RAISING ORPHANED FLYING SQUIRRELS
(Glaucomys volans)

by Mary Stockard
(Revised 2005)

Initial Stabilization Care for Baby Mammals

1.      Check for injuries.  Seriously injured babies should be taken to a veterinarian that day.

2.      Warm the baby quickly if it feels cold.  Methods for warming include:

1. Quick method: Place the baby wrapped in a wash cloth inside a plastic Zip-loc bag. DON’T seal the bag. Dip the bag in a bowl of warm (not hot) water. Gently swirl it around for about 5 minutes. This is not recommended for older, active young.
2. Heating pad: Set temperature on low. Place the heating pad half under a closed box the baby has been placed inside of along with ravel-free cloths to snuggle with.
3. Disposable plastic bottle: Use a plastic soft drink bottle or other plastic bottle. Fill it with hot water. Wrap it with a towel or other cloth. Place it inside a box with the baby. Make sure that it will not roll around possibly hurting the baby.
4. Rice sock: Fill a sock 2/3 full of rice. Microwave it on high for 2 to 2 ½ minutes. Place it in the bedding in the box with the baby.

3.   Treat dehydration.  Give fluids by mouth using a 1 cc syringe, eye-dropper, or pet nurser. Offer the fluids at room temperature hourly for up to 6 hours. Do not exceed 12 hours. Any of the following fluids may be used and can be purchased at the grocery or drug store :         

·        Gatorade ( regular or clear flavors)

·        Pedialyte (clear)

·        Sugar/salt water:  3 teaspoons Sugar, 1 teaspoon salt dissolved in 1 quart very warm water.  Cool the water to room temperature before offering it to the baby.

4.      Give it a warm box or pet carrier.   Eyes closed infants and eyes open young that are in shock should be placed in a cardboard box or small/medium pet carrier with ravel-free bedding such as a few tee-shirts. Provide consistent source of warmth such as a heating pad on a low temperature setting. Place it half under the box or pet carrier. 

5.      Begin offering dilute formula.  Make the formula as indicated in the diet section. Offer diluted formula every 2 hours using a 1 cc syringe, eye-dropper, or pet nurser. Syringes are better because there is less chance of aspiration. Give two feedings of 2 parts water / 1 part water, then two feedings of 1 part formula/ 1 part water. Finish with 2 feedings of 1 part water/2 parts formula. If the baby does not develop diarrhea or bloat offer full strength formula at the recommended amounts and frequency for the age. If problems develop contact a veterinarian or the Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

6.      Provide food and housing as described in the age and development chart.  Contact the Alabama Wildlife Rehabilitation Center if there are questions about the care instructions provided.

Flying Squirrel Diet Chart

**Remember to introduce the baby to formula by starting with dilute formula and building up to full strength formula. 

Formula Break-In Chart

If at any time the infant develops diarrhea or bloating, cut back on the concentration of formula until the situation clears up.  If such problems persist for more than 36 hours, seek medical advice.

How to feed: Use a 1 cc syringe to feed formula. Wrap the baby in a cloth to keep it warm and secure and hold it in a sitting-up position. Flying squirrels are good nursers and will quickly adapt to the syringe.

Stimulating urine and feces: This should be done for babies whose eyes are closed or just opening. Use a slightly damp cotton ball or tissue to gently stroke the genital area. The baby should produce urine within a few seconds. Babies may not urinate and produce feces every time but should not go more than 36 hours. Consult AWRC or a veterinarian if this occurs.

Self-feeding diet: This diet should be given to squirrels as soon as the eyes have opened. Formula will still be offered as directed in the age and development chart until the squirrel is completely weaned. Also offer a shallow dish of water.

What to Feed:

90% of diet:     Mazuri Rodent Blocks (for home use, substitute or Hill’s Canine Growth Science Diet (Dry chunks)or Purina Puppy Chow.                          These may be soaked in water until soft for squirrels that are 4 to 5 weeks old or for those that are having tooth problems.

10% of diet:     Dime size pieces of the following fruits/vegetables: sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, apples, grapes, melons, pears, plum, etc.

                       Sunflower seeds (squirrels prefer striped sunflower seeds), unsalted nuts such as pecans, acorns, and hickory nuts. Nuts should be cracked until the squirrel reaches 10 weeks of age.

           ** A few crickets and mealworms should be offered. Flying Squirrels do eat some insects.**

Natural foods – These food items should be included in the self-feeding diet as often as possible. Most are seasonally available only.

Fungi – i.e. mushrooms                         Closed Pine Cones

Tree buds - maple and elm                    Beech nut                                 Blackberries

Insects - such as beetles, worms            Black walnuts

Greens – i.e. dandelion greens               Acorns

Hickory nuts

Release Readiness

A flying squirrel is ready for release when:

1. - Shy of humans and domestic pets

2. - Nocturnal

3. - Familiar with natural food items

4. - Able to crack whole nuts

5. - Good  physical health

 Flying squirrels should be ready for release by 12 to 16 weeks of age.

