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The Ultimate Guide to Infant Squirrel Food: Nourishing Orphaned Squirrels

Finding an orphaned baby squirrel can be a distressing experience. One of the first questions that comes to mind is, “What do infant squirrels eat?” Providing the right infant squirrel food is crucial for their survival and healthy development. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about feeding a baby squirrel, from choosing the correct formula to transitioning them to solid foods.

Understanding Infant Squirrel Nutritional Needs

Baby squirrels have very specific nutritional requirements that differ significantly from adult squirrels. They need a diet rich in protein, fats, and essential vitamins and minerals to support rapid growth. Unlike adult squirrels who can forage for a variety of nuts and seeds, infant squirrel food needs to be easily digestible and formulated to mimic their mother’s milk as closely as possible.

Why Cow’s Milk Isn’t a Suitable Option

It’s a common misconception that you can feed a baby squirrel cow’s milk. Cow’s milk lacks the necessary nutrients and can cause severe digestive problems, leading to diarrhea and dehydration, which can be fatal for a young squirrel. Never give a baby squirrel cow’s milk.

Choosing the Right Infant Squirrel Food Formula

The best infant squirrel food is a commercially available powdered milk replacer specifically designed for small mammals. These formulas are formulated to provide the proper balance of nutrients for growing squirrels. Some popular and recommended brands include:

Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer: This is a widely available and trusted option. It’s easy to mix and provides essential nutrients.
Fox Valley Day One Formula: This is another excellent choice, often favored by wildlife rehabilitators.

Always follow the mixing instructions on the packaging carefully. Over-diluting or under-diluting the formula can lead to nutritional deficiencies or digestive upset.

Preparing the Formula

Hygiene is paramount when preparing infant squirrel food. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling the formula and feeding equipment. Use clean, sterilized bottles or syringes. Mix the formula according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring there are no lumps. The formula should be warmed to body temperature (around 100°F or 38°C) before feeding. You can test the temperature by placing a drop on your wrist; it should feel lukewarm.

Feeding Techniques for Infant Squirrels

Feeding a baby squirrel requires patience and a gentle approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Positioning: Hold the squirrel upright, mimicking how they would nurse from their mother. Never feed a squirrel on its back, as this can cause aspiration (formula entering the lungs), which can lead to pneumonia.
Feeding Device: Use a small syringe (without the needle) or a specialized pet nurser bottle with a small nipple.
Feeding Amount: Start with small amounts of formula. A general guideline is to feed 5-10% of the squirrel’s body weight per feeding. For example, a 50-gram squirrel would need 2.5-5 ml of formula per feeding.
Feeding Frequency: Newborn squirrels need to be fed every 2-3 hours around the clock. As they grow, you can gradually increase the amount of formula and decrease the frequency of feedings.
Stimulating Elimination: After each feeding, gently stimulate the squirrel’s genital area with a warm, damp cloth to encourage urination and defecation. Mother squirrels do this naturally to help their babies eliminate.

Recognizing Signs of a Healthy Feeding

A healthy, well-fed baby squirrel will appear content and will gain weight steadily. Their belly should be slightly rounded but not bloated. Watch for signs of digestive problems, such as diarrhea, constipation, or bloating. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult with a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator immediately.

Transitioning to Solid Foods

As the squirrel grows, you’ll need to gradually introduce solid foods. This usually begins around 4-6 weeks of age. Start by offering small amounts of soft, easily digestible foods, such as:

Avocado: A good source of healthy fats.
Mashed Sweet Potato: Provides vitamins and fiber.
Soft Fruits: Bananas, berries, and grapes (cut into small pieces).
Squirrel Blocks: Commercially available squirrel food blocks provide a balanced diet.

Continue to supplement with formula as you introduce solid foods. Gradually decrease the amount of formula as the squirrel eats more solid food. Always provide fresh water in a shallow dish.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods are harmful to squirrels and should be avoided at all costs. These include:

Nuts in Shells: Young squirrels can choke on shells.
Raw Peanuts: Can contain harmful fungi.
Dairy Products (other than formula): Difficult to digest.
Processed Foods: High in sugar and salt, which are unhealthy for squirrels.

Weaning and Release

Weaning usually occurs around 8-10 weeks of age. By this time, the squirrel should be eating a variety of solid foods and drinking water independently. Once the squirrel is fully weaned and able to forage for food on its own, it can be released back into the wild. [See also: Preparing a Squirrel for Release]. It’s crucial to choose a safe release location, preferably near a wooded area with plenty of trees and natural food sources.

Soft Release Method

A soft release is the most humane way to reintroduce a squirrel to the wild. This involves providing a temporary outdoor enclosure where the squirrel can acclimate to its surroundings before being fully released. The enclosure should contain food, water, and a nesting box. Gradually open the enclosure, allowing the squirrel to explore its surroundings while still having a safe place to return to.

Common Problems and Solutions

Raising an orphaned squirrel can be challenging, and you may encounter some common problems:

Dehydration: Signs include sunken eyes, dry mouth, and lethargy. Offer electrolyte solutions (such as Pedialyte) in addition to formula.
Diarrhea: Can be caused by overfeeding, incorrect formula, or infection. Adjust the formula concentration and consult with a veterinarian.
Constipation: Can be caused by dehydration or lack of fiber. Offer prune juice diluted with water.
Pneumonia: Aspiration pneumonia can occur if formula enters the lungs. Keep the squirrel upright during feeding and avoid overfeeding.

Seeking Professional Help

If you are unsure about any aspect of caring for an orphaned squirrel, it’s always best to seek professional help. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian with experience in treating wildlife. They can provide expert advice and medical care.

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