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How often should i feed a baby squirrel


How To Care For Baby Squirrels

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HOW TO CARE FOR BABY SQUIRRELS

Last Edited: July 9, 2019

You found a baby squirrel, now what?

Make sure the little squirrel is really a baby, just because the squirrel is tiny doesn't mean he's a baby. If the squirrel has a fluffed-out tail or a body longer than 6”, he's probably fine on his own. If you’re sure this is truly a baby and doesn't have visible wounds, the main goal is to get the baby squirrel warm and to reunite with its mom. Usually, the baby has just fallen from the nest. Check your surroundings to see if there is a fallen nest nearby, if there are other squirrels, etc. Do not leave the baby squirrel in the yard unless you know for sure when the nest fell and where. If the mom is going to come and get the babies, she will do so right away after the nest or babies have fallen. If the mother is not in sight, the baby could need help right now because it is getting colder by the minute and seen as prey for many animals. If you believe the baby fell recently and the mother is nearby you can keep it warm in a nest box until she retrieves it.

Make a nest box using a small plastic container (lid off) and fleece blanket to put the baby squirrel in. Use gloves or a soft cloth to pick up the baby and put it in the box outside. If you use a cardboard box it will dehydrate the baby. Towels will catch on its nails and injure it, use a soft blanket or shirt. Baby squirrels are too young to generate their own heat so having a temporary heat source is essential. Monitor the baby to make sure it stays at a normal body temperature (approx. 96-101° F). You can pour some uncooked dry rice or uncooked dry beans in a small sock, tie it off, and heat in a microwave for 30 seconds until warm (will need to reheat about every 2 hours). If you don’t have rice and beans, you can use a water bottle filled with warm water and put it in a soft sock for the squirrel to cuddle up to. If the mother doesn’t come within 30 mins, bring the baby inside. If it is nighttime, or there are potential harmful animals nearby (dogs), bring the baby inside immediately without waiting for the mother. Only until you’ve seen that the baby squirrel has been alone for some time and the mother is not retrieving it, should you remove it from the environment.

If the mother did not retrieve the baby, you should bring it inside full time and consider it a rescue. Once the baby is inside you can place the lid on the plastic container, but make sure there are holes in the top of the lid. If a squirrel rescue is not nearby, and you are dedicated to rescuing and raising the squirrel yourself, start acquiring what you’ll need. The baby squirrel should be moved into a more stable home than a plastic container, it would be best to get a Nest Box filled with soft bedding. Made with 100% natural cotton fibers, this nesting material is soft, cozy, and makes squirrels feel safe and secure. Remember, towels and other materials will catch on its nails. Fleece Nesting Pouches are a great option for safety and comfort. You can use the heating tricks above temporarily, but will need a no-auto-shutoff heating pad eventually. Place a Heating Pad underneath one side of the box. That way if the squirrel becomes too hot, it can simply move to the other, cooler side of the box. This heater is animal-safe and provides continuous, adjustable heating temperature to your pet. If the squirrel is too young to move itself, set the heating pad on low and monitor the baby’s temperature to see what the best placement and settings of the pad will be.  

When the baby is warm, check for injuries using a light cloth. Carefully clean baby with blue Dawn soap or Instant Shampoo, which is a no-rinse formula that gently loosens dirt, dissolves oils, and deodorizes a squirrel's skin and coat. Remove any visible parasites (fleas, larva, eggs, etc. ) on baby’s skin using an old toothbrush and/or tweezers. Then use a Q-tip to stimulate the genital area, rubbing their "nethers" with a wet and warm cloth gently. There are many helpful vidoes on youtube that will show you how to stimulate your squirrel to make them pee, demonstrate proper feeding techniques, etc.

Before feeding, make sure the baby squirrel is warm. Baby squirrels cannot digest food when cold. Use O-Ring syringes with Wonder Nipples attached.  The steps of feeding are - rehydrate baby first (using homemade fluid), then feed baby (using pedialyte, homemade milk replacers, and then squirrel milk replacers). Steps of hydration are listed below in FAQ. After being rehydrated, you can temporarily give your baby squirrel unflavored pedialyte for the first 24 hours of care, before beginning milk feedings. Pedialyte is very high in sodium and can only be used for a short time. Kitten formula is not usable, squirrel babies need much more fat and way less protein than kitten milk provides. You can use one of our Squirrel Nursing Sets to give the baby the Specialty Milk Replacer Formula to feed it. Specialty milk replacer provides nutrients for strong animal development (read FAQs for more info). If you don’t have the correct formula on hand and must wait for it to be shipped, you have two choices for a temporary formula for any age baby….homemade goat milk formula or esbilac puppy milk with probiotics (read FAQs for more info). Do not use these homemade formulas for more than a week, as they are not fortified with vitamins, minerals, and protein. Skip down to the FAQ section to read as much information as possible about your baby squirrel.

Babies less than five weeks old will need to be stimulated to poop and pee, they do not do it themselves naturally. Use a warm, wet cotton ball or Q-tip, and flick lightly across the genital area. You are simulating the mother squirrel’s tongue. Some babies may need stimulation before and after feeding, a few may eat better if you potty them in the middle of a feeding.

When do you feed your baby squirrel?

Day 1 to Week 4: Use the Squirrel Nursing Set, feed every two hours. Weeks two and three, feed every three hours.

Week 4 to Week 7: Continue to use formula. Feed every four hours.

Week 7 to Week 9: Still feed formula. Introduce solid foods, like Deluxe Squirrel Diet, which is high-protein pellets mixed with healthy nuts. Try to feed majority pellets and leave the nuts behind at first. Make sure you have a Glass Water Bottle, Stainless Steel Cup or Ceramic Feeding Dish for the water and solid foods. These dishes are chew-proof, dishwasher safe, lead-free and much more sanitary than plastic. During the transition to solid foods do not give nuts, fruit, or treats of any kind. Concentrate on formula, protein pellets, and healthy veggies. It's important they learn to love these healthy foods before being introduced to sweet fruit and treats that will make them picky.

Week 9 to Week 10: Still feed some formula, feed two times a day. Introduce even more solid food, such as Apple Sticks, which help maintain clean and trim teeth. Begin to feed healthy Veggie Blend Treat, which contains sweet potatoes, carrots, and green peas. Use Squirrel Booster Multivitamin or Squirrel-Cal if you wish, to make sure your squirrel is getting the nutrition and calcium it needs.

Week 10 to Week 12: Once the squirrel is eating its healthy foods well, you can feed nuts, fruits, and treats. Add in the nuts of Squirrel Complete or try Premium Nut Mix. Explore other treat options. You can also feed your squirrel fruit now, like Papaya & Mango, made with real fruit. All during this process, continue to offer formula until the squirrel weans himself at around 14-16 weeks of age. Never wean a baby squirrel off formula; let them wean themselves.

How do you know how old your squirrel is?

Less than 4 Weeks: Pink, no hair at all for first few weeks of life. After two weeks, soft hair grows around nose and mouth. After a month of life, light hair starts growing all over back, and lower front teeth begin emerging. Some white hair begins to grow on belly and legs.

4 -7 Weeks: Hair gets thicker, including on legs and belly. Tail hair is short, and tail begins curling over the back. Eyes open, becomes fully furred, sleeping less with more active periods. Keep your squirrel in a box until seven weeks, then start planning for a cage.

