What Do Baby Squirrels Eat?
Complete Feeding & Care Guide
From newborn kits to independent foragers — everything you need to know to help a baby squirrel survive.
Baby squirrels should never be fed cow's milk, goat's milk, almond milk, soy milk, or human baby formula. These cause fatal diarrhea and dehydration within 24–48 hours. The only safe option is Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer in powder form — the same formula licensed wildlife rehabilitators use.
🍼 Buy Esbilac Now — Prime Ships Tomorrow →Affiliate link — supports our 30-acre habitat at no extra cost to you
Feed 5–7% of body weight every 2–3 hours, warmed to 95–100°F. Exact dosing by age is in the feeding chart below.
Based on wildlife at our 30 acre habitat
🗺️ What You'll Find in This Guide
- What does a baby squirrel look like?
- What do baby squirrels eat?
- Baby squirrel food list
- What to feed a baby squirrel with eyes closed
- Can squirrels drink milk?
- Why can't squirrels drink milk?
- What kind of milk do you feed baby squirrels?
- Baby squirrel care tips
- What to feed baby squirrels: step-by-step
- Feeding tips for baby squirrels
- How to feed a baby squirrel
- Found a baby squirrel? What to do
- Baby flying squirrels
- When do baby squirrels leave the nest?
- Common mistakes when caring for baby squirrels
- Health and common issues
- How you can help
- Frequently asked questions
- Teach your kids about wildlife
Baby squirrels — often called kits or pups — are among the most endearing creatures in the wild. With their tiny bodies, fluffy tails, and curious eyes, they capture the hearts of nature enthusiasts everywhere. At Private Lands Wildlife, we're passionate about supporting these little animals on private properties. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about baby squirrels — from their early life stages to what to feed them at every age.
Warmth first. Hydration second. Formula third. This sequence saves lives — Prime delivers tomorrow.
A cold squirrel cannot digest food. Warmth before everything. Microwaveable — lasts up to 10 hours.
Order Now — Ships Tomorrow → Step 2 — Second Unflavored PedialyteCheck for dehydration before formula. A few drops stabilizes the kit before it can handle anything else.
Order Now — Ships Tomorrow → Step 3 — Formula Esbilac Puppy Milk ReplacerThe only safe formula for orphaned baby squirrels. Used by wildlife rehabilitators nationwide.
Order Now — Ships Tomorrow →As an Amazon Associate, Private Lands Wildlife earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
What do baby squirrels eat?
One of the most common questions about these tiny mammals is, "What do baby squirrels eat?" In the wild, their diet evolves as they grow. Newborns feed exclusively on mother's milk, which is rich in fats, proteins, and antibodies to build their immune systems. This milk provides all the hydration and nutrients needed for the first month.
As they transition to solid foods around 7 to 8 weeks, baby squirrels start nibbling on soft items like buds, flowers, and young leaves. Gradually, they incorporate nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects into their diet. Acorns, walnuts, and sunflower seeds become staples, offering the energy required for their active lifestyles.
It's important to note seasonal variations. In spring and summer, fresh greens and berries dominate, while fall focuses on nut storage for winter. If you're observing baby squirrels in your yard, providing a bird feeder with unsalted nuts can supplement their diet without disrupting their instincts — just avoid overfeeding to prevent dependency.
What Does a Baby Squirrel Look Like?
Baby squirrels look dramatically different depending on their age. Knowing what stage a kit is in helps you understand exactly what it needs.
Photo: CritterAid Wildlife Rescue
At birth (1–2 weeks): Completely hairless, pink skin, eyes and ears sealed shut. About the size of a human thumb. Completely helpless and entirely dependent on mother's milk.
At 3 weeks: A thin layer of soft fur begins to appear. Still eyes closed. Skin color fades from bright pink to a softer gray-brown as fur fills in.
At 5 weeks: Eyes just beginning to open. Fully furred but small. Ears are open. Starting to look like a miniature squirrel for the first time.
At 6–8 weeks: Eyes fully open, bushy tail starting to develop, beginning to explore and climb. This is when most people find baby squirrels on the ground.
At 10 weeks: Looks nearly identical to an adult but smaller. Fully independent and ready for the wild.
Not sure which stage yours is? Baby Squirrel Age Chart — Week by Week Real photos of every stage from newborn to eight weeks. Match yours to the pictures and pin the age down in minutes — the age decides everything about what it can eat. Baby squirrel food list
Here's what to feed a baby squirrel based on their age:
| Age | What to Feed | What They Look Like |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 week old | Esbilac puppy milk replacer only | Eyes closed, no fur, pink skin |
| 3 week old | Esbilac puppy milk replacer only | Eyes closed, light fur appearing |
| 5 week old | Formula + soft fruits (apple, pear) | Eyes just opening, fully furred |
| 6 week old | Formula + soft fruits and veggies | Eyes open, starting to explore |
| 8 week old | Nuts, seeds, fruits, veggies | Active, climbing, bushy tail |
| 10 week old | Full wild diet — ready for release | Fully independent, foraging on own |
What to feed a baby squirrel with eyes closed
If a baby squirrel's eyes are still closed, it's under 5 weeks old and needs formula only — never solid food.
