Care of Injured and Orphaned Squirrels

R. Avery Bennett, DVM. MS. Diplomate

ACVS College of veterinary Medicine,

University of Florida Gainesville, Fl.

The situation most commonly responsible for orphaning squirrels are the nest tree being cut down, the mother dying, and the young fall out of the nest searching for food, or the nest being flimsy and destroyed by natural elements.. A Squirrel is a wild animal and with exception of squirrels with physical defects that prevent their return to the wild, when the animal reaches maturity it should be released. A member of the rodent order, squirrels are diurnal, non-hibernating mammals. They are primarily vegetarian, living off seeds, nuts fruits, fungi, lichens, bark, roots, bulbs, buds, and insects. In north central Florida the birthing seasons are February-April and July-October, with a 44 day gestation period. Litters average 2.5 offspring in winter and 3.0 months and have been known to stay with their mothers for more than 9 months.

If you discover a single baby, look for siblings. Also look for the mother as she will retrieve the baby. If you move out of sight. Place the baby on a warm towel at the base of the tree. Check on the baby every 15 minutes, but allow the mother at least an hour to return to the baby. Squirrels should be raised with at least one sibling to ensure proper emotional development.

Carefully check the skin for puncture marks and cuts. Check for blood in the ears and nostrils. Also look for broken bones and broken teeth. If a cat or dog has been in contact with squirrel, even if there are no apparent wounds, it may need to be started on antibiotics (Trimethoprim/Sulfa).

During the first week baby squirrels are pink with no hair and closed ears and eyes. At two weeks age squirrels turn a pinkish-gray color. The third week brings tiny hairs to the body and the hair on the back darkens. At 3.5-4 weeks the ears begin to unfold, fur starts to show at the nose and tail and spreads toward the body, turning brown on the muzzle and eyelids. Fur appears on the stomach and the incisors push through the gingiva (back teeth do not come until 5 weeks). At 4-5 weeks there is a line velvet hair coat. Silver fur appears on the dorsal aspect of the tail. The eyes open at about 5 1/3 weeks and the squirrel begins to stand. With malnutrition, the eyes will open early (4 weeks) and the squirrel will be small.

The best squirrel replacement milk formula is a combination of 2 milk replacers: Zoologic 33/40 and Upco at 1-800-254-8726. Milk powders should be kept frozen. Alternative formulae's are Esbilec or Multimilk. The "new" formula of Esbilac can cause intense and potentially fatal bloating in squirrels up to 4 weeks old. Do not use the liquid Esiblac as it is the mostly likely to cause bloating. Esbilac powder is the best. Mix the Esbilac at 1 part powder to 1 1/2 parts distilled water. For squirrels over 4 weeks that are well hydrated and used to the mixture, mix it at 1 part powder to 1 part distilled water. Some squirrels, especially those under 4 weeks, may have trouble with the 30/55 part of the formula. If the small squirrel has diarrhea or bloat, use only the 33/40, mixed 1 part 33/40 powder and 1 1/2 parts distilled water. Mixed formula can be safely refrigerated up to 48 hours. Keep the formula very cold and only heat the portion you will be feeding. You can use electrolyte fluid such as pedialyte for up to 24 hours until you can get milk replacement formula.

During the first 4 weeks of like the stomach can be visualized during feeding as a cream colored band across the abdomen. The abdomen should bulge slightly on each side of the body, but not

balloon out or feel tight. If the baby is showing signs of hunger (a lot of mewing noises shortly after eating, it is not getting enough formula. Squirrels will over eat and over feeding will lead to diarrhea.

Baby squirrels generally do not eat solid food until they are 8 weeks old because they do not have their molars. One week after their eyes open, small amounts of Cheerios, wheat cereal flakes, Purina adult dog chow, or rodent block can be fed. Rodent block is the best. At approximately 12 weeks of age the diet can be supplemented with 2-3 pieces of raw vegetable and fruits per day.

Sometimes a squirrel will engage in an activity known as a feeding seizure. The baby will open and close its mouth without swallowing and will sometimes push away the syringe. This is normal behavior. Stop feeding let the remaining milk drain out of the mouth, and lightly tap the squirrel on the nose, or tap the syringe on the squirrels lower lip. This will generally stop the behavior an allow the squirrel to continue eating.

Foamy and rank smelling diarrhea is consistent with enteritis, If it is mussy or watery, it may be caused by a parasite. The most common cause of diarrhea is overfeeding. If the baby does get diarrhea feed half the amount of the previous feeding next time you feed it, then go back up to 3/4 of the amount. If the diarrhea does not stop, discontinue the formula entirely and go back to replacement electrolytes for up to 12 hours. Once the diarrhea stops gradually reintroduce the formula, egg yolk yellow, watery diarrhea may be caused by coccidia. Sulfa drugs effectively eliminate the parasite.

Two weeks after opening its eyes, the squirrel will become more active and need to be moved to a wire cage. The cage should measure at least 24"X 35"x 24" for two squirrels. Squirrels at this age love toys. Tree branches are placed in the cage so they can begin climbing. A box to hide in is used to make the babies more secure.

Florida's Game and Freshwater Fish Commission requires at least a 4'x4'x6' cage with three large tree limbs for older squirrels. Use a non-toxic wood such as oak hickory, or dogwood. A wooden nest box should provided measuring 10"x10"x14" with a 2 1/2" hole out the side near the top. The box will also need ventilation holes near the top, drainage holes bottom, and soft rags or T-shirts to line the inside.

Adolescent are very affectionate and playful and love to cuddle. Start placing the cage outside for short periods before moving the squirrels to a larger release cage at 4 1/4 - 5 months age. Stay with your squirrels at first, as they will be frightened. Once in a release cage, withdraw human contact. Do not handle except for emergencies. Put the food in the cage and do not hand feed or play with them through the wire. You are teaching them to be free. When a squirrel starts objecting to you touching it and or starts chewing the cage wire and pacing back and forth, it is time to set it free. Usually this occurs at 5-7 months age. Make a 3 inch square opening at the top of the cage for the squirrel to use as a door. Keep the opening small to protect from entry by cats, possums, and raccoons. Allow the squirrels to come and go as they please. After a week or two move the rodent block, outside the cage. Long after their release squirrels may return for visits.