Monday, January 18, 2010

I found a baby squirrel in my yard today and need to know how to care for it, It's eyes are still closed...

I tried to save a baby jack rabbit found in my yard a few years ago whose eyes were still closed. I tried giving it a bottle with some formula purchased at the pet store, the bunny didn't eat enough.





I called several vets and all told me it was almost impossible and not to get too upset but the bunny would likely die without its mother. They suggested I tried to find a nursing cat or rabbit and perhaps see if she would include it in her litter. I could not find any.





Also, they all said the same thing: the biggest problem is that babies that small cannot go the the restroom by themselves because their mother's lick them to stimulate their going. I wanted my little rabbit to live but I wasn't going to go there...lol. I tried a warm soft cloth but it didn't work. Two days later my little find died.





Anyways...enough of my long story...I suggest calling the vet and see if it's the same with squirrels. Good luck.I found a baby squirrel in my yard today and need to know how to care for it, It's eyes are still closed...
Keep the baby squirrel warm. This is the most important thing you can do until you find a wildlife rehabilitator or decide what you are going to do. IN THE UNITED STATES, MOST STATES HAVE LAWS AGAINST POSSESSING NATIVE SQUIRRELS FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN TURNING OVER TO A PROFESSIONAL REHABBER. Keeping the baby warm means the baby needs an external source of heat. Use a hot water bottle or soda bottle filled with hot water. Wrap a towel around the bottle to prevent direct contact with baby squirrel. Lay baby on towel area, then lightly cover baby with piece of towel to prevent any drafts. You don't want to cook the baby, but give a source of heat he/she can cuddle up to. Ideal temperature is 98.5 degrees. There is a lot involved with taking care of a baby squirrel. You have to be able to feed a minimum of every 2 to 4 hours depending on the age. The baby needs the correct formula (no kitten, human baby formula or homemade concoctions or goats milk). Incorrect types of formula can lead to metabolic bone disease and problems with improper development. You need to stimulate the baby after every feeding or urine and stool backup will lead to bacterial build up in the gut and eventual death.I found a baby squirrel in my yard today and need to know how to care for it, It's eyes are still closed...
You need to get this baby to a wildlife rehabber in your area. It is free. Can call a vet who can refer you to one or they may take it. Also of note. Baby squirrels are often moved by the parent squirrels one at a time like cats move their young. So it may be fine mom just may be moving it. She will recognize its cries and it will hers. you could put in a box where you found it and hide and watch for a while to see if she comes to get it. Even if it fell she will come. If she does not the main thing you need to do is keep it warm. Or you can try to find nest and place back into it. She will not reject it thats a tale. I have done many times. But keep it warm and dry. Put it in a box with soft towels that are cotton that cant catch its little sharp nails. Put heating pad under box or tank. make sure it is very warm before you try to feed it. There are many websites that tell you what and when to fee. Pet stores sell the milk replacements. you will also need to stimulate it by rubbing its tummy and private areas with a tissue to get it to go potty. This is important. The best chance it has is a rehabber or a vet.It is probably about 1-2 weeks old. need formula every 2-3 hours for a total of 6-8 feedings a day. No need to feed at night unless baby is critical. Feed-Esbilac ppowder and 2 parts water. When eyes open offer richer formula by slowly transitionng to Multi-Milk powder and formula. To wean use rodent chow, monkey chow and natural diet. Can be released when eats on own and shows it can find food on its own. Should be not very comfy around humans and afraid of other animals except its own. Can get these foods at petstores with handfeeding bottles. But please try vet or rehabber. Good luck to you and thanks for trying.
Baby squirrels are pretty easy to raise. You can get formula at the feed store. It is a universal formula for kittens and puppies and other babies. If it gets diarrhea give it pedialite. They are so much fun to raise. I use an eye dropper until they get older then use a bottle.
Trust me, the mom will reclaim it. Just put it near a tree, put down something warm for it to snuggle in and the mom will come get it. It's happened a few times in my yard and the mother never abandoned her baby.
http://www.mary.cc/squirrels/foundababy.鈥?/a>


http://www.squirrels.org/raising.html


Those are sites about squirrls. You can keep him if youd like. Feed him a formula listed above. and Keep hoim warm....
The best thing you can do is contact a vet or a wildlife resources agent. There is probably little you can do for it given how young and fragile it is, but I would seek advice from someone who knows animals and wildlife.
Take it to Project Wildlife, they'll know what to do. They take in wild animals that are sick, injured, or can't take care of themselfs. Try googling it and find the closest location to where you live. Best of luck! :-)
Try contacting the local ASPCA about this.





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Call your local ASPCA:





http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer
Check out this website





/www.orphanedwildlifecare.com

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