Many squirrel mothers will collect their fallen babies if given the chance, so if it is safe for the babies - stay away from the babies for an hour or so to give the mother a chance to retrieve them.
If the babies need to be rescued, they will need a safe warn place to grow up. If a heating pad is available, place a box with a few towels in it on the pad and turn the pad on low. Extreme care must be taken to make sure the heat is not too high. The babies new "nest" should be warm but not hot.
It is usually the case that the babies need electrolytes and fluids before they need milk. Drug stores have this product (Pedialyte). Many pet stores have kits to feed young mammals that include bottles and nipples. The babies will need fluids every 2 to 3 hours around the clock for a day. Feeding baby squirrels takes patience..... it can take 5 to 10 minutes per baby to get the required fluids in.
On day two milk can be introduced. Squirrel pups need puppy milk replacer...NOT kitten milk replacer (dogs and squirrels are omnivores - cats are carnivores). Most pet stores sell puppy milk replacer. Start at half strength milk to make sure the pups are tolerating it. Again offer milk every 2 to 3 hours.
The pups will need to be stimulated to urinate and defecate several times a day. Wet a cotton ball with warm water and gently swab the rear of the pup to stimulate the passing of waste.
When the pups eyes are open, solid foods (rodent block and nuts) can be placed in the nest to begin to acclimate them to adult food... however it will be many days before they start to sample it. Weaning begins at around (every pup is an individual) 6 or 7 weeks and finishes at around 8 to 10 weeks.
To release the squirrels back into the wild a cage as large as possible should be placed outside in the shade and the squirrel pups should live in the cage for as long as possible before release to acclimate them to the outside world. When the pups are completely weaned, the door can be opened early in the day and left open (so they can return if desired). The door should be left propped open and kept stocked with fresh food and water for several days or until the squirrels stop returning.
The above guidelines are just that...guidelines. Professional help from a veterinarian or licensed rehabilitator should be sought when needed.
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