Answer

Hello,

It was kind of you to take in this little squirrel. From your description, he may be between 2 and 3 weeks of age, though it's difficult to tell from an online description. The eyes should open soon. At that age, he should be fed 5 times a day. He should eat from 1 1/2 to 3 cc. at each feeding. The following site has detailed information on raising orphaned squirrels, how to feed, other necessary care, and how the little squirrels grow and develop. It will answer many of your questions in detail, and I highly recommend it.

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

It is recommended to make up the formula with 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of powder puppy formula (such as Esbilac), and 1/2 cup of whipping cream. I also suggest that you get some probiotics (good bacteria) for him. Bene-Bac is a brand made for small animals that is often available in pet stores. You can also use the liquid probiotics made for humans, which are available in health food stores.

If it seems like more than you want to do to continue raising the baby, you could turn it over to a wildlife rehabilitator. They are trained in handling and treating wild animals. Here's a link that will help you find the nearest one:

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contact.htm

Once an animal has healed, the rehabilitator releases it back to the wild.

There is also a Yahoo group for people who rehab squirrels or keep them as pets. You may want to join it because the experienced squirrel-keepers there will perhaps have some suggestions on all aspects of care and treatment of illnesses for you. For more information:

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/Ultimate-Squirrel-list/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=3

If you plan to keep the squirrel, you'll want to become informed about the proper diet for him after he is weaned. Many pet squirrels become malnourished and die each year because they are not properly fed. I recommend that you read about the healthy diet for squirrels described on this site:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?s=a957b65ef385ad3f4f88c4bfbb7767f5&t=11323

Squirrels also need regular exposure to sunlight to stay healthy. If the squirrel won't live outdoors where it can be in the sun every day, you should get him a UVB light. These are sold in pet stores for reptiles. Full-spectrum and UVA are NOT the same thing. Make sure you get one that produces UVB rays. Without UVB, squirrels will develop bone disorders. They should also be given a good calcium supplement.

If you have more questions about this, just let me know by clicking on REPLY. I hope you'll be able to successfully raise the baby.

Anna

Expert:	Anna
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
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Answered:	4/28/2009

Pet Expert/Biologist

40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Volunteer vet assistant