Keeping Flying Squrrels Through The Winter

Over-wintering (keeping a squirrel through the winter) should only be done when an infant is too young to release by the first of November, there is a lack of food supply or weather conditions are colder earlier than normal.  However, if a young mammal is overwintering, it may become sexually mature before release in the spring and could become pregnant. Make sure the cage and nest box are protected from rain and wind.

REFERENCES

1.         Dolan, Patricia and Dilford Carter. "Glaucomys volans". Mammalian Species No. 78, pp.1-6. The American Society of Mammalogists, June 15, 1977.

2.         Gosling, Nancy Wells. Flying Squirrels: Gliders in the Dark. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, D.C. 1885.

3.         Harrison, George and Kit. America's Favorite Backyard Wildlife. pp. 165-182. Simon and Schuster, Inc. New York, 1985.

4.         Linzey, Donald W. and Alicia V. "Growth and Development of the Southern Flying Squirrel", Journal of Mammalogy, Vol. 16, No. 3, August 1979, pp. 615-620.

5.         Wasserman, Jeanne. "Raising Orphaned Flying Squirrels", PAWS, Lynwood, Washington.       

Keeping Babies Wild So They Can Go Back To The Wild

Many baby southern flying squirrels are orphaned every year.  As babies, they are very endearing and will respond to their caregiver with affection. They are still wild animals though. Individuals raising orphaned baby flying squirrels must not treat them as pets.  A baby flying squirrel should be raised with at least one other baby flying squirrel of similar age. This will aid in helping it develop its true wild nature after being weaned. You must obtain permission from your county game warden to legally possess any wild mammal even for the short period of time required to raise it to release age.

Use good hygiene. Wash your hands after handling the babies and cleaning the cage. Wash bedding and dishes separate from your own. Disinfect bedding and dishes using 1 part bleach to 30 parts water. Allow bedding and dishes to soak for at least 15 minutes, then rinse. The information in this paper is brief and intended for raising healthy baby flying squirrels. If problems develop or you have any questions, please contact the Alabama Wildlife Center.                                                                         

Natural History Information

The flying squirrel is found from southern Quebec to Honduras in Central America₍₁₎.  There are 4 races of flying squirrel recognized: eastern, western, northern, and southern. The scientific name for the Southern flying squirrel is Glaucomys volans which means "the grey mouse that flies"₍₃₎.  Flying squirrels do not actually fly but glide.  A prominent feature of flying squirrels is the Patagium.  The patagium is a flap of skin that stretches from the wrist of the forearm to the ankle of the hind leg.  With the use of the patagium and the tail, which acts as a stabilizer during the glide and as a brake during landing, a flying squirrel can glide from tree to tree for an average distance of 6 to 9 meters (approx. 18-27 feet).  Some have been observed to glide even farther distances.  Flying squirrels are prey for owls, rat snakes, bobcats, raccoons, weasels, hawks, and domestic cats₍₁₎.  The primary reasons a flying squirrel becomes orphaned are due to the mother being killed by a cat or loss of the nest due to the tree being cut down.  The average life span of a flying squirrel in the wild is 5 years ₍₁₎. 

Peak Activity Times

Flying squirrels are nocturnal. They are rarely seen outside their nests during the day.  During cold weather, flying squirrels do not hibernate but will remain inactive inside the nest ₍₁₎

Habitat Description

Flying squirrels will nest in tree cavities, woodpecker holes, bird houses, and old tree squirrel or bird nests.  Many times they will have a primary nest that is used almost continuously, and secondary nest sites that are used when needed, such as to move infants to a less dangerous location.  The prime habitat for flying squirrels is a mixed pine-hardwood forest ₍₃₎.

Territory/Home Range

Most flying squirrels do not defend a territory.  Females with young will defend their nest cavities from intruders.  During cold weather flying squirrels will nest together in groups of 12 or more.  The average home range of a flying squirrel is 1/2 acre, though it may range from 4 acres to 1 mile₍₁₎.

Breeding and Maternal Behavior

Like gray squirrels, flying squirrels have 2 breeding seasons. The first is from April to May and the second is from August to September.  Gestation is approximately 40 days with an average litter size of 3 to 4 infants.  The maternal behavior is strongest for 40 days after birth.  During this time the female will go to great lengths to retrieve an infant even one not of her own litter. However, after the 40 day postpartum period the female will act aggressive to individuals not of her own litter.  Males do not assist in the care of the young ₍₁₎.