7 - 9 Weeks: About ½ full size, tail is fluffy. Should be placed in a cage with plenty of room to play. A great forage accessory for a squirrel is a Chew Stack that attaches to the cage and is made of natural wooden blocks, cylinders, and cubes. Use a large Nest Box that can attach to the cage and helps mimic the natural nesting techniques squirrels use in the wild. Make sure to fill the nest box with bedding. Clean the cage frequently and use cage liners and wipes.

8 Weeks: Looks like a miniature squirrel. Very active and will shred fabrics.

9 - 12 Weeks: More muscular, about ¾ full size. Can release at 12 weeks. Upgrade your cage with the Brisbane/Congo cage Accessory Kit, that adds two shelves to your squirrel’s existing cage.

For young squirrels less than 8 weeks old, it's best to keep them in a travel carrier or small cage less than 20 inches tall, such as our Zanzibar Cage or ZooPro Travel Cage. Once the squirrel is 8-weeks or older a full-sized cage is better, to give it space to exercise and explore, along with a wooden nest box containing nesting material and other cage accessories. It's recommended to keep the bottom of the cage padded with towels as youngsters may fall and hurt themselves. 

FAQS

Is it dangerous to leave the baby squirrel in the yard? I want to reunite it with its mom.

Do not leave the baby squirrel in the yard unless you know for sure when the nest fell and where. If the mom is going to come and get the babies, she will do so right away after the nest or babies have fallen. If the mother is not in sight the baby needs help right now because it is getting colder by the minute and seen as prey for many animals.

Should I feed the baby squirrel first or give it water?

Feeding can actually cause death by pulling fluids from the system of a severely dehydrated animal in order to process the food that you feed it. It must be determined if the baby is dehydrated first. Give it plenty of fluids, then give it food.

How do I check for dehydration?

Pinch the skin on the back of his neck. If it doesn’t spring back immediately, the baby is dehydrated. If the pinched skin stays up like a tent for more than a second, the baby is badly dehydrated. Other signs of dehydration: lack of appetite, lethargy, pale gums, spiky fur, dry skin, looks thin and wrinkly. Note: These tests are not reliable in very young babies; assume every baby is dehydrated when you first find them. Use a homemade rehydration fluid if baby is dehydrated. If the baby isn't badly dehydrated, you can begin formula feeding within a few hours. Even if the baby is badly dehydrated, you will need to begin formula feeding within 6 hours.

Is there a homemade formula I can give the baby if I don’t have pedialyte or milk replacer available?

A homemade rehydration fluid is made by mixing 1 ½ tablespoons sugar with 2 cups warm water. Always warm up before feeding by filling a coffee mug with hot water, filling the syringe with the fluid, and place filled syringe in the mug for a couple of minutes. Test by squirting a drop on the inside of your wrist, it should feel very warm but not hot on your skin. Store in refrigerator if not feeding immediately. Discard after 24 hours.

How do I feed the baby squirrel?

Always hold the syringe so that the tip (where the baby is drinking from) is higher than the end (where you are holding). Hold it so the tip points up toward the mouth and the baby is sucking it in, it should not be spilling downward forcefully into the baby’s mouth. Place the syringe tip on the baby’s lips and squeeze out one drop for him to taste. Don’t squirt a steady stream. Let him swallow one drop before squeezing more. Go very slow, it sometimes takes a feeding or two for them to catch on. Newborn babies are fed drop by drop. With older babies you can squeeze slowly for one second, wait for him to swallow, then squeeze again. If fluids dribble out his mouth or nose, you’re going too fast. Stop and tilt the baby’s head down so the fluid drains out (support his head and neck). Then wipe his nose and mouth with a tissue. Start over, slower. If the baby isn't badly dehydrated, you can begin formula feeding within a few hours. Even if the baby is badly dehydrated, you will need to begin formula feeding within 6 hours.

How do I make homemade goat milk formula?

3 parts goat milk, 1 part plain yogurt, 1 part heavy cream. Leave out the cream for the first few feedings and then add it in gradually. If diarrhea occurs, reduce or eliminate the cream for a few feedings. You can buy goats milk at almost all grocery stores. Remember this is only temporary, specialty milk replacer needs to be ordered and fed as soon as possible.

How do I make esbilac puppy milk formula?

Esbilac puppy milk (powder not liquid) must say “with probiotics and prebiotics” on the label. Dilute 3 parts water to 1 part powder for the first few feedings and then slowly increase the powder until you’re mixing it full strength according to label directions. You can find esbilac puppy milk at pet stores and Walmart. Remember this is only temporary, specialty milk replacer needs to be ordered and fed asap.

How do I make specialty milk replacer?

To use this milk replacer, add 250 g of powder to 400 ml of pre-boiled water. Mix to make a paste, then add 1 liter of pre-boiled water and mix thoroughly.

What sex is my baby squirrel?

If the genital opening appears near the anus, it's a female. Male baby squirrels have a larger space between the genital opening and the anus (scrotum sac).

How much bedding material should I use?

Make sure the bedding is 1- 1 ½ inch thickness to provide ample support.

How high should the temperature of the heating pad be?

Ideally you want your baby squirrel’s body temperature to be around human temperature (approx. 96-101° F).

How much time does it take to open its eyes?

Most squirrels should open their eyes at about five weeks of age. Do not try to open them yourself, you could cause permanent damage.

What do you do if your squirrel is being stimulated but isn’t peeing?

Check the privates very closely. Squirrels will self nurse on their privates when they are hungry and it is possible there is a small scab that has blocked the opening. If you see any scab, soak it for a while with warm water (you can just hold a warm, wet cotton ball on it) until it softens and can be gently rubbed away. Make sure to be observing the area frequently afterwards and keeping it clean. If nothing is there, your squirrel is probably just dehydrated and needs to be given even more fluids. Give plain tap water if you need to give extra fluids between feedings. If your squirrel is still not peeing, take the squirrel to the vet. They will be able to give you good tips and might be able to get it to pee.

What should I do if my squirrel is not drinking water?

Try using a dropper and drop a small amount in their mouth, but make sure they swallow it. Wipe away excess moisture with a cloth. If they are too weak to swallow, they could choke. Remember, baby squirrels cannot digest anything when they are too cold.

How do you treat baby squirrels for fleas?

Wash them with warm water and soap. Use tweezers to sift through the hair and pick out fleas. Fleas will usually not die just by squishing them, and can jump out of tissues if you try to roll a flea up in one. You must try to rip the flea apart, or flush directly down toilet.

Can I feed a baby squirrel ‘squirrel food’?

No. Feed the baby squirrel milk replacer until it is old enough to properly eat and digest solid foods (around 7-9 weeks old).

How often should I feed my baby squirrel?

See the above ‘Feeding’ information. Make sure that the feeding schedule is consistent. Example of a three hour feeding schedule: 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, 9 pm, 12am, 3am, etc.

How should I feed my baby squirrel?

Hold your baby squirrel upright in your hand. Make sure your squirrel is wrapped in a soft fabric while your hold it. Never feed a baby squirrel lying on its back. Make sure after feeding, you help the baby urinate and defecate using a Q-tip.

What happens if my baby squirrel bloats?

Watch the stomach to make sure that it does not become too bloated. If this does occur, skip a feeding and decrease the amount of formula for the next feeding. Lengthening the amount of time between feedings and stimulating to encourage the elimination of waste will also help.

