FOR SQUIRREL EMERGENCY HELP CALL: 269-215-9509

INTRO

This Baby Squirrel Care page lists key information regarding squirrel emergencies, links to licensed rehabbers, warming, hydrating & feeding, rehab supplies and link to an online live message board as well as a phone number for real time advice. There is a lot of important information so please read this entire page carefully or your squirrel will not survive. If you have a captive (pet) squirrel advice on long term care can be found on the Non-Releasables page on the navigation bar at the top of the page.

LINKS

Some of the care information is provided below in the form of links (in Blue). We provided these links to specific care guides written by some of the most experienced rehabbers on the internet. Note: Links open new tab (window) – no need to use the “back key” to return to our website page, simply close the page out.

ADDITIONAL REAL TIME HELP

The IMPORTANT basic information provided in this website is NOT a substitute for calling us and asking follow up questions. Please read all of the information on this page since it gives pertinent information that is often hidden in endless sticky’s on boards and forums. If you have a life threatening emergency or need a rehabber call: 269-215-9509 (Florida EST)

I FOUND A BABY or INJURED SQUIRREL

Baby Squirrels: A baby squirrel should not be on the ground without the mother in the immediate area. If there are baby squirrels on the ground they must be protected from predators, heat and cold unless mother is nearby and actively in the process of trying to relocate. If so observe from a distance and do not interfere.

If there is no sign of mother place them in a small, low box mother can get in and out of (where found) and observe from a distance to see if mother comes to relocate. Here are some re-nesting ideas: Ideas for Re-Nesting Baby Squirrels | The Wildlife Center of Virginia You can play this sound on your cellphone and leave near the base of the tree where the baby squirrels are located  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGtA8w-hlTw

You must also guard against predators especially cats and shade from direct sun.  You can touch the babies briefly to make sure they are warm, if they are not warm to the touch you must intervene. If they injured or are wet from a rainstorm or cold you must not leave them on the ground as the mother will not take them.

Injured Adult: An injured adult must be captured and brought to a licensed rehabber. If none are available in your area there is sufficient information on this website and we can help you find a “squirrel friendly” veterinarian. Some may be saved and others must be humanely euthanized to eliminate suffering. If an injured squirrel or dead squirrel is removed from an area check underneath squirrel for distended nipples indicating a lactating female. Check ground & trees frequently for clinging orphaned babies. They will omit a loud chirping sound calling for mom. 

Capture: You can simply pick up a baby but an injured adult may need to be caught with a net and handled with leather gloves (see photo). Use a blanket or towel to wrap the injured adult squirrel. Take care handling so as not to exacerbate injuries. It may take more than one person to effect capture of an adult. Photo below shows the net we use for adults. Place the injured squirrel(s) in a box with air holes or dog carrier with a towel and bring indoors. Keep in a warm dark place until help can be obtained. If no licensed rehabilitators are available in your area read this page carefully and register on the Squirrel Board for additional follow-up advice.

Do not be afraid to handle a Squirrel, you will NOT get rabies!

 

SQUIRREL AGE AND CONDITION CHART

The photos below will help you determine how old the baby squirrel is and whether he/she is in good shape.

Pinkys (no fur) are delicate, subject to hypothermia, ant bites, dehydration, sun burn, require intervention and very specialized care. This is a critical stage and intricate feeding requires expertise. Every effort must be made to find a local rehabber immediately if you are inexperienced. There is a link below to find rehabbers, or someone on the Squirrel Board can help.

Identifying the age of your found squirrel

Credit to r/IfoundAsquirrel

If you found one baby squirrel there may be more. Squirrel litters average 2-4 or as many as 8 depending on food availability, weather conditions, habitat. Thoroughly search the area where the squirrel was found for others. The mother may have been killed and older babies have left the nest searching for food. Search the area very carefully for other babies. 

