Raising Baby Squirrels

Our family took in a couple of orphaned squirrel babies this fall. Here's how we cared for them until they were old enough to release. For detailed instructions, formula recipe, feeding charts, and resource links, follow this link: www.flandersfamily.info/web/ma...

[@zegoncalves1363]

They truly are amazing. I know because I rescued one in front of my house and and nursed back to health. One thing I can say about them they are persistent and don't give up on what they put their mind to. I also the outdoor ones I tap on the sliding door and they come to the deck for food. One of them eats out of my hand and comes in the house but goes back out. They bring such Joy. Every morning I also feed the birds even pigeons.

[@kaylynn3583]

Hi I just found a baby squirrel what should I feed him he has his eyes open, and he can run but he still follows people around. What should I start feeding him? Sorry the nearest Squirrel or place is 1hr 30 minutes away

[@prakashmorye]

You are going to heaven for sure

[@cheljasnlily]

We don't have Squirrels in Australia, how nice that you all raised them and gave them such a kinda start to life, I truly appreciate your kindness. x

[@tanapeoples3387]

=

[@breadcrumbs1750]

That sucks that you don't have them seeing the little guys everywhere literally everywhere 24/7 is the sweetest thing

[@Robin-xt7yo]

OMG so cute and you all took such loving care of them! Thank you.

[@Robin-xt7yo]

And I love how the whole family, kids and all, got involved. Young people who learn to have empathy for animals are better adults I truly believe.

[@TheDarkDresser]

@@Robin-xt7yo So true.

[@lisalightning210]

Adorable! I have been raising two baby squirrels for almost 8 weeks....Jake and Daisy. Thanks for sharing that.

[@Pewtooyou]

They are absolutely adorable and you raised them well.... I have a pet Gray Squirrel that's named Geoff. He is just about a year old now and he found us when he was around 4 weeks old. He is a runt whereas he is nowhere near as big as a full grown one and they are full grown between 9 and 12 months. He has a partially paralyzed front left paw. So needless to say, Geoff will be with us living inside for the duration. He knows nothing of the outside so absolutely loves it in the house and he gets along great with our 2 cats and 2 dogs. Everyone that comes over falls in love with Geoff - What's not too love... :) You can see him here on my channel. I definitely need to upload some more recent video of him.

[@Mzmissy215]

I wish I would have come across this vid 6 yrs ago when I rescued a little squirrel from a cat. He wouldn't leave me after that so I took him home w me and fed him veggie and fruit baby food and he loved it. He already had all his fur but was still just a little guy. A week later we brought him back to my fams house where I found him in the 1st place and his 2 brothers were running around the yard and when they saw him w us they came over to play too lol. None of them had any fear of us and climbed all over everyone. I took those 2 home w/ us as well and tried taking care of them the same as we did the 1st 1 since he'd been doing very well. I put them to bed in a box outside that I put my jacket into so they could snuggle in. The next day the original 1 we had was still doing great but the 2 brothers had gotten sick somehow and seemed to have trouble breathing 😢 I didn't know what to do for them so just tried keeping them warm and comfy hoping they'd recover but they unfortunately didn't. I'm wondering if maybe we unknowingly fed them too much too fast and it went down the wrong pipe and got them sick. Still to this day I feel awful about those 2 not making it, but also glad that the original 1 grew up and was doing just fine living on his own outside last we saw him. This vid would have likely helped us so we'd have known what to do and not do and the other 2 babies would have made it. Hoping to have the opportunity again someday

[@denisemontgomery5600]

What a lovely family! Thank you so much for saving their lives and rescuing these Angels. So cute!!!!❤️❤️🐿🐿🐿💤💤

[@simontemplar3359]

There is something in these kind acts to even the most seemingly insignificant creatures that is so wonderful. It's just amazing to me to see such compassion and caring in this world. To treat the creation with kindness and respect is to reverence the Creator. Well done!