What do I do if my baby squirrel aspirates during feeding?

If the baby does aspirate fluids, pull the nipple away from the mouth, hold the baby in both hands face down and quickly by gently tip the baby forward and down to help gravity drain the fluid from the nose and lungs. Blot fluid from the nostrils and mouth. When the baby is calm and the airways are clear, resume feeding.  If the baby shows any signs of illness contact your vet or wildlife resource immediately.

How do I know if my baby squirrel is dehydrated?

Physical signs of dehydration are sunken eyes, overly wrinkly and/or dry skin (some wrinkles and loose skin is normal), lethargy, hypothermia, dark or hard feces, dark urine (if any), dry mucous membranes, pale gums, and signs of shock. After warming the baby, provide formula.

What do I do if my baby squirrel is experiencing diarrhea?

The baby squirrel is experiencing diarrhea if the stools are non-formed, loose, runny, or foul smelling. It is a strong indicator that something is not right in baby’s gut. This can occur with the baby is not properly transitioned to a new formula, fed the wrong formula, fed too frequently, or fed too much at feeding and ‘over extending’ the stomach. To correct, switch the baby back to an electrolyte rehydration formula such as the milk replacer formula for a few feedings. If problems continue, the baby should be seen by a vet.

When will my baby squirrel start to ‘play’ and explore their surroundings?

Baby squirrels do three things. They eat, they potty, and they sleep. When their eyes open, they will start exploring their habitat and become more alert.

When do I stop giving my baby squirrel formula?

Between around 10 weeks. After that time frame, the squirrel will most likely reject the formula. If not, let the squirrel wean themselves off.

When can my baby squirrel start eating solid foods?

Between 6-7 weeks.

What if my baby squirrel’s habitat starts to smell?

Change the bedding in the your baby squirrel’s box. If the smells persists, get a different box. Use an odor eliminator, like Elimina, an odor eliminating spray that eliminates smell internally. Spray Elimina on animal's food daily, the smell from the waste will be virtually undetectable in 3 days.

How often should I clean the squirrel’s cage?

Change the cage liners every couple of days and clean the cage once a week.

Do squirrels hibernate?

Your pet squirrel will not hibernate however, they do sleep a lot. Squirrels are awake and active for a few hours after sunrise and a few hours before sunset. They are resting or sleeping the rest of the time. Certain species of wild squirrel do hibernate, like the ground squirrel.

How do I trim my squirrel’s nails?

Use a nail trimmer like the Pro Nail Trimmer, a double-bladed trimmer that has a long-lasting, sharp cutting edge with a comfort grip handle great for left or right hand use. Make sure you hold the paw firmly and only trim tip of nail with a single stroke. Do not cut the nails too short or the nails will bleed. Repeat as needed, every 1-2 weeks.

I cut my squirrel’s nails too short and now they are bleeding. What do I do?

Wipe away the blood and dip the nails in some flour or press the flour into the tip. Make sure the nails have stopped bleeding before putting your animal back in its habitat.

Can squirrels use cage accessories, such as wheels and stones?

Yes! Some squirrels like wheels, especially ground squirrels. Make sure you get a jumbo sized one that is tail safe. They can hurt their back from arching too much if the wheel is too small. Make sure to bolt the wheel firmly to the cage so it doesn't tip over if your pet decides to swing on it. Pumice Stones are perfect for squirrels because it satisfies your pet's natural gnawing instinct and won't splinter like wood chews, even after hours of chewing. The chew block also promotes dental health and naturally wears down teeth.

What do I do if my squirrel bites me?

Lightly tap the nose, blow in their face, and sternly say no. Next time you handle them, wear gardening gloves for protection.

What if I want to release my squirrel into the wild?

Start weaning off human contact. Provide lots of toys and other cage accessories. Start to take the cage and your pet outdoors to help adapt to the smells and sounds. Do this for a few days or a week. Then leave the cage outdoors. Put some weather protection on top of the cage. Introduce natural foods such as pine cones, acorns, natural branches. Provide natural nesting material so your pet can build his own habitat. Once your pet learns to be self-sufficient and be scared of humans release him by opening the cage door. Release your squirrel in the spring or summer, never in fall or winter. Baby squirrels do best if not released until at least 4-6 months old.

What if I want to keep my squirrel?

Make sure it is legal; some states require a license or permit. Try to take the squirrel to a rehabilitator, someone who will train your pet to be ready for the wild, who will place him in a home and with other squirrels.   

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Squirrel Feeding Amounts | Mysite

The first 12 to 24 hours the baby should be fed only an electrolyte hydration formula, such as Pedialyte for infants.  Do not start feeding a baby until it is first warm, well hydrated, and has started to eliminate normally. Reference the links at the bottom of this page for more information on these topics.

 

If the baby has never had formula or is changing to a new brand, you must slowly introduce it over several feedings. Formula is never exactly like, or as good as, mother's natural milk. The baby's gastro- intestinal tract (gut) needs time to adjust to man-made formulas through slow introduction from the hydration fluid to full strength formula.   Reference the section entitled, “Transitioning to Formula” at the bottom of the Feeding Technique page (Link at bottom).

Figuring Out How Much to Feed

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The ideal amount to feed the baby at each feeding is up to 5% of its body weight at an interval that closely matches the frequency the mother would feed her young in the wild. Below is a rough guide to the amount and schedule for feeding a baby based on its approximate age and size.  

 

It is highly recommended that you purchase a gram scale to reduce overfeeding. Baby squirrels are notorious hogs and will happily overeat. Overeating may result in life threatening diarrhea and easy predation by cats, hawks and other menaces that prefer chubby slow moving prey.  Reference the link entitled, “Feeding complications” for more information.

 

If you don’t have a method of weighing the baby and are unsure of its age, you can roughly estimate it by comparing your squirrel to the ones pictured on the “How to determine the age of a baby squirrel” article (link to the right) available on the Chris’s Squirrels & More website.

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The maximum amount should be no more than 5% in cc’s for the squirrel’s body weight in grams.  

 

For example, if the squirrel weighs 100 grams (approximately 3.5 ounces), then 5% is 5 grams (.17 ounces) which translates to 5 cc (cubic centimeters)  or ml (milliliter) or (1 tsp) of formula.

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Table 1: Feeding Amounts by Weight

Figuring Out How Frequently to Feed

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How often you feed a baby squirrel the amounts listed above depends on their age.   Use Table 2 below to figure out how often to feed your babies based on their ages.

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Here's an example based on Table 1 below:

A squirrel weighing 100 grams should be fed  every 4 to 5 hours (reference Table 1 for squirrels weighing 120-160 grams) . The amount fed should be no more than of 5 cc (1/2 tsp*) of formula (reference Table  2  for amounts based on 100 grams of weight.     

 

A note about frequency: It is ok to feed plus or minus 1/2 hour to accommodate scheduling for squirrels under 6 weeks. Older squirrels can be fed plus or minus 1 hour.

 

*Reference the Online Conversion Calculators  if converting grams (weight) or cc’s (volume) to other measuring systems.

Table 2: Feeding Frequency by Age and Weight

Keeping Track of Feedings

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It’s important that the baby doesn't get too much or too little formula to eat and that you know when it last eliminated (and if the product was normal - No blood in urine, loose or foul smelling stool!   

 

Lack of normal appetite and abnormal bodily functions are important queues indicating a problem requiring immediate attention.