I TRIED TO FIND A REHABILITATOR, BUT… (NO ONE ANSWERED, CALLED BACK, THERE ARE NONE)

You may have already tried to find a rehabilitator only to find there are none nearby, the ones that are don’t answer or are full. The reason is simple – ALL states are making it difficult if not impossible for rehabilitators to help wildlife. This is the result of lobby by land developers, PeTA not wanting ANY human interference by man, some bad rehabbers who caused tightening of laws, and ill written laws by legislators. There is a drive to put all individual rehabilitators under the umbrella of wildlife centers and not allow “sub-permittees” to take animals home burdening the licensee. Many centers are run by “know-it-all” directors who have draconian policies to euthanize every animal that comes in with eyes closed like the Mercer County Wildlife Center, in NJ & Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn, IL. There are MANY great centers like Carolina Wildlife Center in Columbia, SC. The Squirrel Forum has lists of good and bad rehabilitators and we can find an excellent one for you where available. Call us 24 hours at 269-215-9509 (Located in Florida)

REHABILITATION

Now that you have secured the baby(s) or injured squirrel you must try and find a licensed rehabilitator. Some people try to raise squirrels themselves. We strongly recommend against this but if you do proper care is outlined below. There is a link to rehabilitator lists below and if you cannot find one call your local Vet’s, Fish & Wildlife, DNR or Fish and Game to find one near you. In the event you are absolutely unable to locate one and have to raise the baby yourself here are instructions for proper care. If you are uncomfortable doing this after reading the protocol below find someone who is. Deviating from these instructions will result in the death of the squirrel. If you are taking the squirrel to a rehabber warm only – DO NOT attempt to hydrate! The following conditions mandate transport to a rehabber for help. 

• Caught by a dog, cat or other animal
• Visible external unhealed injuries
• Severe trauma (collision with car, long fall, dragging leg, unable to walk)
• Very cold, thin or weak 
• Worms, mites, or maggot infestation
• Parent known dead or separated and cannot be reunited
• Reuniting with mom was attempted and was unsuccessful
• Following behavior toward humans or domestic animals by a very young squirrel

Call us at: 269-215-9509 for live help finding GOOD one that will actually try to save it

Caution: When you contact a rehabilitator look at google and other reviews, ask questions and if they are not willing to let you drop the squirrel off that should send up red flags. Here is an example of South Carolina unlicensed so-called squirrel “rehabilitator” committing heinous neglect to over 200 captive squirrels: https://www.wistv.com/2021/06/30/lee-county-animal-rescue-raided-two-arrested-inhumane-treatment-animals/

VET CARE

If you need a veterinarian for a serious injury please use our Contact Page or call 269-215-9509 (Florida EST)  for information on locating vets as we have a huge list. You can also google exotic animal veterinarians in your city / state. Exotic vets are most likely to treat squirrels, not dog & cat vets. Call us and we will contact the vet first to ask key questions as many vets will euthanize a baby squirrel if dropped off. 

WARMING & HYDRATION

You must follow this protocol in this exact order or the squirrel will not survive. SQUIRREL MUST BE WARM BEFORE YOU HYDRATE! If a licensed rehabber is available warm only if squirrel is cold and transport. DO NOT try to hydrate or feed if a rehabilitator is available.

If you are in an area WITHOUT a rehabber read on. The following information on hydration and feeding is only to be used when experienced help is not available! All squirrels should be warmed while waiting for a rehabber or transporting to one.

How to Check for Dehydration (Skin Turgor test): Pinch the skin on the back of his neck and also on the belly and count how many seconds it takes to go back down flat. 1-2 seconds is moderate dehydration; 4 seconds or more can be life-threatening. NOTE: This test is not reliable in hairless babies or emaciated babies; assume every baby squirrel is dehydrated when you first find them. Rehabbers should keep Fox Valley Electro-Stat Powdered Electrolyte on hand.

1. Gently warm the squirrel next to your body, on a heating pad set to low or with medical hot pack using a towel between the squirrel and the pack/heating pad so only gentle warmth is getting through. Check temp in bottom of container with the back of your knuckles and keep checking it making sure it warm, not hot. Container should be 1/2 on 1/2 off heating pad so squirrel can move off if too hot.
   
