© 2020 West Michigan Squirrel Rehab. Information on this site is intended as reference for licensed rehabbers.

Call (616) 215-0883 or Message Us On Facebook

All of the West Michigan Squirrel Rehab volunteers have several years of experience, are DNR permitted, and follow the IWRC (International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council) guidelines. Our goal is to get them strong enough to get them back into the wild.One last note: In many states it is against the law to care for wildlife without a DNR permit. Be sure to check your state laws.

We’re Here To Help

When you find a baby squirrel:Contact us right away by calling or sending a text message to 616-215-0883. You can also send us a message through Facebook Messenger (MISQUIRREL). DO NOT TRY TO GIVE IT ANY FOOD OR LIQUID unless instructed to do so. We cannot stress this enough; giving a baby squirrel fluid by a dropper or any other method without training is dangerous, as you can aspirate it (fill the lungs with fluid; thus drowning it). Don't put yourself through having a baby die in your hands.Warmth is essential, but do not place them in the sun, this will cause dehydration. Loosely wrap the baby in a hand towel, and follow the instructions below to make a heating sock.put 1 cup of dry rice in an old tube socktie the end to keep the rice inmicrowave for 90 seconds (should be hot, not so hot you can’t hold it)place under the towel you have the baby wrapped in

Found a baby squirrel? Please call us immediately to ensure the best chance of survival. Do not try to care for it yourself. Caring for baby squirrels is very difficult as they require as much attention as a newborn baby, special formulas, and they have to be fed with a syringe/nipple every 2 - 3 hours. 

600+

21-40

Sunflower Seeds *

Weight In Grams

Before FeedingMake sure the baby is warm to the touch. There are no exceptions to this. Feeding a baby squirrel before its warm can cause severe digestive issues that can result in death. Additionally, all fluids must be warm when given. Amount To FeedThe amount of food the baby should be given based on their weight. You must weigh the baby at least once a day to know the proper amount to feed. Use the chart above and do not overfeed, their stomachs can only hold minimal amounts of fluid when under five weeks old. How To Hold ThemAlways use a Miracle Nipple at the end of the syringe. It's imperative when a baby is under five weeks old, the nose and month must be pointed slightly downward to help prevent aspiration. If formula starts dripping out of the baby's mouth, you are trying to feed too fast.  If the baby is older than five weeks, and the eyes are open, let it stretch out and grab the nipple. At this age, they should be able to suckle without you pushing the plunger. Sneezing FormulaIf the baby starts sneezing formula, stop, wipe the nose with a paper towel, then start feeding again at a slower pace. If the baby continues to sneeze formula every feeding, contact us for additional tips. When Done FeedingIt's not unusual for them to get messy while feeding. When done, wipe the nose, mouth, and paws to clean up any excess formula.  Babies that are under five weeks old must be stimulated to go to the bathroom. Take a warm wet paper towel and gently wipe down the genital area to get them to go to the bathroom. Do not skip this step. You must get them to go to the bathroom. 

Hazel Nuts *

At least 2 feeding from 12 AM - 6AM

Mix & Serve

Walnuts

Night Feeding

Avocado

Under five weeks

8 -12 ml plus solids

Banana

Every 2 - 3 hours

Oasis Vita DropsTo help ensure the babies are getting a consistent source of vitamins. Add a few drop of Vita Drops to the water bottle or dish every time you refresh their water. These drops can be purchased at most pet stores or on Amazon. Bene-Bac PlusThis product is used to help maintain good digestion with pre and probiotics. Mix 1g in with the food once a week. In some cased it also be used to help flush the digestive system if you receive a baby that has been feed milk. Henry’s Healthy Blocks100% natural and fortified with all the essential nutrients your squirrel needs to stay healthy. The only natural pet food made especially for squirrels. Feed just two blocks a day, along with plenty of healthy vegetables, wild foods, and an occasional treat. One bag contains enough blocks to feed an average-sized squirrel for 1 month.

