Baby Flying squirrel

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

Just wondering  what to do to care for him....His eyes are open and he has fur.....just very tiny

[ireneo]

Peekawho is correct that most species of wildlife are protected by law. Certainly there is some room for a good samaritan to step in when necessary but only to the point of transferring it to a proper care center.

It's not a great idea to use a pet nurser (bottle) because you have no way to control the amount the animal is getting. The hole could be too large or too small. Plus it's important to know stomach capacity and Kcals needed per day. Please try to find a rehabber in your area.

As for warmth - it's safer to put a heating pad set on low under half the box. That way the animal can move on to the warm area when needed or move off to avoid overheating.

[peekawho]

You really should get him to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.   They have the best knowledge and experience for caring for these tiny beings.  Call your vet, and they should be able to give you some contact numbers.  Or the zoo.

You actually have to be licensed to handle wildlife in the way you are attempting.  Its to give the tiny animal the best chance at life, and to protect you from possible injury and illness that can be aquired from handling them.

Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling him.  They can carry parasites.  

[Brown Eyed Gurl]

Thanks I've been giving it all pet milk replacement for orphaned animals out a nurser bottle....it's eating a tiny bit and it's using the RR ok....I've been keeping it in a shoe box and heating dish towels in the microwave and alternating it he's been keeping calm but does get rowdy when his belly is full.  I'm guessing from what I've read on the internet he's about 6 weeks old.

[ireneo]

It's best to get him/her to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Flying squirrels don't get that large but if this one is under 8 weeks old it will still need formula feeding. That takes time and skill to work it up to a substitute formula and not cause digestive problems or aspiration pneumonia. I've raised fliers before and they're precious, no doubt. But it takes some training to do it.

Check with your local fish and wildlife department for a rehabber or facility in your area. They handle permits for that and will know who's licensed in your city. Perhaps the local zoo may be able to help too. In the meantime just keep it quiet and warm. Don't try to give it cow's milk (one of the worst things) or water or juice with an eye dropper. It's easy to get fluids in the lungs that way. Good luck.