When baby squirrels are born, they are blind and covered in a thin layer of fur. Their mother will nurse them for the first few weeks of their life until they are old enough to start eating solid food. At that point, the mother squirrel will begin to bring them bits of nuts and seeds to eat.
Baby squirrels will also eat insects and other small animals. As they get older, they will gradually start to eat more like an adult squirrel, consuming mostly nuts, seeds, and fruits.
If you’re lucky enough to have a baby squirrel in your life, congratulations! These little guys are absolutely adorable. But what do they eat?
Just like human babies, baby squirrels need to eat frequently throughout the day. They’ll typically nurse from their mother for the first few weeks of life, but will start to eat solid food around 4 weeks old. At this point, their diet will consist mainly of insects and other small animals, as well as plant matter.
As they get older and grow bigger, their diet will change somewhat. They’ll still eat insects and small animals, but they’ll also start to eat larger prey items like birds and rabbits. And of course, they’ll continue to nibble on plants as well.
So if you’re wondering what to feed a baby squirrel, the answer is: just about anything! As long as it’s small enough for them to eat easily and digest properly, they’ll probably be interested in trying it out.
How to Take Care of a Baby Squirrel – Everything You Need to Know
What Do Baby Squirrels Eat And Drink
Most baby animals are born with a natural instinct to know what to eat and drink. For example, a baby deer will instinctively know to drink its mother’s milk. However, some baby animals, like squirrels, are not born with this knowledge.
So, what do baby squirrels eat and drink? The answer may surprise you: Baby squirrels actually eat and drink the same things as adult squirrels! This means that they primarily eat nuts and seeds, but they will also consume fruits, vegetables, fungi, and even small insects if they can find them.
As for drinks, water is the most important thing for baby (and adult) squirrels. In the wild, they will often find water sources such as ponds or streams. However, in captivity (or if you’re just trying to hand-rear a baby squirrel), you can give them distilled water or filtered water that has been boiled for at least five minutes.
One important note: Never give a baby squirrel cow’s milk! Cow’s milk is not appropriate for their digestive systems and can actually make them very sick. If you’re unsure of what to feed a baby squirrel, always err on the side of caution and consult with a wildlife rehabilitation center or veterinarian beforehand.
Credit: www.schuylkillcenter.org
How Do You Take Care of an Abandoned Baby Squirrel?
Assuming you have found an abandoned baby squirrel and wish to take care of it, there are certain steps you must take. The first step is to ensure the safety of both you and the squirrel. It is important to remember that wild animals can be dangerous, and even a baby squirrel can bite or scratch if it feels threatened.
Once you have established that it is safe to approach the squirrel, gently pick it up using a towel or another piece of fabric to avoid being bitten or scratched. The next step is to contact a wildlife rehabilitator who can provide the proper care for the baby squirrel. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained in how to care for sick, injured, or orphaned animals so that they can be released back into the wild.
They will likely have specific instructions on what to do next and what not to do in order to give the baby squirrel the best chance at survival. In general, however, there are some basic things you should do while waiting for a wildlife rehabilitator: keep the squirrel warm, quiet, and dark; offer small amounts of water; and do not try to feed it anything else. If possible, find an incubator or pet carrier with good ventilation where you can place the Squirrel until help arrives.
You may also want additional towels or blankets in order to keep it warm as well as something soft (like a stuffed animal) for it to cuddle up against.
Can I Give a Baby Squirrel Water?
If you find a baby squirrel, it is generally best to leave it alone. Mother squirrels are very protective and will often retrieve their young if given the chance. If you feel that the baby squirrel is in immediate danger, however, you can try to relocate it.
If you do decided to handle the squirrel, be sure to wear gloves as they can carry diseases. You should also not give a baby squirrel water. While they may be thirsty, giving them water can actually kill them.
This is because their bodies are not yet developed enough to process and digest water properly. If you must give the squirrel something to drink, use milk or an electrolyte solution made specifically for animals.
What Should You Not Feed a Baby Squirrel?
There are many things that you should not feed a baby squirrel, as their diet is very different from ours. Some of the main things to avoid feeding them include: -Nuts and seeds: These are actually quite harmful to baby squirrels, as they can easily get stuck in their throats.
-Fruit: While fruit is fine for adult squirrels, it can be too sugary for babies and make them sick.
-Bread: Just like with fruit, bread can be too sweet for young squirrels and cause them tummy trouble.
-Meat: Meat is a definite no-no for baby squirrels, as it’s much too rich and hard for their delicate stomachs to digest.
In general, the best thing to feed a baby squirrel is special formula designed specifically for them. You can find this at most pet stores. If you cannot get your hands on any formula, you can also give them plain cow’s milk – but only in small amounts, as it can also upset their tummies.
Can Baby Squirrels Survive Without Their Mother?
Yes, baby squirrels can survive without their mother. If they are orphaned, they will need to be cared for by humans until they are old enough to fend for themselves. The best thing to do is to take them to a wildlife rehabilitation center where they will be given the food, shelter, and care that they need.
Conclusion
In the wild, baby squirrels eat mainly insects and other invertebrates, as well as some plant material. The diet of a baby squirrel in captivity should mimic this as closely as possible. Insects such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms are all good choices.
You can also offer small pieces of fruits and vegetables, but avoid giving them nuts or seeds until they are older.