 

Keeping track can be especially hard when you have more than one care giver or multiple squirrels.   

 

Our advice is, Write it down! Use our recommended daily care chart below.

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If you are caring for multiple squirrels  you might notice that it can be hard to tell  who is who.  

Consider using a temporary identification method such as  a non-toxic nail polish or permanent Sharpie marker on an   

ear or the tummy. You may need to reapply every few days.

 

If the squirrels are furred and you only have a small number , another option is to clip a small notch of fur from the tail at different locations.   

 

Tail fur only replaces itself once a year, so don’t go crazy with this by trimming a large quantity of fur.  Squirrels use their tails to communicate, for warmth, and balance.

Top Tips for the Safe Feeding of Squirrels

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There are many things to consider for the proper feeding of baby squirrels, but here is a list of the top things you should know:

  • Do not add vitamins or minerals to any commercially prepared milk replacement product as they are already nutritionally complete.

  • Do not allow the baby to eat more than the recommended amount or frequency.

  • Never feed baby squirrels cow's milk, fruit juice, Tang, Sunny D or any other sweet drink! Really, Never!

  • Never attempt to feed a cold baby! Baby should feel warm in your hands. Feeding a cold baby will kill it because it cannot digest the formula when cold.

  • Never feed a baby on its back or too fast. Use a 1cc syringe on small babies to control the feed rate. Baby squirrels easily aspirate and choke.

  • Always stimulate the baby to urinate after feeding! An ‘eyes closed baby’ cannot eliminate without stimulation and will suffer a painful death without help.

  • Normal formula fed baby squirrel feces ranges from yellow to dark golden colored and is well formed like small seeds. If the stool becomes loose, smelly, watery, white or very pale then cut back on the concentration of formula or provide pedialyte for a few feedings until the feces is normal again. Adding a small amount of acidophilus or yogurt to the formula helps to keep the baby regular.

More Resources

Feeding Techniques

Learn how to properly and safely prepare food for and then feed your baby squirrel.

Feeding
Tools

Get recommendations for the best tools for the safe and proper feeding of baby squirrels.

Formula
Options

Get recommendations on the best formula to buy or make at home for baby squirrels.

Feeding Complications

Make yourself of what could go wrong during feeding, what signs to look for, and how to prevent it.

Warming Baby Squirrels

Before you feed, make sure your baby squirrel is safely warmed using our gentle and simple methods.

Treating Dehydration

Learn the signs of dehydration in baby squirrels and how to treat them.

Potty
Stimulation

Learn how to safely stimulate your baby squirrel until they are able to potty themselves.

Squirrel
Board

Have more questions? Ask the Squirrel Board, a forum managed by rehabbers and experts.

How to save the squirrel? | Animals

That baby squirrel was found in the forest, fell out of the nest - a small, defenseless red-haired miracle that immediately trusted the man. He lived in a light bulb box at work and in a hat at home. He slept all day and sometimes woke up to eat. And he ate white bread soaked in goat's milk. And at the same time he champed and smacked his lips so deliciously that we also wanted to eat bread in milk and in a box - to sleep. nine0003

Since then, a struggle has begun with a wild desire to have a squirrel at home and the understanding that no one will fall out of the nest especially for me. Asking myself the question: tell me honestly - why do you need her, I knew only one answer - "she is not like everyone else. "

I will say right away: I have a squirrel. There were even two of them. I bought one from a dealer and buried it almost immediately. The squirrel was sold to me as a tame squirrel from an aviary, but in fact it was caught from nature and never reconciled to captivity. Although it was bought for a lot of money, the squirrel did not appreciate it. After the solemn funeral at home, we got a currency - one dusya (equivalent to 200 USD). That is, a flat-screen TV in the kitchen costs 3 dusi. But my cosmetics for a month - half a day, etc.

And the second squirrel appeared when we didn't expect it at all. Well, it’s not the season, the squirrels don’t fall out of the nests, they have already grown, and therefore we decided to wait for spring. The rut of the squirrels is about to begin, and then we will find it in the forest and start it. Even my husband was inspired, the desire was already mutual. In the end, we . .. adopted the squirrel 3 days after the decision to “wait” was made. True, a week later we made another amendment - we adopted a squirrel. Here is such a zigzag of fate: there was Kuzey for half a year, and she became Kuzyusha. nine0003

Squirrels are born 2-3 times a year: in spring, autumn and sometimes in winter. The latter, as a rule, rarely survive, unfortunately. Blind and bald are born. Eyes open at 10-12 days. On the 30th day, a squirrel with fur already looks out with interest from the gain (nest). And, it happens that it falls out of it by negligence.

If you, while walking in the forest, park, garden, etc., suddenly find an exhausted, frightened, bald or not very little squirrel, help him survive. It's not very difficult. But it's so important to him! nine0003

So, you found a squirrel and brought it home:
1. The squirrel needs to be warmed up: it can be your hands, hat, handkerchief, pocket. Even hot water in a bottle next to it will do.

2. The squirrel needs to restore the water balance, and not try to feed it right away: put some water into the pipette (not from the tap, it's dangerous!). He needs to start drinking. Remember, squirrels are at risk: they have a very weak intestine and with improper feeding or drinking, the struggle for life goes on for minutes. nine0003

3. Then try to feed him. It is advisable to offer him goat's milk or a milk replacer for kittens (sold in pet stores). If the squirrel is already grown up, then white bread soaked in goat's milk is what you need. Cow's milk is contraindicated for squirrels! If it is not possible to feed other than cow, dilute it with water 1: 1. Remember that a very small squirrel needs to be fed like a baby - every 2-3 hours. nine0003

My friend used a pipette to feed both at home and at work (he is tiny, he slept in his own box most of the time). From a pipette - drop by drop so that it does not choke. If you hold him in your hands, he will quickly understand that you and your smell are a source of delicious treats. Consider that from now on and forever the squirrel is a friend.

If the squirrel is already grown enough to eat solid food, offer him pine nuts, only in the shell (less likely that the nuts were affected by some kind of fungus that is dangerous for the squirrel), seeds (only natural in the shell, not fried), twigs with leaves (apple, pear, willow), acorns, apple, carrot. In general, you can only offer a squirrel what he could find in nature. Sugar cookies from the hands of compassionate citizens in the parks, of course, do not count. And remember that his teeth grow all his life, he must grind them on solid food. It is enough to feed a grown and grown squirrel 2 times a day. nine0003

4. Designate a place for it, eg in a box. In no case should there be cotton wool, the squirrel can get tangled in it or suffocate. It is very good to put a terry towel as a bedding. If the squirrel has grown up and you are afraid to leave him at home alone on a free range, you will have to purchase a cage. Remember: the higher the cage, the better the squirrel. About 50x50x100 is fine, but it's better if you let him run around under supervision, and not just keep him in a cage. nine0003

The cage must have fresh water (I repeat, not from the tap!). Secure the bowl or drinker so that the squirrel does not turn the water upside down. In no case do not lay the newspaper on the bottom, it is better without anything: ink on printed publications contributes to the accumulation of lead in the animal's body. Also provide a house where the squirrel can rest and another house where she will make stash for a rainy day. Lump chalk is needed for the formation of bone tissue, give a mineral stone, vitamins for rodents. nine0003

5. If, God forbid, your little squirrel has loose stools, help him. Brew oak bark (not much) and put it in a cage for half a day. You can give smects: we gave them directly smeared on the finger - the squirrel licked it himself. And most importantly - remove all fruits, only dry food.

