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How to Know When to Wean a Wild Squirrel

Squirrels are found nearly everywhere in the world. There are more than 365 species in seven families, but the most familiar are tree squirrels. Tree squirrels use two types of natural dens to shelter and give birth: tree hollows and leaf-nests. It's not uncommon for young squirrels to fall from nests during high winds or because of aggressive adult males. Caring for a baby squirrel is not easy. It will develop poorly or die if it is not fed properly.

Things You'll Need

Pet formula
Small pet nurser
Natural foods such as fruits, nuts, seeds, plant buds
Pet water bottle

Instructions

- 1
  Examine the squirrel to estimate its age. Baby squirrels develop slowly. They are born hairless and with closed eyes and ears. Fur growth begins around the nose and mouth and spreads back over the shoulders and back, with the leg fur coming last. Around 24 to 28 days they are well furred except for their tails, and their eyes open. Their ears open at around 35 to 42 days. They don't achieve full independence until they are 10 to 12 weeks old, and they can be released at 12 to 14 weeks of age.
- 2
  
  Offer fresh fruit, unsalted nuts, berries, seeds, green vegetables, and leaf buds.
  
  Scatter small amounts of natural foods in the squirrel's cage when its eyes open. These foods should be those a squirrel might find when foraging in the wild. Continue formula feeding of 9 to 12 milliliters per feeding every four to five hours during the day, as the squirrel becomes acquainted with the new foods.
- 3
  Reduce formula feedings gradually as the squirrel begins eating solids and foraging. Reduce from four to three feedings per day, then wait four days before reducing to two feedings per day. Wait four days again before dropping to one feeding.
  
  This weaning process usually begins when the squirrel is 6 to 7 weeks old. At this age its lower teeth will have come in with upper front teeth emerging, and it begins curling its tail over its back.
- 4
  Stop formula feeding once the squirrel is eating and drinking on its own.

Animals & Science