BABY SQUIRREL REHABILITATION
I can tell already that you are a caring, compassionate person who wants to help a little squirrel live. I can tell because you are searching for information to properly care for one.
This information has been gathered from the Tennessee and Georgia Wildlife Departments, various rehabilitators and my own personal experience with squirrel rehabilitation.
Please read all of this information before you decide to care for a baby squirrel.
Did you know that wildlife rehabilitators have learned that the potential life span of a squirrel is 14 to 15 years?
Did you know that according to the Tennessee Wildlife Department, a squirrel only actually lives an average of one year in the wild?
Did you know that approximately one-third of all squirrels die from starvation within the first year of life?
And yet:
.Squirrels are regularly chased away from bird feeders.
.There is a high demand for squirrel-proof bird feeders.
.People will go so far as to put hot sauce on seeds to keep squirrels away.
.The dry corn that is being sold as squirrel feed in department stores is NOT squirrel food and is probably contributing to squirrel malnutrition.
Did you know that squirrels generally die from dehydration, malnutrition, or Metabolic Bone Disease by good-hearted people who lack the proper information to care for a baby squirrel? The only babies I have lost are the ones brought to me too late.
Did you know that the majority of animal vets have never been trained on how to care for and treat wildlife? In many cases, an animal vet will give improper information and prescribe formulas that will cause the baby to die a slow death rather than refer a caring person to the Wildlife Department or a local rehabilitator.
Rehabilitators not only volunteer long hours, but also mus give up vacations and even several hours away from home. They also must shoulder the costs associated with the care of wildlife such as food, medicine, cages, and supplies themselves. These are special people. They love these little creatures and are bonded to them.
Please - even if you insist on caring for the squirrel yourself, contact a rehabilitator. Squirrels are very high maintenance and babies who have not yet opened their eyes must be fed every two to three hours - yes, even through the night. They require the proper care or a caring person will watch a baby deteriorate and die. This is a heart-wrenching experience that you do not want to go through.
PLEASE CONSIDER THIS: If you change your mind about continuing care for a baby AFTER his eyes are open, you will be taking him from his "mother" too soon. He will cr for you and the rehabilitator will be a stranger to him. He or she will not be able to take his "mother's" place.
The Wildlife Department should have a list of local rehabilitators. Squirrel rehabilitators are scarce and usually overloaded with squirrels to care for, but they understand how fragile wildlife is. It is urgent to bring
the baby to the rehabilitator quickly or at least contact one for instructions on proper care for the squirrel. If you do not, the baby will have no hope of surviving. The
rehabilitator will recommend that you bring the squirrel t him or her as quickly as possible - time is critical for the baby to survive. Even with the following emergency
information, you will need a rehabilitator contact.
EMERGENCY CARE FOR BABY SQUIRRELS
Pull a hard copy of this information from your computer. You will need this for future reference.
NOTE:
A SQUIRREL WILL DIE WITHIN 24 HOURS WITHOUT FOOD & WATER.
NOTE:IF ANYTHING AT ALL SEEMS ABNORMAL IN A SQUIRREL'S
HEALTH, CALL THE REHABILITATOR IMMEDIATELY.THE
REHABILITATOR CAN PROBABLY SUGGEST AN ANIMAL VET WHO HAS EXPERIENCE WITH WILDLIFE FOR EMERGENCY CARE.
Always double-check the area where you found the baby fo] his brothers and/or sisters. He is part of a litter and the nest may have fallen or a predator may have disturbec the nest.
If a baby has fleas, maggots, or other visible problems, contact the rehabilitator for advice. A vet can administer oral wormer. Ask the rehabilitator for the amount and the to be administered. Most rehabilitators also keep this i other first aid medicines handy.
NOTE:KEEPTHISNUMBER HANDY:JEFFERSPETSUPPLY1-800 533-3377. THEY HAVE GREAT PRICES FOR MOST OF THE BABY'S NEEDS.
First step:
Keep the baby warm. If the baby has not yet opened his eyes, use a box with high sides. Make sure the box has a ventilated lid. You can cut a large hole in the top of 1 box and duct tape a piece of screen over the hole. The bi will crawl around and you do not want to lose him.
Place a heating pad in the bottom of the box and cover w: a soft baby blanket. (Baby receiving blankets work well: Do not use towels, as the baby can snag his little toena:
and pull them off or even break his fragile ankles. Test the heating pad to be sure the temperature is not too waJ You want to keep the baby at a comfortable 99 degrees. Squirrels feel secure when they can hide in the blanket. Place another small blanket over the baby, but be carefu: that he can still breathe.