In general, the little squirrel is a wonderful animal, but it likes to pull the blanket over itself. Try to teach him to live by your rules from childhood. Squirrels have the intelligence of an adult dog, they are just very small. Remember that the squirrel should feel at home in his rest house, like in a fortress: do not climb there, the squirrel cleans up there by herself - throws out the nut shells, spreads her bedding. By the way, cleaning directly in the cage at least 2 times a week will ensure that you don’t smell any (I just replace the bedding at the bottom of the cage). nine0003

The squirrel, which we fed with the whole team, has been living with my friend for almost a year. He went to work with her, sitting at her place. in a jacket pocket. And he is so tame that he can even kiss on the lips. But this did not stop him one day from running out into the street from the fifth floor of a high-rise building. Contrary to all forecasts, we still removed him, trembling, from the tree with the help of firefighters. The firefighters had to make "alcohol intragastric compresses" - they were bitten very badly. nine0003

If you are lucky enough to find a baby squirrel in the forest, save him, I beg you, do not pass by, he is so defenseless and so wonderful!

Tags: squirrel, enthusiasm, pets, animals

Little squirrel fell out of the nest. Is it necessary to pick up those who fell out of the hollow in the spring (reasoning of an employee of the Bitsevsky forest) What to do if the little squirrel fell out of the nest

We found a baby squirrel (fell out of the nest), what should we do with it? What to feed, drink? photo and got the best answer

Hello! Here is a selection of topics with answers to your question: We found a squirrel (fell out of the nest), what to do with it? What to feed, drink? photo

Answer from Yorkie Fretka [newbie]
So cute) Should I go to the vet for advice?!

Reply from 8ChS Petrenko [guru]
Pretty! I think milk should be given, but it’s better to go to the pet store and buy food. Sellers will advise. If you do not want to leave yourself, look for caring owners. I would take...

Reply from *Lonely* [guru]
I heard somewhere that if a human touches a young forest animal, then the mother will not take it later, because the cub will smell like a human, so she can release him into the forest when he grows up and learn to get his own food?
and one more thing - they live in hollows in nature - maybe he can put some smaller box in a box, he will climb there and sleep, and store nuts

Reply from Homyachok [guru]
better take it to the zoo. If it grows with you, then it is unlikely that when it grows it will take root in the forest

Answer from Ferry Corsten [guru]
Despite popular belief, squirrels are omnivorous: in addition to nuts, seeds, fruits, mushrooms, and green vegetation, they also eat insects, eggs, and even small birds, mammals, and frogs. Very often this food replaces nuts for squirrels in tropical countries.

Reply from Yergey Naryshkin [guru]
If he does not gnaw nuts, then he is small and forcibly drink from a pipette with a mixture for feeding kittens. In general, you took him in vain, he doesn’t seem to me to have fallen out of the nest, such people are already running with might and main with their mothers, and she would have found something to feed him.
In appearance, he seems to be of sufficient age to burst himself already.

Reply from NoName [master]
Lapulka) Seek advice from veterinarians or the zoo...

Reply from Nata Kulikova [guru]
he is already grown up, try milk from a nipple, but not fatty, try crushing nuts and give him, otherwise he is unlikely to succeed
and even better drive to the zoo. They will give good advice there

Answer from Nina96 [guru]
You can only feed and drink GOAT milk or SPECIAL MIXTURE for feeding kittens.
It is convenient to drink diluted milk, conveniently from a syringe (without a needle), at the time when you need to leave, you can hang a drinker for rodents after showing it to your baby (the diluted mixture can be stored for no more than 3-4 hours). It is necessary to feed the baby 5-6 times a day, approximately 5 ml each. After feeding, be sure to massage the tummy (in a clockwise circular motion) As soon as the squirrel learns to lap milk from a saucer, you can offer crackers, seeds (you can white and black) not peeled, not peeled grains of oats and wheat. Offer the squirrel various branches of trees - apple, acacia, oak, willow, linden, pine and spruce ...
It is impossible to feed fruits and vegetables while the baby squirrel is drinking milk, the body is not adapted d

Did you find an orphaned baby squirrel? While it's best to return the squirrel to its mother, you can take care of it yourself until it grows up. However, please note that this is prohibited by law in some regions. First, check your local laws to see if they prohibit keeping squirrels in the home. Compared to pets, keeping wild animals is more difficult and dangerous. However, if you tirelessly care for the squirrel, properly feed it and provide it with a suitable home, then it will grow up, and eventually it will be possible to release it into the wild. nine0003

Not Give the squirrel nuts as the first solid food. Start with healthy vegetables (broccoli, spring greens, kale, etc.). When the baby squirrel gets used to the pellets and vegetables, you can start introducing fruits and nuts. Give your squirrel no more than one nut and 1-2 small pieces of fruit per day.

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Squirrels, even very small ones, unlike rabbits, are fairly easy to raise in captivity, but there are some rules to keep in mind. First, make sure the squirrel really needs your care. It happens that small squirrels fall out of the hollow, but if they are left alone, the mother squirrel will definitely go down after them, and taking 1 by the hair of the scruff of the neck with her teeth, she will lift her back up the tree. Secondly, baby squirrels are in great need of warmth. It is best if artificial heat comes from a homemade heater. The temperature regime and feeding should be normal, but at the same time try to take protein in your hands less often. Nursing squirrels from infancy is divided into three stages: from birth to 4 weeks, from 4 weeks to 2 months, from 2 months to release. Treatment, maintenance and feeding are not the same at each stage. nine0003

Eyes of squirrels usually open on 19-21 days; knowledge of this rule will make it possible to accurately determine the age of the animal. 30

Use a medical pipette to feed the tiny squirrels, making sure the milk flow is even. We remind you that the use of a glass pipette is unacceptable. Squirrels are extremely voracious and can even strangle each other in an impatient desire to quickly satisfy their hunger. It is better to feed them on the table, laying a bath towel on it. This will make it easier to control the behavior of the animals and the flow of milk from the pipette. Do not leave squirrels on the table unattended: they may not stay on its surface and eventually fall off. nine0003

Here is the recommended diet initially: 85 g of condensed milk, a teaspoon of baby food. Wait until the mixture is completely dissolved, add four drops of syrup. You can also give regular milk with the addition of baby food.

The food must be fresh, so every day you need to cook again. Store refrigerated, tightly stoppering the container. Before each meal, warm up to a temperature of 30-35 ° C.