[@jacksplace]

I cut down a apple tree earlier today and when I got home I find this baby chipmunk in a piece of the wood well after reading all the comment 's I phoned up a animal recue society here in Calgary Im feeling like that will be his best chance in life

[@debbyr5707]

Good for you, that was a very thoughtful thing to do

[@auriatedauri8806]

Awwww poor little guy/girl. Did you first look around for mama Chipmunk? I am sad that you cut down the Apple tree. But, being that I don't know why I'm sure you had a reason. 🤔

[@louisasmiles]

of all the info out there...this was the most informative x

[@JenniferFlanders]

Thanks, Louisa. Happy to help!

[@dottipoggi6248]

That's a lot of work...bless you. I just had a young squirrel run up to me with one of my cats pouncing on it like a toy. It came up sat down in front of me and let me pick it up...it is settled in a chicken coupe and your video will help me see how small it really is...thanks. curled up it fits in my hands like a tennis ball.

[@stormy-5432]

Just found a wounded 10'week old squirrel. Taking him to the vet than the rehabilitation centre. I'll be sad to see him go but happy that he's back in the wild!

[@patrickcoulange4140]

Squirrels look so cute

[@almarebelde9483]

I had one as a pet. His name was Eto lol... cutest thing ever, played like a cat but boy was he messy... I'd take him out for walks and would let him climb things in hopes that he would want to live free.. and he did.. awesome experience.

[@dubtownman9508]

Awesome Flanders family

[@impulse034]

thank you for looking after these poor little animals

[@JenniferFlanders]

I'm so glad you thought to include those links, WAPTek. The squirreltales site is exactly the one we used to learn how to care for our babies. It had very timely, thorough, and helpful information. We're now enjoying second generation squirrels in the backyard. Although neither they nor their mama will let us touch them, they still come daily to eat the nuts and seeds we put out for them.

[@jacksonmoon9835]

Yesterday me and my friend found a Baby squirrel. it was being attacked by cats but we got it away without a scratch. I'm in need of advice on how to care for him. And we've tried 8 animal rescue places or shelters. no one will take him. Can you please give me any tips and its about 4-5 weeks old

[@rosalindapena3977]

Jennifer Flanders what kind of squirrel are they and what milk do you feed them ?

[@JenniferFlanders]

Hi, Rosalinda. They were just common grey squirrels and we fed them puppy formula mixed with heavy cream.

[@mikehelton8984]

Jennifer Flanders hello

[@Abazagul]

Aww so cute... thanks for being so gentle and caring with them.

[@kathycarlin1541]

they are so cute and I love squirrels

[@misbahailia3345]

Cutness overload. Lovely little things. 🥰

[@zozepp8993]

I Googled how to raise baby squirrels and it brought me here I just acquired two looks like it's going to be fun but a handful

[@rogertycholiz2218]

Thanks Jennifer - nice to see you aiding our little furry friends.

[@georgegilles9008]

I remembered the first time I started feeding these critters; I thought that was the end of it. Now it seems that I've made permanent friends.

[@melissanunez9201]

Ok any ways they are so cute and I hope you find some more to rescue and keep doing your job have a good day

[@monicafarrington7798]

What a delightful video and a wonderful family who love animals. Kindness and love win.

[@samanthapolhill7806]

Cute squirrels 🐿♥️

[@samosa60]

man this is awesome Raising the squirrels It's like raising ur babe They deserve to be love so much and alott of care :)

[@SirRobRN]

What a beautiful,and great caring video.I also love squirrels very much,and also think,they are very cute,adorable,and intelligent animals,who also deserve to exist,and be allowed to live peacefully with the rest of humanity,and not used as target practice,as some hateful,evil,and retarded people enjoy doing.They should never be mistreated,killed, neglected,or abused,like many times,I've seen it happen.Because the squirrels also play an important role in our environment,nature,and should always be treated with caring respect.Kudos to the Flanders family for doing an excellent job in caring,loving,and also giving these squirrels, a caring home to live in.I hope this video continues to inspire other people,to treat all their animals,in the best caring way possible.Well done,and please continue to share more great videos like this one.

[@rbsmith3365]

What a wonderful show!

[@frankster1969]

Great video, thanks for posting. We found a baby yesterday, estimating him to be around 5 weeks old. He is eating well, although we had to mix pedialyte and puppy formula to get him started...