Second step:
Rehydrate the baby immediately. Do not attempt formula at this point. You don't know how long the baby has been without fluids.
Warm a small amount of Pedialyte (enough for one feeding) in the microwave. I heat a small bowl of water in the microwave and afterwards I place a small container of the Pedialyte in the heated water. Test the liquid to be sure that it is not too warm. Initially, give the baby Pedialyte every 15 minutes for the first two hours. Try to give the baby 1/2 cc each time. Follow the instructions on the bottle of Pedialyte for storage and expiration. Do not save any left over from a feeding.
If you are unable to access Pedialyte, you can use the following formula:
*1 quart warm water
*3 teaspoons regular table sugar *1 teaspoon salt
Mix together until dissolved and store in refrigerator.
Feed the baby with his head up. Watch his stomach. Do not let him bloat! His stomach should have a comfortably round appearance.
Use a small tip dropper or a lcc syringe (be sure to discard the needle first) to feed the baby. Feed carefully and slowly keeping only the tip of the dropper in his mouth. If he sucks too hard, he may take the liquid into his lungs and catch pneumonia or even drowned. If the formula begins to come out of his nose, stop feeding and Immediately use a tissue to pat his nose dry. Keep tissue close by while feeding. Do not allow the baby to breathe the formula back in again when this happens. Wait until he can breathe properly again before you continue to feed him.
NOTE: IF THE BABY IS NOT DRINKING OR IS GAGGING ON THE PEDIALYTE, HE MAY BE TOO DEHYDRATED TO RESPOND. TAKE THE BABY TO THE REHABILITATOR OR VET IMMEDIATELY AND ASK FOR LACTATED RINGERS TO BE ADMINISTERED. IF ADMINISTERED PROPERLY, THE BABY SHOULD BEGIN TO RESPOND TO THE PEDIALYTE ORALLY WITHIN HOURS.
Third step:
A baby squirrel needs help to eliminate his urine and waste. The mother squirrel usually cleans the baby after feeding which helps to stimulate this process. If the baby does not have help, he may develop a urinary tract infection or other major problems.
After feeding, use a cotton ball to lightly stimulate the baby's genitals until he eliminates. This sometimes takes a couple of minutes so please be patient. If the baby seems too distracted, go into a quiet room by yourself and try again.
The baby's urine should be light yellow. If it is too dark, you must feed him more often or help him urinate often. Continue this process after each feeding until eyes have opened and/or you are sure he is going by himself.
Fourth step:
If the baby is taking the Pedialyte well and seems to be hydrating, you can gradually expand to your administration to every hour for 4-6 hours. After this, you can move on to his formula. While the baby is still rehydrating, call local pet stores to locate "Esbilac Powdered Puppy Replacer". Do not accept any other substitute!
NOTE: WHEN FEEDING THE BABY, TRY TO SIT IN QUIET PLACE ALONE WITH HIM. HE WILL BE SENSITIVE TO SOUNDS AND STRANGE SCENTS WHICH COULD CAUSE HIM TO BE TOO WORRIED TO EAT WELL.
The baby's formula: This is the formula used by most rehabilitators and is crucial to the baby's health. Do not use any other recommended formula or you will put the baby at risk of Metabolic Bone Disease or other health disorders!
THE ONLY FORMULA: Mix 1 part "Esbilac Powered Puppy Replacer" with 2 parts distilled water and 1/4 part whipping cream (not whipped cream) or plain yogurt.
Make only enough for a three-day supply.
Warm enough for one feeding in the microwave as with the Pedialyte.
The baby's first formula feedings should be introduced gradually.
.For the first two feedings, mix 75% Pedialyte with 25% formula.
.For the next three to four feedings, mix half of each
.For the next three to four feedings, mix 75% formula with 25% Pedialyte.
.After this gradual introduction, give 100% formula
How often to feed the baby:
When you first receive the baby squirrel, begin to feed every two hours AFTER he is rehydrated for several days.
NOTE:
THIS IS AROUND THE CLOCK, EVEN AT NIGHT.
*Continue to feed every two hours if the baby is under two weeks old.
*Feed every three hours from two weeks old until his eyes are opened. (about 4-5 weeks old)
*Feed every four hours until weaned, between seven to ten weeks old.
(refuses the formula)
How to tell the age of the squirrel:
A newborn squirrel has virtually no hair. He is completely helpless. Each week he will slowly grow more hair on his body and become more active. You will begin to see the outline of his eyes. His belly will be the last part of him to finally show fine white hair. A squirrel will open his eyes between four to five weeks old. Mark this date on your calendar and this will help you time his growth and achievements.