Depending on the number of babies you are feeding, you may need to double the recipe. Always keep the ratio the same. As babies start to eat more solids it’s not unusual for them to no longer want formula. If they push it away after week 8, don’t force them to eat it.

4 - 5 Weeks

Note

Must feed throughout night

1 Tablespoon

None

Maintaining Good Health

Oranges

41-60

81-120

12 - 20 ml plus solids

0 - 1 Weeks

Every 3 hours

20/50

Feeding Chart

2 Tablespoons

1x per day

Formula Mix

.50 ml

10 - 12 Weeks

Almonds *

3 - 4 Weeks

20/50 Baby Food

At least 2 feeding from 12 AM - 6AM

8 - 9 Weeks

32/40

Approximate Age

6 - 7 Weeks

Starter Foods

121-160

Warm Water

1 Teaspoon

3x per day

Arcons

Every3 - 4 hours

Feeding Schedule

At least 1 feeding from 12 AM - 6 AM

See Chart Below

Every 2 - 3 hours

9 - 10 Weeks

Fruits

Pears Slices *

None

Formula Mix

Rehabbers use special formulas intended for the specie they are taking care of. Feeding a baby squirrel cows milk or puppy/kitten formula for an extended period of time can result in extreme discomfort, malnutrition, metabolic-bone-disease (MBD), and even death. When using an incorrect formula, the baby can become very ill, or even die of starvation because it’s not getting the correct nutrition.  It’s important to know a squirrels nutritional requirements change as they grow older. Only zoological based formulas such as Fox Valley Nutrition and Zoologic take this into account. West Michigan Squirrel Rehab uses and recommends Fox Valley Nutrition. These formulas can not be purchased from any retail pet supply store. Links to the correct formulas are available in our shopping list section.  The only acceptable short-term alternative to a zoological formula is goat milk. This is can be purchased at most pet stores in a powdered form. It is often located by the dry puppy formula. Use the same mixing instructions below. If you purchase it in liquid form do not dilute it. Always serve warm. 

4 - 6 ml

Solids only

8 - 9 Weeks

Zucchini

161-240

3 - 5 Weeks

Broccoli

Peanuts

Blueberries

Cherreos *

Five weeks or older

Vegetables

Pecans *

241-600

2x per day

Add to the list above baby kale and raw sunflower seeds (from pet store)

2 - 3 Weeks

Cherries

Baby Food *

Nuts & Seeds

Carrots

Recommended Solid Foods

0 - 2 Weeks

Kale Leaves *

Add 1 Tsp of baby food. Introduce peacons and fresh corn on the cob. Add a water dish to the cage.

Pistachios

Once you start to transition to solid foods, make sure to have a good mixture of fresh fruits and vegetables. Never feed frozen or canned.  Feed fruits and vegetables in the morning, and nuts and sunflower seeds in the afternoon or evening. Squirrels will notoriously go for the nuts first, and ignore the fruits and vegetables if served at the same time. They can not survive on nuts alone. * Denotes foods with the greatest success. Like humans, not all squirrels like the same foods.

.75 to 1 ml

Corn on the Cob *

Grapes *

Apple Slices *

Mushrooms *

Henry’s Blocks

Sweet Potato

Strawberries

Every 5 hours

10-20

2 Teaspoons

Add more baby food to the formula. Also add in more fresh fruits, vegetables, and raw nuts in the shell.

Snap Peas *

3  - 4 ml

Wean off formula and feed solids

Tomato

Amount Per Feeding

2 - 3 ml

1 - 2 Weeks

How To Properly Feed

Stage 2 Baby Food

Nutrition Is Everything

61-80

Only feed solid foods and recommended snacks.

VetericnyVF (Amazon)

Open Top Bed

Hammock

Miracle Nipples and Syringes Miracle Nipples are a must as they have been designed to help prevent aspirating by mimicking the mother's teat. This allows the baby to suckle naturally. There are two sizes, be sure to purchase them both. The smaller size is for pinkies (under three weeks old) We highly recommend buying syringes in bulk. One syringe usually lasts three to five days. Once the print has warn off the syringe, it’s time to replace it.  When purchasing, make sure you select Luer Lock Tip. Miracle Nipples do not fit on Slip Tips.

