what do you feed a baby squirrel

For a baby squirrel, the safest answer is formula made for squirrels or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator ; if that’s not available right away, use a baby-animal milk replacer that matches the squirrel’s age, and keep the baby warm first before feeding. Baby squirrels should not be fed cow’s milk, and they shouldn’t be given food until they’re warm and stable.

What to feed

• Newborns / “pinkies” : squirrel milk replacer is preferred; a temporary homemade formula may be used only if you’re waiting for proper replacer.

• Older babies : milk replacer until weaning, then gradually introduce soft solids.

• Weaning foods : small pieces of unsalted nuts, pine nuts, fruit like apple or grape, and soft vegetables such as broccoli or carrot; some guides also mention avocado as a weaning food.

What to avoid

• Do not feed a cold baby squirrel. Warm the baby first.

• Do not use cow’s milk alone.

• Do not give salty, shelled, or hard foods to a very young squirrel.

Quick practical note

If the squirrel is found outside, the best first step is usually to reunite it with the mother or contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. If you want, I can also give you a safe age-by-age feeding guide for baby squirrels.