To care for an infant squirrel, you must first ensure it is warm, then rehydrate it with electrolytes before attempting to feed it specific puppy milk replacer. Never feed a cold squirrel.
What to Do If You Find a Baby Squirrel?
Assessing the Situation: Is the Baby Squirrel Orphaned or Just Fallen?
Finding a baby squirrel can be alarming. Before taking action, it is essential to determine whether the squirrel is truly orphaned or has fallen from its nest. Often, the mother is nearby or will return shortly. Observe the area from a distance for at least two to three hours. If the mother does not appear, the baby may need your assistance.
Signs that a squirrel might be orphaned include:
- No adult squirrels are returning to the nest
- Visible injuries or extreme weakness
- The baby is cold or dehydrated
It is important to act quickly but calmly. Keeping the baby warm is the first step before any feeding or handling.
How to Save a Fallen Baby Squirrel (Step-by-Step)
If the squirrel is in immediate danger, follow these steps:
- Prepare a safe container: Use a small box lined with a soft cloth or towel.
- Keep it warm: Place a warm water bottle wrapped in a cloth under the baby to maintain its body temperature.
- Move gently: Lift the squirrel carefully and place it in the box. Avoid shaking or jostling it.
- Observe quietly: Step back and allow some time to see if the mother returns.
A calm and controlled approach increases the chances of the baby squirrel surviving and reuniting with its mother.
The “Reunion” Method: How to Help an Abandoned Baby Squirrel Find Mom
In many cases, the mother squirrel may have multiple nests, so the baby might not be truly abandoned. Place the squirrel in a safe box near the base of the tree or close to the original nest site. Ensure the area is quiet and safe from predators.
Give the mother time to locate her young. Mothers can travel between nests, and patience often leads to a successful reunion. For more information on nests, see how squirrels build nests or identifying a drey:
Safe Handling and Transportation
How to Safely Hold a Baby Squirrel (Without Getting Bitten)
When handling a baby squirrel, always use soft gloves if possible. Support its body fully, and avoid restraining its limbs too tightly. Speak softly and move slowly to reduce stress. Keep interactions brief to avoid overwhelming the baby.
How to Take Care of an Injured Baby Squirrel
Check for injuries carefully:
- Blood or open wounds
- Broken limbs
- Flies or flystrike
Place the baby in a clean, warm container and avoid feeding until it is stable. Injuries may require professional care, so do not attempt complex treatments at home.
When to Call a Wildlife Rehabilitator
If the baby squirrel shows signs of serious injury, persistent weakness, or if you are unsure how to care for it, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Professionals have the experience and resources to increase the survival chances of the infant.
Keeping the Baby Alive: Temperature Control
The very first priority when caring for a newborn squirrel is maintaining its body temperature. A cold squirrel cannot digest milk properly, becomes weak quickly, and may die if not warmed. Warmth is always more urgent than feeding during the first hours.
Methods to Keep a Baby Squirrel Warm
- Heating Pads:
- Place a low-heat pad under a soft cloth inside the squirrel’s box. Make sure the baby squirrel does not directly touch the pad, as it can cause burns.
- Rice Socks:
- Fill a clean sock with rice and warm it in the microwave for a short time. Please place it in the box wrapped in a cloth. Ensure it is comfortably warm, not hot.
- Soft Bedding:
- Line the box with soft towels or fleece to mimic the insulation of a nest.
Additional Tips
- Keep the box in a quiet, draft-free area.
- Monitor the temperature regularly. The goal is to maintain a warm, cozy environment similar to a mother’s nest.
- Avoid exposing the squirrel to sudden cold or drafts, which can be life-threatening.
Simulating the natural environment can help the squirrel feel safe and reduce stress. For more on where squirrels typically sleep and how they rest, see natural sleeping habits:
Fighting Dehydration
Signs of Dehydration in Baby Squirrels (The Tent Test)
A dehydrated squirrel may have loose skin that does not return quickly when gently pinched. Other signs include lethargy, dry mouth, and sunken eyes.
How to Rehydrate a Baby Squirrel
If a baby squirrel is dehydrated, give small amounts of fluid before feeding milk. You can use:
- Commercial electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte
- Homemade mixture: 1 cup water + 1 teaspoon sugar + ¼ teaspoon salt
Feed using a small syringe or dropper, very slowly. Offer tiny drops every few minutes until the squirrel shows signs of improved hydration.