2. ONLY after squirrel is warmed – hydrate with plain hydration formula mixed & administered as described below.
   
3. Feed ONLY after warming and completely hydrated. Information on feeding in detail below.
   

Warming

Young squirrel(s) need constant, steady, low warmth – especially squirrels with eyes closed. The best way to accomplish this is with a heating pad set on the lowest setting that has an “always on” switch (no timer). The squirrel(s) should be in an appropriate container with bedding, never directly on the hot pad. Depending on the age, the squirrel(s) should not be able to climb out of the container as this can result in serious injury. I use polycarbonate restaurant containers of different sizes and a heating pad that always stays on. Heating pad is 1/2 under container on LOW so squirrels can move over if too hot, My set up is shown below.

HYDRATION FORMULA

It is important to raise the blood sugar level in a dehydrated squirrel. In a (measured) cup of hot water add one teaspoon of one of the following: Molasses, Honey, Karo Syrup or sugar. Allow to cool to 99 degrees F (warm but not hot on dipped pinkie finger) and feed using the hydration video below. Some website recommend warm Pedialyte but we feel the high fructose mixes listed above are better. If you do use Pedialyte mix Pedialyte 50/50 with water before feeding. Do not ever mix Pedialyte with formula or use Pedialyte for more then 24 hours. Assume all babies are dehydrated.

 

BABY SQUIRREL FEEDING FORMULAS

These are the only formulas we recommend, feeding anything other than these can kill your squirrel:

HOMEMADE GOAT’S MILK FORMULA – Day one – 2 weeks (INFANTS ONLY, NOT for older squirrels except as a temporary if powdered formulas are not available)

A great substitute formula only if you cannot get Esbilac Puppy Powder locally or have issues getting Fox Valley formula shipped. Also can be used if a baby has chronic diarrhea on commercial formula and for all squirrels up to 2 weeks old. This is a temporary formula and not to be used long term on squirrels over 2 weeks of age. 

Formula

3 Tablespoons Meyenberg goat’s milk

2 Tablespoons Full Fat plain Stonyfield yogurt

1 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Formula will last 48 hours in refrigerator and then must be remade. Refrigerator should be 40 Degrees F or lower

You can also freeze this formula in an ice cube tray and thaw each cube when needed in the warming cup method shown below. You must still bring up to correct feeding temperature. 

Goats Milk can be purchased at natural food stores such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, and at most health food stores that sell groceries. It must be goats milk made for human consumption. Do not substitute commercial goats milk formula made for baby goats or other livestock sold at feed stores.

Goat’s milk is available fresh in a carton (check exp date), evaporated in a can as a powdered milk. If you purchase either the evaporated or powdered versions, please blend them with hot water according to the package directions before using to make the formula.

Heavy Whipping Cream is found in small cartons in the grocery store near the coffee creamers and half and half. Regular heavy cream may be substituted if it is unavailable, but the heavy whipping cream has the highest fat content, and is preferred. You can also order and use Fox Valley Ultraboost from Amazon.

Yogurt has beneficial bacteria in it that soothes and settles digestion. Low fat yogurt is best, and a good choice that is very widely available is Stoneyfield Yobaby yogurt. However if it is unavailable, a low fat vanilla yogurt may be substituted. Avoid those that have artificial sweeteners in them.

        NOTE: When Goat’s Milk formula is used, omit the heavy whipping cream for the first two weeks of life.

• Fresh Goats Milk can be used instead of powdered. If you buy powdered do NOT use Esbilac brand powdered goats milk. Any powdered goats milk must be human grade like Meyenberg from Trader Joe’s/Whole Foods etc, not powdered goats milk for farm animals like you get from Tractor Supply. All fresh formula & Goats Milk must be refrigerated at 40 degrees or lower!
• Keep refrigerated and discard after 48 hours and make fresh.
  