[@luiggimondoli]

These critters are very friendly when they are babies, I had one too.

[@pelagic6]

Thanks for sharing, I really enjoyed it!

[@kellybourque5391]

Love your video! Thankyou for your kindness God Bless you

[@Mister_H.]

It is a little known fact that squirrels are officially fucking awesome...true story 👍🏻

[@harveydecker6381]

Simply amazing and informative and heartwarming. Thanks

[@muskratskull]

Your squirrels are so calm, mine is very hyper, always moving, but he is still young yet. Im transitioning him to my 6 acre property. I take him outside almost everyday and he runs into the trees. We have lots of predators and squirrel bots. I feel bad for his chances but feel he needs to be free and maybe meet Mrs. Squirrel. I was trying to figure out how to bathe him. He hates water, except to drink. Hes sweet but just really hyper.

[@craigrand4273]

You guys are awesome thank you

[@jerryfazio8957]

AWESOME FAMILY AND CUTE ANIMALS

[@lizbethsantiago8616]

Aww so cute❤

[@zep4426]

Mine goes out in the Spring. Freedom! Yay!

[@victoriouspauper8495]

REALLY GREAT FAMILY BRINGING CARE TO GOD'S LITTLE CREATURES THAT NEEDED A HELPING HAND :)

[@aishwaryanair6177]

guys thankyou for this vedio...it'll help me a lot to raise my squirrel...

[@danielkomorowski7966]

I miss my Rocky girl

[@donnahilton471]

I love 💘 squirrels!

[@ritheshparappuarm]

Super... Iam indian... Kerala ❤🌹🌹🌹

[@Jordan-SJ3]

Loved the vid but just a surgesstion, slow down the subtitles a little bit.

[@sumathiabala80]

nice family

[@nikkisBFIAFL]

I have a squirrel named poptart and he is silly his mom and foster mom were ate by a hawk

[@kevinmichael3968]

Does he ever try to leave you? Like for outside or for a mate?

[@wowthatsrandom5676]

I have a little baby squirrel. probably about 7 weeks old. Her name is scrat

[@divypatel1029]

any other option if i havenot esbaliac puppy formula

[@mchan9424]

hi....i am having two baby squirrels...do they drink milk...there eyes were opened and playing...

[@supersonic12r]

I kept mine, he is almost 6 years old. They can live 20 years in captivity. In Florida I had to get a license.

[@JenniferFlanders]

That's cool, John. I think I read somewhere that life expectancy for squirrels in the wild is only 2-3 years. :-(

[@supersonic12r]

Yep and about 80 percent attrition the first year :(

[@anirudhamahale8715]

So beautiful video.......

[@AllThingsAnimalsofYT]

I have 2 babies around 4 to 5 weeks. Unsure of weight. Eyes open fully furred and top teeth just started showing. How much do I need to feed and how often? Everything online says something different. They are eating around 3cc every 3 to 4 hours now. One is a lot smaller as he was injured from the fall so have to force feed him bit he is getting better. I just want to make sure I am feeding enough. Thank you

[@samara5260]

When did they start eating solids ?

[@Rahul-jd6su]

how you make this video frame by frame

[@divypatel1029]

what type of milk buy for his

[@janalogsdon]

I raised a baby squirrel he was so much fun. They have to eat every 2 hours and my vet told me to feed him cats milk. You can buy it at Walmart in a can.

[@sorkiDroz]

is there a way u can help menraise one?? i found obe trying to get them to there mome thars near but theres a lot of noise..im giving puppybformula

[@divanorafatale2212]

The best milk replacer formula for baby squirrels is by Fox Valley Nutrition. This is what the wildlife rehabilitators use. The recommended food for squirrels that have been weened are squirrel blocks, as they are designed to be nutritiously complete for squirrels.

[@lruiz326]

Flanders, I have at least two babies (~7weeks) in a nesting box. Haven’t seen momma in 3 days. I’m climbing a ladder to give them puréed apples. Don’t know what to do. Noticed big black crows circling the tree when one popped out to eat! Should I bring them in???

[@cq3357]

Will they chew on your furniture? How do you solve that?

