If Im Out of Goat Milk Can I Feed Whole Milk to a Squirrel

INTRO

This Basic Care page lists key information regarding squirrel emergencies, links to licensed rehabbers, warming, hydrating & feeding, rehab supplies and link to a live online message board as well as a phone number for real time advice. There is a lot of important information so please read this entire page carefully or your squirrel will not survive. If you have a captive (pet) squirrel advice on long term care can be found on the Non-Releasables page on the navigation bar at the top of the page.

LINKS

Some of the care information is provided below in the form of links (in Blue). We provided these links to specific care guides written by some of the most experienced rehabbers on the internet. Note: Links open new tab (window) – no need to use the "back key" to return to our website page, simply close the page out.

ADDITIONAL REAL TIME HELP

The IMPORTANT basic information provided in this website is NOT a substitute for registering on The Squirrel Board and asking follow up questions. Please read all of the information on this page since it gives pertinent information that is often hidden in endless sticky's on boards and forums. If you have a life threatening emergency call: 540-750-5088

I FOUND A BABY or INJURED SQUIRREL

Baby Squirrels: A baby squirrel should not be on the ground without the mother in the immediate area. If there are baby squirrels on the ground they must be protected from predators, heat and cold unless mother is nearby and actively in the process of trying to relocate. If so observe from a distance and do not interfere.

If there is no sign of mother place them in a small, low box mother can get in and out of (where found) and observe from a distance to see if mother comes to relocate. You can play this sound on your cellphone and leave near the base of the tree where the baby squirrels are located https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGtA8w-hlTw

You must also guard against predators especially cats and shade from direct sun.  You can touch the babies briefly to make sure they are warm, if they are not warm to the touch you must intervene. If they injured or are wet from a rainstorm or cold you must not leave them on the ground as the mother will not take them.

Injured Adult: An injured adult must be captured and brought to a licensed rehabber. If none are available in your area there is sufficient information on this website and we can help you find a "squirrel friendly" veterinarian. Some may be saved and others must be humanely euthanized to eliminate suffering.

Capture: You can simply pick up a baby but an injured adult may need to be caught with a net and handled with leather gloves (see photo). Use a blanket or towel to wrap the injured adult squirrel. Take care handling so as not to exacerbate injuries. It may take more then one person to effect capture of an adult. Photo below shows the net we use for adults. Place the injured squirrel(s) in a box with air holes or dog carrier with a towel and bring indoors. Keep in a warm dark place until help can be obtained. If no licensed rehabilitators are available in your area read this page carefully and register on the Squirrel Board for additional follow-up advice. Do not be afraid to handle a baby Squirrel, you will NOT get rabies

SQUIRREL AGE CHART (Credit to Henry's Healthy Pets for photos in this section)

The photos below will help you determine how old the baby squirrel is and whether he is in good shape. Eastern Grey squirrels generally have brownish/grayish fur and white belly fur; fox squirrels generally have tan or orange belly fur; red squirrels have a dark line down their sides where the belly fur meets the back fur; flying squirrels have a long flap of loose skin that they use to glide.

Pinkys (no fur) are delicate, subject to hypothermia, dehydration, sun burn, require intervention and very specialized care. This is a critical stage and intricate feeding requires expertise. Every effort must be made to find a local rehabber immediately if you are inexperienced. There is a link below to find rehabbers, or someone on the Squirrel Board can help.

Newborn: Mostly pink, no eye slits visible, ears sealed flat to the head

1-2 Weeks: Dark color on head and back, eye slits visible, ears coming away from head

3 weeks: Short fur everywhere except on belly

Furred Baby Squirrels are hardier then pinkies but are just as susceptible to hypothermia and dehydration. These pictures depict 3 distinct stages in furred squirrel development and all require warming and PROPERLY ADMINISTERED hydration / correct formula.

4 weeks: Thicker fur, eyes almost ready to open, lower teeth emerging

5 weeks: Fully furred including belly, eyes open, upper teeth emerging

If you found one baby squirrel there may be more. Squirrel litters average 2-4 or as many as 8 depending on food availability, weather conditions, habitat. Thoroughly search the area where the squirrel was found for others. The mother may have been killed and older babies have left the nest searching for food. Search the area very carefully for other babies.