WEANING THE BABY
After the baby has opened his eyes, you can begin to introduce solid food into his diet.
Remember; continue to feed the baby his formula until he no longer wants it. (About 7 to 10 weeks)
Because nutrition is so important to a squirrel's fragile system, most rehabilitators begin the baby on Zu/Preem Primate Dry Monkey Biscuits. (Can be ordered from Jeffers Pet Supply) This has the right amount of nutrients to keep the baby from acquiring severe ailments such as Metabolic Bone Disease, rickets, seizures, malnutrition, brittle bones, or other problems.
NOTE: WARNING SIGNS THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE BABY' NUTRITION ARE HYPERACTIVITY, BITING, ATTACKING, OR AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR. THIS CAN BE CAUSED BY LACK OF CALCIU AND MAGNESIUM IN HIS DIET. TOO MUCH PHOSPHORUS CAN ALSO LEAD TO THIS BEHAVIOR. ALTHOUGH ALMONDS CAN BE GIVEN
IN SMALL AMOUNTS, I SUGGEST NOT GIVING ALMONDS OR BRAZIL NUTS AT ALL!
After the baby is eating the Zu/Preem Biscuits well, you can begin to introduce other raw fruit and vegetables as
well as nuts into his diet. Always offer a variety and change out the food twice a day. You do not want the baby to be eating food that has gone bad. Introduce each new food one at a time and wait to make sure the baby does not have an allergy to the item or develops diarrhea.
Squirrels can be picky and will not like everything you offer. He will sometimes urinate on food that he does not like or wipe his mouth on the ground. Note what fruits and vegetables he prefers, but be sure to provide a variety fo his health.
*NOTE: SQUIRRELS DO NOT EAT MEAT! DOG FOOD!
DO NOT GIVE HIM CAT OR DOG FOOD
Try the following:
Sweet potatoBroccoliCauliflowerCorn on cob
LettuceCarrotsMushroomsPeas
Leafy greensEndiveMustardTurnip green
Green beansSugar orSnowGreen PepperCucumber
BlackberriesStrawberriesRaspberriesBlueberries
PeachApple wedgeBananaPineapple
WatermelonAvocadoKiwiCantaloupe
Fig or datesRaisinsPlumPear
Pumpkin seedsSunflowerAcornsPecans
ChestnutsHickory nutsPistachioHazelnuts
Be sure to chop his food up into tiny pieces that the b can pick up with his hands.
A couple good supplements are Hartz Mountain green thin hamster Food and Hartz Mountain Muchie-O. Avoid anythi salted or sugared.
By about 7-10 weeks old, the baby should be eating soli drinking water sufficiently to stop feeding hi but he will let you know by refusing the formu try to feed him.
A PROPER HOME
As the baby squirrel grows and becomes more active, purchase a large cage with enough room for him to climb play. He must have plenty of room to climb or he can develop physical problems.
An indoor cage should be at least 24 inches wide and 24 inches long. It should be from 3-4 foot high and have
shelves for him to climb and lay on. Remember, the high squirrel rests, the safer he feels. The cage must have sleeping box with blankets for padding and also to hide
self in. The higher the box is in the cage, the safer feels. You can secure a box with wire and branches from outside of the cage. If you are making a cage from scratch, do not use wire with a grid that is less than
inch or larger than a 1 x 2 inch grid for larger squirr Do not use a cage with a wire grid bottom. This is not only uncomfortable for the squirrel, but is also danger to little feet that can get caught. Use a flat surface the flooring such as hard plastic, metal or sanded wood
Note: To switch a squirrel between cages, I use a cardboard box opened at both ends as a passage. Be sure the box is large enough to cover the openings to both cages. This is less stressful for the squirrel and for you.
If the squirrel escapes, use a soft blanket to throw over him and gently pick him up and put him in the cage.
Be sure to have a water source in the cage. I use a small ceramic water cup attached to the cage from the outside.
If you use a hanging bottle, the baby will need help to understand how to use it. Be sure the baby is drinking from the water source before you stop feeding him his formula. Do not use plastic containers for food or water as the baby WILL chew them up.
Give the baby safe toys to play with. I give them small stuffed animals but I avoid the ones with beans, as the beans will get everywhere! Put some pinecones, nonpoisonous tree branches, wood blocks, and a clean thick dog bone in his cage for him to chew on. Be sure there are no sharp metal pieces on the toys.
A squirrel must chew. His teeth never stop growing and can grow into his jaw if he cannot grind them down. Always put objects in the cage that the baby can use to grind his teeth down.
