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The Ultimate Guide to Infant Squirrel Food: Ensuring a Healthy Start

Finding the right infant squirrel food is crucial for the survival and healthy development of orphaned or injured baby squirrels. These tiny creatures require a specialized diet to mimic the nutrition they would receive from their mother. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about feeding infant squirrels, from choosing the right formula to weaning them onto solid foods.

Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Infant Squirrels

Infant squirrels have very specific nutritional needs that must be met to ensure proper growth and development. Unlike many other mammals, squirrels require a diet rich in fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals. A deficiency in any of these nutrients can lead to serious health problems, including metabolic bone disease.

Fats: Essential for brain development and energy.
Proteins: Crucial for muscle growth and tissue repair.
Carbohydrates: Provide energy for daily activities.
Vitamins and Minerals: Support bone health, immune function, and overall well-being.

It’s important to understand that cow’s milk is not a suitable substitute for infant squirrel food. Cow’s milk lacks the necessary nutrients and can cause digestive problems in squirrels. Similarly, human baby formula is also not recommended, as it doesn’t provide the right balance of nutrients for squirrels.

Choosing the Right Infant Squirrel Food

The best infant squirrel food is a commercially available formula specifically designed for squirrels or small mammals. These formulas are formulated to provide the correct balance of nutrients that infant squirrels need.

Recommended Formulas:

Fox Valley Day One Formula: A popular choice among wildlife rehabilitators, this formula is specifically designed for squirrels and other small mammals.
Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer: While designed for puppies, Esbilac can be used for infant squirrels, especially if Fox Valley is not available. However, it’s important to adjust the concentration to better suit the squirrel’s needs.

Preparing the Formula:

Always follow the instructions on the formula packaging carefully. Generally, you’ll need to mix the powder with warm water to create a smooth, consistent liquid. It’s crucial to use clean, sterilized bottles and nipples to prevent bacterial infections. The formula should be warmed to body temperature before feeding.

Feeding Techniques for Infant Squirrels

Feeding infant squirrels requires patience and a gentle touch. Here are some tips to ensure a successful feeding experience:

Use a Small Syringe or Bottle: A small syringe (without the needle) or a specialized pet nursing bottle with a small nipple is ideal for feeding infant squirrels.
Hold the Squirrel Upright: Position the squirrel in an upright position, similar to how it would nurse from its mother. This helps prevent aspiration.
Feed Slowly and Gently: Allow the squirrel to suckle at its own pace. Avoid forcing the formula, as this can lead to aspiration.
Stimulate Urination and Defecation: After each feeding, gently stimulate the squirrel’s anal area with a warm, damp cloth to encourage urination and defecation. This is something the mother squirrel would normally do.

Feeding Schedule for Infant Squirrels

The frequency and amount of formula needed will vary depending on the age of the infant squirrel. Here’s a general guideline:

Newborn to 2 Weeks Old: Feed every 2-3 hours around the clock.
2 to 4 Weeks Old: Feed every 3-4 hours during the day and once or twice at night.
4 to 6 Weeks Old: Feed every 4-6 hours during the day.
6 Weeks and Older: Gradually reduce the frequency of feedings as you introduce solid foods.

It’s important to monitor the squirrel’s weight and overall health to adjust the feeding schedule accordingly. Consult with a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Weaning Infant Squirrels onto Solid Foods

As the infant squirrel grows older, it’s time to start introducing solid foods. This process should begin around 6-8 weeks of age. Offer small amounts of soft, easily digestible foods alongside the formula.

Recommended Solid Foods:

Squirrel Blocks: These commercially available blocks are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of squirrels.
Fruits and Vegetables: Offer small pieces of fruits like apples, grapes, and berries, as well as vegetables like carrots and broccoli.
Nuts and Seeds: Introduce nuts and seeds gradually, starting with soft nuts like walnuts and pecans. Avoid giving almonds, as they can be difficult to digest.

Start by offering small amounts of solid foods and gradually increase the quantity as the squirrel becomes more accustomed to them. Continue to provide formula until the squirrel is eating solid foods consistently.

Common Problems and Solutions

Feeding infant squirrels can sometimes present challenges. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Dehydration: If the squirrel appears lethargic or has sunken eyes, it may be dehydrated. Offer unflavored Pedialyte between feedings to rehydrate.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea can be caused by overfeeding, improper formula preparation, or bacterial infections. Adjust the feeding schedule and ensure the formula is properly prepared. If the diarrhea persists, consult with a veterinarian.
Aspiration: Aspiration occurs when formula enters the squirrel’s lungs. To prevent aspiration, hold the squirrel upright during feeding and feed slowly and gently.
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): MBD is a serious condition caused by calcium deficiency. Ensure the infant squirrel food is providing adequate calcium and vitamin D.

The Importance of Proper Hydration

Water is just as crucial as food for the survival of infant squirrels. Dehydration can quickly become a life-threatening condition. Ensuring they receive adequate hydration is a key component of their care, especially in the early stages of life. Clean, fresh water should always be available, especially as they transition to solid foods. You can offer water through a small dish or a syringe, making sure the squirrel has easy access to it. Monitor their water intake to ensure they are properly hydrated, and watch for signs of dehydration, such as lethargy and dry mouth.

Releasing the Squirrel Back into the Wild

Once the infant squirrel is fully weaned and able to eat solid foods independently, it’s time to prepare for its release back into the wild. This process should be gradual and take place in a safe, suitable environment.

Pre-Release Steps:

Acclimatization: Gradually expose the squirrel to the outdoors, starting with short periods in a cage placed outside.
Soft Release: Provide a sheltered outdoor enclosure where the squirrel can come and go as it pleases. Continue to provide food and water in the enclosure.
Monitoring: Observe the squirrel’s behavior to ensure it’s adapting well to its natural environment.

Choose a release location that is safe from predators and has access to natural food sources. Avoid releasing the squirrel in areas with heavy traffic or other hazards. The goal is to give the infant squirrel the best possible chance of survival in the wild. [See also: Squirrel Rehabilitation and Release]

Ethical Considerations

Taking care of infant squirrels is a significant responsibility, and it’s essential to approach it with ethical considerations in mind. Wild animals have a right to live in their natural habitat, and human intervention should only occur when necessary, such as in cases of injury or abandonment. Before taking an infant squirrel into your care, ensure that its mother is truly absent and that the squirrel is in need of assistance. If possible, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for guidance and support. Remember, the ultimate goal is to rehabilitate the squirrel and return it to its natural environment, where it can thrive and contribute to the ecosystem. Providing the right infant squirrel food is merely the first step in this journey.

Conclusion

Providing proper infant squirrel food is essential for the survival and healthy development of orphaned or injured baby squirrels. By understanding their nutritional needs, choosing the right formula, and following proper feeding techniques, you can give these tiny creatures a fighting chance. Remember to consult with a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for guidance and support. With patience and dedication, you can help an infant squirrel grow into a healthy, independent adult, ready to thrive in its natural environment. The right infant squirrel food makes all the difference.