When It's Birthing Season For Squirrels

2/22/2013

Early season baby squirrels are born from late February on through March. Many will die of exposure when their mother's nest is tore open by marauding crows and will be eaten. That's life in the wild!

Many people hate squirrels because they end up finding their way into attics and crawl spaces in order to find a warm and dry place to have their babies. It's not the squirrel's intent to mess up an attic, they just want a safe place to raise their young!

That's why I recommend that people place a squirrel box or two in the trees of their yard. A squirrel box affords a dry and protected environment where a mother squirrel can build a warm nest of dry leaves and grass to give birth and care for her babies. Squirrel Nesting Boxes can help protect your attic from squirrel invasion!

For those who are handy with wood, tools and saws, we offer f*ree plans for building squirrel nesting boxes. Simply write to SquirrelNutrition@Yahoo.com and put "Squirrel Box Plans" in the subject line.

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66 Comments

janna

1/27/2014 02:06:47 am

my heart breaks for these little creatures that God has created in this very bitter winter .. I have put down seeds nuts and food for them at the base of my backyard tree.. l am looking for a nesting home that is insulated from this very bitter winter any suggestions?

William link

1/27/2014 03:19:30 am

Hi Janna!

Don't feel too bad for them! Squirrels are communal animals. It's a characteristic they carry over from infancy. When the weather gets bitter cold, they are all welcome into any den, ( the more the merrier.) They all huddle together in a ball of bodies and wrap their fluffy tails around the outside of the ball and keep warm from each other's body warmth. I did a video blog about how squirrels stay warm in the winter where I showed a couple of my release squirrels exhibiting this behavior. I filmed it on a bitter cold day, and when Lulu came down out of the squirrel box, she was a warm as toast. She was sharing the box with her sister, Annie. You can see it at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XLK9SYb_RU

Thanks for commenting!........Bill

Katie Williams

4/18/2017 04:14:13 pm

Great information! I just have a 5 week old grey squirrel, found by my husband, to an incredible wildlife rehabilater, and I really do miss caring for her!!! It's great that you seem to be doing the same thing, which is awesome...

Kimberly

8/18/2018 06:54:33 am

Hi Bill, my name is Kim. I have 3 squirrels (1 boy and 2 girls) that I saved when the mom was killed. They have lived together their whole lives. I have made attempts to acclimate them to the outside world and they just hide. Will NOT explore. I have made attempts to separate them and they screetch and holler till put back together. Well now 1of my girls is almost assuredly pregnant as she has tripled in size. Do you think they definitely now need to be separated? Will these babies be in danger if i leave the 3 adults in communal living? Idk what to do... please help if possible

William

8/18/2018 09:29:16 am

Kim,

If you receive this please cut and paste your question into an e-mail and send it to me at SquirrelNutrition@Yahoo.com.

The short answer to your question is that if you still have these three squirrels together and one is pregnant, you will need to separate out the male for sure because if she gives birth he will cannibalize the babies so that it will throw her back into heat so that he can breed with her again!

Bill

Trisha link

8/30/2018 09:07:14 pm

I feed all squirrels that are in the tree in my yard I give them all kinds of nuts, now I am moving and will miss them I know that they will be looking for there food and I won't be there but I am only moving two minutes away and will visit once a day and leave food for them because one f the females is having babies I pray that they will be o.k. I am going to miss them

Robert

2/25/2015 10:43:51 pm

Well, it's late Februrary (birthing season) and they are in the attic ... (mother squirrel atleast). Now what can be done? Of we block the hole

William link

2/26/2015 12:16:02 am

Hi Robert!

Here's what professionals do. They place a one-way escape hatch over the entrance hole. They locate the nest and gather the babies and place them in a warming holding box and move it outside close to the escape hatch. If the mother is in the attic, she can exit via the escape hatch, gather her babies and move them to her back-up nest. If she is not in the attic, when she returns, she will find her babies and see that she can't take them back in, and will move them to her back-up nest. Pregnant females always make redundant nests.

Bill

PS. If you don't want them killed, make sure up front that the person removing them is a humane service.