REHABILITATION

Now that you have secured the baby(s) or injured squirrel you must try and find a licensed rehabilitator. Some people try to raise squirrels themselves. We strongly recommend against this but if you do proper care is outlined below. There is a link to rehabilitator lists below and if you cannot find one call your local Vet's, Fish & Wildlife, DNR or Fish and Game to find one near you. In the event you are absolutely unable to locate one and have to raise the baby yourself here are instructions for proper care. If you are uncomfortable doing this after reading the protocol below find someone who is. Deviating from these instructions will result in the death of the squirrel. If you are taking the squirrel to a rehabber or vet warm only – DO NOT attempt to hydrate! The following conditions mandate transport to a rehabber for help.

• Caught by a dog, cat or other animal
• Visible external unhealed injuries
• Severe trauma (collision with car, long fall, dragging leg, unable to walk)
• Very cold, thin or weak
• Worms, mites, or maggot infestation
• Parent known dead or separated and cannot be reunited
• Reuniting with mom was attempted and was unsuccessful
• Following behavior toward humans or domestic animals by a very young squirrel

Nationwide Rehabilitator Contacts : https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-find-wildlife-rehabilitator

Or Call: 540-750 -5088 for personal help finding one

Caution: When you contact a rehabilitator look at google and other reviews, ask questions and if they are not willing to let you drop the squirrel off that should send up red flags. Here is an example of South Carolina squirrel "rehabilitator" Laura Ross committing heinous abuse to over 200 captive squirrels: https://www.wistv.com/2021/06/30/lee-county-animal-rescue-raided-two-arrested-inhumane-treatment-animals/

VET CARE

If you need a veterinarian for a serious injury please use our Contact Page or call 269-215-9509 for information on locating vets as we have a huge list. You can also google exotic animal veterinarians in your city / state. Exotic vets are most likely to treat squirrels, not dog & cat vets.

Link: AEMV (Association of Exotic Mammal Vets) Note: To use the AEMV page leave "search and group" parameters unchanged, just enter Country and State for list. Again use our contact page if unable to find a vet through this link and we will find you one through connections in the zoo and wildlife sanctuary organizations. If you need a vet for a captive, non-releasable see our Non Releasable page

WARMING & HYDRATION

You must follow this protocol in this exact order or the squirrel will not survive. SQUIRREL MUST BE WARM BEFORE YOU HYDRATE! If a licensed rehabber is available warm only if squirrel is cold and transport. DO NOT try to hydrate and feed if a rehabilitator is available.

If you are in an area WITHOUT a rehabber read on. The following information on hydration and feeding is only to be used when experienced help is not available! All squirrels should be warmed while waiting for a rehabber or transporting to one.

How to Check for Dehydration: Pinch the skin on the back of his neck and also on the belly and count how many seconds it takes to go back down flat. 1-2 seconds is moderate dehydration; 4 seconds or more can be life-threatening. NOTE: This test is not reliable in hairless babies or emaciated babies; assume every baby squirrel is dehydrated when you first find them. Rehabbers should keep Fox Valley Electro-Stat Powdered Electrolyte on hand.

1. Gently warm the squirrel next to your body, on a heating pad set to low or with medical hot pack using a towel between the squirrel and the pack/heating pad so only gentle warmth is getting through. Check temp in bottom of container with the back of your knuckles and keep checking it making sure it warm, not hot. Container should be 1/2 on 1/2 off heating pad so squirrel can move off if too hot.
   
2. ONLY after squirrel is warmed – hydrate with plain hydration formula mixed & administered as described below.
   
3. Feed ONLY after warming and completely hydrated. Information on feeding in detail below.
   

HYDRATION FORMULA

It is important to raise the blood sugar level in a dehydrated squirrel. In a (measured) cup of hot water add one teaspoon of one of the following: Molasses, Honey, Karo Syrup or sugar. Allow to cool to 90-100 degrees F and feed using the hydration video below. Some website recommend Pedialyte but we feel the high fructose mixes listed above are better. If you do use Pedialyte mix  Pedialyte 50/50 with water before feeding. Do not ever mix Pedialyte with formula or use Pedialyte for more then 24 hours. Assume all babies are dehydrated.