• All formula changes should be slow transitions over the course of several days
  
  

Notes:

• ALL powdered formulas, Fox Valley, Esbilac Powdered Puppy, Zoologic are 2 parts hot water to 1 part powdered formula, preparation info below with photos
  
• For babies under 2 weeks we recommend homemade Goats Milk Formula or Esbilac Puppy Powder ONLY due to issues with Fox Valley 32/40 possible sitting like cement in tiny stomachs

 

POWDERED FORMULAS – ZOO PRO, FOX VALLEY & ESBILAC POWDERED PUPPY (see preparation details below)

Here is a breakdown of the formulas showing packaging:

 

ESBILAC PUPPY Puppy Milk Replacer POWDER (Day one thru weaning) – Quick & Easy to Find, this is MY personal go-to

The easiest and quickest to obtain is Esbilac Puppy Powder with prebiotics and probiotics. This can be found in a can at Petco, Petsmart, Rural King & some Tractor Supply’s Etc. You can start on this formula for a pinky or furred squirrel (eyes closed) and used until weaning. We recommend incrementally adding heavy whipping cream or Fox Valley “Ultraboost” powder at 1/24th for under 5 weeks and 1/8 for over 5 weeks (added to made formula) as per Chris Clark for ultimate weight gain. The can must look like this and contains powder, NOT liquid:

New Product!

Zoo Pro

Zoo Pro by Exotic Nutrition. The old 24/24 formula has been eliminated and replaced by this correctly balanced milk replacer at our request. Formulated by a former Pet Ag nutritionist to exacting specifications and using only high quality ingredients blended by a top producer. Buy with confidence. Crude Protein (min): 32.0%, Crude Fat (min): 40.0%, Crude Fiber (max): 0.15%, Moisture (max): 5.0%, Calcium (min): 1.0%, Calcium (max): 1.5%, Phosphorus min): 1.0%, Vitamin A: 30,000 IU/lb, Vitamin D3: 10,000 IU/lb, Vitamin E: 150 , U/lb

Tractor Supply 4health Supreme Puppy Milk Replacer

In the event you are unable to get Esbilac Puppy milk Replacer Powder and the only place nearby is Tractor Supply, a trusted rehabilitator has used this formula with great success. Protein / Fat content is listed as 33/40.

 

Fox Valley Ultraboost / Heavy Whipping Cream (Fat componant added to mixed formula)

Ultraboost is an an add in to formula fat component. You must mix this powder 2 parts hot water to 1 part powder same as you make powdered formula BEFORE adding in at the 1/24 for pinky formula or 1/8 for squirrels over 5 weeks. DO NOT add the powder directly to your formula, mix first into a liquid. You do not need to make a large quantity as this in an add in component only.  Heavy Whipping Cream is another option. It is fresh from some supermarkets, Whole Foods, trader Joes and must be refrigerated. Add in the same as you would Ultraboost except no mixing with water required.

Fox Valley 32/40 (Week 2 through Week 5) + Ultraboost / Heavy Whipping Cream

Fox Valley 32/40 and is intended for squirrels over 2 weeks unless carefully prepared and thoroughly dissolved. This powdered formula can be ordered from Amazon. Like Esbilac we recommend mixing 2 parts 32/40 powder with 1 part Ultraboost powder over 2 weeks. This is a HIGHER protein formula than 20/50 and can be used over 5 weeks provided you mix with 1/8 Ultraboost powder or heavy whipping cream. The higher protein is good for muscle growth and you add the extra fat in with the Ultraboost / HWC. We prefer the 32/40 (after week 2) adding Ultraboost incrementally after week 5 starting at 10%, or Esbilac Puppy Powder adding Ultraboost in the same percentage. This formula is NOT recommended for baby squirrels under week 2 because of undissolved sediment. Proper preparation is paramount when using any formula especially Fox Valley with a course dicalcium phosphate grind.  

FOX VALLEY 20/50 

This formula is for squirrels 4 – 5 weeks or older, fully furred and eyes open or about to open. This has a higher fat concentration but lower protein. Chris from Chris’s Squirrels and More recommends the higher protein of 32/40 formulas adding in extra fat component level due to continued muscle growth and we agree. Not recommended if you can get a good 32/40 formula and add the fat component in.  