Jessica

12/16/2019 11:46:15 am

I have been researching because I have this awful sounding cry coming from my attic. It sounds like a squirrel in labor. Is this normal for December? I don't know if I need to call someone to help a mom or a de-- I can't say it.

Gemma

2/24/2016 07:15:08 am

Can a mothering squirrel stay in her nest for a long period without coming out for food?

William link

2/25/2016 08:17:21 am

Hi Gemma!

The quick answer is "yes."

When the pregnant female is getting close to her due date, she instinctively will go on an eating binge. Unlike us, God has programmed into her DNA the ability to know instinctively exactly what she needs to eat for the upcoming event.

I had a lady write the other day that told me that the squirrels were stripping the bark off of an exotic tree that was growing close to her house, and they were eating it.

Unusual behavior at this time of year, is really not unusual at all, when you look at it through the prism of, "What are they obtaining through this behavior?," vs "Why are they destroying my tree?" All I could tell her is that unusual eating behavior at this time of year, is usually pregnant females craving something they need in preparation for the upcoming event. ( Kind of like the proverbial and stereotypical pregnant woman sending her husband out in a blinding snowstorm to get dill pickles and ice cream because she craves those flavors.) Same principle, different species.

At this time of year, I try to accommodate and facilitate unusual eating patterns by putting out more foods and variety, especially the good fats like coconut and avocado. Every pregnant female, I try to get extra calcium to, because I know that in addition to needing to support their ever growing incisors teeth, they are going to need extra calcium to produce calcium rich milk for their babies.

Now, in answer to your question, when a pregnant squirrel confines herself to give birth she is going to disappear for two to three weeks. Her babies will be born at about 1 to 1 1/2 inches and she will continuously nurse them and keep them warm. By the end of two weeks, those babies will look like the picture of our Lucky Girl at the top of this blog and have hair emerging. They will have tripled in size and have the ability to endothermically generate heat to the point that they will be able to keep each other warm by forming a ball of bodies.

It's at this time, that the mother can finally emerge for short periods of time to eat and drink and replenish her energy. It's also the time that crows have been waiting and watching for, because they know that when mom leaves the nest, there's a free meal waiting with only a few leaves and sticks standing between them and what they want. ( That's how we happened to get our Lucky girl when they tossed her to the ground to keep her mom occupied while they continued their raid.)

So, a mother squirrel goes without food and water for 2 to 3 weeks as a part of the birthing process. Hope this helped!

Bill

Irene Carroll

5/14/2017 01:51:35 pm

When you say coconut and avacodo... Do you mean a coconut and avacodo of course the avacodo without the pit... But what about the coconut. I feed the squirrels nuts fruit and seed mix.... But this last week I've not seen my usual bunch just one or two... Nesting... Please let me know. Thank you. My nature society just told me to stop feeding them ..... They are rude. Thanks again.

William link

5/14/2017 06:43:58 pm

Hi Irene!

The coconut I feed is fresh coconut right out of the shell. It's rich in two important substances, Lauric Acid and Capric Acid. These substances are only in fresh coconut, and coconut oil that has had minimum processing, and is either extracted from fresh coconuts with a refrigerated press, (cold pressed,) or is extracted using the ancient native method of fermentation. They are heat sensitive and are not present in highly processed or hydrogenated coconut oil.

Studies conducted outside the United States have revealed that these two substances are anti bacterial, anti viral and anti fungal.

Lauric Acid is converted by the liver into a substance called Monolaurin, which is found in human breast milk, and is believed to be the substance that gives newborns immunity to infections until their immune system is established and functioning.

That's one of the main reasons I feed it to pregnant and lactating squirrels!

Bill

Donna

5/28/2019 11:13:53 am

Hi Bill, so do you feed the nursing mother squirrel the same as an expecting squirrel? I noticed 1 of the outdoor squirrels teats look like she’s either expecting or nursing but I just don’t know enough about them. Can I do anything to discourage the crows? There is a large pack of crows in and around the evergreen tree I believe the squirrels are nesting in?

