What Do Baby Squirrels Eat?

November 23, 2023 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

What do baby squirrels eat? This is a question that many people ask, especially when they see a baby squirrel for the first time. Baby squirrels are very cute and it is natural to want to know more about them.

The answer to this question is not as simple as you might think.

As you may know, baby squirrels are born without fur and are unable to see. Their eyes open after about three weeks. For the first few weeks of their lives, baby squirrels are totally dependent on their mothers for food.

After they begin to explore outside the nest, they start to eat solid food. So, what do baby squirrels eat? In the wild, baby squirrels typically eat a diet of insects, nuts, and seeds.

However, if you have a pet squirrel, you’ll need to provide them with a more diverse diet. A good diet for a pet squirrel should include fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a variety of nuts and seeds. You can also give them commercially prepared Squirrel Food pellets – just be sure to avoid any foods that are high in sugar or salt.

What Do Baby Squirrels Eat And Drink?

If you’re like most people, you probably think of squirrels as little rodents that are always running around and raiding bird feeders. But did you know that there are different types of squirrels? One type is the baby squirrel.

What do baby squirrels eat and drink? Baby squirrels are born blind and deaf, so they rely on their mother for food and water. For the first few weeks of their life, they will only consume milk from their mother’s breasts.

After a few weeks, they will start to eat solid food but will continue to drink milk until they are weaned at around 12 weeks old. So what do baby squirrels eat once they start eating solid food? Their diet consists mostly of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

They will also eat insects, eggs, and small animals if they can catch them. As for water, baby squirrels will drink from puddles or raindrops. They will also lick dew off of leaves or flowers.

Now that you know what baby squirrels eat and drink, you can appreciate them a little more the next time you see one!

Credit: www.whatdosquirrelseat.org

What Do You Feed Baby Squirrels?

Assuming you mean orphaned baby squirrels: You can feed them puppy formula milk replacer. You can find this at most pet stores.

It is important that you do not use cow’s milk as it does not have the right amount of fat for them and can cause health problems.

What Does a 5 Week Old Squirrel Eat?

Assuming you are asking about a baby squirrel that has recently been orphaned or separated from its mother, the following information applies. If you are referring to a pet squirrel, please consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. A five-week old squirrel will need to eat every two to three hours and should be offered food on a small plate or in a shallow bowl.

The ideal diet for a baby squirrel is approximately 60% meat (poultry or mammal), 30% fruits and vegetables, and 10% nuts and seeds. This can be accomplished by offering canned kitten food (kibble can also be used but should be soaked first), chopped fruits and vegetables, unsalted nuts and seeds, dried fruit, hard boiled eggs, cooked chicken or turkey without bones, cottage cheese, and plain yogurt. Feeding times should be spread throughout the day so that the baby has several opportunities to eat; free access to food should not be provided as this can lead to overeating and obesity.

Water is also essential for baby squirrels; they will need fresh water available at all times. A water bottle with a sipper tube attached to the side of the cage works well for providing water while preventing contamination.

How Do You Take Care of an Abandoned Baby Squirrel?

If you find an abandoned baby squirrel, the best thing to do is to take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center. If you can’t do that, there are some things you can do to care for it until you can get it to a rehabber. The first thing you need to do is make sure the squirrel is really orphaned and not just temporarily separated from its mother.

If the squirrel is warm and has no visible injuries, it’s probably okay and just needs to be reunited with its mom. The best way to do that is to put the squirrel in a small box or crate with ventilation holes and place it up high in a tree – out of reach of predators like cats and dogs. The mother will usually come looking for her baby within 12 hours.

If the squirrel is cold or injured, however, it will need more intensive care. First, warm up the squirrel gradually by placing it in a covered container on top of a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel (make sure the water isn’t too hot!). Once the squirrel is warmed up, give it some sugar water or Pedialyte (diluted with an equal amount of water) through an eyedropper or syringe – this will help prevent dehydration.

You can also offer small bits of chopped fruit or vegetables as well as crushed insects like crickets (a good source of protein). Don’t try to feed an orphaned baby cow’s milk – it will make them very sick! Once you have got the orphaned baby squared away, your next step should be finding a wildlife rehabilitation center that can take over its care.

Baby animals require specialized diets and care that most people are not equipped to provide, so getting professional help is vital for their survival. In many cases, Wildlife Rehabilitators will even come and pick up the animal from your home so that you don’t have to transport it yourself – just be sure to call ahead first!

What Should You Not Feed a Baby Squirrel?

There are a few things you should not feed a baby squirrel, as their diet is different than that of an adult squirrel. Baby squirrels should not have any nuts or seeds, as they are difficult for them to digest. You also want to avoid giving them any kind of meat, as it can be hard for them to digest and could make them sick.

The best thing to feed a baby squirrel is a special diet designed specifically for them which you can get from your local pet store.

How to Take Care of a Baby Squirrel? – Everything You Need to Know

Conclusion

As most baby animals, squirrels are born unable to feed themselves and must rely on their mother’s milk for sustenance. Once they are old enough to begin eating solid food, their diet consists mainly of nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. While this may not seem like much variety, it is actually everything a growing squirrel needs to stay healthy and strong!