[@daremegirlgirl4626]

My brother found a baby squirrel on my porch this morning and it was just born yesterday

[@JenniferFlanders]

Wow. I've never seen one that young! Is the mama still around to take care of it?

[@NatureNvibes]

So cute love this! 🐿️🐿️🐿️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️✌️✌️✌️🌍

[@lannielafar957]

I found a baby one today fell out of a tree in the cold hardly breathing so I'm keeping it there's to there names are bitbit and Dolly.

[@auriatedauri8806]

Dear Flanders Family, I love how you did the Video recording and Editing. How did you learn this? My only ask on top of the question is can you leave the written narrating up longer? Even though i speed read that was reading in a dash.

[@dogsareawomansbestfriend]

At what age do baby squirrels start eating solid food? Did you ever trim their nails?

[@elizabettodorova6385]

Haha i Loved 😭😍

[@JuLayLeeBee]

Awwwwww

[@davidtindell950]

Very Well Done Video -- Appreciating Life One Moment at a Time . . .

[@coconutz999]

There's a website you can look up, it sells Fox Squirrel formula. it was cheap and great for my bud when he was little.

[@estherwills4434]

How to control my squirrel hair fall pls help me

[@MygametipsGamingChannel]

I m having a squirrel and i found it in my backyard if was fallen down from a tree but its eyes where open so i took it and gave some nuts but it was not eating i asked tips from my neighbour hood grandma she told to give milk and what is the instruments u were using to free the both squirrels plz tell me i want to give it milk till now i am feeding it with a ink filler.

[@JenniferFlanders]

Using a clean ink filling syringe is just fine, but would recommend you use puppy formula rather than cow's milk. The latter will be hard for a squirrel to digest, and he will not do well with it. If his eyes are open, you might also offer raw fruit (apple, grapes, etc) or veggies (carrots, sugar snap peas) in addition to nuts. If he seems dehydrated, try Pedialyte.

[@ashfaqhussain8135]

Mashaa Allah vary nice

[@adnantariq3346]

How awesome is this family 🤗

[@barbarachipley357]

little piglets. squirrel moms are very good at their job.

[@michaelrise3302]

I rescued a baby squirrel a couple of days ago I've been feeding it trail mix that has a almonds raisins he has stuff like that but he's not really taking the water and how do I get him to drink

[@JenniferFlanders]

If he's very young, I'd recommend giving him formula rather than water and using a 3cc syringe to feed him. If his eyes are open and he seems to be doing fine with the trail mix, try giving him some grapes or celery or other fruits and veggies that have a high water content to munch on. That will help keep him hydrated if he doesn't feel like drinking.

[@Populous3Tutorials]

i have some in the woods near my house, but i cant attract them :/ whats the best way? i just wanted to feed them abit and try to take some pictures

[@Intuittogo]

You can always put up a forest camera sold on the internet and some stores

[@TheFlytowers]

Peanuts or walnuts will attract them also acorns of theres already trees near you try bringin some of the nits near house when squirrels are out to lure them in

[@sabrynarodriguez1959]

I found a baby squirrel a few days ago and he looks to be around 5 weeks old and I've been doing research because I can hear a clicking sound and it said it could be pneumonia.. does anyone know where I could get him antibiotics

[@JenniferFlanders]

You may need to see a vet for that.

[@toreshammerecelt861]

What love. 🙂

[@genmellott4085]

I have a pet baby squirrel, 4 weeks, but he is lost in the house and I can't find him.

[@JenniferFlanders]

Uh-oh! Hope he shows up soon!! In the meantime, be careful where you step and don't slam any doors. :-)

[@caninefriends11]

Wow 👍👍you're good gob👏👏👍

[@jorgelopezvn]

Hi there Jennifer, I just found what looks like a 4-5 week old baby squirrel near my front door. She was actually clinging to the garage door when we found her. I have no experience with squirrels and I am very concerned for her well-being. I have reached out to rehabilitators in my area but being in NYC I am not sure how quickly I will hear back from them. My main concerns are 1. She seems to be very exhausted 2. I can easily see that she has critters on her (fleas maybe?) 3. I have nothing to feed her for the night. I know it is a long shot but I thought I would reach out to you in the case you see this tonight and can give me some advice. Thank you so much and what a nice video you shared with us! Thank you! - J

[@reedmyrights5799]

We found 3 with eyes open. What should I feed them and how to keep them hydrated when they start to eat solids??

