How often should you feed baby squirrels

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

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.

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.

Table 1: Feeding Amounts by Weight

Figuring Out How Frequently to Feed

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.

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

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.

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

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.

What and how to feed street squirrels?

What do squirrels eat and not eat?

Let's not talk about domestic squirrels, which are fed in such a way that people can envy. It will be about the city barefoot, which is not combed, washed and not taught manners.

Squirrels, like rats, are omnivores and are also predators. They visit garbage dumps and garbage cans regularly. When I read that street squirrels cannot be fed chips, cheese, sausage and other foods from our table, I understand that the writer is idealizing the life of a squirrel. In fact, squirrels eat everything they can eat to survive. And in the winter, they will eat your healthy nut, and then gorge themselves on French fries thrown in the trash. I often cannot catch a dog with a piece of stinking stuff found in the forest. So feed whatever you want. But! Don't feed, feed. Little by little, and not like a grandmother of grandchildren. In the wild, it is not food that causes premature death, but cold, hunger, disease, worms, predators, and gang warfare. The hungriest time is the end of winter, early spring. Lack of food in winter, as well as infectious diseases, kill up to 85% of young squirrels.

Now about what squirrels love.

Fruit.

Squirrels will happily harvest pears, grapes, apples, kiwis, avocados, peaches, nectarines, figs, plums, mangoes and citrus fruits. They eat any berries they can get their hands on, such as strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, and more. Squirrels are very fond of bananas, watermelons, melons and cherries! The benefit of eating fruit for squirrels is that it gives them enough glucose.

Dried fruits are a great treat for squirrels!

Vegetables.

Squirrels love vegetables to the delight of gardeners. If they stumble upon some leafy greens like lettuce, chard, kale, spinach, or arugula, they are sure to munch on them. Proteins will not disregard tomatoes, radishes, corn, pumpkin, beans, corn, peas, root vegetables, okra, eggplant, Brussels sprouts, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, asparagus, celery, cauliflower, leeks.

Flakes

Many squirrels are fed flakes. Squirrels naturally love the grains and nuts found in most cereals. The main advantage of many grains is that they tend to contain sugar, which gives the protein a much-needed energy boost during the winter. A lot of sweets, of course, will not provide the squirrel with a healthy lifestyle for many years, but it is better for the squirrel to die of happiness than of hunger.

Cheese

Squirrels won't encounter cheese in their natural environment, but thanks to our leftover picnics, they discovered this delicacy. They love him! Bits of cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, Russian and oltermani they will eat right away. They won't even hide. They will not pass by pizza and burger either. A good piece of cheese can give a squirrel extra fat for comfort during the winter months.

Nuts

Squirrels are fanatical about nuts. Hazelnut reproduces with the help of squirrels. The fact is that the squirrel hides nuts all over the area. Only her memory is short, and she simply forgets about them. As a result, in the spring the nuts germinate. Squirrels enthusiastically collect and eat pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, acorns, cashew nuts, chestnuts, hickory nuts, pine cone pine nuts, and macadamia nuts. Nuts are the optimal source of fat and protein for all types of squirrels. On the Internet, you can read about the dangers of almonds for squirrels. This assertion has a basis. But! Only if it is very hard to feed her with almonds, and especially in winter, when she is hungry. A couple of nuts will not bring her much harm. Where almonds grow, the squirrel is more tolerant to it and can eat more. In any case, it is better not to do this in the Russian expanses. Almonds are to squirrels like alcohol is to non-drinkers.

Bird food

Squirrel loves bird feeders. There are tons of videos on the net about how a squirrel tries to climb into the feeder. From bird food, she loves everything! Corn, seeds, wheat, millet. Even millet, which is eaten only by chickens, she will eat and not wince.

Insects

If fruit and nuts are not available, the squirrel will hunt for small insects to meet its protein requirement. Their diet includes caterpillars, grubs, winged beetles, grasshoppers, locusts, wounded butterflies and crickets.

Mushrooms

Squirrels are foragers and love mushrooms. She will not eat a mushroom that is poisonous to her, as a person can do. Squirrels can feed on lichen growing on the bark of many, especially mature trees. But in urban environments, they will prefer other food. Trying to treat a squirrel with mushrooms rarely brings results.

Eggs

This is a very nutritious prey. Finding them for a squirrel is a special happiness. To get bird masonry out of a hollow, to steal an egg from a chicken coop - this is the ultimate of her dreams. The squirrel will not miss the chance to take the chicks out of the hollow or nest or to grab the fallen pilot on the ground.

Plant Material

Squirrels will dig up roots, eat young leaves, fresh grass, plant stems. They tend to feed on the most tender and young stems and branches of plants, soft twigs and bark. They love sunflower, pumpkin, safflower, poppy seeds, pine buds, spruce, fir, larch seeds. Swallows will gladly eat your precious poppy flowers, hibiscus flowers, your passion flower petals and plant bulbs.

