Newborn Squirrel – How to Rescue & Care
Newborn squirrels are some of the animal kingdom’s cutest and most vulnerable creatures. These tiny, fluffy balls of fur emerge from their nests just a few weeks after being born, and they are entirely dependent on their mothers for survival. Despite their size and fragility, newborn squirrels are full of energy and curiosity and quickly begin exploring their surroundings and learning new skills. With their big, bright eyes and adorable faces, it is no wonder that many people find newborn squirrels irresistible. Whether you are a seasoned squirrel caretaker or are simply looking to learn more about these fascinating animals, there is no denying the charm and appeal of newborn squirrels.
How to Rescue & Care
If you encounter a newborn squirrel that you believe needs help, you must approach the situation carefully and with caution. Here are some steps to follow when rescuing and caring for a newborn squirrel:
- Determine if the squirrel truly needs help: If it appears uninjured and is in a safe location (such as a nest), it is best to leave it be. Mother squirrels often leave their babies alone for short periods while they forage for food.
- Keep the squirrel warm: Newborn squirrels are susceptible to temperature and can quickly become hypothermic. If you must handle the squirrel, keep it warm by wrapping it in a soft, clean cloth and placing it in a small container with a heat source, such as a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel.
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitation center: Getting the squirrel to a qualified professional is essential as soon as possible. A wildlife rehabilitation center will have the knowledge and resources to properly care for the squirrel and give it the best chance of survival.
- Do not offer the squirrel food or water: It is essential to let the professionals at the rehabilitation center handle feeding and hydration, as newborn squirrels have specific nutritional needs and can quickly become dehydrated.
- Please wash your hands thoroughly: It is essential to practice good hygiene when handling any wild animal to prevent the spread of disease.
By following these steps, you can help give a newborn squirrel the best chance of survival and a successful release back into the wild. Remember, it is always best to consult a wildlife professional when rescuing and caring for a wild animal.
Essential Steps to Hand Rearing a Baby Squirrel
Hand-rearing, a baby squirrel, can be a rewarding experience, but it is also a serious undertaking that requires a significant time commitment and specialized knowledge. If you have found a baby squirrel and are considering hand-rearing it, it is essential to determine if the animal is truly orphaned and in need of assistance. It is generally best for young wildlife to be raised by their natural parents whenever possible. Hand-rearing may be necessary if the animal is injured or the parents cannot care for it.
If you have determined that hand-rearing is necessary, here are some basic steps to follow:
- Obtain appropriate equipment: You will need a heat source (such as a heating pad or heat lamp), a small crate or cage, bedding material (such as shredded paper or towels), and feeding and watering equipment (such as a syringe or bottle and a dish).
- Keep the squirrel warm: Baby squirrels have a very high metabolism and need to be kept warm to survive. Use a heating pad or heat lamp to maintain a temperature of 85-90°F in the crate or cage.
- Feed the squirrel frequently: Baby squirrels need to be fed every 2-3 hours, day and night. Use a formula specifically designed for squirrels, which can obtain from a veterinarian or a wildlife rehabilitation center. Follow the instructions on the package for mixing and feeding.
- Monitor the squirrel’s weight: It is essential to monitor the squirrel’s weight to ensure that it is gaining weight and developing correctly. You can use a small kitchen scale to weigh the squirrel regularly.
- Provide appropriate socialization: Baby squirrels need socialization to learn how to behave and interact with others. You can provide this by handling the squirrel frequently and allowing it to interact with other squirrels or animals.
- Seek professional guidance: Hand-rearing a baby squirrel can be challenging, and it is essential to seek advice from a veterinarian or a wildlife rehabilitation center. They can provide additional information and support as you care for the animal.
It is important to note that hand-rearing a baby squirrel is significant and should not be undertaken lightly. If you cannot provide the necessary care, it is essential to seek assistance from a professional wildlife rehabilitation center.
When do you Feed your Baby Squirrel?
Baby squirrels need to be fed frequently to survive and grow. Feeding a baby squirrel every 2-3 hours, day and night, is generally recommended. It is essential to use a formula specifically designed for squirrels, which can obtain from a veterinarian or a wildlife rehabilitation center. Follow the instructions on the package for mixing and feeding.
It is important to note that hand-rearing a baby squirrel is significant and should not be undertaken lightly. If you cannot provide the necessary care, it is essential to seek assistance from a professional wildlife rehabilitation center.
How do you Know How Old your Squirrel is?
There are several ways to determine the age of a squirrel. One way is to observe the development of the animal’s physical characteristics. Baby squirrels are born with no fur, and their eyes and ears are closed. As they grow, they develop coats, open their eyes and ears, and move around and explore their environment. Observing these milestones makes it possible to understand the squirrel’s age.
Another way to control the age of a squirrel is to consult a veterinarian or a wildlife rehabilitation center. These professionals are trained to evaluate the age and development of animals and can provide more accurate information.
Determining the age of a squirrel can be challenging and may only sometimes be possible. If you cannot select a squirrel’s age, it is best to seek guidance from a professional with experience with these animals.
FAQs
How can you tell how old a baby squirrel is?
There are several ways to determine the age of a baby squirrel, including observing physical characteristics such as the presence of fur, the development of the eyes and ears, and the animal’s ability to move and explore its environment. Another option is to consult a veterinarian or a wildlife rehabilitation center to determine the squirrel’s age. It is essential to note that choosing the age of a baby squirrel can be challenging and may only sometimes be possible.
What does a baby squirrel look like when it’s first born?
When they are first born, baby squirrels are small and have no fur. They have closed eyes and ears and depend entirely on their mothers for care and nourishment. They build coats as they grow and develop, and their eyes and ears will open. They will also begin to move around and explore their environment.
What is the survival rate of baby squirrels?
The survival rate of baby squirrels can vary depending on some factors, including the squirrel species, the environment in which they reside, and the availability of food and shelter. In general, the survival rate of baby squirrels is relatively low, especially in the first few weeks of life when they are most vulnerable.
Conclusion
It is important to note that newborn squirrels depend highly on their mothers for care and protection, and it is generally best for them to be raised by their natural parents whenever possible. If a newborn squirrel is orphaned or injured, it may be necessary to provide care and assistance to increase its chances of survival. It can be challenging and time-consuming and requires specialized knowledge and resources. Suppose you have found a newborn squirrel and are considering hand-rearing it. In that case, it is essential to seek guidance from a veterinarian or a wildlife rehabilitation center to ensure that the animal receives the best care.