Rinse pipette thoroughly after each feeding. Milk turns sour very quickly, and consumption of it in a spoiled form can cause diseases. If the animal at least once tastes spoiled or too hot milk, the next time it will certainly refuse to eat. nine0003

Never bathe an animal. Do not use softwood shavings for bedding, as the dust from it has a bad effect on the animal, clogging up the nostrils and causing discomfort. If you want to carry out hygiene procedures, use baby creams. Do not use cotton fabrics. Cotton stores moisture, and this is fraught with the fact that the animal can get pneumonia. During the period when the squirrel will get used to self-feeding, its paws and muzzle will be stained with the feed mixture. Before returning the animal to its "bedroom", carefully remove food debris with a towel and warm water. nine0003

For squirrels it is very good to adapt a cardboard box. The height of the sidewalls should be approximately 30 cm. To be sure, cover it on top with a metal mesh so that the animal cannot get out. Thanks to this coating, the cage will be ventilated, and the animal will feel good. Mount the box in the brooder. Use a soft cloth as a bedding: it is easy to clean, light in weight and retains heat sufficiently. Under this fabric, squirrels can hide from the cold and freely get out from under it if the temperature in the box is normal. Warmth will flow through the cardboard bottom, giving the animals the necessary feeling of comfort. Immediately after the end of each feeding, the animal should immediately be returned to its home. If the chick is healthy, he should oversleep until the next feeding. Keep animals away from newspapers - the lead used in printing can cause illness. nine0003

After the first period of infancy, when about a week has elapsed since the opening of the eyes, the time will come for the animal to be taught to eat from a plate. The dimensions of the plate or saucer are as follows: about 9 cm in diameter and no more than 2.5 cm deep. For feeding, adjust an additional cardboard box. The bottom of the "dining room" can be lined with paper, which is easy to change periodically.

Place a piece of white bread on a saucer, then pour over the nutrient mixture. Gently bring the animal's mouth close to the food. Repeat the procedure several times until the animal understands what is required of it. Some squirrels learn to eat on their own fairly quickly, while others require patience. nine0003

Alternate hand feeding and saucer feeding so that the squirrel does not reinforce one-sided habits. As soon as you find out that the animal is sufficiently accustomed to the saucer, you can finally refuse to feed from your hands. Feeding baby squirrels with bread soaked in milk is very convenient, as the animal will not take too large sips and will not choke. Don't try to feed more than one squirrel at a time. Until the squirrels get used to eating normally, they run around the saucer of food and eventually get themselves dirty and make dirt in the box. In general, they can be very untidy, but do not pay attention to it. As soon as you notice that the squirrel has eaten enough, immediately take it to the sleeping box, where it will dry. When the protein grows up and there is no need for heating, you can gradually add other products to bread and milk. nine0003

What to feed a squirrel?

One of the products that I use in feeding baby squirrels is Esbilac milk replacer for puppies. You can purchase it at most pet stores.

Esbilac may be sold in powder or liquid form. I prefer to buy Esbilac powder. Do not buy instead of Esbilak its substitutes that you can offer in the store. At the same time, get a few syringes in the store (or pharmacy), but without needles. nine0015 You can pick up a gift for your loved one in the online store dom-podarka. ru.
Never, ever use bottles with nipples when feeding a squirrel! The squirrel can suffocate because of them!

Instead of bottles, you will need 1 to 3 unit syringes for feeding very young squirrels, and 5 to 10 unit syringes for feeding slightly older squirrels.

Instead of needles, you need to put small papillae on syringes, which can be sold in pet stores.

If you cannot find such small papillae, then use a pipette, but in this case, be extremely careful not to feed the squirrel too quickly, otherwise it may choke.

Mix 2 parts liquid esbilac with 1 part water (if using powdered esbilac add 2 parts water to 1 part esbilac). You can also add just a little fruity sweetener for kids. Only quite a bit! You can use fruit banana sweetener - squirrels really like this taste. nine0003

You can also add some yoghurt to the nutritional formula.

Mix the formula in a clean jar and then store the mixture in the refrigerator.

Then, for each feeding, heat only the part of the formula that will be used for that feeding.

When heating the mixture in the microwave, be careful not to heat the mixture too hot.

Then draw the formula into the syringe and feed the squirrel very carefully. nine0003

When feeding, I lay the older baby squirrels on a flat surface and feed them in that position. If the squirrels are still too small, then you can feed them by holding them in your hand.

Be very careful and slow to prevent the squirrel from choking.

Sometimes a baby squirrel can suckle formula so fast that it starts to choke. In this case, you need to immediately stop feeding and hold the baby upside down so that excess fluid can flow back out. After that, you need to wipe the squirrel's nose and mouth and then continue feeding, only more slowly. nine0003

A very small baby squirrel with no or little hair growth yet, needs to be fed regularly every 2-3 hours as thin squirrels cannot eat enough at one meal.

Two to three week old squirrels should be fed regularly every 3 to 4 hours.

Three to five week old baby squirrels need to be fed every 4-5 hours.

At the age of five weeks, squirrels should be fully furred and their eyes should be opening. At this age, they can be fed every four hours during the day, and can no longer be fed at night. nine0003

The amount of food a squirrel needs at each meal is not strictly defined. The squirrel may eat a little more or a little less.

Here is an approximate feeding schedule for baby squirrels depending on their age:

From one day to two weeks old: 0.5-2 cc see for each meal, 6-8 feedings per day.

2 to 4 weeks old: 2-4 cc. see for each meal, 5 or 6 feedings during the day.

4 to 6 weeks of age: 4-6 (or even more) cc. see for each meal, 4 meals during the day, you can no longer feed at night. nine0003

From six weeks of age, squirrels can already eat more solid food (zu prem biscuit and small pieces of vegetable food) in addition to the nutritional formula that they need to be given in a volume of 6-12 cc. see at every meal. Squirrels of this age need to be fed 2-3 times a day.

I always give baby squirrels a nutritional formula until then. Until they give up on it.

Also squirrels are given goat's milk with the following calculation:
1 day - 1:4 (goat's milk:water)
Day 2 - 1:3 (goat's milk:water)
Day 3 - 1:2 (goat's milk:water)

If a baby squirrel is fed goat's milk, its feces are like yellow toothpaste. If the feces become more liquid, start giving the squirrel the mixture as on the first day (1:4).
Squirrel must always be clean. After each feeding, wipe around the mouth with a damp cloth. Gently clean the genitals and anus several times a day (more often if necessary).
Vitamins must be added to goat's milk mixture. Very tiny squirrels are given one drop twice a day during the first week of feeding. Squirrels of three weeks of age are given one drop 3 times a day. When the squirrel opens his eyes, give him two drops of vitamins 3 times a day. nine0003

MKOU "Chemashinskaya secondary school",

Chemashi village, KhMAO - Yugra

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………..3

I. Main part ……………………………………………………………………………….......4

1. Analysis of literary sources on proteins ..………………………………………………….4

1.1. Squirrel is a representative of the class of mammals ………………………………………...4

1.2. Where does the squirrel live? …………………………………………………………………………….5

1.3. Squirrel habits ……………………………………………………………………………….5

1.4. What does a squirrel eat? ……………………………………………………………………….6

1.5. Protein reproduction …………………………………………………………………………..6

2. Analysis of articles from the Internet about the content of baby squirrels in captivity ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...7

2.1. How to determine the age of a baby squirrel ………………………………………………………..7

2.2. How to feed baby squirrels in captivity ………………………………………………………………. 7

3. Keeping a diary of observation of the development of the baby squirrel …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….8

II. Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………….12

List of used literature ……………………………………………………………….13

Introduction

Last year, before the summer holidays, my grandmother Tatyana Dmitrievna Pimenova and I buried a squirrel that drowned in a water barrel. Belka was very sorry. But this story unexpectedly found its continuation. The next day, my grandmother came home from work and heard strange sounds near the bathhouse. She went to them and saw a small blind squirrel sitting in an eight hundred gram jar. How did he get there? Where did you come from? Where are his brothers and sisters? Are you dead? Most likely it was the cub of the drowned squirrel. The squirrel was hungry, it is not known how long he lived without his mother. How to help him? We took the animal home. We had a problem how to feed the squirrel. We tried to give him cow's milk to drink from a pipette, let him lick his fingers, but the little squirrel did not understand what to do. Then the grandmother guessed to wet a bandage with milk and give it to the animal. He immediately began to suck it. Got full and fell asleep. We named the little squirrel Tisha. nine0003

We realized that we must help this animal survive, and for this we need to create conditions for it that are close to natural.