Can squirrels drink milk?
No — never feed baby squirrels cow's milk, almond milk, goat's milk, or human baby formula. These cause severe digestive problems including bloating, diarrhea, and dehydration that can be fatal within hours.
Goat's milk is a common mistake. Many people assume it's a gentler alternative, but the fat and protein ratios do not match what baby squirrels need. The same goes for oat milk, soy milk, and any store-bought milk product.
Why can't squirrels drink milk?
Photo: CritterAid Wildlife Rescue
The only safe milk for baby squirrels is Esbilac puppy milk replacer mixed with warm water. Esbilac closely mimics the fat and protein content of squirrel mother's milk and is the formula used by licensed wildlife rehabilitators across the country. You can order Esbilac here — it ships next day with Prime.
What kind of milk do you feed baby squirrels?
The only answer is Esbilac puppy milk replacer. Below are the exact products wildlife rehabilitators recommend — in the order you'll need them.
The exact supplies licensed rehabilitators use — in the order you'll need them.
Microwaveable heat disk that stays warm for up to 10 hours with no cords and no auto-shutoff risk. Wrap in a towel and place under half the box so the kit can move away if too warm.
⚠️ Never use a heating pad that auto-shuts off — a kit that loses heat overnight will not survive until morning.
Order Now — Prime Ships Tomorrow →Always check for dehydration before offering formula. Pinch the skin on the back — if it tents, give a few drops of unflavored Pedialyte every 30 minutes for 1–2 hours first.
💡 Keep a bottle on hand before you need it — dehydration is the thing that kills a kit fastest, and it never happens at a convenient hour.
Order Now — Prime Ships Tomorrow →The only safe formula for orphaned baby squirrels. Used by licensed wildlife rehabilitators across the country. Closely matches the fat and protein content of squirrel mother's milk.
🚫 Never substitute cow's milk, goat's milk, or human baby formula — these cause fatal digestive failure within hours.
Order Now — Prime Ships Tomorrow →Precise flow control is critical — a syringe that sticks or flows too fast causes aspiration pneumonia, which is almost always fatal. Use a quality kit and replace if it becomes stiff.
💡 Hold the kit upright at a slight angle and let it suckle at its own pace. Never squeeze formula directly into the mouth.
Order Now — Prime Ships Tomorrow →As an Amazon Associate, Private Lands Wildlife earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. Your purchase helps support our 30-acre Michigan wildlife habitat.
Baby squirrel care tips
Proper baby squirrel care begins with respecting their wild nature. At Private Lands Wildlife, we advocate for minimal intervention to promote healthy ecosystems on private lands. If you're caring for an orphaned kit, consult a licensed wildlife rehabilitator first. Handling them without expertise can cause stress or transmit diseases.
For supportive care, start by creating a safe environment. Use a quiet, warm box lined with soft cloths (avoid towels with loops that could snag claws). Maintain a temperature of 95–100°F for newborns using a heating pad on low, wrapped in a towel to prevent burns. Offer pediatric electrolyte solution like Pedialyte via a syringe — never cow's milk.
As they grow, introduce a balanced diet mimicking their natural one. Feed every 2–3 hours for the youngest, tapering off as they age. Monitor weight gain — kits should double their birth weight (about 15–20 grams) in the first week.
📖 The Story Behind Our Mission
Enjoyed learning about baby squirrels? Dive into the true story that inspired Private Lands Wildlife — Billy Gruett, the 16-year-old Chippewa mail carrier who braved Michigan's wilderness in the 1850s. His legacy shaped our commitment to wildlife habitat.
What to feed baby squirrels: step-by-step
Age determines everything. For kits under 5 weeks (eyes closed), stick to formula. Mix Esbilac powder with warm water to a creamy consistency, feeding 5–7% of body weight per session. Use a pet nursing bottle or syringe for controlled delivery to avoid aspiration.
Once eyes open around 5–7 weeks, introduce solids slowly. Start with softened fruits like apples or pears, pureed if needed. Add vegetables such as broccoli or carrots. Nuts should be shelled and unsalted — pecans and hazelnuts are favorites.
By 8–10 weeks, expand to a varied diet: 50% nuts/seeds, 30% fruits/veggies, 20% proteins like mealworms. Always offer fresh water in a shallow dish. Avoid bread, chocolate, or processed foods.
