Basic Care
and Feeding of Orphaned Baby Grey Squirrels
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What do I do?
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Step 1- Keep the baby squirrel warm. This is the most important thing you can do until you find a wildlife rehabilitator or decide what you are going to do. IN THE UNITED STATES, MOST STATES HAVE LAWS AGAINST POSSESSING NATIVE SQUIRRELS FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN TURNING OVER TO A PROFESSIONAL REHABBER. Keeping the baby warm means the baby needs an external source of heat. Use a hot water bottle or soda bottle filled with hot water. Wrap a towel around the bottle to prevent direct contact with baby squirrel. Lay baby on towel area, then lightly cover baby with piece of towel to prevent any drafts. You don't want to cook the baby, but give a source of heat he/she can cuddle up to. Ideal temperature is 98.5 degrees. There is a lot involved with taking care of a baby squirrel. You have to be able to feed a minimum of every 2 to 4 hours depending on the age. The baby needs the correct formula (no kitten, human baby formula or homemade concoctions or goats milk). Incorrect types of formula can lead to metabolic bone disease and problems with improper development. You need to stimulate the baby after every feeding or urine and stool backup will lead to bacterial build up in the gut and eventual death. |
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Step 2- The baby squirrel's best chance for survival is with the mother squirrel and if that is not possible, then with a certified wildlife rehabilitator. This is said not to scare you off, but to be realistic. You can locate the nearest wildlife rehabilitator any where in or out of the United States at How To Locate a Wildlife Rehabilitator . If you decide to raise the baby squirrel yourself, the information contained in this manual will enable you to take care of the baby squirrel's basic needs up to releasing. Rabies is uncommon in squirrels, but squirrels can carry tetanus so make sure you are current on the tetanus shot. If you are going to take care of the baby yourself read each section before you act. See First Assessment. |
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