[@JenniferFlanders]

If I'm remembering correctly, ours started eating solids pretty soon after their eyes were open, though they continued drinking puppy formula for several more weeks, as well. They were especially fond of grapes and sugar snap peas. Maybe try some of those with your squirrels?

[@Camaro4059617982]

Those babies are fox squirrels right? What is state ? Some states don't allow have squirrels at home 😢

[@rajgill7576]

Is that the "im a big kid now" song in that back haha

[@victoriametzler8186]

Jennifer, I have one that is 6 weeks old. When do I need to move him to a larger cage? He's currently in a pet taxi.

[@JenniferFlanders]

If it is a very large pet taxi, it will probably be fine for keeping him safe until he is ready to release, but I'd start taking him outside soon and getting him acclimated to being outdoors. If for some reason you will not be able to release him, I'd get as big a cage as possible so he'll have more room to run around and lead as active a life as possible in captivity. But ideally, he would be able to fend for himself in the wild and would no longer need to be cooped up once he's able to care for himself.

[@marcodeponti9795]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@dwolf024]

Does a 8 weeks old squirrel still needs to drink milk?

[@JenniferFlanders]

I'm pretty sure ours were still drinking milk at 8 weeks. I think they finally weaned closer to twelve, just a little before they were ready to be released.

[@erikspriede1905]

When you added nuts and veggies?

[@JenniferFlanders]

A couple of weeks after they opened their eyes.

[@charlespryce7067]

What kind of cream do you put in your milk

[@ifoundasquirrelwildliferescue]

If already clicking then has pneumonia and requires antibiotics Should be feeding fox valley day one 2050 formula to squirrels over four weeks old as ideal for most… And a homemade formula or zoologic for under 4 weeks… some use fox valley 3240 but many have experienced stomach issues so like me do not recommend it Esbalic is a temporary solution and has 34% crude protein (1 and 1/2 times the 20% squirrels need) and are much too low in fat for a healthy squirrel whom is safeguarded against MBD as they grow and then go through puberty and breeding over their first year of life… Please don’t feed squirrels puppy milk long term: you release them and then they develop terrible health problems months later from the poor diet Captive squirrels require a specific diet to be healthy in the long term Order fox valley day one 2050 for squirrels over four weeks old and mix in a 2 parts water to one part formula solution that you allow to rest for at least 4 hours before feeding and discard 24 hours after making Only reheat portion you need for single feeding and discard any formula that has been heated even if it’s unused Store formula in refrigerator for 24 hours or freeze and thaw as need if prefer large batches (usually ice cube trays best for portioning) Miracle nipple with a 1 or 3 mL o ring syringe is the only widespread acceptable feeding method but baby must be fully hydrated (usually 24 hours via pedialyte) and warm in order to be fed… the only acceptable feeding positions are upright or with squirrels on tummy and holding miracle nipple paw areas if old enough Without experience the baby will be aspirated and die of pneumonia so get training from a wildlife vet or rehabber before ever considering feeding a baby squirrel… your help is fatal no matter how good intentioned it is if you don’t put in the effort to get the help to do it right… While waiting on fox valley make homemade formula 6 tbs goat milk (fresh fully rehydrated) 6 tbs plain flavored Greek probiotic yogurt (full fat) 4tbs heavy cream, 1 egg yolk Formula need to set up for 48 hours before using and be discarded daily if not frozen in individual or daily portions Begin be getting 0.5, 1.0 and 3.0 cc or mL syringe (ideally oring) From any local pharmacy generally they will get them out if you explain what they’re doing… start with only getting Pedialyte plain flavored for the first 24 hours drop by drop until you get used to feeding… If it comes out of your nose you are aspirating them and they will get pneumonia… if That happens to you then you’ll need to seek out antibiotics from vet or rehabber and someone to help teach you feeding techniques All food yet formula or Pedialyte should be warm to between 101 and 110° before trying to feed and you can only be warm baby Baby should be kept in a plastic container with fleece and a heating pad set to low under half of a tub with air holes

