As you observe a baby squirrel, you might wonder about its development stages. Baby squirrels typically open their ears when they are about 3 to 4 weeks old. At this age, they are beginning to explore their surroundings and become more active.
Newborn squirrels come into the world blind and deaf, relying completely on their mother for care. Watching their growth can be fascinating. By the time their ears open, you’ll notice that they are starting to look more like their adult counterparts.
Understanding how baby squirrels develop can help you appreciate these little creatures even more. From the moment they are born to when they start to venture out into the world, each stage of a squirrel’s life is full of unique changes.
Early Life Milestones of Squirrels
Baby squirrels go through important stages from birth to the time their ears open. Understanding these milestones can help you care for them and recognize their growth.
Birth to Opening Ears
When a baby squirrel is born, it is called a newborn squirrel. At this stage, it weighs about 1 ounce and is about 1 inch long. Newborn squirrels are hairless, blind, and completely dependent on their mother for warmth and food.
Ears start to open around 3 weeks of age. At this point, the baby begins to awaken to the world around it. You’ll notice small changes as they grow stronger each week. During weeks 1-3, they remain tucked away in the nest, relying on their mother for everything.
Visual and Physical Development
As baby squirrels progress in their early life, they reach several key developmental milestones. By 4 weeks, they begin to grow a thin layer of fur, and the eyes start to open. This is an exciting time for the little ones.
Around 5 weeks, they become more curious and will explore their nest. This exploration is crucial for their development. By 6 weeks, their ears are fully open, and they become much more active. They also start to show playful behaviors, which help develop their social skills.
Monitoring these stages from birth to the point their ears open gives you a deeper insight into their growth. Each milestone marks a significant step in their journey to independence.
Caring for Young Squirrels
Caring for young squirrels requires understanding their specific needs at different ages. Important aspects include proper nutrition, hydration, and knowing when to involve wildlife rehabilitators.
Nutrition Needs
For young squirrels, nutrition is crucial for their growth. At around 3 weeks old, they primarily need a special milk formula, similar to kitten milk replacer. Regular cow’s milk can upset their stomachs, so avoid it.
As they grow, like 5-week-old squirrels, they begin to eat soft foods such as fruits and vegetables. These include:
- Apples
- Carrots
- Squash
At this age, ensure they have access to fresh water. You can offer it in a shallow dish to help them drink easily. As they transition into juvenile squirrels, their diet will expand to include nuts and seeds. Always monitor their eating habits to ensure they are getting enough nutrition for healthy development.
Human Intervention and Wildlife Rehabilitators
Sometimes, young squirrels need help from humans or wildlife rehabilitators. If you find a squirrel that seems abandoned or in distress, it’s best to call a wildlife rehabilitator. They have special training to care for animals and can provide the right environment.
If you decide to care for a squirrel yourself, be prepared for a commitment. Young squirrels, especially those under 12 weeks old, need constant attention and proper care. Handling them requires patience and gentle interaction.
Always remember that taking care of a pet squirrel or a wild one requires knowledge. Make sure you follow guidelines provided by professionals to ensure their best chance for survival and a happy life.
