Hello, I have questions

[Kriskat77]

I have rescued a baby squirrel in the past and know the rules but I have a few questions. Tonight I heard squealing and I looked up to my palm tree. (This was around 8:45 at night) There’s been a squirrel nest there for years. And I saw a squirrel drop a baby. I have been told that males will eliminate offspring that isn’t theirs. I’m not sure if this was the situation. I instantly took off shirt and wrapped up the baby. Then I placed it in a large feed bowl and sat it on the ground waiting for the mother to come. I then looked for baby squirrel sounds and that’s how I found you. I turned on the sounds and placed my phone by the bowl. Within seconds 2 squirrels came. There was a tussle and then, I assume mom, grabbed the baby and went back up the palm tree. I hand feed these squirrels and I recognized both of them. Both females. All was good for about an hour and then I heard squealing again and 2 squirrels were out. By this time it’s almost 11 pm. One squirrel went back up the tree and the other, one that eats from my hand and sits next to me stayed out. Finally she went back to her own nest. Question… what was going on? Do females steal other babies? Is the cry of a baby squirrel going to alert more than 1 mother? I checked the ground and didn’t see another baby. I will keep watching and check again in the morning. I would just like to know what was happening. It was all so sad!

[Charley Chuckles]

:Welcome
I'm not sure either 🤔
I'd like to hear what others say.
I'm glad at least they made it back to the nest 🙏

[Kriskat77]

Well, I thought there was a happy ending but an hour later the baby was thrown out again. This squirrel mother is obviously unfit. I brought the baby in. So small! I laid her on my chest and that’s where she slept all night. I was afraid to use any type of heating pad and my instincts told me she needed contact. She was bright and alert this morning and I took her to the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation center. She’s in good hands.

[Charley Chuckles]

Oh thank you 👏
Sometimes moms will throw out a runt, or if she doesn't have enough milk, hard to say but thank you for the rescue I know that baby thanks you for saving it's little life ❤️

[Kriskat77]

Thanks. I was wondering about the milk. Her ninnies didn’t look full and I wondered if her milk was drying up. The baby looked very healthy and well fed. I’m thankful for that! I hope she doesn’t have anymore up there. Thanks again for the input. I was going to order a squirrel feeding kit and formula just to have for emergencies. Is there a brand you recommend?