Continued Warming

Young squirrel(s) need constant, steady, low warmth – especially squirrels with eyes closed. The best way to accomplish this is with a heating pad set on the lowest setting that has an "always on" switch (no timer). The squirrel(s) should be in an appropriate container with bedding, never directly on the hot pad. Depending on the age, the squirrel(s) should not be able to climb out of the container as this can result in serious injury. I use polycarbonate restaurant containers of different sizes and a heating pad from Henry's Healthy Pets. Heating pad is 1/2 under container so squirrels can move over if too hot, My set up is shown below.

BABY SQUIRREL FEEDING FORMULAS

There are only three formulas recommended (two temporary and one long term) at this time depending on the age of your squirrel. This protocol was established after digestion issues with Esbilac brand Powdered Puppy materialized limiting this product to very short term emergency use .

The first  formula is Goats Milk Formula (GMF) that can be made from common supermarket ingredients and the other is Fox Valley, a scientifically formulated powder that must be ordered online. The third is Esbilac Powdered Puppy, a temporary emergency formula if you cannot get the Goats Milk formula ingredients or are waiting for Fox Valley to arrive. The Goats Milk formula ingredients can be assembled from most supermarkets and used while you are waiting for Fox Valley to arrive. There is a link below to Henry's Healthy Pets where you can order Fox Valley formula & Ultraboost.

These are the only formulas we recommend:

Day one through 2 weeks: Homemade Goats Milk Formula (GMF) or Fox Valley 32/40.

2 weeks and over: If on Goats Milk Transition to Fox Valley 32/40. OK to start on GMF or Esbilac Puppy Powder while waiting for 32/40 to arrive. Fox Valley 32/40 is formulated for growth but must be prepared according to instructions below to dissolve all powder or it will sit like cement  in a baby's stomach .

Week 4 to 5 and older:  (eyes open or almost open) use Fox Valley 20/50. If you have to order 20/50 it's OK to start on GMF or Esbilac Puppy Powder while waiting for 20/50 to arrive then SLOWLY transition over. If you squirrel is already on 32/40 transition is easier than from GMF. At this stage we recommend adding 1 part Fox Valley Ultraboost powder to 2 parts 20/50 powder before mixing with water.

MAKING GOAT'S MILK FORMULA

A great substitute formula if you cannot get temporary Esbilac Puppy Powder locally or have issues getting a commercial formula shipped. Also can be used if a baby has chronic diarrhea on commercial formula. (Formula credit to Island Rehabber owner The Squirrel Board)

Formula

3 Tablespoons goat's milk
2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
3 Tablespoons Low Fat plain yogurt

1/2 raw egg yoke

Formula will last 48 hours in refrigerator and then must be remade. Refrigerator should be 40 Degrees F or lower

Goats Milk can be purchased at natural food stores such as Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, and at most health food stores that sell groceries. It must be goats milk made for human consumption.

Do not substitute commercial goats milk formula made for baby goats or other livestock sold at feed stores.

Goat's milk is available fresh in a carton (check exp date), evaporated in a can as a powdered milk. If you purchase either the evaporated or powdered versions, please blend them with hot water according to the package directions

before using to make the formula.

Heavy Whipping Cream is found in small cartons in the grocery store near the coffee creamers and half and half. Regular heavy cream may be substituted if it is unavailable, but the heavy whipping cream has the highest fat content, and is preferred. You can also order and use Fox Valley ultraboost from Henry's Healthy Pets.

Yogurt has beneficial bacteria in it that soothes and settles digestion. Low fat yogurt is best, and a good choice that is very widely available is Stoneyfield Yobaby yogurt. However if it is unavailable, a low fat vanilla yogurt may be substituted. Avoid those that have artificial sweeteners in them.

NOTE: When Goat's Milk formula is used, omit the heavy whipping cream for the first two weeks of life.

• Fresh Goats Milk can be used instead of powdered. If you buy powdered do NOT use Esbilac brand powdered goats milk . Any powdered goats milk must be human grade like Meyenberg from Trader Joe's/Whole Foods etc, not powdered goats milk for farm animals like you get from Tractor Supply. All fresh formula & Goats Milk must be refrigerated at 40 degrees or lower!
• Keep refrigerated and discard after 48 hours and make fresh.
  
• All formula changes should be slow transitions over the course of several days
  
  

Note: Fox Valley powdered formulas, Esbilac Powdered Puppy and powdered Goat's Milk are 2 parts water to 1 part powdered formula.

