Baby Squirrel Feeding Secrets You Must Know!

Coming across a baby squirrel alone in the wild or even in your backyard can stir up a strong desire to help. These little creatures appear helpless, especially when they are very young. But feeding a baby squirrel is not like feeding a kitten or puppy. They have specific dietary needs and very delicate systems. Whether it’s fallen from a nest, separated from its mother, or appears orphaned, feeding it the right way can be the difference between survival and suffering. Before jumping into action, it's important to know the correct steps, food types, and feeding techniques to ensure that your effort helps rather than harms.
Before feeding a baby squirrel, the first thing you need to figure out is its age. This will guide everything else that follows. A newborn squirrel is pink, hairless, and has closed eyes. These newborns are extremely fragile and need to be warmed up before you even think about feeding them. A cool baby squirrel cannot digest any food and may become sicker if fed while still cold. Warming should be done slowly using a towel and a safe heat source like a heating pad placed under half of its bedding. Never put the squirrel directly on a heat pad or under intense light as it can cause burns or overheating.
As the squirrel gets older, its body changes. A two-week-old baby squirrel may have a light layer of fur, but its eyes are still closed. By the third or fourth week, you will notice its fur getting thicker and its eyes starting to open. Once the eyes are fully open, the baby is about five weeks old. This stage is very important because the squirrel will begin moving around more and start exploring its environment.
Knowing the age helps determine what and how often the squirrel should eat. A very young squirrel will not be able to digest anything other than a special formula. It is crucial to avoid feeding cow’s milk, almond milk, or any kind of milk you might find in a regular kitchen. These can lead to diarrhea, dehydration, or even death in such a tiny animal. If the baby squirrel also appears to be sick, wounded, or very weak, contacting a wildlife rehabilitator should be your first step. Some cases require expert medical care rather than at-home feeding.
When a baby squirrel is found outside, there is a high chance it may be dehydrated. Rehydration is one of the most important things to take care of before any type of feeding. Even if the squirrel looks hungry or is making noise, you should never start with milk or formula right away. Giving food to a dehydrated animal can cause serious digestive issues and may even result in death.
The best way to check for dehydration is by gently pinching the skin at the back of the neck. If the skin takes more than a second to go back to normal, the baby squirrel is likely dehydrated. In this case, the first thing you should do is give it a basic homemade rehydration solution. This can be made by mixing one cup of warm water with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of sugar. Use a clean dropper or syringe to slowly give the liquid, drop by drop. Make sure the baby is warm while you’re doing this because cold baby squirrels cannot properly digest any liquid.
Offer the solution every two hours for up to twelve hours. Keep the squirrel in a quiet and warm place, away from noise or human activity. The goal is to stabilize it before you introduce formula. During this stage, avoid using store-bought electrolyte drinks as they are not suitable for squirrels. Stick to the homemade mix unless advised otherwise by a professional.
Once the squirrel is warm, alert, and rehydrated, it’s time to introduce a proper formula. Not all formulas are the same, and not all are suitable for squirrels. Cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and human baby formula can cause bloating, upset stomach, or worse. The safest option is a milk replacement product designed for puppies or squirrels, which can be found at pet supply stores or online.
Prepare the formula fresh for each feeding and warm it to room temperature. Use a syringe without a needle or a small animal feeding bottle. Never squirt the liquid into the mouth quickly, as it can cause the baby to choke or get formula into the lungs. Hold the squirrel in an upright position and allow it to suck the formula at its own pace.
A baby squirrel that is a few days old may need to be fed every two to three hours, including during the night. As it grows older, the time between feedings will increase. By the time the squirrel is about six weeks old, you can feed it four times a day. Watch its belly after each meal. It should feel round but not tight or bloated. This is a good sign that it has eaten enough.
After feeding, always wipe the baby’s mouth and clean its fur with a soft damp cloth. Hygiene is important to avoid infections. You should also stimulate the squirrel to urinate and poop if it’s under five weeks old. This can be done by gently rubbing a warm, wet cotton ball near the genital area. This process mimics what the mother squirrel would naturally do to help her babies eliminate waste.
By the time the squirrel is around six to seven weeks old, you will notice it starting to chew on things. This is your signal that it is time to slowly introduce solid food. Begin with soft, easy-to-chew items like small slices of apple, grapes, soft bananas, or even raw green beans. Sweet potatoes cut into thin sticks are also a good choice. Avoid any salty, spicy, or sugary food. Also, stay away from fruits with high acid content like oranges.
Place the food in a shallow dish near where the squirrel sleeps or rests. Let it explore at its own pace. Do not force solid food. Alongside the solids, continue feeding formula until the squirrel is at least ten weeks old. Gradually decrease the amount of formula as the squirrel begins eating more solids on its own.
Clean drinking water should be made available all the time in a shallow, tip-proof dish. Nuts in their shells can be introduced when the squirrel is about eight to nine weeks old. Choose healthy options like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Do not feed peanuts, especially raw or salted ones, as they can cause health issues.
As the squirrel becomes more active and adventurous, this is the right time to begin preparing it for life outside if you plan to release it. Make sure it can climb, jump, and react quickly to sounds. Keep interactions gentle and reduce human contact during the last few weeks before release so it doesn’t become too attached or dependent on people.

Raising and feeding a baby squirrel is a serious commitment and not just a cute experience. These tiny animals require close attention, proper nutrition, and a careful routine to grow up healthy. Every stage of their development brings new challenges, from hydration and formula feeding to the introduction of solid food and eventual independence. Whether you plan to raise the squirrel or release it back into the wild, giving it the right start through thoughtful feeding and care can make all the difference. If you're ever unsure, don't hesitate to seek help from a wildlife rehabilitator. Helping a baby squirrel grow strong is not just an act of kindness, it's a journey filled with learning, patience, and love.

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1. What if the baby squirrel has closed eyes and no fur?It’s a newborn and needs extra warmth and gentle handling.
2. What’s the biggest mistake people make when feeding baby squirrels?Feeding them the wrong milk or too much too quickly.
3. Do I need to help a baby squirrel pee or poop?Yes, under 5 weeks, stimulate it after feeding using a warm cotton ball.