Feeding tips for baby squirrels
One of the most important things to remember is that baby squirrels cannot drink regular milk of any kind. Cow's milk, goat's milk, and almond milk are all dangerous. Only Esbilac puppy milk replacer should be used as a formula substitute.
If you're supplementing wild baby squirrels, scatter food naturally to encourage foraging. This not only answers what to feed baby squirrels but also promotes their survival skills.
How to feed a baby squirrel
Before you attempt to feed a baby squirrel, wrap it gently in a soft fleece or flannel blanket. A cold squirrel cannot digest food properly — warming it up first is not optional, it's the first step.
Found a baby squirrel? What to do next
First, assess the situation: Is it injured, cold, or covered in flies? If yes, intervention is needed. If not, watch from a distance — mom often returns within a few hours.
If the kit is truly orphaned, gently pick it up using gloves or a soft towel, place it in a warm, secure box with a fleece liner (no terry cloth loops), and keep it quiet. Do NOT attempt to feed it yourself yet.
For prevention, secure trash bins and trim branches near power lines to reduce nest falls. Installing squirrel boxes on your property can provide safe nesting spots, reducing the chance of finding displaced kits.
Free build plans Squirrel House Plans & Cut List A nest box on your property gives a litter somewhere safe to be born — and it is the single best way to stop finding kits on the ground. Free plans, dimensions and placement.Special Spotlight: Baby Flying Squirrels
While most people think of ground or tree squirrels, baby flying squirrels deserve a mention. These nocturnal gliders are found in forests across North America, born in litters of 2–7 in tree cavities or nests. Like their cousins, they start with mother's milk, transitioning to nuts, seeds, and insects. Their care is similar but requires more vertical space for gliding practice. Their membrane wings make them unique — handle with extra care to avoid damage.
Health and common issues for baby squirrels
Baby squirrels face threats like predators, parasites, and malnutrition. Watch for signs of distress: lethargy, diarrhea, or wounds. Fleas and mites are common; a vet can recommend safe treatments.
Nutritional deficiencies like MBD can be prevented with a balanced diet. In rehabilitation, regular vet check-ups ensure they're on track.
When Do Baby Squirrels Leave the Nest?
Baby squirrels typically leave the nest for the first time between 10 and 12 weeks old. At this stage they are fully furred, their bushy tail is developed, and they are strong enough to climb and forage on their own. However, "leaving" is gradual — they don't disappear overnight.
From weeks 10–12 you'll see them venturing out of the nest for short trips, staying close to the nest tree. By weeks 12–14 they are spending more time out than in. Full independence usually happens around 14–16 weeks when they are actively foraging, burying food, and no longer returning to the nest regularly.
Squirrels born in the first litter (February–April) will typically be independent by July. Second litter kits born in late summer (August–September) will reach independence by November before winter sets in. If you're raising an orphaned kit, never release before 14 weeks and always do a soft release — leave the cage open in a safe outdoor spot for several days so the squirrel can come and go at its own pace before fully departing.
Common Mistakes When Caring for Baby Squirrels
These mistakes are made over and over by well-meaning people. Any one of them can be fatal.
Conservation and How You Can Help
At Private Lands Wildlife, we believe private landowners play a key role in squirrel conservation. Planting nut trees, avoiding pesticides, and creating habitats boost populations. Simple actions like leaving leaf litter for nesting materials or installing feeders make a difference.
Want to help? Support our wildlife habitat work — your donation helps us create safe spaces for squirrels, owls, and other wildlife on our 30-acre conservation property in Michigan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Squirrels
Teach Your Kids About Wildlife
📚 The Whispering Woods: The Hidden Door
Love sharing nature with your children? Join Elara and Scout as they discover the secrets of the natural world — the same world where baby squirrels, raccoons, and birds are raising their families right now. Perfect for ages 7–12.
Order on Amazon TodayExplore More Wildlife Guides
Squirrel House Guide
Plans, placement & attracting squirrel families
🦉Owl Boxes Guide
Complete guide to plans, placement & species
🦝Newborn Raccoons
Complete guide to baby raccoon care
🌰What Do Squirrels Eat?
Complete guide to squirrel diet & food
🐦Bird Houses Guide
Complete guide to birdhouse plans & placement
🌿All Wildlife Guides
Browse our free wildlife guide library
📚 Official Wildlife Resources
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — Wildlife Rehabilitation
Find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near you. Official federal directory for native wildlife care.
USDA APHIS — Wildlife Services
Federal wildlife management resources and guidance for living with native wildlife on private lands.
Michigan DNR — Wildlife Division
Michigan-specific wildlife regulations, permitted rehabilitators, and native species protection laws.
Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains Amazon affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.
Types of squirrels, what they eat, do they hibernate, baby squirrels, black squirrels, squirrel houses and feeders — all in one complete guide from our 30-acre Michigan wildlife habitat.
Visit the Complete Squirrel Guide →