Supportive Care for Squirrels

Supportive Care for Squirrels: How to Keep Your Ado

Caring for a hand-raised squirrel requires more than just love and affection it demands a thoughtful, nurturing environment tailored to the specific needs of your new companion. These intelligent, curious creatures thrive when given the right combination of safety, enrichment, nutrition, and emotional support. Whether you’ve adopted a tiny baby still adjusting to life without its littermates, or a more active juvenile ready to explore, it’s essential to create a habitat that promotes both physical health and mental stimulation.

Our squirrels are lovingly raised by experienced caregivers in structured environments designed to support natural development and human bonding. They arrive at your home healthy, socialized, and accustomed to gentle handling. However, adoption is just the beginning of their journey. As a new squirrel parent, you take on the vital role of continuing their care ensuring their daily needs are met and that they feel secure, valued, and enriched in their new home.

A proper domestic squirrel care routine includes maintaining consistent warmth, a calm and enriching space, appropriate hydration and diet, safe chewable materials, and plenty of rest. Just like people, squirrels experience stress during major transitions like adoption, so your commitment to stability and comfort is key in helping them adjust.

By following the care guidelines in this section and paying close attention to your squirrel’s behavior and health cues, you’ll help your new friend thrive in a loving, safe, and stimulating home. And remember your bond will only grow deeper as your squirrel learns to trust you and explore the world by your side.

With the right care, your adopted squirrel will become a confident, affectionate, and joyful companion for years to come.

Creating a Healthy Home Environment

For Juvenile or Adult Squirrels:

  • Place your squirrel’s enclosure in a quiet room, away from loud sounds, pets, or high activity zones.
  • Avoid exposure to cats, as squirrels are highly alert to predators even if no harm is intended.
  • Provide soft, snug bedding such as fleece or flannel. No loose threads, and avoid cedar or scented fabrics.
  • Cover part of the enclosure with a towel to create a den-like hiding area for rest and privacy.
  • Maintain a comfortable room temperature not too hot or too cold. Avoid drafts and direct sunlight.
  • Use a heating pad on low under one half of the enclosure for warmth. Always allow space to move away if needed.
  • Avoid strong scents (perfume, scented soap, dryer sheets, or air fresheners). Squirrels have sensitive respiratory systems.

Never allow your squirrel access to electrical cords, plastic bags, or unsafe chewable items.

Infant Squirrel Comfort

For younger or newly adopted baby squirrels:

  • Keep the environment quiet, warm, and stress-free.
  • Avoid frequent handling—only hold the squirrel during feeding or routine checks.
  • Place a small, clean, scent-free stuffed toy in the bedding for comfort.
  • For very young babies, monitor warmth closely. If the baby is unable to move away from the heat source, adjust it gently and turn the squirrel regularly during care (left, right, or tummy).

Hydration & Nutrition

Water Access:

  • Always provide fresh, cool water in a shallow dish.
  • If your squirrel was previously bottle-fed, gradually introduce drinking from a bowl.
  • Monitor intake—offer small sips with a syringe if you’re concerned about hydration.
  • Avoid sugary drinks or sports beverages like Gatorade®, which can worsen dehydration in squirrels.

✅ Safe hydration options: plain water, Pedialyte® (unflavored) for short-term support, or veterinarian-approved hydration fluids.

Diet for Juvenile and Adult Squirrels:

  • Feed a balanced diet of high-quality squirrel blocks, supplemented with:
    • Fresh vegetables (carrots, broccoli, kale)
    • Fruits in moderation (apple, berries, banana)
    • Unsalted nuts (occasional treats)
  • For digestive support, you can add acidophilus powder or yogurt to the food. This helps maintain gut health, especially after stress or a diet change.
  • If your squirrel is adjusting poorly to solid food, consult a vet or experienced exotic pet caregiver about temporary supplements like Fox Valley formula or Emeraid.

Infant Squirrel Feeding Tips:

  • Use a vet-approved squirrel formula such as Fox Valley Day One 32/40 or 33/40, depending on age.
  • For mild digestive upset, offer diluted formula or unflavored Pedialyte briefly (never long-term).
  • Support gut health with probiotics like Bene-Bac®, acidophilus, or yogurt (unsweetened).
  • Feeding frequency, formula type, and amounts will be provided with your adoption packet.

Each adopted squirrel comes with care instructions, a feeding schedule, and starter supplies to ease the transition.

When to Call a Vet

Contact an exotic animal veterinarian or your adoption center if you notice:

  • Lethargy or extreme weakness
  • Labored breathing or wheezing
  • Persistent diarrhea or dehydration
  • Loss of appetite for more than 12 hours
  • Significant weight loss or bloating

Pro Tips for Supportive Care

Offer a gentle daily routine for bonding and mental stimulation especially as your squirrel grows more active.

Keep a daily log of feeding times, behaviors, and bowel movements during the first week.

Add a white noise machine to reduce stress in a loud home.

Rotate bedding regularly and clean with fragrance-free detergent.