Determining Age and Developmental Stage
How to Tell the Age of a Baby Squirrel
Identifying the age of a baby squirrel helps determine feeding frequency and care. Key markers include:
- Eyes closed vs. open
- Fur growth vs. pink skin
- Ear development
Seasonality also affects the age of the squirrels you find. Understanding the time of year can give clues about their developmental stage. For more on this, see understanding squirrel breeding seasons or when squirrels are born:
Baby Squirrel Nutrition: What Do Baby Squirrels Eat?
Best Food for Infant Squirrels (Milk Replacers vs. Formulas)
Newborn squirrels cannot digest cow’s milk or standard human formulas. The safest option is puppy milk replacers, such as Esbilac, which provide the correct nutrients for growth and development. Specialized squirrel milk formulas are also ideal if available.
These formulas:
- Contain the right balance of protein, fat, and vitamins
- They are easy to digest for infant squirrels
- Reduce the risk of dehydration and malnutrition
WARNING: Can You Give Cow’s Milk to a Baby Squirrel?
NO. You should never give cow’s milk to a baby squirrel. Cow’s milk contains lactose, which baby squirrels cannot digest. Feeding it can cause fatal diarrhea, dehydration, and even death. Stick to approved formulas only.
Step-by-Step Infant Squirrel Feeding Guide
How to Feed an Infant Squirrel Safely (Preventing Aspiration)
- Use a small syringe, dropper, or specialized feeding bottle.
- Feed small, controlled amounts slowly to prevent milk from entering the lungs.
- Keep the squirrel in a slightly upright position, never flat on its back.
- Warm the formula to roughly body temperature before feeding.
How Often Should You Feed an Infant Squirrel? (Feeding Schedule Table)
| Age (Weeks) | Feeding Frequency | Amount (cc/ml) | Type of Food |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–1 | Every 2–3 hours | 2–3 ml | Milk replacer |
| 1–2 | Every 3–4 hours | 4–5 ml | Milk replacer |
| 2–3 | Every 4 hours | 5–7 ml | Milk replacer |
| 3–4 | Every 4–5 hours | 7–10 ml | Milk replacer |
| 4–5 | Every 5 hours | 10–12 ml | Milk replacer/soft solids |
| 5–6 | Every 6 hours | 12–15 ml | Transition to solids |
Note: Adjust amounts based on the squirrel’s appetite and health. Always stop feeding if the baby shows signs of discomfort or milk spilling from the mouth.
How to Stimulate a Baby Squirrel to Pee and Poop
Newborn squirrels cannot relieve themselves on their own. Use a warm, damp cotton ball or soft cloth to gently rub the lower belly and genital area, mimicking a mother squirrel’s licking motion. Perform this after every feeding until the squirrel can manage on its own.
Weaning and Release Preparation
Transitioning to Solids: What Newborn Squirrels Eat as They Grow
As baby squirrels reach 5–6 weeks, you can gradually introduce soft, solid foods:
- Soft fruits like apples or pears (small pieces)
- Cooked vegetables
- Nuts or seeds (softened)
- Commercial squirrel food for juveniles
The transition should be gradual to avoid digestive upset.
How Long Can a Baby Squirrel Survive Without Food?
Newborn squirrels have very little energy reserve. They cannot survive more than a few hours without warmth and hydration during the first week. Proper feeding, hydration, and warmth are essential for survival.
Preparing for the Wild: Survival Rates
Even with excellent care, not all rescued squirrels survive to adulthood. Knowing realistic expectations helps caregivers plan appropriately. For more information on survival rates and future life expectancy, see survival rates in the wild or life expectancy of wild squirrels:
Frequently Asked Questions
A baby squirrel may be orphaned if the mother does not return after a few hours. Signs include extreme weakness, being cold, or visible injuries. Always observe quietly before intervening.
No. Cow’s milk can cause fatal diarrhea due to lactose intolerance. Only use approved formulas like puppy milk replacers or commercial squirrel milk replacers.
Use a low-heat heating pad or a warm rice sock, wrapped in a cloth, and place the squirrel in a soft bedding-lined box. Warmth must come before feeding.
Feeding frequency depends on age: newborns (0–1 week) require feeding every 2–3 hours, while older infants (4–5 weeks) can be fed every 5 hours. Always follow a gradual feeding schedule.
Use a warm, damp cotton ball or soft cloth to rub the lower belly and genital area gently. This mimics the mother’s licking and should be done after every feeding until the squirrel can manage independently.
Yes, with proper care, warmth, and feeding, many squirrels survive to adulthood. However, survival rates vary depending on age, health, and environment.
