My Baby Squirrel Sandshrew

Sandshrew is the only one to survive his litter of four when their mother abandoned the nest. He is about 6 weeks old and has been in my care now for almost a week. He is doing very very well and loves to be held and pet. The missing hair on his tail remains a mystery, although it is growing back. He has been bathed with a damp wash cloth and checked, he is free of mites and mange and cleans himself regularly.

**Update**
I released him back in the area in our (open) yard where we had found him after keeping him for about 2 weeks. His hair has grown back significantly and we see him along with other squirrels occasionally now. :) He used to crawl inside my hoodie and jump and climb all over me and fall asleep in my sleeves and on my chest. I miss him, but I don't suggest keeping a squirrel as a pet to anyone, even if its legal in your area. His sharp claws left scars on my arms and all animals go through a drastic change in temperment after hitting puberty and usually become extremely aggressive. Although he never bit me I chose to release him when I began noticing these changes as he started to depend on me less and less. If you have found an abandoned baby squirrel and have any questions on raising and rehabilitating I will try to help.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• baby
• squirrel
• sandshrew
• feeding
• orphan