Capstar 11.4 mg (Amazon or Pet Store)

Nesting Box (Outdoor House)

Low Dose Aspirin (Buy At Store)

Bar Mop Towels Use cotton towels as bedding for babies as they will help keep them warm and wick away urine. Place one towel under the babies and one over them. Make sure you are changing both towels every time you feed. We highly recommend using white towels, as this will allow you to see if they are properly urinating.

Original Miracle Nipple (10 Pack)

Dawn Dish Soap (Buy At Store)

10ml O-Ring Syringe (10 Pack)

Cave Bed

5ml O-Ring Syringe (10 Pack)

Cal/Mag/D (Amazon)

K&H Heating Pad (9 x 12 inch / 25 Watts)

Full Spectrum Lamp Once a baby reaches five weeks old, make sure they are getting at least one hour a day under a full spectrum lamp, or getting sunlight through a window without UV filtering. Just like humans, squirrels also need sunlight.

Full Spectrum Bulb  (UVA / UVB 13 Watt)

K&H Pet Safe Heating Pad This heating pad is a must-have and designed for animals. The pad is pressure sensitive and will adjust the temperature accordantly, preventing you from applying too much heat. Since it has a sealed plastic shell, cleanup is easy. Additionally, the power cord has a steel shielding making it chew resistant.

Frontline (Amazon or Pet Store)

Fox Valley 32/40 (4 weeks and under)

Recommended Caging As your baby squirrels grow their charging requirements will also. When they are under six weeks use a small pet carrier bag so they are always getting heat from the heating pad. After six weeks they no longer need the heating pad, and they will become more active. At this time move them to a small cage.Pet carrier bag for 1 - 5 weeks oldSmall animal pet cage for 6-8 weeks oldLarge cage for 9 weeks until release

Basic Treatment Supplies Miralax Mix-In PaxUsed to treat bloating and blockages. NeoporinUse on wounds, irritated skin, and to kill external parasites. VetericynVFTopical wound and infection spray. Helps wound heal faster.  Low Dose AspirinUsed to treat balder crystals and babies with head injuries to prevent clotting.  Cal/Mag/DUsed in treatment of metabolic bone disease (MBD). Capstar 11.4 mgUsed to treat babies that have been infected with maggots and/or larvae. Call us before administering. Amount is based on weight. Dawn Dish SoapA Dawn bath is the best, and safest way to kill fleas.  Frontline Flea and Tick Treatment (kittens)Place one drop on the back of the neck to protect against fleas and ticks. Should only be give to squirrels 8 weeks and above. One drop is good for 30 days. 

Large Cage

Fox Valley 20/50 (5 - 9 weeks)

Pet Carrier Bag

Essential Supplies

Nesting Box Once you move your babies to the large cage, place a nesting box at the bottom along with the bed they have been using.  When the babies are no longer using the bed, move the nesting box to the top of the cage. You must never reach into the box or clean it. It’s their safe area. When they are ready to be released, it will become their temporary outdoor home until they build a nest. 

Bar Mop Towels (24 Pack - Sam's Club)

Recommended Beds Pet beds are recommended to keep several babies grouped together for warmth. As they open their eyes, switch to a cave bed that allows them to hide. Additionally, when you move them to a small cage, also add a hammock for them to climb into. 1 - 5 weeks, use open top bed (buy three)5 - 8 weeks, use cave bed (buy three)6 through release, place hammock in cage

Electronic Scale The amount of food the baby needs is based on their weight. You should weigh them once a day to make sure you are not over or underfeeding the baby. Make sure the scale can measure in grams.

1ml O-Ring Syringe (10 Pack)

Miracle Nipple Mini (2 Pack)

Electronic Scale (supports grams)

Miralax Mix-In Pack (Buy At Store)

Small Fold Up Cage

Neoporin (Buy At Store)

Fox Valley Formulas Only use the formulas listed to the side. Feeding puppy/kitten formula can result in the baby becoming very ill. Note there are two different formulas based on their age. Make sure you have both in stock.