 

 

FOR BULK REHABBERS – PetAg Zoologic Milk Matrix 33/40 (bulk premium formula)

This is the go-to for rehabilitators. At $153.90 for 5 lbs minimum this is cost prohibitive if you have just one squirrel. I recommend adding in Ultraboost incrementally after week five or transitioning (by blending) to Milk Matrix 30/52 PETAG Zoologic Milk Matrix 33/40 Milk Protein Powder for Wild & Exotic Non-Domestic Animals, 5-lb bag – Chewy.com

 

Past Esbilac & Fox Valley 32/40 Formula Issues

In the past there were issues with Esbilac Puppy Powder & Fox Valley 32/40 not dissolving from Dicalcium (ingredient) not ground fine enough and sitting like cement in a pinky’s stomach, not being digested, and causing MBD. These problems are long gone, just follow the mixing instructions below it will be fine. You can also keep them on GMF adding in 1/3 Fox Valley Ultraboost starting week two, then transitioning to 20/50 at week four. The Fox Valley 20/50 formula for 4 1/2 – 5 weeks & older has never had issues but proper preparation must still be used.

Rehabbers: I received this personal reply from PetAg and here is an excerpt from the Email. PetAg responded stating they corrected these issues and problems have not been reported in years:

Regarding your formulation question, Esbilac is manufactured using the micronized form of Dicalcium since October 4, 2019. The best indicator of this form would be the lot code or expiration date of the product. (Any lot code of 2779E or greater, or a Best by Date of 10/2021 or greater, was manufactured using the micronized form.)

Addressing your concern regarding “Made in the USA”, Pet-Ag proudly manufactures all of our products in the United States. While we do our best to source everything from here as well, and support using the highest quality ingredients, there are some ingredients that are simply too difficult to acquire locally. We obtain these ingredients from trusted US sources operating internationally.

Here are “form letter” responses sent to other rehabbers from PetAg the makers of Esbilac Puppy Powder regarding previous issues with Esbilac Puppy Powder.

Esbilac Producer Response

Esbilac FAQ

            

WARNING: DO NOT ever use cows milk, scalded milk, coconut/soy/almond milk, KMR, kitten milk, PetAg Petlac, Second Stage Esbilac, Ensure, canned liquid formula of any kind, human milk or any other formula other than what is recommended on these links as it will harm a baby squirrel. There is a so called “Squirrel Nutrition” website by “Bill” that specifically recommends the so-called scalded milk diet. This information is really bad and many squirrels have died as a result of this flawed & dangerous diet. They also recommend homemade “squares” containing alfalfa, coconut oil & rice cereal. Do not use any advice from this website or any website touting these ingredients or information from someone named “Clarissa”. The following photo illustrates horribly emaciated babies raised on the so called “scalded milk” diet. DO NOT USE SCALDED MILK. 

Horrific photos of squirrels fed the wrong so-called “scalded milk” formula: Squirrel Tales – Care Instructions For Infant Squirrels

PREPARATION

NOTE: We do not recommend microwaving your refrigerated, prepared formula to re-heat it for feeding due to uneven heating and possibly “cooking” your formula. You can microwave the water used to mix with the powder. 

For all powdered formulas, heat your 2 parts water to almost boiling (140-170 degrees). Mix with 1 part Fox Valley OR Esbilac Puppy Powder, shake thoroughly and sit on counter for 20 minutes. Shake again and refrigerate (see Formula Prep Details photos below). Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight (mainly for pinkies) and allow to absorb water/dissolve. Your formula can be dissolving while your squirrel is in the hydration phase. Older babies with fur are way more tolerant of undissolved solids than pinkies hence the 32/40 concern. Here is the study: http://www.ewildagain.org/assets/solubilityissuesmilkreplacers.pdf

FEEDING & FEEDING VIDEOS

Formula feeding temperature should be around 100 degrees F. You need a restaurant fast acting digital thermometer to quickly and accurately measure the temperature before the temp drops. You do not want to feed a baby cold formula and formula the temp of moms body is most palatable. You can buy these fast acting thermometers at any restaurant supply or bed, bath and beyond.

   

When feeding pinkies use the “push-pause” method of manipulating the syringe plunger. This is one of the reasons we recommend only the O Ring syringes because when you gently “push” (one drop) it cannot hang up and come out in a heavy spurt that will aspirate your baby. Practice with water and push the plunger with your thumb until the smallest bulge forms at the tip of the syringe – then pause. This is the correct method for pinkies. If you have a cheap drug store syringe after several uses the black rubber plunger with start to hang up making you put more pressure and the milk will come out in a spurt. When it starts hanging up use a new syringe while you are waiting for your O Ring syringe from miraclenipple.com. 