FOX VALLEY or ESBILAC POWDERED PUPPY FORMULAS

Available from Amazon or Henry's Healthy Pets

There are several formulas you can use for older babies beginning at 2 weeks of age.

Fox Valley 32/40

The formula used by many professional rehabbers is Fox Valley 32/40.This powdered formula can be ordered from Henry's healthy pets. Like Esbilac we recommend mixing 2 parts 32/40 with 1 part Ultraboost

Fox Valley 20/50

This formula is for squirrels 4 1/2 – 5 weeks or older, fully furred and eyes open or about to open. We recommend mixing 3 parts 20/50 with 1 part Ultraboost for ultimate weight gain.

Esbilac Puppy Powder (Emergency Temporary Use ONLY)

The easiest and quickest to obtain is Esbilac Puppy Powder with prebiotics and probiotics. This can be found in a can at Petco, Petsmart or Tractor Supply Etc. You can start on this formula for a pinky or furred squirrel (eyes closed) but we recommend ordering Fox Valley immediately. This formula is for temporary use until your Fox Valley arrives. The can must look like this:

More on Esbilac Formula Issues

There were issues in the past with Esbilac Puppy Powder not dissolving from Dicalcium not ground fine enough and sitting like cement in a pinky's stomach, not being digested, and causing MBD . As long as you follow the mixing instructions below it will be fine for temporary use, but I would use only the Goats Milk Formula for the first two weeks (pinkie stage). You can also keep them on GMF adding in 1/3 Fox Valley Ultraboost starting week two, then transitioning to 20/50 at week four. The Fox Valley 20/50 formula for 4 1/2 – 5 weeks & older has never had issues but proper preparation must still be used.

Rehabbers: I received this personal reply from PetAg and here is an excerpt from the Email, issues are still be reported by some rehabbers. PetAg responded stating they corrected these issues but we still only recommend very short term emergency use:

Regarding your formulation question, Esbilac is manufactured using the micronized form of Dicalcium since October 4, 2019. The best indicator of this form would be the lot code or expiration date of the product. (Any lot code of 2779E or greater, or a Best by Date of 10/2021 or greater, was manufactured using the micronized form.)

Addressing your concern regarding "Made in the USA", Pet-Ag proudly manufactures all of our products in the United States. While we do our best to source everything from here as well, and support using the highest quality ingredients, there are some ingredients that are simply too difficult to acquire locally. We obtain these ingredients from trusted US sources operating internationally.

Here are "form letter" responses sent to other rehabbers from PetAg the makers of Esbilac Puppy Powder regarding previous issues with Esbilac Puppy Powder.

Esbilac Producer Response

Esbilac FAQ

WARNING: DO NOT ever use cows milk, scalded milk, coconut/soy/almond milk, kitten milk, PetAg Petlac, Second Stage Esbilac, canned liquid formula of any kind, human milk or any other formula other than what is recommended on these links as it will harm a baby squirrel. DO NOT use Esbilac brand Puppy Powder with a best by date 10/2021 or earlier as issues have surfaced with earlier date codes that were addressed by PetAg the manufacturer. There is a squirrel "nutrition" website that specifically recommends the so-called scalded milk diet. This information is really bad and many squirrels have died as a result of this flawed & dangerous diet. They also recommend homemade "squares" containing alfalfa, coconut oil & rice cereal. Do not use any advice from this website or any website touting these ingredients. The following photo show horribly emaciated babies raised on the so called "scalded milk" diet. DO NOT USE SCALDED MILK.

PREPARATION

WARNING: Do not ever microwave your formula to heat it, it will destroy the nutrient value. You can microwave the water used to mix with the powder.

For either formula heat your 2 parts water to almost boiling (140-170 degrees). Mix with 1 part Fox Valley or Esbilac Puppy Powder, shake thoroughly and allow to cool. (see Formula Prep Details photos below). Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight (mainly for pinkies) and allow to absorb water/dissolve. Your formula can be dissolving while your squirrel is in the hydration phase. Older babies with fur are way more tolerant of undissolved solids than pinkies hence the 32/40 concern. Here is the study: http://www.ewildagain.org/assets/solubilityissuesmilkreplacers.pdf

FEEDING

Link to feeding chart by gram weight courtesy of Squirrel Refuge: https://www.squirrelrefuge.org/squirrel-feeding-amounts

Formula temperature should be around 99 degrees F. You need a restaurant fast acting digital thermometer to quickly and accurately measure the temperature before the temp drops. You do not want to feed a baby cold formula and formula the temp of moms body is most palatable. You can buy these fast acting thermometers at any restaurant supply.