A newborn flying squirrel will weigh from 3 to 5 grams at birth. Its eyes and ears are sealed and its toes are fused. By 5 to 6 weeks of age the young will venture from the nest and begin learning to glide. By 6 to 8 weeks of age the young are weaned. The infants will remain with the mother throughout the winter or until a second litter is born ₍₃₎.

Flying Squirrel Developmental Care Chart

Estimated Age                       Newborn – 1 week                                  1 – 2 weeks                                             2 – 3 weeks                                           

Description                            No fur, eyes closed.                                Thin shadow of grey fur.                       Thin fur all over, eyes

(Pinky.)                                                   Eyes closed, no fur on                            closed.

                                                                belly. (Frosty.)                                                                      

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What to feed                          Formula only.                                         Formula only.                                         Formula only.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Stimulate                              yes                                                          yes                                                          yes

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Housing                                 Incubator                                                 Incubator                                                 Incubator

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Estimated Age                       3 – 4 weeks                                             4 – 5 weeks                                             5 – 6 weeks                                            

Description                            Furry all over, tail thin,                           Furry, eyes beginning                             Eyes fully open.

eyes closed.  Lower                                 to open, upper incisors                           Tail thin and silky.

incisors emerging.                                    emerging.                                                

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What to feed                          Formula only.                                         Formula, self-feeding diet                       Formula, self-feeding diet,

                                                                and water when eyes open.                    water.                     

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Stimulate                              Yes.                                                         Yes                                                          No, but check for bedding

for output.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Housing                                 Incubator                                                 Incubator until eyes                                Mammal Nursery enclosure.

                                                                                                                open, then Mammal

                                                                                                                Nursery enclosure. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Furnishings                           Place in plastic aquarium                        Once in an enclosure,                              Same, but no heating pad

(with ravel- free bedding)                        place in plastic aquarium                        unless it’s a single baby                                         

and keep in the incubator.                       on side with ravel-free                            or it is unstable.

                                                                bedding.  Put ½ on                 

                                                                heating pad on low.

Estimated Age                       6 – 7 weeks (weaning)                            7 – 8 weeks (weaning)                            8 – 12 weeks                                          

Description                            Fully furred, tail beginning,                     About half adult size,                             Close to adult size, good

to fill out.  Starting to show                    tail wider, becoming                                gliding skills.  Should

                                                nocturnal behavior.                                 fully nocturnal.                                       be fully nocturnal.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What to feed                          Formula until weaned,                            Formula until weaned,                            Self-feeding diet, water.

self-feeding diet, water.                           self-feeding diet, water.                                                                                          

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Stimulate                              No.                                                          No.                                                          No.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Housing                                 Mammal Nursery enclosure.                  Mammal Nursery enclosure                   Sidewalk cage.

                                                                                                                until weaned, then move to

                                                                                                                sidewalk cage.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Furnishings                           Plastic aquarium                                      Once in outside enclosure,                      Same.  Begin scattering

(with ravel- free bedding).                       provide nest box and                               supplemental foods to                                            Provide branches for                  branches for climbing.                             encourage foraging.

climbing exercise.

Baby Flying Squirrel Initial Care Record

Reg #:____________      Sex:_____       Age:__________     Wt.:_______       I.D. Mark:__________   Date Rec.:_______

A. INITIAL CONDITIONS (please circle):

1. Temperature: (determine by touch)              Normal (101°F)                         Cold                                         Hot

2. Injuries Present?                 None                           Fractures                         Punctures                  Superficial Scratches

                                    Ant Stings                                 Bruising (location)__________             Other:___________________

3. Is the baby responsive to touch?               Yes                                          No       

4. Level of Dehydration (skin turgor, mouth color):               2-5%                           5-7%               10% or >

5. Diarrhea?                Yes                        No                          Bloat?                         Yes                              No

B. INITIAL MEDICAL TREATMENT (if any):

1. Sub-Q Fluid Therapy: (warm baby first!)     Amount given:______________                       Fluid:_________________

2. Antibiotics: Type______________    Route_______________   Amount__________________    Duration______________

BEGIN ORAL FLUID THERAPY ON WARMED BABY

SF Diet? _____________________                Stimulate? _____________                  Furnishings? __________________

LRS = Lactated Ringer's Solution                                  F#3 = 1 Cup LRS + 1/2 tube Nutri-Cal

If the baby is dehydrated begin w/ the dehydration protocol.  If the patient is a normal healthy baby skip straight to dilutions.

DEHYDRATION PROTOCOL

                                                                                    up to .5 cc's/feeding

*Proceed w/ dilutions if the baby is rehydrated.  If not, continue fluids hourly and repeat sub-Q fluids.

 Dilutions:  2:1 = 2 parts F#3 + 1 part formula  1:1 = 1 part F#3 + 1 part formula  1:2= 1 part F#3 + 2 parts formula

                                                                                   up to 1 cc/feeding

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