If the squirrel struggles initially and rejects the nipple be persistent! GENTLY get just the tip of the nipple into the mouth with the slightest push of the syringe just to get the baby to taste the formula. Be extra careful with squirrels under 5 weeks of age not to push too much formula at once. Slow and steady once the baby starts feeding. Make sure there are no air pockets in syringe when filled with formula or the vacuum will be lost and the milk will drain out too quickly. 

This is our video on feeding a baby squirrel, watch both videos below for a method that works for you

Notes on video: This video is shortened for brevity. It takes much longer to feed a baby squirrel & warm the formula – DO NOT rush the process! Formula used in the video is Esbilac Puppy Powder with approx10% Ultraboost added. Use Kleenex for cleaning and bathroom, not toilet paper as it disintegrates. Notice angle of syringe is always nipple pointing up to the mouth, never down. We prefer disposable products for sanitation. Gloves are not necessary, just wash your hands after feeding. 

This video is courtesy of Chris Clark of Chris’s Squirrels and More and shows her technique 

POWDERED FORMULA PREPARATION DETAILS WITH PHOTOS

1. Assemble supplies as shown in first photo (below).
2. Add 1 part formula (Esbilac or Fox Valley) powder to mixing / storage container.
3. Make sure container has lid because you will have to shake.
4. Measure out 1.5 parts water and put in microwave safe mug or bowl. Rehab expert Chris Clark recommends 1.5 parts vs 2 parts for fatter, healthier babys.
5. Microwave water for under 30 seconds or until hot approx 120 deg (not boiling).
6. Add hot water to mixing container with formula already in it and shake vigorously until no clumps remain, leave out for 20 minutes to cool, shake again.
7. Place in refrigerator and allow to cool and further dissolve. Keep in refrigerator for several hours more – preferably overnight. Do not shake before feeding as this will introduce air into the babies stomach.
8. When ready to feed remove from fridge, gently stir with a small whisk (photo below) or spoon, pour appropriate amount of formula into stainless sauce cup (restaurant supply) and warm in a bowl of hot tap water (Do NOT microwave formula to heat). Stainless warming restaurant sauce cup or small metal measuring cup conducts heat great.
9. Check formula with restaurant thermometer or pinkie for temperature. Should be warm (around 100 degrees), never hot.
10. Feed with age appropriate size syringe with Miracle nipple if available. Under 5 weeks for inexperienced caregivers should use a 1 mL syringe only. Watch 2nd video for proper feeding technique: https://squirrelforum.com/videos/

If you don’t have all these items don’t panic – improvise. The important ingredients are proper formula, 2 parts water : 1 part formula ratio, mixing hot and allowing to cool, refrigeration of mixture/absorption, and gently warming to feed. You can also use a blender bottle with ball whisk (last photo) for larger batches.

  

Small whisk >  

NIPPLES & SYRINGES

ORIGINAL Miracle Nipple mini combined with the Miracle O Ring Syringe. There are many cheap Chinese knockoff’s made from inferior and dangerous materials on Amazon containing toxins. Accept no substitute for the genuine Miracle Nipple! Available through miraclenipple.com Miracle Nipples. Order the Miracle Mini and feed slowly and carefully. About the Miracle nipple: Miracle Nipple Brand Collection – miracle nipple

Bladder Nipples (for less experienced squirrel caregivers, aspiration resistant)

Original Bunny Nip (For Pinkys)

For pinky squirrels 1 week and under we recommend the Original Bunny Nip transitioning to the Grip Nip or Miracle Nipples after week 1. This nipple has a bladder to help prevent aspiration and a tiny nipple suited for tiny squirrels

The Original Bunny Nip | Wild bunnies

Grip Nip

For squirrels 2 weeks and older we recommend the Squirrel Grip Nip. This nipple has a bladder to help prevent aspiration.

