Ever spot those tiny furballs darting around in the trees and wonder what to call them? People usually call baby squirrels kits, kittens, or sometimes pups — and a group of them is a litter. That simple name says a lot about their size, how they act, and the kind of care they need.
Stick around to find out what they look like at each stage and what you should do if you find one on the ground. I’ll give you some quick tips to tell a newborn from a juvenile, and when it’s best to step in—or just let nature handle things.
What Are Squirrel Babies Called?
People use a few short names for squirrel babies, and they’re born in small litters. Let’s break down the usual terms, how (and if) they shift by species, typical litter sizes, and some local or species-specific quirks.
Common Terms: Kits, Kittens, and Pups
Most folks call them “kits” or “kittens.” Those are the go-to names for tree and flying squirrel babies. Sometimes you’ll hear “pup,” but honestly, that’s pretty rare these days.
You can use kits or kittens for one or a bunch. Someone might say “a kit” for just one and “kittens” for a group, but really, either works. “Pup” pops up in old nature books or from people in certain regions, but it’s not the norm.
If you’re talking to a wildlife rehabilitator about a newborn, just say “kit” or “kitten.” They’ll know exactly what you mean—those terms show up in pretty much every wildlife guide or rehab resource.
Differences by Squirrel Species
The names don’t really change by species, but the babies themselves sure do. Tree squirrels like grays or reds have kits that are born blind and hairless. They start to get fur and open their eyes in about three or four weeks.
You’ll see them leave the nest after ten to twelve weeks. Ground squirrels use the same names, but their babies are usually born in burrows, not tree nests.
Flying squirrels are still called kits, but they develop that cool gliding skin—the patagium—a bit later. You’ll notice it as they grow.
When you talk to a rehabber or a biologist, the species matters more for figuring out care and age than for what to call the babies.
Litter Size and Naming Groups
People use “litter” for the group of babies born at once. Most squirrel litters have two to four kits, but some species can have three to seven, especially ground squirrels.
If you find a bunch of newborns together, just call them a litter of kits or kittens. There isn’t a special group name like “flock” for baby squirrels. Folks just say “litter,” or sometimes refer to the nest or family.
If you need to report a find, jot down how many babies there are, what they look like (fur, eyes open), and the species. That helps professionals figure out what to do.
Regional and Species-Specific Names
Depending on where you live, people might call them “pups” or still use “kittens” in casual talk. Rehab centers and wildlife guides mostly stick to “kits” or “kittens” to avoid confusion.
Some species get little add-ons, like “flying squirrel kits” if you need to point out their gliding trick. You won’t really see old-fashioned names just for one species, so usually it’s just “species + kit.”
If you’re talking about a baby squirrel, it’s best to say the species and then “kit”—like “gray squirrel kit” or “flying squirrel kit.” That clears things up fast.
How Squirrel Babies Grow Up
So, how do baby squirrels actually grow up? Let’s walk through how they start in the nest, change week by week, and when they finally head out on their own.
You’ll see some care tips, big milestones, and the timing you can expect.
Nest Life and Maternal Care
Baby squirrels spend their first weeks in a drey—a nest made of leaves and twigs—or sometimes in a tree cavity. Mom builds or fixes up the nest before giving birth.
She stays with her newborns almost nonstop at first, keeping them warm and safe from predators. Newborns arrive hairless and blind.
The mother feeds them milk, cleans them, and moves them if she senses danger. In species like flying squirrels, moms usually pick cozy tree cavities instead of open dreys to protect their fragile kits.
You might catch the mother making quick trips for food while the babies wait quietly.
Litter size depends on the species and even the season. Gray squirrels can have two litters a year, so you might spot babies of different ages during breeding season.
If you come across a disturbed nest, reach out to your local wildlife rehabber for advice instead of trying to handle the kits.
Development Stages: From Newborn to Juvenile
At birth, kits weigh just a few grams. They have no fur and their eyes stay closed.
Fur starts coming in after about two weeks. By three or four weeks, their ears and eyes open, and they start looking more like tiny squirrels.
Their tails begin to fluff out, helping them balance as they move around.
Between four and eight weeks, kits grow fast. They get teeth, stronger claws, and better coordination.
Flying squirrel kits also start to show the patagium—the skin that helps them glide—stretching between their limbs.
You’ll spot them practicing little hops and climbing close to the nest as they get stronger.
By eight to ten weeks, most kits are on the move and getting curious. They still rely on their mom for food and protection but start nibbling on seeds and nuts.
Juveniles at this stage look like adults, just smaller and not quite as skilled at dodging predators.
Weaning and Learning Survival Skills
Weaning usually starts around six weeks and wraps up by ten weeks. The mother gradually nurses less and brings more solid food to the nest.
You might see kits trying nuts and insects but still running back to nurse when they’re hungry.
Learning is a hands-on process. Moms teach foraging by bringing different foods and letting the kits watch and try for themselves.
Juveniles pick up danger signals, safe routes through the trees, and how to hide from hawks, owls, and snakes.
Gray squirrel moms teach fast since they might have two litters a year and need to get everyone up to speed.
If you see a young squirrel eating solid food and climbing well, it’s probably weaned or almost there.
Don’t feed them human food—it can mess up their growth. For flying squirrels, this is when they start practicing gliding to build up the patagium’s strength.
When Baby Squirrels Leave the Nest
Most baby squirrels leave the nest when they’re about 10 to 12 weeks old. The exact timing? Well, it really depends on the species, how many babies are in the litter, and whether there’s enough food around.
Some juveniles from the spring litter stick around a bit longer, especially in certain areas. They might not venture out until late summer rolls in.
When they finally leave, they usually move to nearby trees or sometimes down to the ground. It’s their first shot at hunting and foraging on their own.
You’ll sometimes spot groups of young squirrels playing together. That playtime isn’t just for fun—it actually helps them build strong muscles and learn how to get along with others, which is pretty important if they want to make it out there.
Males usually wander farther than females. Maybe that’s nature’s way of keeping things mixed up and avoiding inbreeding.
If you see a young squirrel on its own but it looks healthy, it’s probably just exploring. Give it some space and watch for a while.
But if the little guy seems hurt, cold, or you really think it’s been abandoned, you should reach out to a wildlife rehabilitator.
Protecting trees and natural nesting spots goes a long way. When we look out for their habitats, more young squirrels actually make it to adulthood.
