When to Stop Feeding Baby Squirrel Milk
Observe your baby squirrel closely. If they are effectively avoiding you and staying away for six to eight hours a day, they are likely over 12 weeks old. If they start to poop foul-smelling stools, you can remove the milk syringe. If they seem to be resisting feeding, they are probably older than 12 weeks. If you suspect they are older than this, you can try giving them a higher-calorie snack.
Observe baby squirrel for six to eight hours of daylight
Observe the baby squirrel for six to eight hours before you stop feeding him milk. The newborn squirrel is still gaining weight and needs stimulation to eat and pee. A warm, wet cotton ball works well. It simulates the sound of the mother squirrel’s tongue. Slowly reduce the amount of milk given per feeding and observe the baby squirrel for six to eight hours of daylight. A squirrel’s body temperature is between 100 to 102 degrees centigrade. The young squirrel must always feel warm when touched.
If the mother does not appear within 30 minutes or if night falls, bring the baby squirrel indoors. If there are dangerous animals in the area, take the baby squirrel to the nearest wildlife rehabilitator. It’s best to return the baby to its mother as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can keep the baby squirrel inside your house for a few days before he can grow up and reunite with his mother.
Observe baby squirrel for foul-smelling stools
If you’re a new parent and are thinking about weaning your baby squirrel from milk, you should watch out for these warning signs. This is because baby squirrels typically defecate in the same way that they defecate. Look for non-formed, runny, or yellow stools. If you notice one of these symptoms, it’s time to switch to formula or give your squirrel some electrolyte rehydration solution. If the problem persists, you should contact your veterinarian to determine whether you’re causing the problem or if the child is suffering from diarrhea.
The best time to transition your baby squirrel from milk to formula is during the first two weeks. A five-week-old squirrel should only be on formula. Then, by week seven, it should be on solid food. You can stimulate your baby squirrel by wiping its abdomen with a warm, damp cloth. In addition, a seven-week-old baby squirrel will be on solid food. In addition to formula, your baby squirrel will need stimulation every four hours.
If baby squirrel is effectively staying away from you, they are likely older than 12 weeks
The first thing you need to do is examine the squirrel. If they are not moving, then they are probably older than 12 weeks. Use a washcloth to lick them clean, just as the mother does when licking the baby. It may take several attempts, but eventually, you will be able to get them to move around again. You can also use a Q-tip to stimulate the genitals of the baby squirrel.
If you notice that your baby squirrel is not moving around and is effectively staying away from you, they are probably older than 12 weeks. The first signs that a squirrel is older than 12 weeks are the following. First, they will have their first teeth. At about four weeks, the lower incisors will begin to erupt. By six weeks, the top two incisors will emerge, and cheek teeth will appear.
If baby squirrel refuses to eat
If your baby squirrel refuses to eat milk, you may have noticed that its stools are not formed. This is not normal for babies, but can occur if your squirrel has just started formula feeding or is experiencing the transition from mother to child. Try giving your baby squirrel smaller amounts of formula at a time or increasing the time between feedings. If this does not help, see your veterinarian.
If you notice that your baby squirrel is refusing to eat milk, it may have an abrasion or infection. If you notice that the squirrel has abrasions, clean them carefully with soap and warm water. If your baby squirrel refuses to eat milk, you should stop feeding it. Try a different type of formula. If your baby squirrel doesn’t like milk, you should try Esbilac heavy whipping cream. This will be a healthier alternative to breastmilk.
If baby squirrel is injured
If you find a young baby squirrel and are unsure of its health, it is important to stop feeding the milk and seek medical attention. While squirrels are not domesticated, some injuries can cause grand mal seizures and neurological damage. If you notice your baby squirrel has become very ill, you should stop feeding it milk and immediately take it to a wildlife rehabber or vet. Sometimes it can be saved or treated humanely.
First, make sure you are wearing thick leather gloves when you approach the squirrel. Check it carefully for any injuries. If it is too young, you should take it to a veterinarian, but make sure to get a license first. If you are unsure of what to do, call rehabbers in your area. If you cannot find a vet, call the SPCA or humane society in your area.
If baby squirrel is weaning off formula too soon
If your baby squirrel is weaning off formula too early, you should start to give it solid food. It will benefit from a variety of foods, especially fruit, which contains calcium and vitamin C. Squirrels should still receive some formula, but they should also be fed a Veggie Blend Treat, which contains sweet potatoes, carrots, and green peas. Your baby squirrel may need extra calcium, so it’s important to check its diet to make sure it is getting enough of that too.
Your baby squirrel may be teething. Look for a yellow stain on its paw or elsewhere and it may not pee. If your baby squirrel refuses to pee or has blood in its feces, it could be dehydrated and may need more fluids. If you notice these symptoms, you should reduce or stop its formula feeding and consult a veterinarian. It might be a sign of a gastrointestinal infection, so do not hesitate to take it to the veterinarian right away.
When is the earliest you can stop feeding baby squirrels milk?
Around 4-6 weeks old.
How often do you need to feed baby squirrels milk?
Every 2-3 hours.
How much milk should you give baby squirrels?
2-3 tablespoons.
What type of milk is best for baby squirrels?
Squirrel milk replacer is the best option but you can also use kitten milk replacer goat’s milk or cow’s milk.
What if I can’t find squirrel milk replacer?
If you can’t find squirrel milk replacer you can use kitten milk replacer goat’s milk or cow’s milk.
How do I know if the baby squirrel is getting enough milk?
A good way to tell is if the baby squirrel is gaining weight and producing soft yellow stools.
How do I know if the baby squirrel is not getting enough milk?
If the baby squirrel is losing weight has watery stools or is crying a lot it is not getting enough milk.
What do I do if the baby squirrel is not getting enough milk?
If the baby squirrel is not getting enough milk you will need to supplement with additional feedings.
What do I do if the baby squirrel is not gaining weight?
If the baby squirrel is not gaining weight you will need to supplement with additional feedings.
What do I do if the baby squirrel has watery stools?
If the baby squirrel has watery stools you will need to supplement with additional feedings.
What do I do if the baby squirrel is crying a lot?
If the baby squirrel is crying a lot you will need to supplement with additional feedings.
What is the best way to feed a baby squirrel?
The best way to feed a baby squirrel is with a syringe or eyedropper.
How do I hold the baby squirrel while I am feeding it?
You will want to hold the baby squirrel in your non-dominant hand with its head tilted back slightly.
How do I know how much milk the baby squirrel needs?
A good rule of thumb is 2-3 tablespoons per feeding.
How often should I feed the baby squirrel?
Baby squirrels should be fed every 2-3 hours.
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.