Small Pet Cage

Bar Mop Towels (12 Pack - Amazon)

At week six, move the babies to a small cage. Replace the open bed with a cave bed, so they have a place to hide when they sleep. At this age, they no longer need the heating pad, do not put it in the new cage. As they will be more active, you should put some small twigs in with them to play with and chew on. New additions are a hammock at the top of the cage and food and water bowls. 

Pet Carrier Bag: Weeks 0 - 5

Call (616) 215-0883 or Message Us On Facebook

During this stage of development, it’s essential to keep the babies in a small pet carrier bag with a small open-top bed so they stay grouped for warmth. Additionally, babies under five weeks can not maintain body heat on their own; this is why you must have a heating pad under them.  After every feeding, replace both the towel in the bed and cover towel. Also, replace the towel under the bed at least once a day. 

Release: Weeks 13 - 15

At week nine, their activity level will be high. They are going to want to climb and jump. Move the cave bed, hammock, twigs, and bowls over to the large cage. Add to the cage branches they can climb on, and introduce a water bottle. Once they start using it, remove the water bowl. Next, place a nesting box at the bottom of the cage. When they start using the nesting box, remove the cave bed and move it to the top of the cage. The nesting box will become their new home.  Give them items to put in the nesting box like ripped up paper towels, straw, and corn husks. The nesting box is their safe space. Never reach your hand inside, as you risk getting bit. They will bit the hand that feeds them if they think their home is in danger. It is normal for them to chew on the box and pee on it. Do not wipe it down or clean it in any way, they are marking it as their own.

Caging Requirements

Small Cage: Weeks 6 - 8

Before releasing, make sure the daytime temperature is maintaining 50º or higher and no lower than 40º at night for at least a week. Once warm enough, you can start the pre-release process by moving the cage outside by a tree, but do not open the door.  Moving them outdoors will be stressful as they are being introduced to new sounds, smells, and other wildlife.  After three days, open the door and let them freely come and go. Typically they will go out during the day and go back to the nesting box at night for about three days. On the fourth day, move the nesting box to a nearby tree, and place it as high up as you can get it.  Once you have done this, you can remove the cage.

Large Cage: Weeks 9 - Release

As your babies grow, their caging requirements will change. How a cage is setup is crucial to their development. Baby squirrels grow up quickly, within a few weeks they go from sleeping all the time to being very hyper. The best analogy is within ten weeks they go from an infant to a two-year-old and teenager combined in the same body.  Always keep in mind that squirrels are not pets, do not let them run around the house freely like you would with a cat or dog. They should remain in the cage when you are not around. This is not cruel; it’s for their safety. Give them loving when they are young and handle them less as they get older. By nine weeks, your only interaction should be feeding them. 

0.30ml

End of week 1

every 12 hrs.

Received a squirrel with a bloody nose.The squirrel has a possible head trauma. To help prevent clotting, dissolve 1/2 Low Dose Aspirin in 1 Tablespoon of warm water. Administer: .10ml if under five weeks .20ml if five to fifteen weeks .30ml for an adult Once you have given the fluid, make sure the squirrel is kept warm, covered, and in a darkened space for at least 4 hours. Baby was feed cows milk.Cows milk can be deadly to a baby squirrel. To help counteract immediately administer Miralax.  Recipe1/8 Teaspoon of Miralax Mix-In Pax1 Tablespoon of warm water1/2 Teaspoon of Bene-Bac PlusThe baby needs at least 2ml of this solution given ever 12 hours three times. Feed as usual in between. Once this process has been completed, mix 1/8 Teaspoon of Bene-Bac in the food for two days.   Penis is red and swelling up.As the babies get older, it is not uncommon for them to try and suckle on each other. When this happens, it indicates you need to feed more often. To treat the swelling, apply Neosporin.  Penis becomes big, and balloons like.The baby could have a blockage usually caused by a bladder crystal. This can be very dangerous if not treated right away. Begin by dousing a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide and cleaning the end of the penis. If the blockage is at the tip of the penis, the hydrogen peroxide should break up. It may take several minutes of cleaning the area to get results. If it does not break loose:Dissolve 1/2 Low Dose Aspirin in 1 Tablespoon of warm water Give 1ml of the solution. Wait 1 hour, then repeat the cleaning. If it still does not break loose, call us. To help prevent a relapse, give the same solution one a day for the next three days.