Hypothesis. Perhaps in order to help the newborn baby squirrel survive, it is necessary to create conditions close to natural

Purpose. Raise a baby squirrel in natural conditions

Tasks.

1. Find out under what conditions proteins live in nature

2. Get to know the habits of squirrels and their diet

3. Determine the age of the baby squirrel

4. Choose the products necessary for feeding the baby squirrel

5. Create conditions close to nature for the squirrel

6. Raise a baby squirrel and release it into the wild

Research methods

Theoretical: analysis of literature and Internet resources on the research topic Statistical: quantitative and qualitative analysis of research results Empirical: sociological research, observation

I . Main part

I told the teacher about the little squirrel, and she advised me to keep a diary, to write down some details. In the class, the guys also learned about Tisha and opinions were divided. I conducted a survey among adults and children, asking: "Is it possible to raise a squirrel at home?". The survey involved 20 respondents. 60% of adults and 70% of children answered yes to this question.

My grandmother and I did some research. Grandmother began to equip Hush's nest, she adapted an old medical bix for the house, in which there are holes for air to enter, because the squirrel's nest is well ventilated. We put rags there, he climbs into them and sleeps. I turned to books from the rural library. nine0003

1. Protein literature review

1.1. Squirrel - representative of the class of mammals . Included in the order of rodents. The common Latin name is Sciurus. In addition to this family, which includes the squirrel familiar to us, there are also many other representatives of squirrels that are included in other genera - palm squirrel, red squirrel and others.

The body of a squirrel is elongated, ending in a fluffy tail, which is constantly covered with thick fur. In length, it sometimes exceeds the size of the body, but most often they coincide: both the tail and the body reach from 20 cm to 31 cm. The forelimbs of the animal are somewhat shorter than the hind ones, which is very noticeable when the squirrel begins to feed. Both on the hind and on the front paws, the 4th toe is the longest. In size, this is a medium and small animal. nine0003

The squirrel's ears are large, elongated, sometimes with a tassel at the end. The fur depends on the season: in summer it is short, sparse and rough to the touch, while in winter it is soft, thick and tall. Squirrel molting is observed 2 times a year - on the body, on the tail - 1 time. The common color is dark brown, with a lighter belly. Sometimes gray, especially in winter. In addition, there may be orange, yellow, yellowish-dirty, white squirrels in the abdominal part and red (of all shades), black-brown, gray-brown from the back. Hue, as a rule, depends on the geographical background of color variability. nine0003

Squirrel species

The genus Sciurus includes about 30 squirrel species. The most famous of them:

Japanese;

Carolina etc.

1.2. Where does the squirrel live?

The squirrel is found wherever there are forests and groves. The most favorite places for squirrels are among the deaf and dry forests with tall trees. Equally, the squirrel does not tolerate sunlight and dampness. He likes to sit in hollows or right in empty tree trunks, equipping his nest. Sometimes a squirrel makes a home for itself in the fork of two branches, not far from the main trunk. This usually forms open-type nests, which look like traditional bird nests in the lower part, and are tightly closed with a flat conical roof from the upper part. It protects the squirrel from rain and snow. The main exit looks to the east and is located, as usual, to the side. In the immediate vicinity of the trunk there is another exit - a spare, in case of an emergency retreat. The outer part of the squirrel's nest consists of weaves of thick and thin branches (rods). Inside, all squirrel nests (both open and closed) are dry, lined with soft moss, which forms a soft bedding. But squirrels pay special attention to the base, making it on the basis of an abandoned crow dwelling, the bottom of which is well bonded with clay and earth. nine0003

1. 3. Squirrel habits

One of the oldest and most traditional habits of a squirrel is its tendency to winter stocks (usually a variety of nuts act in this role). The squirrel is distinguished by forgetfulness, since it makes a lot of such "bins" - both in hollows and on the ground. But they do not disappear, sprouting over time. Thus, the habits of squirrels contribute to the conservation of forest plantations.

Also, one of the habits is getting up on its hind limbs in case of perceived danger - in this way, the squirrel better covers the surrounding territory with its eyes. When an enemy is detected, the squirrel often makes piercing sounds, warning relatives. nine0003

Squirrels are very fond of sleeping at midday, hiding in a hollow when the sun's rays begin to bake. They go for walks in the forest in the evenings or early in the morning. They are afraid of any bad weather - heavy rains, storms, but especially snowstorms. Although squirrels swim quite well, they do not go into the water, avoiding sputum.

Squirrels try to prepare thoroughly for the cold, making all kinds of food supplies. If autumn is cooler than always, then this is extremely detrimental to squirrels, since they have to eat what was set aside for the winter: in this situation, as a rule, there are no reserves left at that time, and the animals are starving. nine0003

But when food is plentiful, squirrels collect it for a "rainy" day, equipping pantries in tree roots, stumps, in depressions on the ground, in crevices of trunks, in abandoned nests, between stones and bushes, in hollows and even in dug by them burrows. Squirrels usually hide seeds, grains, nuts and mushrooms, which can be planted on dried branches.

1.4 . What does a squirrel eat?

The basis of the diet of squirrels is a variety of plant foods: shoots and buds of trees, dried and freshly picked mushrooms, nuts, fruits, berries, pine and spruce seeds. Squirrels do not disdain acorns, cereals, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and bark. But most readily eat the seeds of coniferous trees, which are hidden in cones - spruce and pine. Squirrels are also great hunters of bird eggs. Often they do not spare even the chicks. nine0003

The food of these animals is very rich in fats, proteins and carbohydrates. This is due to the fact that, unlike deer or hares, which also consume vegetation, proteins cannot absorb fiber. The most difficult period for feeding is early spring, when the seeds buried in the ground begin to germinate, therefore they are not suitable for food, and it is still a long time to wait until the next harvest. Then the squirrels begin to feed on the kidneys. They can also eat frogs, insects, mammals, medium-sized birds, giving preference to chicks and clutches. nine0003

1.5. Squirrel breeding

Adult squirrels mate in March, young squirrels - a little later, closer to summer. During this period, about 10 or more males gather around one female, who fiercely fight for the right to take precedence and procreate. After more than a month, 3-7 cubs appear in the squirrel's nest. For childbirth, the squirrel usually chooses hollow trees, in which it forms a cozy and warm nest covered with moss.

At first, squirrels feed only on mother's milk, but when they stop suckling, mother or father for a few days get and bring them food, and then leave to give another offspring again. Some females leave the brood after the squirrels have seen the light. In summer, the female, as a rule, brings a smaller number of baby squirrels, compared with the spring offspring. When the second brood grows up and starts running on its own, the parents unite it with the first, settling with the whole family (from 12 to 16 squirrels) in one part of the forest. nine0003

Conclusion. Having studied the literature, I determined. That my squirrel belongs to the type of gray squirrels, you need to feed it with milk and not allow it to get cold.

