How to Determine the Age of a Baby Squirrel?

0 to 1 Week Old

During this period, the baby squirrel has pink skin, is hairless, with closed eyes and ears, and weighs between 10 and 20 grams. At this stage, the squirrel only nurses.

Housing: The baby should be in an incubator.

2 to 3 Weeks Old

In the second week, the baby develops darker skin, and by the third week, body hair becomes more noticeable, though eyes and ears are still closed. The weight ranges between 40 and 60 grams. Nursing continues.

Housing: Move the baby to a plastic box. Read more about this HERE.

3 to 4 Weeks Old

By the fourth week, fur continues to develop, but eyes and ears remain closed. The squirrel weighs between 60 and 80 grams. Nursing still occurs.

4 to 5 Weeks Old

In the fifth week, the squirrel has prominent fur, and the eyes begin to open. The weight ranges between 80 and 120 grams. Nursing still occurs.

Housing: Move the baby to a small hamster cage approximately L70xW40xH50 cm.

5 to 6 Weeks Old

During this period, the squirrel gets a bushier tail and starts to resemble a miniature adult squirrel. Ears are open, and teeth start to show. Weight varies between 120 and 160 grams. The baby still nurses but begins to introduce solid food.

Housing: Move the squirrel to a larger cage, as it begins to play and jump, which is necessary for muscle development. The cage should be at least L60xW70xH150 cm.

Outdoor Exposure: Take the squirrel (along with the cage) outside for natural light or sunlight in the morning or evening to acclimate it to outdoor air and sounds and to ensure it receives enough vitamin D from the sun. Half an hour to an hour is enough, twice a day is ideal. In the wild, young squirrels begin to venture out of the nest under their mother's supervision.

7 to 8 Weeks Old

In the seventh and eighth weeks, the squirrel becomes more independent, fur becomes fuller, and weight increases to 160 to 240 grams. The squirrel increasingly turns to solid food. In addition to taking the squirrel outside for fresh air, let it run around in a closed room for an hour twice a day to get enough exercise. Ensure windows and doors are closed, and block any openings behind furniture to prevent it from hiding in fear. If the squirrel escapes outside, it will be almost impossible to catch, and its chances of survival are minimal, so be very cautious.

8 to 10 Weeks Old

During this period, the squirrel becomes stronger and more independent, with a weight ranging from 240 to 400 grams. Nursing gradually stops, and the squirrel turns more to solid food.

Natural Behavior: In the wild, young squirrels at this age run independently on trees and play with siblings. They follow their mother down the tree.

Housing: Move the squirrel to a large outdoor cage. Read more about cages HERE.

10 to 12 Weeks Old

At 10 to 12 weeks old, the squirrel weighs between 400 and 600 grams. It is ready for complete independence. In the wild, a squirrel leaves the nest at 12 weeks and starts an independent life.

Release: Read more about how and when to return the squirrel to the wild HERE.