Above 200g

Paralysis Treatment

End of week 2

Administer Weeks 4 - 8

1.00ml

Weight

Buy Cal/Mag/D (Amazon)

The information below is intended for license rehabbers who have access to a veterinarian, and are authorized to administer medication. Please be advised this information is not back by a clinical study, nor are we guaranteeing it will work every time. We have had an over an 80% success rate with our formulation. This process is intended for the following types of injuries:The hip is pinching the spinal cordSpine has a fracture but is not completely brokenRear legs are dragging but touching the pads with a toothpick give some nerve response The procedure will not fix a broken spine. If you are unsure of the amount of damage, have your veterinarian take an X-Ray. If the formulation is working, you should see progress within one week, but it's different for each squirrel based on how bad the injury is.

Dosage

once a day

Case Study

“Little Girl” came to us with total paralysis in the rear legs and tail. Within one week, she was starting to use her back legs and was able to move her tail slightly. She was still wobbly but was able to walk. By the end of week two, she was able to start climbing with decent success. Within six weeks, she had regained most of her strength in her rear legs and had full movement of her tail.

Buy HempWorx 750 (HempWorx.com)

5ml Liquid Calcium / Magnesium / Vitamin D 15 drops of HempWorx 750mg Full Spectrum CBD oil1 Tablespoon of waterThis mixture should be kept refrigerated and is good for up to 30 days. For best results, we recommend getting a flavored CBD oil when possible.  Why these ingredients? What we have observed is the calcium is helping to stimulate repair of the bone and muscle. The magnesium appears to be helping to repair once pinched nerves. Vitamin D is to ensure full absorption of the calcium. CBD is used to control inflammation and pain. Unlike Metacam, it does not hurt the kidneys when used long term. We have also found CBD increases activity. It is unknown why it has a reverse effect compared to other animals. 

For best results, it’s recommended giving dosage 10-15 minutes before food. This treatment is not intended for babies under 20 grams.

20g - 100g

Paralysis Formulation

Administer Weeks 1 - 3

0.20ml

Treatment

Note: One possible side effect we have seen in some older squirrels is the desire to bite at their leg if feeling returns. If this happens work with your veterinarian to administer gabapentin.

every 12 hrs.

101g - 200g

Common Problems and Treatments

Baby is having a hard time breathing and making a clicking sound.This is an indication the baby is developing pneumonia and needs to go on antibiotics immediately. Consult with your wildlife veterinarian. This is very serious and needs to be attended to immediately. Body is becoming bloated. There are many things that can cause bloating. If not treated immediately, it can become deadly. Mixing 1/8 Teaspoon of Miralax Mix-In Pax1 Tablespoon of warm waterGive the baby 1ml of the solution. After the babies blockage releases, you will need to rehydrate them with Pedialyte. Feces is soft and white.This indicates you are overfeeding. Follow the feeding chart. Urine has turned to a reddish-brown color.Don’t panic; once you start feed nuts like pecans and walnuts, the color of the urine will turn a reddish-brown. If it turns dark red, the squirrel has internal bleeding.   Urine has a strong smell to it.This indicated the squirrel is dehydrated. Baby has a bad smell like vomit even after bathing it.  The most common reason for this is the baby has a urinary tract infection. It must be treated with antibiotics from a veterinarian. Squirrel has a loss of balance.This could be an indication the squirrel has metabolic-bone-disease (MBD). Call us immediately for advice. Squirrel runs in circles.This could be an indication of head trauma. Call us immediately for advice.