Place the cage by a window that receives good sunlight or use an approved pet sunlamp. A squirrel needs to be exposed to sunlight each day or he can suffer from vitamin "D" deficiency and begin to lose his hair and have other health disorders. Essential rays from the sun cannot penetrate a closed glass window. Unless extremely cold, try to keep the window open. The rays can penetrate the screen.
NOTE: DO NOT LET CHILDREN OR ADULTS TOUCH THE CAGE OR POKE ITEMS THROUGH THE BARS. THE BABY CONSIDERS THE CAGE HIS NEST AND WILL DEFEND HIS TERRITORY. A FRIGHTENED SQUIRREL COULD HAVE A HEART ATTACK. YOU WILL PROBABLY BE THE ONLY ONE HE WILL LET TOUCH HIS CAGE AND HE WILL SMELL FOR YOUR SCENT WHEN YOU DO.
Clean the baby's cage every day! Use a mild detergent. Do not use bleach or anything toxic! I use a couple tablespoons of Murphy's oil soap in a gallon of water to wash the shelves and bottom of the cage. His toys will also need washed if you smell urine on them. Use mild dish liquid and rinse thoroughly.
NOTE: The baby's urine has a strong smell from the formula.
This will go away after the baby has been weaned.
PLAY WITH THE BABY
Play with him, especially if he is a loner. Squirrels need companionship and rehabilitators try to pair them up before the babies open their eyes so that they will bond together. This is another reason you should give the baby to a rehabilitator. When released, two squirrels will help each other survive.and ward off squirrel bullies. This way, a lone male will not have to remain alone after he is released.
I suggest that the baby be allowed out of the cage to play for at least one hour a day. If a squirrel is kept in a small cage for too long, he will pace the cage. It is possible that a squirrel could suffer from heart failure and die from being confined for too long. Although it is unnatural for a squirrel to live in a cage for this period of time, releasing the inexperienced baby too early will leave him vulnerable to starvation, predators, and many other hazards.
If you do not have a safe place in your home for the baby to play, transfer him to a different cage in another location to give him a different view. You may want to put him in an outside cage for a little while by using the open box method to transfer to a smaller carrying cage or a pet carrier.
If you believe you have a safe place inside of your home, see below to be sure and read carefully!
An outside cage
At four to five months of age, the baby will be ready to be moved to an outside cage.
Make the outside cage as large and tall as possible and designed similar to the inside cage. I suggest the cage should be at least six-foot tall. Be sure the cage is in a safe place and predator proof! Be sure the cage has a dry nesting box and is partially covered from rain. Put plenty of branches in the cage and shelves to climb on.
The baby will dig in the dirt and may escape if you do not
have a solid bottom for the cage.
A SAFE PLACE TO PLAY
Read carefully! You do not want to make a mistake that can injure the baby or damage good furniture. Do not leave the
baby to wander your house! This is a very dangerous place for the baby to play! This is just playtime for an hour or so. Remember that a squirrel will chew! He is always teething. I use a "sour apple" pet spray that is safe for baby and furniture to keep him from chewing objects that I do not want him to chew.
Block off the room that you consider a safe place. Rid the room of unprotected wires, poisonous plants, cigarettes, lighters, pens, pencils, fans, space heaters, deep water such as in toilets or buckets, and other dangerous objects or poisons. Be sure that he will not be near a stove or oven that is on.
Be sure that there are no holes in the walls or floor that the baby can get into or large air vents. Check the space between a closed door and the floor to be sure he cannot
squeeze through.
Do not let him lose around any domestic animal! Watch
doorways where people are passing through. Someone opening a door can injure or kill the baby and the baby may follow a person's feet. Double check everything each time before you let the baby out in his safe room.
Do not leave the baby unattended. Schedule a time when you can sit and play with him. If you can schedule the same time each day, he will eventually know when playtime is. Watch and monitor constantly. A baby squirrel is as vulnerable as a human toddler that can climb, chew, and get into small places.
The baby will check your scent to be sure you are "mother". A squirrel's sense of smell is better than his eyesight.
If a stranger - and everyone else is a stranger - is in the room with you, the squirrel may consider the person a threat and attack him or her.
Put some toys out for the baby to play with or chew. with him. He will love showing off for you.
Play
Wear long jeans and a long sleeve shirt to play with the baby. He will climb all over you with his tiny, sharp nails. He doesn't realize you aren't covered with protective fur! Watch your feet while walking. He will want to go with you and is afraid you are leaving him.