When feeding pinkies use the "push-pause" method of manipulating the syringe plunger. This is one of the reasons we recommend only the O Ring syringes because when you gently "push" it cannot come out in a heavy spurt or you will aspirate your baby. Practice with water and push the plunger with your thumb until the smallest bulge forms at the tip of the syringe – then pause. This is the correct method for pinkies. If you have a cheap drug store syringe after several uses the black rubber plunger with start to hang up making you put more pressure and the milk will come out in a spurt. When it starts hanging up use a new syringe while you are waiting for your O Ring syringe from Henry's Healthy Pets.

If the squirrel struggles initially and rejects the nipple be persistent! GENTLY get just the tip of the nipple into the mouth with the slightest push of the syringe just to get the baby to taste the formula. Be extra careful with squirrels under 5 weeks of age not to push too much formula at once. Slow and steady once the baby starts feeding. Make sure there are no air pockets in syringe when filled with formula.

POWDERED FORMULA PREPARATION DETAILS WITH PHOTOS

1. Assemble supplies as shown in first photo.
2. Add 1 part formula (Esbilac or Fox Valley) powder to small pyrex measuring cup.
3. Add measured formula to mixing/cooling/storage container (red cap).
4. Measure out 2 parts water into measuring cup.
5. Microwave water for under 30 seconds until hot 140-170 deg (not boiling).
6. Add hot water to mixing/cooling/storage container with formula already in it and shake vigorously until no clumps remain, leave out for 20 minutes to cool – do not forget to refrigerate!
7. Place in refrigerator and allow to cool and dissolve for at least 1 hour then shake vigorously again. Continue to refrigerate for several hours more – preferably overnight. Do not shake before feeding as this will introduce air into the babies stomach.
8. When ready to feed remove from fridge, gently stir with a small whisk (photo below) or spoon, pour appropriate amount of formula into stainless sauce cup (restaurant supply) and warm in a bowl of hot tap water (do NOT microwave formula to heat) . Stainless warming cup conducts heat great.
9. Check formula with restaurant thermometer or pinkie for temperature. Should be warm (around 100 degrees), never hot.
10. Feed with age appropriate size syringe with Miracle nipple if available. Under 5 weeks for inexperienced caregivers should use a 1 mL syringe only. Watch 2nd video for proper feeding technique: https://squirrelforum.com/videos/

If you don't have all these items don't panic – improvise. The important ingredients are proper formula, 2 parts water : 1 part formula ratio, mixing hot and allowing to cool, refrigeration of mixture/absorption, and gently warming to feed. You can also use a blender bottle with ball whisk (last photo) for larger batches.

Small whisk >

NIPPLES & SYRINGES

Use only the ORIGINAL Miracle Nipple combined with the Miracle O Ring Syringe. There are many cheap Chinese knockoff's made from inferior and dangerous materials. Accept no substitute for the Miracle Nipple! Available through Henry's Healthy Pets. Order the Miracle Mini and feed slowly and carefully.

OUR FEEDING TIPS

Great formula warming cups – 4 oz stainless sauce cup from restaurant supply. Warm by holding stainless cup with formula in a bowl of hot tap water and swirling formula – metal conducts heat really well. Pinky (finger) test for temp. You can also use stainless measuring cups. Use the 1/4 cup or the smallest one in a set.

DO NOT EVER USE THIS BOTTLE FOR SQUIRRELS! It has too much volume and you will aspirate and kill your baby. The tiny nipple in this package will slip over a non-Luer Lock 1 mL syringe until you can get a Miracle Nipple Mini from Henry's Healthy Pets. Again, Do Not use the bottle part or the large nipples .

This poor baby is badly ASPIRATING (literally choking) on milk from this oversized PetAg bottle!

Instead get this 1 mL (cc) syringe from any pharmacy and let them know it is for feeding a baby animal, you need a non-Luer Lock, and you don't need the needles – just the syringe. If you can't get a small Pet Ag nipple or Miracle Nipple use the syringe tip and GO SLOW! if you plan on raising the squirrel order the correct O Ring syringe and Miracle nipple from Henrys Healthy Pets. They will help advise you on things you will need.