Roshima

2/28/2016 12:32:44 am

I adopted 2 orphaned baby squirrels 2 days back. They are doing pretty well. Healthy and smart; probably 4 weeks old. Eyes yet to open. I am feeding them plain warm milk. As I working during daytime, i can feed them only in the morning, afternoon and evening/ night. The biggest problem that i had faced was that the squirrels were reluctant to stay inside their shoe box home. They cling to me all the time. Then I read in your site about using rice bags to provide them warmth. It was a lifesaver!!. Thanks a lot for that. Also, please let me know if I doing anything wrong. Or tips to make our situation better keeping my work schedule in mind.

William link

2/28/2016 07:40:55 pm

Hi Roshima!

You can add more fat to the formula.( heavy whipping cream, up to 4 tablespoons per cup of milk.) A mother squirrels breast milk is up to 24% milk fat. It keep them more satisfied between feedings.

We keep a screen with a weight on it on top of nursery boxes to keep them from wandering out, and move them to a small cage once the eyes open. We use the rice bag warmth until they are fully furred, around 6 to 7 weeks, then, they will be able to keep each other warm.

Hope this helps!

Bill

Roshima

2/29/2016 09:11:23 am

Hi William,
Thanks a lot for the reply. I was worried about adding fat in the formula, thinking the babies won't be able to digest it. And I saw white specks in one of the babies' stool. Does this mean anything bad?

William link

2/29/2016 05:05:58 pm

Hi Roshima!

The white specks are probably something it ate in desperation before it was found. I received 3 starving squirrels a few years ago that were so hungry, they were eating tar paper from under the roof eve where they were living. They pooped tar for two weeks after we started them on formula.

If the white specks continue, I would examine them closer to see if they are moving. If they are, the squirrel may need to be de wormed.

Bill

Roshima

3/2/2016 09:40:58 am

Hi William,

My babies have started to open their eyes. Should I bring about any change in their formula? They belong to the Indian palm squirrel family.
Also, is it necessary for me to stimulate to urinate and defecate, now that their eyes are open? If so, how long should I continue?

William link

3/9/2016 06:54:55 pm

Hi Roshima!

We keep our babies on formula only until 8 weeks. Their molars erupt at 8 weeks, so they are able to chew properly at that time. If you write to me at SquirrelNutrition@Yahoo.com, I can put you in touch with a young lady in Sri Lanka who is an associate of mine, and can help you with the diet of your Palm Squirrel.

Bill

Frankie Taylor Fisher

3/6/2016 02:25:59 pm

Dear William,
In july last year, I released 3 squirrels that I had raised since birth ... 2 sisters and an adoptive brother ... the girls, Rosebud and Petunia still come around on my patio for food and ear scratches, Jack, comes around but is more stand offish .... my question, is, Petunia hurt her right arm the other day, and was holding it in a curled up position ... I was thinking of recapturing her to see the extent of her injury, but thought better of it, because I think she may be having/about to have babies .... my question was answered above, as she has disappeared for 2 days, and I am in tears thinking something terrible has happened to her .... so, it is natural for the mom not to leave the nest at all for up to 3 weeks, is soothing information ... thank you for addressing this ...

Frankie

William link

3/9/2016 06:58:36 pm

No Problem Frankie!

You are very welcome. You should read Gemma"s recent comment on this thread. She just went through the three weeks of not knowing!

Bill

Gemma

3/9/2016 03:48:39 am

Hi Bill

Last 3 weeks was hell without my beautiful girl visiting me. You did tell me that they can nest over 3 weeks without coming out for food.
Even though it has been the worse 3 weeks , the only positive thought that kept me going was your words.
Today I am the happiest person ever. Yes she returned after 23 days. I can not tell you how bad I am spoiling her. When I saw and I squealed she was in kind of shock lol
Thank you for writing back, your words weremail my only hope at the time. (hug)

William link

3/9/2016 07:00:03 pm

Hi Gemma!

Glad it worked out well for you!

