BABY SQUIRREL CARE GUIDE

So, you’ve stumbled upon a tiny bundle of fur in your backyard—a baby squirrel. Before jumping into baby squirrel care, it’s important to understand the right steps to take to ensure the squirrel's safety and well-being. This baby squirrel guide will walk you through how to properly care for a baby squirrel, from initial discovery to long-term support.


Step 1: Confirm That It’s a Baby Squirrel 

Not every small squirrel is a baby. If the squirrel has a fluffy tail, open eyes, and a body longer than 6 inches, it may be an adult that doesn't need assistance. However, if it appears furless, has a thin coat, closed eyes, or is wobbling when walking, it’s likely a baby and may need help, especially if it has fallen from a nest and shows no visible signs of injury.

Basic age estimation:

  • 0–1 week: Pink skin, no fur

  • 2–3 weeks: Light fur appears on back

  • 4–5 weeks: Fur covers most of the body, eyes still closed

  • 5–6 weeks: Eyes open, more coordinated movement

  • 6–8 weeks: Starting to explore and nibble solid food

  • 8+ weeks: Climbing, jumping, bushy tail development


Step 2: Provide Immediate Warmth and Safety

Warmth is critical for baby squirrels. Hypothermia is one of the most urgent concerns with young wildlife.

  • Check for a mother: Watch quietly from a distance. If the mother does not return within 30–45 minutes—or if it’s getting dark, cold, or rainy—bring the squirrel inside for safety.

  • Set up a temporary nest: Use a small plastic container (with the lid off) lined with soft fleece. Avoid towels (they can snag claws) and cardboard (which retains moisture).

  • Keep it warm: Fill a sock with uncooked dry rice or beans, warm it in the microwave, and place it beside the baby. A warm water bottle wrapped in a soft sock is another option. Keep the heating element outside the fleece to prevent burns.

Monitor body temperature frequently. A cold baby squirrel cannot digest food and must be warmed before any feeding attempts.


Step 3: Transition to Stable Long-Term Care

If the mother doesn’t return, it’s time to provide a more permanent solution.

  • Transfer to a Nest Box or plastic tub with tall sides and a ventilated lid.

  • Use soft bedding such as fleece liners or shredded paper (no cotton).

  • Place a no-auto-shutoff heating pad under half the enclosure to allow temperature self-regulation.

Do not place the nest in a drafty area. Baby squirrels must be kept at a consistent, warm temperature (around 98°F) until they’re old enough to thermoregulate (approximately 5–6 weeks old).


Step 4: Rehydrate and Feed Appropriately

Rehydration comes first. Dehydrated babies often appear wrinkled, lethargic, or cool to the touch.

  • Hydration solution: Mix 1 cup warm water with 1 teaspoon sugar and a pinch of salt. Offer tiny drops using a syringe and nipple or cotton ball.

  • Rehydrate every 2 hours until urine is pale and the skin is no longer wrinkled.

Once hydrated and warm:

  • Feed with Specialty Milk Replacer designed for baby squirrels.

  • Use the Baby Squirrel Nursing Set to deliver formula safely.

  • Follow this rough feeding schedule:

    • 1–2 weeks: Every 3 hours, even overnight

    • 3–4 weeks: Every 4 hours, tapering off overnight

    • 5+ weeks: Every 5–6 hours, with small solid foods offered

Feed slowly to avoid aspiration. Squirrels can easily inhale formula, which can lead to pneumonia. Wash Syringes and nipples after every use to avoid bacterial growth.


Step 5: Monitor Development and Introduce Solid Foods

Around 5 weeks of age, the squirrel’s eyes should open and it will start exploring its environment. At this stage:

Avoid sugary fruits or seeds early on—young squirrels need high protein and calcium to support healthy bone and muscle development.


Step 6: Create a Stimulating and Safe Environment

As the squirrel grows:

Include supervised playtime outside the enclosure in a safe, enclosed space to build strength, balance, and confidence.


Step 7: Know When to Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator

While many baby squirrels can be raised by experienced caregivers, some situations require professional support. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if:

  • The baby has visible wounds, bleeding, or broken limbs

  • It has diarrhea, bloating, or is not gaining weight

  • It’s not urinating or defecating regularly

  • You are unable to maintain proper heat or feeding around the clock

Rehabilitators are trained to prepare squirrels for safe release or determine if they require lifelong care due to injury or imprinting.


Exotic Nutrition Products for Baby Squirrel Care

To give your baby squirrel the best chance at a full recovery, Exotic Nutrition offers a complete range of products specifically designed for their nutritional and physical development:

These products are formulated to support squirrels from infancy through to adulthood.


Conclusion

Finding a baby squirrel in your backyard can be a heartwarming experience, but it comes with serious responsibilities. By following proper care steps—providing warmth, hydration, nutrition, and appropriate shelter—you can help a baby squirrel survive and thrive.

With patience, commitment, and support from trusted products like those from Exotic Nutrition, even the tiniest squirrel has a fighting chance for a healthy, happy life—whether it's released back into the wild or lives safely under human care.


Looking for more information on Squirrels? Browse our article Comprehensive Squirrel Care Guide.

 

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Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder.

Exotic Nutrition is proud to serve hundreds of universities, zoological parks, veterinarians, research centers and other institutions seeking to advance the health and well-being of exotics worldwide. See a full list of institutions using our products here.

Exotic Nutrition has a heart for animals in need. Through regular donations to rescues, rehabilitators, and special fundraiser events, Exotic Nutrition is making a significant impact in the lives of animals. See a full list of our charitable donations here.

Comments (8)

Tara Derouen_

My cat just delivered a very very tiny baby squirrel to my feet (squeaking very loudly). It is so small I cannot weigh it. I cannot wait to order your milk supplement. Where can i buy something in a local store to hold me over on this situation. I have a dropper (not a syringe). Will one drop of sugar water be too much for this little baby? I don’t want it to choke.

Nethmi_

I found a baby squirrel, my cat brought it to me. Its too small to be left alone so i took it home and kept it warm under a light. Should I feed it warm milk

Cynthia Marie_

Keep baby squirrels warm and well fed with puppy milk replacer. If powdered mix 1 part replacer with 2 parts warm water. (We use 1/8 cup milk replacer and 1/4 cup water in a personal size blender). We warm the milk each time and feed every 4 hrs using a syringe without a needle. Our squirrels are now eating 2 syringes each feeding and starting to eat solid food like apples and shelled walnuts. They live in a small enclosed dog crate with a fleece blanket and like to hide in the blanket. We limit contact so they can transition to wild in a few weeks.

chloe_

So, what do I feed a baby squirrel if I don’t have acorns or nuts and it’s still a baby?

Allie_

I’m my dog brought me a newborn squirrel and it’s still alive I don’t see its parents or nesting area . I’ve got it in a box with a heating pad under a towel but idk what to feed it and how to feed it that small . What do I do?

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