Common Mistakes to Avoid When Raising a Baby Squirrel

Feeding a baby squirrel requires attention, care, and expertise to ensure its health and well-being. Even when trying your best, there are some common mistakes you should avoid. Here are a few of the most common errors that can occur when raising a baby squirrel, which can lead to the squirrel's demise:

Overfeeding

Feeding too much can lead to bloating or swelling of the squirrel's belly. It is important to follow recommended quantities and feeding schedules to ensure proper digestion.

Inappropriate Formula

Using the wrong formula can cause digestive issues in a baby squirrel. It's crucial to use high-quality formulas specifically designed for this type of animal and follow expert instructions.

Aspiration

If food or formula enters the squirrel's nose during feeding, it can lead to aspiration, causing severe respiratory problems. It's essential to feed slowly and carefully to avoid this condition.

Insufficient Hydration

Lack of adequate fluid intake can lead to dehydration. Maintaining proper hydration, especially when the baby starts eating solid food, is vital for its health and growth. It’s equally important to hydrate very young babies before giving them their first milk. A dehydrated or cold baby cannot digest milk or food.

Improper Hygiene

Poor hygiene during feeding can lead to infections or other health problems. Always wash your hands thoroughly before feeding and use clean feeding instruments.

Incorrect Stimulation for Elimination

Baby squirrels need stimulation to urinate and defecate. Incorrect stimulation can cause retention of stool or urine, leading to digestive issues and potentially fatal consequences.

Inappropriate Feeding Intervals

Incorrectly spaced or too frequent feeding intervals can affect the nutritional balance and digestion of a baby squirrel. Stick to recommended intervals to ensure proper feeding.

Improper Introduction of Solid Food

Introducing solid food should be carefully planned and monitored. Improper introduction can cause digestive problems or food refusal.

Remember that each baby squirrel is unique, so it's important to observe its signals and needs during feeding. If you have any doubts or questions, it’s always best to consult a wildlife care specialist or rehabilitator.

READ THE ARTICLES

What to feed a baby squirrel?

What to do if you find a baby squirrel?

How to handle a baby squirrel?

How to determine the age of a baby squirrel?

Common diseases of baby squirrels

When is a squirrel ready to be released back into the wild?

NEVER GIVE A SQUIRREL:

  • Cow's milk

  • Dog and cat food

  • Human baby formula

  • Juices and flavored drinks like Cedevita

  • Vitamins and minerals without guidance

  • Teas

  • Various cereal flakes

  • Solid food before at least 5 weeks of age

  • Worms and meat (worms are suitable for ground squirrels, but not red squirrels)

  • Eggs (wild squirrels, especially pregnant ones, may eat raw bird eggs when they have no other food sources, but if you place an egg in a squirrel feeder, it will most likely not eat it)

  • Processed and salted seeds

  • Processed and salted nuts

  • Citrus and avocado seeds

  • Too many sunflower seeds

  • Acorns (especially green ones) – studies indicate that red squirrels do not digest acorns well, eating them in small quantities when no other food is available, while gray squirrels digest acorns very well.

* https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8097326/

* https://www.npws.ie/sites/default/files/publications/pdf/2008_Squirrel_SAP.pdf

* https://www.researchgate.net/figure/WEIGHT-CHANGES-AND-SURVIVAL-OF-RED-AND-GREY-SQUIRRELS-ON-AN-ACORN-DIET-OR-A-MIXED-DIET_tbl1_15102578

© Health Center Harmony 2006-2026

NOTE: All information provided on this page is educational. For specific needs concerning squirrels, please consult a veterinarian or a wildlife protection center.

95% of the photos are taken by Conny & Dražen, with the remaining images by Graziella Mureta and Geert Weggen and licensed photos from Pixabay, Stock, and Shutterstock.