The name squirrel is used to encompass multiple species of the Sciuridae family, among which the red or common squirrel, the flying squirrel, the Korean squirrel and the gray squirrel stand out. Although it is not usually a domestic animal, many people decide to have one as a pet. It may also happen that you have rescued one that was in danger and you need to know how to take care of itAnd an important part of this care is knowing what to feed him.
Movies and cartoons have got us used to thinking that they only eat nuts, but the truth is that their diet is much broader. For this reason, in this article on our site we will talk about the feeding of a squirrel in general, and we will detail the most suitable products to feed a red, gray, flying, Korean, etc., so you know how to act in case of rescue or what to give to a newly adopted.
Vegetables and fruits
Not everything is rich and appetizing nuts when it comes to feeding a squirrel. In case you didn't know, part of their diet in the wild consists of vegetables and fruits. Squirrels live on trees, where they get most of their food. When they are in captivity or kept as pets, it is important to be very strict when it comes to providing a varied diet as close as possible to what they would have in freedom.
You need vegetables every day, ideally 4-5 different types. The ones that squirrels like the most are:
- Cucumber
- Sweet corn
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Peppers
- Cauliflower
As for fruits, they eat less of them and this must be respected, as excess sugar could be fatal, as it causes diarrhea to the point of dehydration. Offer small portions a couple of times a week. We recommend you:
- Grape
- Banana
- Apple
- Pear
- Peach
- Cherry
- Strawberry
- Cantaloupe
Seeds and Nuts
They constitute the other majority group on which the correct diet of a red squirrel should be based. They will give you a good proportion of fatty acids and some of the protein you need. Prefer:
- Walnuts
- Sweet Almonds
- Hazelnuts
- Peanut
- Pistachio
For seeds, you can choose to offer a varied selection every day, or purchase from pet stores squirrel seed mixesIf you prefer the first option, we recommend sunflower and canary seed. The squirrel needs to consume generous amounts of seeds every day; available for when she wants it.
Legumes
They should also be part of a squirrel's daily menu, fresh if possible, that is, with sprouted legumes. The most recommended are:
- Lentils
- Green peas
- Alfalfa
- Jewish
- Broad beans
Proteins
Believe it or not, squirrels also occasionally eat animal protein. Of course, in beings smaller than them, because in general it is the squirrel itself that has to flee from predators.
In the wild, squirrels steal bird eggs from nests, sometimes even devouring the little chicks; Added to this is the consumption of some insects. In captivity, offer two to three times a week:
- Mealworms
- Crickets
- Hard boiled egg in shell
- Quail Egg
How to feed a squirrel?
Ideally, your squirrel should have a diet that is not only balanced, but also with a variety of flavors and food groups, in this way you will prevent it from having any nutritional deficiencies and from getting bored with its food. Now, to achieve this we will give you some tips that will help you get your furry friend right with the menu:
- The daily portion of food must be between 20 and 25 grams. Less than this will be insufficient; more, it will bring you obesity.
- Keep your squirrel in a cage with enough space, or even free in your apartment if you think it's safe for him. This being the case, you will be able to distribute the food in different spaces of the cage, for example, since the squirrel is naturally a forager, gathering its food to carry it to the burrow and keep it until winter.
- The seeds and nuts offer them in the shell, since the squirrel's teeth are constantly growing. Peeling these foods allows you to break them down so they don't become a problem.
- Fruit must be ripe and at room temperature. A frozen or cold fruit will not only be unpleasant, but it will also cause stomach problems. Remember to wash them well to remove possible traces of pesticide.
- Check with the vet for the exact proportion of each food depending on the type of squirrel. Although the diet of the squirrel in general is that detailed in the previous sections, some species have a preference for certain foods.
How to feed a baby squirrel?
When the squirrel is young or just hatched, the way you feed it changes. If you find an abandoned baby squirrel, it is best to watch for a few hours in case its parents appear, preventing predators from approaching. If the parents don't come back, it's time to take her home and take care of her.
Before you know what to feed a baby squirrel, you must determine its age. A pink, hairless squirrel will only be a few days old; a squirrel with some fur and that already opens its eyes will have 2 weeks ahead.
At first, regardless of age, when you rescue her check if she is dehydrated Touch a portion of her skin and if remains wrinkled for more than 1 second, it is dehydrated. Offer water with a syringe by administering it in drops; a high-electrolyte solution, sold in pharmacies, also works. Then feed her the electrolyte solution or veterinary formula Use a dropper or small syringe. A newborn squirrel should eat every two hours; about 20 drops will suffice. Place a drop first and do not add the other until you see that it has already been consumed. Also, when you go to the vet to ask for milk, don't forget to ask them to examine the little one to check her he alth status.
When she can open her eyes and you notice her more active, double the amountof food and space feeding time to 3 hours. Between the second and third week, weaning begins. In this way, it is likely that the squirrel will begin to reject milk at this stage, since it already feels the need to consume solid food. Start offering small portions of vegetables and fruits. When you notice that he is able to chew them, gradually add the nuts and seeds. After this, incorporate legumes and animal protein.
Regardless of whether the baby squirrel is a flying squirrel, a red squirrel, gray squirrel or a Korean squirrel, the steps to follow to feed it correctly are the ones mentioned, after having visited the veterinarian for a check-up and check your status. Once independence is achieved in terms of feeding, consult with the specialist about the possibility of returning it to its natural habitat.
Forbidden Squirrel Foods
There are certain foods that are extremely unhe althy for your red, flying, gray or Korean squirrel, even if you find them delicious. The toxicfoods are:
- Candy and any type of sugar
- Processed Cereals
- Chocolate
- Bread and its derivatives
- Cookies
- Fish and any seafood
- Cheese and dairy for humans
- Bitter almonds
