Baby red squirrels-diseases?

[Emmjaexo6]

Hi! I recently took in 4 red squirrel babies who are about 5 weeks old, all 4 look very healthy and are pretty active. I love taking care of them but I am 15 weeks pregnant, should I find someone else to take them in? I’m worried about diseases I can contract from them that may harm my baby. I’ve been scratched a few times on accident while feeding them but I always wash my hands and wash it out with peroxide. Is disease something I should be concerned about? I’m in NY if that matters.

Also, how do I treat their fleas?

[RockyPops]

You can bath them and pick the fleas off. Use dawn dish soap, warm water. Don't get it up their little noses!

They are not known for carrying disease but I guess any scratch (which you will get) can get infected.

They are an almost full time job. You have anyone to help out?

What about diet? They on formula?

Got any pics?

[Squirreldad112]

Not sure on the disease part, but as you know they require alot of attention. If I remember correctly 5 week old babies need to be fed about ever 5ish hrs. So if you can maintain that then go for it. Its very rewarding. We found our squirrel when he was days old and it was like having a baby in the hpuse again. Were took turns feeding every 3 hrs including during the night. They are probably close to being able to go though the night without feeding. This is just my experience and I'm fairly new at this as well (10months) the people on here are so helpful! Good luck with your babies and congratulations on your pregnancy! What are you feeding them?

[Emmjaexo6]

My husband feeds them occasionally but I do it usually. We are both out of work due to covid so it’s actually nice to have them to look after.

They are on fox valley formula and I ordered them rodent block.

I will try to post a pic! Maybe someone else can give a guess as to their age.

[Emmjaexo6]

My husband feeds them occasionally but I do it usually. We are both out of work due to covid so it’s actually nice to have them to look after.

They are on fox valley formula and I ordered them rodent block.

I will try to post a pic! Maybe someone else can give a guess as to their age.

[Mel1959]

They are adorable.

I have attached the information out of The Wild Mammal Book. I don’t know much about Red squirrels, we don’t have them where I am, but maybe the info will help you. I really don’t think disease transmission is an issue.

Edit: I forgot to add that you should disregard the info about Esbilac formula. This book was published prior to the issues the formula has posed over the last year.

You’re feeding Fox Valley 20/50 right?

[Emmjaexo6]

Thank you for the info!!
Yes, Fox Valley 20/50

[Emmjaexo6]

You can bath them and pick the fleas off. Use dawn dish soap, warm water. Don't get it up their little noses!

They are not known for carrying disease but I guess any scratch (which you will get) can get infected.

They are an almost full time job. You have anyone to help out?

What about diet? They on formula?

Got any pics?

I tried to bathe them but they are so squirmy, it didn’t work! I was too afraid of hurting them😬
Is that my only option?

[Mel1959]

Food grade diatomaceous earth kills fleas and isn’t harmful. It can be put in your hands and gently dusted onto their fur, being sure to avoid their eyes, nose and mouth. Food grade diatomaceous earth is used in fish aquariums as a filter substance. If you can get some cat/kitten Revolution flea product from a vet, one drop on the back of their necks will kill fleas. Putting a small amount of a product that contains pyrethrin and is safe for kittens on a paper towel and gently touch or pat the squirrel with it, will also work. The paper towel can also be placed underneath them with the sprayed product side down, so they don’t come in direct contact with it, to encourage the fleas to leave or die.

[RockyPops]

Thanks for the pics! They are so sweet!

I didn't see but three.

[Emmjaexo6]

Thanks for the pics! They are so sweet!

I didn't see but three.

There are 4, one was in the grass when I took that picture. All are still healthy!🙂