The Squirrel Forum

We are trying to raise a baby squirrel from a tree that was cut down. Unsure of age. Has bottom teeth but eyes are still closed. We have been using kitten milk replacement 4 ml every 4 hours with syringe. Today started trying to use bottle with tiny hole in nipple and milk came out its nose. Now seems a little snotty. Is this normal.

You need to stop using the bottle and immediately get a 1 mL syringe from a drug store so you can SLOWLY control the flow into it's mouth. If you have the tiny nipple from the bottle kit it may slip over syringe tip or just don't use it. The bottle will aspirate pinkie squirrels. Tiny amounts are the key. Do you need a rehabber nearby? All the instructions are here: https://squirrelforum.com/care-and-resources/

If he has bottom teeth he’s three weeks old. Please transition him to another formula. KMR doesn’t have enough fat for a squirrel. You can order Esbilac (there have been issues with Esbilac. You can get info on Henry’s site re. adding additional calcium to meet the needs of wildlife), or Fox Valley 20/50. You will also find miracle nipples and syringes (not larger than 3 cc) on the Henry’s site as well as a great section on saving baby squirrels. That includes the goats milk recipe. You can also pick up a canister of Esbilac (NOT the liquid) at Petsmart or Petco. You will just need to add extra calcium carbonate. That you can get TODAY. Remember to transtion from KMR to the new formula over several feedings.

As to the bottle: NO. Get a 1 ml syringe from the drugstore. Since you’ve seen your baby inhale formula, listen for a “clicking” noise with each breath when he breathes. Usually you can turn the baby head down and tap on the back to help clear milk out of his nasal passages. If he inhales into his lungs he could end up with aspiration pneumonia and that’s life threatening. He’ll need an antibiotic NOW.

If you need a rehabber, please post and hopefully we can find help for you—or a vet.