Caring
for a squirrel at home can be challenging and is often discouraged unless
you're a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or the squirrel is non-releasable.
However, if you’ve found an orphaned or injured squirrel and are caring for it
temporarily, here are key guidelines:
1. Warmth & Housing
· Keep warm: Baby squirrels cannot regulate body temperature. Use a
heating pad (on low) under half of the enclosure or a warm water bottle wrapped
in a towel.
· Safe enclosure: Use a large cage or pet carrier with
bedding (fleece or soft cloth; no loose threads). Avoid wire bottoms.
· Climbing space: As it matures, provide branches or
shelves for climbing and stimulation.
2. Feeding
· Do NOT give cow’s milk. It can be fatal. Use:
o Orphaned baby: Pedialyte for dehydration (first), then
squirrel formula (like Esbilac Puppy Milk + cream).
o Juvenile/Adult: Nuts (in shell), fruits, vegetables, and
specially formulated rodent blocks.
· Feed with a small syringe or dropper. Feed
every 2–4 hours depending on age.
3. Hydration
· Dehydration is common in rescued squirrels.
Offer plain Pedialyte or water via syringe or dropper. Test hydration by gently
pinching the skin — if it stays pinched, the squirrel is likely dehydrated.
4. Socialization & Safety
· Keep away from pets and children.
· Handle gently and only when necessary.
· Don’t let it roam unsupervised — squirrels
chew wires, furniture, and can escape easily.
5. Veterinary Care
· Seek out an exotic vet or wildlife
rehabilitator to assess health.
· Monitor for signs of illness: lethargy,
diarrhea, labored breathing, or wounds.
6. Release (if applicable)
· If it’s wild and healthy, the goal should be
rehabilitation and release.
· Release only when it's old enough (around 12–14 weeks), healthy, and weather permits.
The Squirrel Care Handbook: Housing -
Feeding - Care and Breeding
The Squirrel Care Handbook: Housing -
Feeding - Care and Breeding
Squirrels are wonderful animals to
have as pets. Before you embark on owning one of these lovable creatures,
there's a lot you need to know. The Squirrel Care Handbook is an essential
primer for the newcomer to squirrel care and a classic to add to any squirrels
lover's collection.
Inside you will learn:
·
Housing and caring
for squirrels
·
Grooming, hygiene
and health care
·
Food and dietary
requirements
·
Advice on care of
squirrels covers correct feeding, litter training and health care.
Everyone who owns and cares for
squirrels will benefit from The Squirrel Care Handbook. Solid advice on breed
selection, year-round care and feeding, and safe housing and sanitation help
every owner -- from the commercial producer to the dedicated fancier -- raise
happy, healthy squirrels. Whether you are just starting out or already have a
few years of experience, this handbook puts a wealth of information at your
fingertips.
Post a Comment