When Can a Baby Squirrel Start Eating Solid Foods? 
You may wonder when can a baby squirrel start eating solid foods. A squirrel is generally ready to eat solid food when it’s about seven to eight weeks old. You can start by giving your baby squirrel puppy formula, or a mixture of two parts puppy milk powder and four parts water. Once your squirrel is eating solid food for a couple of weeks, you can switch to full strength water or puppy formula.
Broccoli
At around six or seven weeks of age, it is time for your baby squirrel to begin nibbling on solid food. You can introduce broccoli, kale, and sweet potatoes, but it is still important that you feed them formula every four hours until that time. You should feed your squirrel a variety of foods and cut back on the feedings if your baby is not gaining weight yet. Once your baby squirrel begins eating solid food, you can switch over to a diet of vegetables and fruits.
Squirrels also need lots of fiber and fruits to maintain a balanced diet. Fruits are excellent sources of fiber and natural sugars. Fruits are also rich in Vitamins A and C, as well as potassium, which is necessary for synthesis of proteins and the recovery of muscles after exercise. It is important to keep your baby squirrel’s diet balanced at all times, and broccoli should be an added treat at mealtime.
Kale
When can a baby squirrel start eating solid foods? Squirrels can start eating grapes, apples and hard-shelled nuts around six weeks of age. At first, they will need to drink formula, but you can gradually introduce solid food by offering them a small platter of it. By the time your squirrel reaches about eight weeks, you can wean him or her off of formula.
Before introducing your baby squirrel to solid food, you must stimulate his or her digestive system. If you notice the baby’s stools are loose or runny, it’s time to switch to a high-quality rehydration formula. A baby squirrel may need to be stimulated several times a day to get the right amount of nutrients. However, if the baby squirrel continues to suffer from diarrhea, he or she should be taken to the vet.
Sweet potatoes
There are many benefits to introducing a baby squirrel to sweet potatoes. These nutritious foods are rich in vitamins and minerals and can be a great source of water for the little guy. However, it is important to know that if you’re giving a baby squirrel sweet potatoes as a regular food source, it can lead to obesity. You should limit the amount of sweet potatoes your squirrel consumes to no more than five percent of his diet.
Baby squirrels are ready to start eating solid foods after about four to five weeks of age. They are fed by their mother, who brings back food from her den to munch on. During this time, they also eat other foods, including fruit, lichens, tree bark, and beetles. You can also provide squirrels with seeds, and some people give away these foods for free.
Bananas
When can a baby squirrel start eating solids? This process will depend on the age of your baby squirrel, but it will usually be around six to seven weeks old. Initially, the squirrel will still require formula, but it will start nibbling on solids around six weeks. Solid food should be a variety of vegetables and fruit, including pecans. You can gradually decrease the amount of formula your squirrel receives, and increase the frequency of feeding as needed.
Nuts and other fruits are ideal for a growing squirrel. Since they are almost eighty percent water, they can help keep their bodies hydrated and provide a variety of nutrients. Apples are also a great source of fiber, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Baby squirrels can also nibble on kales and broccoli. These foods are high in potassium, which supports muscle and bone health. While you shouldn’t give your baby squirrel any kind of food until he is about six weeks old, these foods are safe for them.
Fruit
When can a baby squirrel start eating solids? Your baby squirrel should not receive treats at this stage. Instead, he should receive blocks, formula, and wild foods as a supplement to his diet. Then, you can introduce a few treats when your baby squirrel is a little older. To do this, follow the Healthy Diet for Pet Squirrels. And remember, your baby squirrel should only eat healthy food in the beginning.
Generally, baby squirrels should stay on formula until they are about eight to ten weeks old. They can begin nibbling on vegetables like kale and broccoli as long as the food is small enough for them to eat. Feeding more often can cause the belly to be tighter. You should also only feed your baby squirrel small amounts of food so that its stomach doesn’t get too large.
When is a baby squirrel ready to start eating solid food?
A baby squirrel is usually ready to start eating solid food around 6-8 weeks old.
How often should a baby squirrel eat solid food?
A baby squirrel should eat solid food 3-4 times a day.
What kind of solid food can a baby squirrel eat?
A baby squirrel can eat a variety of solid foods such as acorns nuts berries and leaves.
Should a baby squirrel always have access to water?
Yes a baby squirrel should always have access to water.
What happens if a baby squirrel does not get enough solid food?
If a baby squirrel does not get enough solid food it may become malnourished and even die.
What happens if a baby squirrel eats too much solid food?
If a baby squirrel eats too much solid food it may become overweight and have difficulty moving around.
What should you do if you find a baby squirrel?
If you find a baby squirrel it is best to leave it where you found it and let its mother take care of it.
Can humans raise a baby squirrel?
Yes humans can raise a baby squirrel but it is best to leave it to its mother if possible.
What do baby squirrels need if they are raised by humans?
Baby squirrels need a warm safe place to live plenty of fresh food and water and plenty of love and attention.
How long do baby squirrels stay with their mother?
Baby squirrels usually stay with their mother for around 12 weeks.
How long do baby squirrels live?
Baby squirrels typically live for around 1-2 years.
What are some of the predators of baby squirrels?
Some of the predators of baby squirrels include snakes birds of prey and other small mammals.
What should you do if you see a baby squirrel in danger?
If you see a baby squirrel in danger you should try to get it to safety as soon as possible.
What is the best way to avoid getting bitten by a baby squirrel?
The best way to avoid getting bitten by a baby squirrel is to be gentle and handle it with care.
What should you do if you are bitten by a baby squirrel?
If you are bitten by a baby squirrel you should wash the wound with soap and water and see a doctor as soon as possible.
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.