You won't be able to feed them grass or hay like a cow or a horse. Flowers in your hands, they will not appreciate either.

Dog and cat food

Squirrels are omnivorous and easily steal dog and cat food near private homes. A hungry squirrel can be so bold in experiments that he will even eat wet cat food or canned dog food, although this is not his passion at all.

Waste and more waste

The next time you take out the trash or leave the remains of your picnic in the woods, know that a hungry squirrel is sure to find them. Will digest frozen pieces of birthday cake or sandwich crusts. Proteins do a great job of recycling and composting our sometimes excessive food waste. And such a service is harmful to animals in every way. The animal is out of the habit of looking for food in a natural way. If a squirrel only eats in a trash can, regular fried sausages, marshmallow buns and chocolates will painfully drive the poor guy to his grave. That's why I said that a slice of french fries or cheese in the woods could save a squirrel's life. A slice, not a bag of waste from the master's table.

When I overfed my dog with macadamia nuts, I realized that there is no limit to idiocy. After all, the dog asked so and was ready to carry out any commands. Even the poem was ready to tell. It ended with colic and a veterinarian. A veterinarian will not come to a squirrel with colic.

What doesn't a squirrel love?

Quite a bit. Raw onions, garlic, peppers and similar, harsh herbs and spices. She also hates things that cannot be eaten.

What is not advisable to give a squirrel?

Almonds, salted nuts, dairy products, chocolate, confectionery. Not desirable - does not mean impossible. It is not prohibited by law, and the squirrel will not die in front of everyone with a cry of “Oh Kolya, Kolya, how could you?”. You just need to remember that unnatural products are already found everywhere in the city.

Do you feed squirrels in parks or in your backyard?

Animals are funny, mobile and very popular with children and adults. I really want to feed from my hand and have time to stroke. A person at the moment of communication with an animal believes that stroking the head and back is a pleasure. We do it with such love! Yes, it delivers, but only to a person. The animal is a boorish and selfish creature. And do not try to endow him with feelings of shame, love, care and gratitude. No, of course you can create such an illusion for yourself. But it is desirable to endow small and toothless creatures with these features. The larger the animal, the more you need to restrain yourself in the desire to feed it from your hand. But the squirrel is so small and cute. Can such an animal be evil? Maybe! And this is the basis of survival in the wild. The animal must be careful not to let itself be touched. In addition, in search of food, they arrange quite violent fights. They have no delicacy, and intelligent squirrels die in nests, saying to their brothers and sisters: "Thank you, I'm not hungry, take my nut!" Of course, if you feed a squirrel for many months, then it gets used to you and does not see a threat. You can take a risk and stroke. But still take the risk! A wild animal will never become a domestic animal. It is enough that in a neighboring yard, a person at the time of feeding will click her on the nose. There are many inadequate people and one such inadequate is enough to erase the established relationships. He clicked, and you, for your own nut, were bitten. Now about the squirrel bite! I really liked how they reassured a girl bitten by a squirrel on one forum: - “It's okay, go to bed, everything will be fine :) Good luck!” Russian people are unique. He does not believe in condoms (especially in the USSR), he does not believe in viruses, rabies, etc. He doesn't believe in death either. And after the bite, he looks at the statistics of rabies.

Squirrel Food

If there are few rabid squirrels, then you can take a chance and not go to the doctor. Logical and desperate! In my understanding, feeding a squirrel from your hand is like feeding a homeless person in the transition. Giving him money or food is debatable. The bum is not as playful and funny as the squirrel. Yes, I chose this life. But putting a nut in his mouth with your hands smacks of madness. And the presence of diseases, and incurable ones, in all the homeless, should not be ruled out. That is why the question is: “Is it worth the pleasure of scratching the squirrel dome of a rabies vaccination, going to the doctor, or self-confident expectation of a lethal outcome?” When squirrels gather a lot, they enter the courage and competition for food. Especially in winter! At such times they are especially aggressive. And do not be surprised when they first jump on your head like baboons, and then bite your manicure right down to the cuticle. Proteins in nature suffer from many dangerous diseases, one of the most common is tularemia. wikipedia.org/wiki/Tularemia". They almost all have worms and mites.

Take care of your health! Restrain impulses of love and cuteness! Watch, feed, take pictures, laugh and be surprised when you look at these pranksters. Create squirrel rides out of boxes, plastic pipes and ropes. They love these games. You don't have to touch nature to enjoy nature!

How to save a baby 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.

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.

Baby 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 through 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!

So, you found a squirrel and brought it home:
1. The squirrel needs to be warmed up: it can be your hands, a hat, a handkerchief, a 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.

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.

My friend used a pipette to feed her 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.

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.

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.

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).

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.