Squirrels

                The squirrels pictured above are normal, healthy animals and have all been successfully released.

Diet plays a major role in the proper development of baby squirrels. Things like cow's milk or Carnation @ evaporated milk with syrup are not a replacement for mother squirrels milk. Improper diet can result in poor bone development, Rickets, cage paralysis, juvenile osteoporosis and hair loss. If you should ever be in the position of having to decide the fate of a baby squirrel, please contact a licensed rehabilitator.

Normal release procedure involves keeping the youngsters in a medium sized cage with at least one other squirrel of the same approximate age. Once weaned they are transferred to a large pre-release cage for approximately 4 weeks, close to the area where they will live. Release age is usually 12-16 weeks, depending upon their skills.

Babies are usually born in the early Spring or Fall, averaging 2 to 4 per litter. When they are born they are pink, hairless and blind. Mother squirrels usually prepare more than one nest site when raising their children, just in case of an emergency.

"Sniffles"

Found in an attic after her mother had been relocated, Sniffles had a serious problem. She had inhaled large amounts of insulation material which had gotten lodged in her sinus cavities.

With the help of several caring individuals, the material was removed and the baby was nursed back to health.

When the time came for her to be released, she chose to stay close to the person that had saved her life. Living in the trees close to the Hamilton farm house, Sniffles spends her days doing things that squirrels are supposed to do.

Links to additional Squirrel information:

Squirrel Tales: http://www.squirreltales.org/

Squirrel Sanctuary Inc.: http://www.squirrelsanctuary.org/