Luer-Lock vs. Slip – Luer-Lock has an internal locking collar (threads) and you can use with Miracle Nipples but difficult to feed without a nipple on it. The slip tip is better and most 1 mL's are slip. When over 5 weeks and you switch to 3 mL try to find a slip O-Ring. For the long term it is best to get a Miracle "O" Ring syringe from Henry's Healthy Pets as these are durable. Cheap non-O Ring syringes tend to jam after a few uses and forcing them sends a spurt of formula that may aspirate a baby.

SOLID FOODS

By 6 weeks baby squirrels eyes open, teeth are in and they will want to nibble. The only solid food you should start your squirrel on is Henry's Adult Squirrel Blocks as these provide complete nutrition. For rehabbers having large quantities of squirrels we recommend Envigo Teklad 2018 for cost savings (links on our Non Releasable page). As the squirrel grows you must supplement with the Henry's Healthy Diet as shown here: https://www.henryspets.com/healthy-diet-for-pet-squirrels/

ELIMINATION – URINATION & DEFECATION

A baby squirrel cannot go on their own and must be stimulated with a piece of Kleenex or Q-tip. Personally I use a Q-Tip dipped in warm water which causes less irritation. Roll the Q-Tip or use in a brushing motion on the squirrels genitals until elimination occurs. This must be done after every feeding until about a week after eyes open!

COMMON PROBLEMS (This section all credit to Henry's Healthy Pets)

Bloating. Can occur when a baby squirrel eats too much and/or too often, or from formula intolerance. The stomach should be rounded after feeding, but still soft, like a half-filled water balloon. It should deflate before the next feeding. If stomach feels hard or does not deflate, skip a feeding, hydrate, and decrease the amount of formula at each feeding or increase the amount of time between feedings. Stimulate to urinate and defecate (instructions in next section). Dipping the baby in warm water up to his armpits and gentle massage can also help, just make sure you dry the baby thoroughly and keep warm.

Clicking (aspiration pneumonia). If formula comes out baby's nose, he may have inhaled some, causing aspiration pneumonia. Symptoms are loss of appetite, lethargy, and a clicking noise when the baby breathes. Hold the baby's chest to your ear and listen carefully. The clicking is with each breath, in and out. This must be treated immediately with antibiotics or the baby will die.

Constipation. It can take a day or so for the baby to start pooping after starting formula. If constipation persists, it could mean the baby is still dehydrated. In that case, give him warm water with a little apple juice in a syringe between feedings.

Diarrhea. Can be caused by overfeeding, too frequent feeding, wrong formula, or parasites. Stop feeding formula for a couple of feedings and hydrate instead. It may help to switch to the Homemade Goat Milk Formula. Diarrhea can kill quickly, so get help right away.

Fly Eggs or Maggots. Fly eggs look like small grains of rice; they will quickly hatch into maggots, crawl into the baby's eyes, ears, mouth, or anus, and eat him alive. Remove all eggs/maggots immediately and check all orifices. Baby must be treated with Capstar within 24 hours. You can buy Capstar (11.4 mg) from us, or at your local pet store. Crush 1/4 tablet, dissolve in 1 ml water, and give orally by syringe once a day for two days. In addition, you can crush 1/2 tablet in 2 ml water and apply externally anywhere maggots/eggs are visible, especially ears, nose, eyes, or anus.

Hypoglycemia. Caused by starvation or feeding too little too infrequently. Baby may arch his back, have spasms, or gasp for breath. Rub molasses, honey, or pancake syrup on its gums. You should see improvement within 30 minutes. Make sure your feeding amounts/schedule is correct.

Feeding Trance. While feeding, some babies will stop swallowing and open and close their mouth like a fish. This is not harmful but means feeding takes longer. Blowing lightly in baby squirrels face or a gentle tap on the head can help. When they stop gulping, you can resume feeding them.

Nursing on Genitals. Baby squirrels may nurse on genitals when they are housed together, causing redness, swelling, or scabbing on the tip of the penis. This is very serious as it can cause permanent damage to the urethra. Immediately separate them. If there's a scab, soak the area in warm water and gently remove the scab. Then apply some Neosporin. If the baby is self-sucking, you'll need to apply some kind of bandage until you break the habit.