Squirrel Grip Nip | The Original “Bunny

OUR FEEDING TIPS

Great formula warming cups – 4 oz stainless sauce cup from restaurant supply. Warm by holding bottom of stainless cup with formula in a bowl of hot tap water and swirling formula – metal conducts heat really well. Pinky (finger) test for temp. You can also use stainless measuring cups. Use the 1/4 cup or the smallest one in a set.

 

DO NOT EVER USE THIS BOTTLE FOR SQUIRRELS! It pushes WAY too much volume and you will aspirate and kill your baby. The tiny nipple in this package will slip over a non-Luer Lock 1 mL syringe until you can get a Miracle Nipple Mini from Henry’s Healthy Pets. Again, Do Not use the bottle part or the large nipples.

This poor baby is badly ASPIRATING (literally choking) on milk from this oversized PetAg bottle!

Instead get this 1 mL (cc) syringe from any pharmacist and let them know it is for feeding a baby animal, you need a slip tip (non-Luer Loc, and you don’t need the needles – just the syringe. If you can’t get a small Pet Ag nipple or Miracle Nipple use the syringe tip and GO SLOW! if you plan on raising the squirrel order the correct O Ring syringe and Miracle nipple from Henrys Healthy Pets. They will help advise you on things you will need.

Luer-Lock vs. Slip – Luer-Lock has an internal locking collar (threads) and you can use with Miracle Nipples but difficult to feed without a nipple on it. The slip tip is better and most 1 mL’s are slip. When over 5 weeks and you switch to 3 mL try to find a slip O-Ring. For the long term it is best to get a Miracle “O” Ring syringe from miraclenipples.com as these are durable. Cheap non-O Ring syringes tend to jam after a few uses and forcing them sends a spurt of formula that may aspirate a baby.

SOLID FOODS

By 6 – 7 weeks baby squirrels eyes open, teeth are in and they will want to nibble. The only solid food you should start your squirrel on Exotic Nutrition Premium Squirrel Blocks as these provide complete nutrition. Make sure you so NOT order “Squirrel Complete” or “Beneficial Blocks” as these products are better suited for wild squirrels with their high nut content. For rehabbers having large quantities of squirrels we recommend Mazuri Rat and Mouse for cost savings (links on our Non Releasable page). As the squirrel grows you must supplement with items from the Healthy Diet. You must also add a water bottle to the cage at the time they start nibbling. 

New Product!

Introducing Exotic Nutrition Premium Squirrel Blocks – engineered for squirrels by a trusted 3rd party expert squirrel PhD Nutritionist!

COMMON PROBLEMS (This section all credit to Henry’s Healthy Pets)

Bloating. Can occur when a baby squirrel eats too much and/or too often, or from formula intolerance. The stomach should be rounded after feeding, but still soft, like a half-filled water balloon. It should deflate before the next feeding. If stomach feels hard or does not deflate, skip a feeding, hydrate, and decrease the amount of formula at each feeding or increase the amount of time between feedings. Stimulate to urinate and defecate (instructions in next section). Dipping the baby in warm water up to his armpits and gentle massage can also help, just make sure you dry the baby thoroughly and keep warm.

 

Clicking (aspiration pneumonia). If formula comes out baby’s nose, he may have inhaled some, causing aspiration pneumonia. Symptoms are loss of appetite, lethargy, and a clicking noise when the baby breathes. Hold the baby’s chest to your ear and listen carefully. The clicking is with each breath, in and out. This must be treated immediately with antibiotics or the baby will die.

Constipation. It can take a day or so for the baby to start pooping after starting formula. If constipation persists, it could mean the baby is still dehydrated. In that case, give him warm water with a little apple juice in a syringe between feedings.

Diarrhea. Can be caused by overfeeding, too frequent feeding, wrong formula, or parasites. Stop feeding formula for a couple of feedings and hydrate instead. It may help to switch to the Homemade Goat Milk Formula. Diarrhea can kill quickly, so get help right away.