[@cindybergin1115]

For people searching for information on what to do once you've found an orphaned baby squirrel: Pick up orphaned squirrels and put them in a warm place. Put them in a box with a towel in it . Place a towel on top of a heating pad which is set to LOW. Put the box on top of the towel which covers the heating pad. Find a wildlife rehabilitator and take them there. Squirrels cannot survive on cows' milk as they have different nutritional requirements. They need formula specifically for squirrels until 9 weeks of age to avoid metabolic bone disease which will permanently disfigure them and will cause seizures/death. If no wildlife centers are close to you, carefully follow directions on: www.orphanedwildlifecare.com/squirrelcare.htm#13 Hairless Infant squirrels must be very slowly fed every 2 hours. Be prepared to slowly feed infant squirrels with fur at least 5x/day (every 3 hours during daylight) until they are almost an adult size. You will need insulin syringes and very tiny nursing nipples. www.orphanedwildlifecare.com/squirrelcare.htm#13 This site sells formula, syringes, and nipples. The owner ships quickly and internationally. www.foxvalleynutrition.com/product-lines/feeding-supplies/miraclenipples/ Other appropriate nipples: www.squirrelsandmore.com/rehab-supplies/nipples-and-feeding-bottles/catac-nipples.html (ST1 for infants below 4 weeks of age) I do not recommend feeding squirrels the formula as the following site states, but it might not immediately kill your baby squirrels while you are waiting a few days for more appropriate formula from Fox Valley Nutrition to be mailed to you. www.squirrelnutrition.com

[@lauracouture6491]

What was the first thing you began feeding them with?

[@abigaily.8615]

The best thing for them is Fox Valley squirrel formula. You can order it online and in the meantime there is a goats milk formula that you can find online that works pretty well. :)

[@neerajjoshi4624]

please help, my squirrel baby legs have become weak. please tell me what happenned to him. please

[@PocA3138]

the squirrel can be sick is it still alive??

[@savszoo6019]

Did they use the bathroom on their own or did you run their but with a warm wash cloth? PLZ ANSWER ASAP

[@JenniferFlanders]

We used a cottonball dipped in warm water. Worked like a charm!

[@minutsi]

Hi What does you use as a feeding tube...? Kind regards from Denmark

[@JenniferFlanders]

We used a 3/10 cc syringe (without a needle). This give you more control than a dropper. Be sure to feed baby on his tummy. If you tilt him backwards, you risk pushing fluid into his lungs.

[@debbyr5707]

Hi I raise squirrels and release them too, right now I have 7, 5 of them from one family, could you please tell me what that dark green thing was that baby was eatting 🙂 thanks, I did sub and like, I enjoy watching squirrels whenever and I loved your video ✌💕🙏

[@JenniferFlanders]

That was a sugar snap pea. We like them as much as our squirrels did, only we usually eat them with hummus. :-)

[@manditoemya8478]

That was awesome u guy's, do u still have them? They r so adorable n yup I can imagine how sharp their nails r cause I have Rats n they have very sharp n pointy nails too!.. lol

[@JenniferFlanders]

We released them once they were old enough. The little girl squirrel moved into the box we hung in the tree for her and raised a litter of kits in it. She would still come to our porch to eat nuts we left on the picnic table for her, but would no longer let us pet her once she became a mother. We've since moved away from that house and haven't seen her since.

[@thorbenthomas6880]

It must have been a hell of cleaning but they are really cute :-)

[@JenniferFlanders]

It wasn't too bad, Thorben. Before we knew it, they were grown and gone. Kind of like children, but even quicker.

[@animalcare9032]

And will you please tell me what stuff to feed her to make it stay alive plz 😭😭😭

[@williammitchell1864]

Raising Baby Button nubbins 💖♥️😘💗☺️❤️😚💝🙂🥰❣️😁😊😍💓🐿️🐿️🐿️🐿️🐿️🐿️🐿️🐿️🐿️🐿️