Refuses to Feed/Blood on Nipple. Baby squirrels teethe twice, once for upper teeth and once for lowers. Teething may cause the baby to suddenly refuse to eat, or eat less than normal, and you may see a little blood. This is normal and should pass after 24 hours.

Whenever a baby squirrel isn't doing well, go back to the ABC's

Ask yourself:

• Is he warm?
• Is he hydrated?
• Is he being fed properly? (not too much or too little; not too often or too infrequently)
• Is the formula warm enough? Formula should be very warm–almost hot–or they won't drink enough.

Then address those issues in that order!

Number 1 Killers of Baby Squirrels

• Auto shutoff heating pad: Baby will chill and die – must have an "always on" feature
• Wrong formula: Baby fails to grow or gain weight; develops diarrhea, constipation, bloating
• Cheap syringes that stick: Formula gets into baby's lungs causing aspiration pneumonia
• Using a PetAg nursing bottle that aspirates baby's
• Syringes that are too big: Baby will eat too fast and get aspiration pneumonia
• Overfeeding: Baby develops diarrhea/bloating
• Underfeeding: Baby starves to death
• Formula not warm enough: Baby slowly starves to death

ADDITIONAL INITIAL CARE INFORMATION (Links to experts on how to warm, hydrate and feed)

These are the BEST Links for baby Squirrel Care. Please r ead both links and follow the instructions to the letter. There are some minor differences with the information provided but all information is basically sound. Use what works for you with the supplies you can source locally. If you have questions ask on the forum or one of our partner boards. Order your supplies from Henry's Healthy Pets.

Henry's Healthy Pets: (Keep clicking "next" to advance to next page) – Click on Icon:

Orphaned Wildlife Care: http://www.orphanedwildlifecare.com/squirrelcare.htm

DIET FOR YOUR CAPTIVE SQUIRREL (See Non-Releasables page for additional information)

For juvenile and older squirrels a nutritionally engineered block as the primary diet is essential. Do not buy any advertised "Squirrel Diets" for juveniles and adults – ONLY follow the "Henry's Diet" in the link provided coupled with Henry's Healthy Adult Blocks as the primary supplement and Teklad 2018 (2014 for over 2 years) blocks, or Mazuri Rodent 5663 as the base food block. We keep Teklad 2014 in a bowl for on demand eating all day and feed 2 Henry' Healthy Blocks daily. Squirrels MUST learn to eat their blocks first before treats are given as these blocks contain a balanced diet that are part of the MBD prevention plan. If you have a captive squirrel that has been spoiled on nuts and treats you must transition over to a block base diet and the Henry's supplemental diet. See out Non-Releasable page on the green navigation bar for details.

Henrys Healthy Adult Blocks: https://www.henryspets.com/diets/

Proper juvenile and adult captive long term solid diet chart (Henry's Diet): https://www.henryspets.com/healthy-diet-for-pet-squirrels/

There are many recipes for making "Boo Balls" for picky eaters who won't eat their block. Here is a good one: https://squirrelrefuge.org/booballrecipe.html One such diet listed on a so-called "squirrel nutrition" website uses chia seeds and alfalfa – do not use this recipe. Envigo Teklad 2014 (14%) Protein Rodent Block Diet  is the top recommended base diet for older squirrels over 2 years of age. Smaller bags than the 33 pounder can be bought from different suppliers like Neesom or Small Furry Pet Supply on Amazon or direct by calling 847-912-7692 . I personally use the Small Pet Store that benefits a rat rescue. The rat people are very helpful – phone 561-510-3728. https://smallpetstore.com/shop/ols/categories/1-rodent-food—adults

Henry's Adult Blocks – An important supplement to add extra calcium and nutrition. Can be used as a primary diet for one adult squirrel but a bit pricey for rehabbers doing multiples. We use it as a supplement to Teklad. Must be kept frozen – thaw 1-2 blocks at a time as needed and feed immediately as this product is persihable.

https://www.henryspets.com/diets/

METABOLIC BONE DISEASE

If your older squirrel exhibits symptoms of MBD and this includes loss of appetite, sleeping more, reluctance to climb or jump, nails getting caught in fabric, squirrel seems achy and doesn't want to be touched, paralysis, and finally seizures. If you see any of these symptoms and your squirrel has any risk factors for MBD go to our MBD page on the green link bar.

roccowhentry.blogspot.com

Source: https://squirrelforum.com/care-resources/

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