Baby Squirrel; What To Feed A Baby Squirrel And Other FAQs
Before going into what to feed a baby squirrel, let’s look at some features about squirrel.
Squirrels
Squirrels are small animal that lives in the ground and on the trees. They belong to the Sciuridae family. They are very good at climbing and jumping from one tree to another, and they have furry bodies, long tails and sharp claws that are adapted for climbing trees. Furthermore, they have fur, and it varies in different color, from shades of gray and brown to red and black, thereby providing camouflage.
They are primarily herbivores, they eat seeds, fruits, nuts and sometimes feed on insects and small vertebrates. They store their food in holes in the trees or ground. Likewise, they make home called dreys in trees, and they construct this home with twigs and leaves.
They talk to each other by making noise using their voice, through smells, and they use their tail to communicate how they feel.
The baby squirrels are called kits or pups, and they are born without fur, so they need their mother to keep them warm and safe. And as they grow, they learn how to make their own hives and find food. Also, reproduction in squirrels typically occurs twice a year.
Squirrels face great dangers like threat from other animals, collisions with cars, habitat loss. But they are good at adapting to different places, so they can live in the forest, parks and cities. And they are clever and active animal.
What To Feed A Baby Squirrel
To feed a baby squirrel requires extensive care to ensure their growth. If you can’t afford to take it to a wildlife expert, then you can feed them with milk.
You can give them a special milk called puppy or kitten milk replacer, and you mix a bit of heavy cream with it.
And you have to make sure the milk is warm, that is not too cold or hot. Then use a dropper or syringe to give the milk to the baby squirrel, and feed them small amount every few hours to keep them full and healthy.
They should not be given regular cow milk or solid food until they are old enough.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How To Identify A Baby
Squirrel?
Baby squirrel are much smaller, and they might not have fully developed all their fur yet, and they fur will be lighter and fuzzier. They have big ears and eyes compared to their body size, and their eyes could be closed or open.
They won’t be able to walk very well and might stumble around. And they also make soft sounds like chirps or squeaks, especially when they are calling their mom.
How Long Does A Squirrel Live?
They usually live around 5 to 10 years in the wilderness, although some may live much longer especially if they are safe from dangers or from other animals.
And if they are kept in a zoo, with people looking after them, they might live even much longer. So how long they live, depends on where they live and the care given to them.
How To Catch A Squirrel?
Catching a squirrel is not really recommended since they are wild animals, unless it’s necessary. You can catch one with this method below;
- You can use a cage or trap and put to something they like to eat, like nuts or seeds, then place the trap in the areas they usually visit.
- Since squirrels are cautious creatures, you can cover the trap with leaves to make it look less suspicious to them. Then patiently wait for it to enter the trap.
- Once it enters, you need to be careful and wear gloves to carry the trap, because squirrel can bite when they feel threatened.
Although, it is best to seek for the help of a wildlife expert, in order to avoid harming yourself.
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