Fly Eggs or Maggots. Fly eggs look like small grains of rice; they will quickly hatch into maggots, crawl into the baby’s eyes, ears, mouth, or anus, and eat him alive. Remove all eggs/maggots immediately and check all orifices. Baby must be treated with Capstar within 24 hours. You can buy Capstar (11.4 mg) from us, or at your local pet store. Crush 1/4 tablet, dissolve in 1 ml water, and give orally by syringe once a day for two days. In addition, you can crush 1/2 tablet in 2 ml water and apply externally anywhere maggots/eggs are visible, especially ears, nose, eyes, or anus.

Hypoglycemia. Caused by starvation or feeding too little too infrequently. Baby may arch his back, have spasms, or gasp for breath. Rub molasses, honey, or pancake syrup on its gums. You should see improvement within 30 minutes. Make sure your feeding amounts/schedule is correct.

Feeding Trance. While feeding, some babies will stop swallowing and open and close their mouth like a fish. This is not harmful but means feeding takes longer. Blowing lightly in baby squirrels face or a gentle tap on the head can help. When they stop gulping, you can resume feeding them.

Nursing on Genitals. Baby squirrels may nurse on genitals when they are housed together, causing redness, swelling, or scabbing on the tip of the penis. This is very serious as it can cause permanent damage to the urethra. Immediately separate them. If there’s a scab, soak the area in warm water and gently remove the scab. Then apply some Neosporin. If the baby is self-sucking, you’ll need to apply some kind of bandage until you break the habit.

Refuses to Feed/Blood on Nipple. Baby squirrels teethe twice, once for upper teeth and once for lowers. Teething may cause the baby to suddenly refuse to eat, or eat less than normal, and you may see a little blood. This is normal and should pass after 24 hours.

ADDITIONAL INITIAL CARE INFORMATION (Links to experts on how to warm, hydrate and feed)

These are the BEST sources for baby Squirrel Care products. Please read all links and follow the instructions to the letter. There are some minor differences with the information provided but all information is basically sound. Use what works for you with the supplies you can source locally. If you have questions ask on the forum or one of our partner boards. Order your captive (pet) supplies from Henry’s Healthy Pets and rehabilitation supplies from Chris’s.

SOLID FOODS – WHEN TO INTRODUCE

We introduce solid foods at 6 1/2 – 7 weeks of age. The first food must be block as it adds complete nutrition in solid form augmenting the formula. You must NOT take the squirrel off formula! We do NOT wean squirrels, we let them decide when they are ready to wean and usually start rejecting formula around week 14-16, some take a little longer. This growth phase is crucial, and we want to maximize bone density with quality formula and good block, NOT foods with empty nutrition. 

Orphaned Wildlife Care: http://www.orphanedwildlifecare.com/squirrelcare.htm

SOLID BLOCK DIET FOR YOUR CAPTIVE SQUIRREL (See Non-Releasables page for additional information)

For juvenile and older squirrels a nutritionally engineered block as the primary diet is essential. Do not buy any advertised so-called “Squirrel Diets” for juveniles and adults – Premium Squirrel Block is the only block we recommend. We had a direct hand in facilitating the design and manufacture of this block and have first hand knowledge that it was designed by the top squirrel nutritionist with a PhD in animal nutrition and made by a top quality producer. Squirrels MUST learn to eat their blocks first before treats are given as these blocks contain a balanced diet that are part of the MBD prevention plan. If you have a captive squirrel that has been spoiled on nuts and treats you must transition over to a block base diet. See out Non-Releasable page on the green navigation bar for details.

There are many recipes for making “Boo Balls” for picky eaters who won’t eat their block. Here is a good one:  https://squirrelrefuge.org/booballrecipe.html One such diet listed on a so-called “squirrel nutrition” website uses chia seeds and alfalfa – do not use this recipe. Blocks is the top recommended base diet for first nibbling and older adults. Available in 4 & 18 Lb sizes here: Premium Squirrel Blocks— Apple Flavor

  

METABOLIC BONE DISEASE

If your older squirrel exhibits symptoms of MBD and this includes loss of appetite, sleeping more, reluctance to climb or jump, nails getting caught in fabric, squirrel seems achy and doesn’t want to be touched, paralysis, and finally seizures. If you see any of these symptoms and your squirrel has any risk factors for MBD go to our MBD page on the green link bar.