Put the baby back in his cage by bribing him with a favorite timely nut. I have a "nest" on the top of my refrigerator that he will climb into when he is tired and ready for a nap. His nest is a small, open plastic box with padding and a blanket for him to crawl under. I put fresh water and a few munchies by his nest. When he is asleep in the nest, I transfer the baby, nest and all, into his clean cage to sleep through the night.
NOTE: Even though the baby does not want to hurt his "mother", a squirrel will bite even "mother" when frightened or when his fragile system's balance is off. He will also bite if you get too close to a "beloved" nut he has hidden. Control your response. Squirrels are fragile and easily killed or injured. If he is not in a good mood when you let him out, use the soft blanket method to put him back in his cage where you are both safe. Try to avoid giving him nuts or acorns for a day or two to readjust his dietary intake. If his urine is dark brown, it is a sure sign his diet needs checked. This is imperative, as his system is off balance and his health is in danger. During these times it will be better to transfer him to a different cage with a different view than to allow him out in his safe room.
RELEASING BACK TO NATURE
Please take the time to do this properly. This is a procedure that takes care. Do not release in extreme temperatures. Wait for a nice day.
Do not release the squirrel too soon. A mother squirrel nurses her baby for about ten weeks. The baby without a mother has an added disadvantage of being inexperienced with his surroundings. Most rehabilitators suggest waiting until the baby is six months old to release. At four months, a baby is easy prey for predators and he lacks any sense of direction.
Be sure the baby has been in an outside cage for at least 3 weeks prior to release. The baby does not have the benefit of a mother to teach him the ropes in this new and strange world. Be sure the release area is safe from dogs, cats, a neighbor who does not like squirrels, and other predators. Be sure the area is not close to a well-traveled road.
BE sure there is plenty of water, food, and fruit and nut
trees. I suggest the local state or federal reserve. ThE officials of these parks are usually happy to cooperate with the squirrel's release. Be sure to provide food for
at least several weeks after release. Also be sure he knov where the food will be. If you are releasing in your yard, also put up a squirrel feeder (nut box) and keep it fillee with stripped sunflower seeds mixed with raw peanuts or
other nonperishable items from the list above. He may become a permanent resident.
Open the cage and let him go. For the first week after release, it is crucial that the baby is monitored until hE has his confidence and can find food and water. He must also learn to build a nest to sleep in and be able to ware off other squirrel bullies. He will probably return to thE cage to sleep and eat for a while. Be sure he has fresh food and be sure to close the cage at night to keep predators out. Open the cage again at dawn so that he car continue to explore his new world. When he has found a nev home, he will not return to the cage again.
Squirrels do not communicate well with each other and are very territorial. They will usually claim their own tree. A small female will be chased relentlessly by males but eventually accepts her new friends and is welcomed into tl group. A lone male squirrel does not have it so good. HE is usually run off by other males or sometimes even attacked.
NOW that you have read the extensive care required in caring for a baby squirrel and keeping him alive and well,
you will understand why it is necessary to bring the baby to a rehabilitator. Please do not experiment with a baby squirrel. If you want to be a rehabilitator, classes are available. Check the web for classes near you and your
state licensing information, or you can train under a loce rehabilitator. Heaven knows they could sure use the help!
Rehabilitators are desperately needed. You would be most welcome and rewarded by happy and healthy squirrels who consider you their "mother" from the first time they smell your scent when you feed them, until the day that they go off on their own to make their way in the world.
SOME OTHER ADVISE
To calm a baby to sleep, stroke gently under his chin and neck with your finger. This feels so good and relaxes the baby.
A baby uses his teeth, like other animals, to play. If yo rub under his neck, he may try to hold your hand with his teeth because it feels good. The baby does not want to hurt his mother, although if frightened or ill, he may.
Squirrels are fragile! Do not let a child play with a bab squirrel! Do not grab a squirrel by the tail as the tail will come off and does not grow back!
Do not ever, ever have a squirrel's nails clipped! He wil bleed and lose his nail and will not be able to climb. Do not ever have his teeth extracted! You will kill the
squirrel! These are not domesticated animals!
Do not alter a squirrel in any way! They are perfectly
made for the environment they were intended for, right dow to the length of the tail used for balance. Unfortunately due to human alterations to natural habitats, a squirrel's life span has been greatly reduced. Please do not make hi chances of survival less than what they already are.
HELPFUL WEB SITES
For information on back yard squirrel feeders: www.squirrel-rehab.org/misc/feeders.html
If a squirrel has dropped from a tree in your yard, you may be able to help the mother to retrieve him: www.squirrel-rehab.org/rehabinfo/orphan.html
