them soft easily digestible foods like cooked chicken hard-boiled eggs small pieces of fruit and vegetables.
How often should you feed a baby ground squirrel solid foods?
1-2 times per day.
What kind of water should you give a baby ground squirrel?
You can give them filtered water bottled water or boiled water that has cooled.
How often should you give a baby ground squirrel water?
Several times per day.
What kind of shelter do baby ground squirrels need?
A small enclosed space like a shoe box or laundry basket with a soft warm bedding like a towel or blanket.
How should you line the shelter?
The bedding should be changed daily and the shelter should be lined with a fresh towel or blanket every few days.
Where should you put the baby ground squirrel’s shelter?
In a warm quiet place away from drafts and direct sunlight.
What temperature should the baby ground squirrel’s shelter be?
Between 21-24 degrees Celsius.
How can you tell if a baby ground squirrel is too cold or too hot?
If they are too cold they will be shivering and if they are too hot they will be panting and lethargic.
What should you do if you think the baby ground squirrel is too cold or too hot?
If they are too cold add more bedding to their shelter and if they are too hot remove some bedding or move the shelter to a cooler location.
What kind of toys can baby ground squirrels play with?
Small soft toys like stuffed animals or balls.
How often should you handle a baby ground squirrel?
Gently handling them for a few minutes each day.

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.