How to Feed a Baby Squirrel: Safe Steps, Formula & Schedule

You hear a tiny squeak. A small squirrel is lying on the ground. looking scared, alone and feeling cold.

Your heart, it just melts and you think of feeding it right now!

Hold on a minute. The first step counts more than the first feed. The improper feeding can hurt the baby squirrel badly.

Learn How To Feed A Baby Squirrel. Be prepared. Know what to do in a crisis. Find out what to do with emergency care and what to feed a formula and how often. Read it slowly. It just might save a tiny life.

Most baby squirrels are not orphaned. The mother does eventually return. Rehab specialists say that she most likely returns within an hour or two.

If it's close to full size, has a tail that is fluffy, and can run and climb it is probably independent.Their mother may be missing if a young squirrel persists in following people around.

If you observe any of the following, immediately contact a wildlife rehabilitator:

Step 2: What to do in an Emergency ( Before feeding)

Most rescue guides say the same thing.
Warmth first. Fluids second. Food last.

1. Thick gloves. Scoop up the baby carefully.

2. Wrap it in a soft cloth.

3. Keep it in a small box or carrier.

4. Place a warm source under the cloth, such as a hot water bottle.

5. Maintain a soft barrier between baby and heat. Excessive heat can hurt the baby badly.

The recommended temperature: a warm room at 91 to 100F.
Sensing.. A good sign: the baby feels warmer than your skin.
Never feed a cold baby.

Reach out to a wildlife rehabilitator. In the spring and summer, rehabbers are extremely busy.
Prepare to bring the baby to them. Some experts suggest calling them before giving any food or water, because wrong feeding can become more fatal.

A baby that has been alone for hours is most probably dehydrated.
According to survival guides, a baby who is suffering from dehydration needs water before it needs milk.
Formula without hydration can kill.

Hydrating timing will vary based on the level of dehydration in the baby.
Average tour duration is 4 hours to 12 hours.
A rehabber or vet can decide this.

After letting the puppy get rehydrated, the rehab guides reach for puppy milk replacer.

A second vendor recommends Fox Valley 20/50 for squirrels greater than 4 weeks of age and with their eyes open.
Ask your rehabber which is right for your baby.

Cow's milk

Human baby formula

Evaporated milk

Few sources do not agree.  Some guides list a goat’s milk mix for a short time.  Another says never to use it.  The kitten formula is also debated.Wrong formula can cause metabolic bone disease, which cannot be reversed once the damage is done.  Ask a rehabber before you pick any formula.  

Rehab guides use a small syringe with no needle.  A 1 cc or 3 cc size works for small babies.  

1. Warm the baby and the formula first.  

2. Place the baby belly down, head slightly raised, like nursing  Do not feed it on its back. Squirrels can breathe in milk easily.  

3. Put the tip at the side of its mouth.  

4. Give one tiny drop. Let the baby suck.  

5. Go slow. Milk in the lungs can cause pneumonia and death.  

6. Stop when the baby stops or turns away. Never force it.  

If milk comes out of the nose, stop right away.  Dab the nose gently with a tissue.  This can be a sign of overfeeding.  

Bottle or nipple? Some older babies move to a small nursing nipple that slips on the syringe, or a tiny bottle.  Watch that the baby does not chew the nipple.  

No syringe at home? Do not guess with a spoon or a wide dropper.  Slow control of the flow is what keeps milk out of the lungs.  Ask a rehabber or vet for a proper syringe.  

Tube feeding? Rescue guides for the public recommend syringe feeding. Tube feeding requires proper training, so it is best left to a qualified wildlife rehabilitator.

After each feed, very young babies need help to pee and poop.  Ask your rehabber to show you how.  

Many rehabbers use 5% of body weight per feeding.  Some move up to 7% once the baby digests well.  Overfeeding is worse than underfeeding.  

For example, a 100 gram squirrel gets about 5 mL of formula per feeding. Weigh the baby every day on a small kitchen scale.  A healthy baby looks relaxed and slightly plump after a feed.  It should not look bloated.  

Baby squirrel with eyes closed: This is a very young baby. It needs warmth, hydration, and formula only. No solid food.  

Baby squirrel with eyes open:The baby is older, around 4 weeks or more. Feeds are less often. A different formula may be used, so ask your rehabber.  

Do not stop formula too early.  Rehabbers keep offering formula until the baby chooses solid food and slowly refuses milk.  

Around 5 to 6 weeks, babies start to try solids.  Rehabbers mention rodent or primate blocks and small pieces of vegetables.  Ask your rehabber what is safe.  

In India, the squirrel you see most is the palm squirrel.  The three-striped palm squirrel lives in the south.  The five-striped palm squirrel lives in the north.  Palm squirrel babies are born blind.  They depend on their mother for about 2 to 3 months.  

Wildlife SOS suggests a safe first step for an uninjured baby: place it in a box and tie the box to the nearest tree.  This lets mom come back.  If she does not return, or if the baby is hurt, call the Wildlife SOS helpline, a local NGO, or your state forest department.   

Esbilac and Fox Valley are US brands.  In India, ask your rescue group or vet which puppy milk replacer you can get and use.  Wildlife laws may also apply to keeping wild animals, so check with the forest department.  

In the US or UK? Look for a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or a local wildlife rescue.  

Most US state wildlife agencies keep a list.  

Flying squirrels get cold very fast.  

Some formulas, like Fox Valley 20/50, are listed for them too.  

Squirrel species differ, so tell your rehabber exactly which animal you found.  

No.Do not bathe a baby squirrel.  Brush fleas off with a towel.   Keep it warm and dry.  

No.  

Wild animals need trained rehabbers.  

Rescue groups say it does not help the baby when people try to raise it alone.  

Babies raised by people also need a slow, careful release.  

Helping a baby squirrel is an act of love.  But the best help is simple.  Keep it warm. Keep it safe. Call a wildlife rehabilitator fast.  

NOTE: We are not vets or wildlife experts.  This guide shares what licensed wildlife rehabilitators teach.  Always call a rehabilitator for help.

Baby squirrels drink a puppy milk replacer like Esbilac or Fox Valley. They do not drink cow’s milk.  

Every 2 to 3 hours, day and night.  

Formula still comes first. Some guides say solids can start around 5 to 6 weeks.  

Rescue guides suggest unflavored Pedialyte for a dehydrated baby, in tiny amounts.  

Yes. Puppy milk replacer is the type most guides name.  

Unflavored Pedialyte, a few drops at a time, while keeping the baby warm. Call a rehabber.  

Do not feed it. Keep it warm and call a rehabber right away.