2. Analysis of articles from the Internet about keeping baby squirrels in captivity

2. 1. How to determine the age of a squirrel

To properly feed a baby squirrel, you need to know when he was born. Squirrels in captivity need to be fed by the hour, depending on age. From Internet sources, I learned how to determine the age of squirrels. nine0003

Table 1 - Determining the age of squirrel

no.

Age

Appearance

Newborn baby squirrels

Pink

Up to 1 week

Squirrel "naked", eyes not yet opened

nine0378

Pink skin color, eyes and ears tightly closed, no hairline

The body begins to become covered with sparse hairs, the eyes have not yet opened

3.5 weeks

Ears begin to unfold

Incisors begin to erupt

The whole body is covered with hair, the tassels hatch, the tail begins to fluff

Eyes open

8-10 weeks

Back teeth cut through

Conclusion. We decided Quiet about 3 – 5 weeks

2.2. How to feed baby squirrels in captivity nine0047

I also found out that they use milk formula for kittens to feed the found squirrels, but there is no pet shop in our village, so we decided to feed the squirrel with diluted cow's milk.

Table 2 - Feeding norms for newborn squirrels

Conclusion. Once Hush for about 5 weeks, we began to feed him 6 ml every 5 hours.

3. Keeping a baby squirrel development diary

Table 3 - Diary of observation of the development of the baby squirrel

no.

Date

External changes

Feeding

Photo

Mother squirrel died.

In the evening, near the bathhouse, behind the slate, they found a small, still blind squirrel, he could hardly move and could not even drink at all. The hind legs were still quite weak. nine0003

Gave him milk from a pipette, about 2-3 tbsp. spoons, but a lot spilled.

Examined the animal and found that one (right) eye was opened. There are lower teeth. He moved unsteadily, his hind legs wobbled.

Drink milk 5 times a day.

nine0378

The second eye has opened.

We continue to give milk 5 times a day, he can't drink yet. We put a piece of bandage folded into a ball in a saucer with milk, and so our Tisha sucks this bandage moistened with milk.

The little squirrel has become very nimble, his legs have already grown stronger, he began to run around his hands and on the table. They started putting him in a cage.

Also watered 5-6 times a day. She is drinking more milk. When you hold the body, you feel that the tummy is rounded, which means that the baby is full. nine0003

We found out that the upper teeth have erupted, but they are still very small. We realized that the name Tisha does not at all correspond to the behavior of the squirrel - he is very nimble, runs around the cage, still sleeps in bix, added a mitten to the rags, climbs into it and sleeps.

We continue to feed the baby squirrel with milk.

A week has passed since Tisha lives with us. During this time he grew up. The upper teeth are already half grown. nine0003

They started giving bread soaked in milk, he doesn’t eat it himself, but if you serve it with your fingers, he takes it and eats it.

Everything seems to be normal with digestion, it can be seen from the way it is emptied - not liquid, and not very thick. Sleeps for most of the day.

He also sucks milk through a bandage, after milk we offered him a piece of cheese, he grabbed it with his front paws and began to sharpen his teeth. nine0003

After the next feeding, we gave him pine nuts, he began to gnaw them with pleasure, although he had not taken them before, they lay untouched in the bix. Apparently, the time has come. The instincts work.

We continue to feed the baby squirrel. When he drinks milk, his tummy becomes like a tennis ball - we are calm, our Tisha is full. nine0003

Today is exactly 2 weeks since we got him. He already has normal upper and lower teeth, he grew up well, the tail began to fluff, and earlier, when it was found, it was smooth. So Quiet 5 weeks.

He is very nimble, sucks well, although restlessly (probably the nature of the animal). She already eats a lot of things: bread, cheese, nuts, but the main and favorite product is milk.

nine0378

Our baby squirrel has started drinking milk badly and won't eat anything. We worry, what happened?

It has been 3 days since the baby squirrel has been eating poorly and little. He doesn't even drink milk well. Became sad.

Now Tisha is even faster than before the illness. Breaks out of hands, jumps from hand to hand. More and more we think about the fact that he needs freedom, but how to let him go? Can he get comfortable in the forest? After all, he became gullible at home and knows his hands. nine0003

Finally, Tisha began to drink milk with pleasure and enough to be full. Gnaws nuts, eats bread and cheese. He probably overate when we put a whole cedar cone in his cage. Everything fell into place.

Our Tisha is not at all quiet, he has become very nimble - he rushes around in the cage as if he wants to jump out of it

nine0378

Bix, where he lives, Tisha considers his home. They gave a piece of cheese - he runs to the beaks along with the cheese; walks on the table and got frightened, also runs to his "home".

Every day he yearns for freedom more and more, he needs to run, he breaks out of his hands and even scratches himself. Once he jumped from the table to the floor, we started to catch him, and when his grandmother caught him, he bit her hand!

He learned to eat, drink, chew nuts on his own. Now you need to learn how to survive in the forest. While the summer will be easier for him to get used to, he will even be able to prepare supplies for the winter.

We understand more and more that the little squirrel needs freedom and until he has lost the instincts bestowed by nature, it is necessary to let him out. In captivity, this is not life for a wild animal. Everyone should live as nature dictates, and be as she created him.

June 23rd. We said goodbye to our pet. He has already stopped sucking milk and switched to solid food. At this time in nature, squirrels leave their cubs and they themselves begin to look for food for themselves. Therefore, the grandmother took Tisha to the waiting room, where there are many passages to the street and the roof. He examined everything there for a long time, climbed out onto the roof and hid again. Everything was new and unfamiliar, unfamiliar to him. Then he climbed out onto the roof. We watched him, he ran along the roof back and forth, sat on the edge of the roof, but he was no longer given in his hands. Soon the sky darkened, the weather deteriorated sharply. We went into the house, and when we went out to look, Tisha was gone. We called him, but he did not come. A thunderstorm began and Tisha was left alone in the forest. Maybe a thunderstorm is a good sign? Predators hid, so the squirrel has the opportunity to get comfortable in the forest. nine0003

II . Conclusion.

We always remember the squirrel, we analyze whether we did everything right so as not to harm the wild animal. On the Internet, many people share their experience of raising hand-picked baby squirrels in captivity, but no one has written that they have released a squirrel. If the animal managed to survive, then it remains to live with people. We returned the squirrel to freedom.

Caring for a squirrel, I learned a lot:

1. Under what natural conditions do squirrels live

2. Got acquainted with their habits and nutrition of squirrels in nature

3. Learned to feed baby squirrels

4. Learned how to design content and make a presentation

Conclusions.

Our hypothesis was confirmed: to help a newborn squirrel survive, it is necessary to create conditions close to natural

We helped the little squirrel to survive by creating the necessary conditions for it. The little squirrel grew up healthy and nimble. We were able to help him. nine0047

1. First, determine the age of the squirrel in order to select the necessary products in accordance with age: milk, cheese, eggs, pine nuts

2. Create conditions close to nature for the baby squirrel: make a nest of the right size, insulate it, you can put a mitten on it so that it feels protected

3. Do not accustom the baby squirrel to hands, try not to contact other people at all

4. Do not miss the moment when the squirrel can be released into the wild

We hope that the life of our Tisha in the forest will turn out well, because we tried to do everything necessary for him.

list l references:

1. Achkasova, NV I know the world: Children's encyclopedia: Animals in the house [Text]/. - M .: "Publishing house" Olimp "," Publishing house "AST", 2001. - 400 pp.: ill.

2. Squirrel in the house. Access mode: http://animal.

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