Bill

bev

6/1/2016 05:44:31 am

I have written to you a couple of years ago. I have a three year old fixed male grey squirrel named Fred. He seems to not like eating avocado. He seems to like it fresh but nobody here likes it except Fred. I freeze small chunks for him, he will eat a little, then that's it. It turns black and mushy and I get it out. What else can I give him to replace the benefits of avocado? he gets a well rounded diet otherwise. Thanks

DeDe

2/14/2017 10:20:09 am

Hi -- it's feb in northern virginia and we have a tall tree that is cracked at the top near our townhomes. The tree guys say it should come down altghou they vary on the urgency with one saying its unnecessary and another saying its urgent and one saying it can wait but should be done. This tree has a cavity nest with squirrels living in it. I feed them daily and am attached to them. there are about 20 trees in our area and one drey and maybe one other cavity nest. Should I try to make the case to delay taking the tree down until May or is now the best time? I hate to do this. My neighbors are concerned about the tree. I have bought a squirrel nesting box to put up on the remains of the tree (we wil leave 20 to 30 feet). Thanks

William link

2/14/2017 10:29:19 am

Hi DeDe!
February and March are the months where the bulk of early season births take place. So, there is a strong probability that dens in trees probably have nursing babies in them. The second birthing season is Julu and August. Probably the best window of time to have the tree removed would be May/ June.

Bill

DeDe

2/14/2017 10:37:31 am

Bill thank you so much. I will do my best to delay!

sharon

5/8/2017 04:43:28 pm

We destroyed squirrel nest in our siding. Now we see a very pregnant mon squirrel looking for her nest. Will she be able to build a nest in time.

William link

5/8/2017 06:31:45 pm

Hi Sharon!

Don't worry! When a pregnant female squirrel is in her nesting phase of her pregnancy, she makes multiple nests for backup after she gives birth. I have a blind and neutered female squirrel that still makes multiple nests around her cage during mating season,

Although, her back-up nests are probably leaf nests that are vulnerable to predation. She would have preferred to give birth in the safety of your wall.

You can keep the squirrels out of your attic and walls by putting up squirrel boxes in any trees around you. If you write to my e-mail address and request the free squirrel house plans, I'll send them to you. SquirrelNutrition@Yahoo.com.

Bill

dan Weddle

5/10/2017 10:38:35 am

Hello, we are renovating a house built in 1850 in Burlington, Iowa. I went to check out a hole with access to the attic and a grey squirrel popped it's head out to look at me. I planned to bomb the attic for spiders today and assumed any squirrels would exit and I could secure the hole but we are worried there might be babies. Our house on the other side of town had grey squirrels all over but this is the only one I have seen at the renovation house. We think the small population is doe to Hawks and eagles that frequent the property which sits on the bluffs over the Mississippi. Any advice to safely relocate my roommates? Could they have babies in May? Will gladly build them a new home and have a perfect huge tree for a couple boxes. Thanks!

William link

5/10/2017 04:00:09 pm

Hi Dan!

You more than likely have a nest of Juvenile squirrels in your attic. Birthing season is from February through March and sometimes into April depending on the climate.

Unfortunately, a mother squirrel doesn't let her babies venture out until they are 4 to 5 months old. If you could locate the nest within the attic, and the babies are small enough, you can gather them into a box and put something warm in the box like a plastic jug of warm water and move them outside the hole, when the mother is out feeding, then cover the hole with fairly heavy wire mesh so she can't take them back in.

Female squirrels always make backup nests when they are pregnant, so they have a place to take their babies if the primary nest becomes compromised.

If she comes back and finds her babies outside the nest, and can't get back in the attic right away, she will take them to a back-up nest.

There are a couple problems:

Many times you can't find an attic nest, because mom will build it down in a wall space if she has access. If that's the case, you're stuck until they vacate. They usually move out when the weather gets hot because attics are too hot for summer occupancy.

Another potential problem is that she may not reclaim her kids, or may only take part of them. You have to check the box if you put them out, otherwise you are going to have some starving orphans.

An easy way to tell if there is a nest of babies, is to put a thin piece of wood over the hole when you know she is out. If she comes back and frantically chews the wood off the hole, you've got babies.

There are some humane professional services in areas that will locate nests and remove babies from attics and place a one way exit over the hole leading out so that is the mother is out, she can't get back in. If she is in, and hiding, she can get out, and her babies are right there where she exits so she can move them.

If you bomb the attic with a nest in it, you may kill the babies. The mother will exit and abandon if they are dead, and you will be left with decomposing babies to smell the place up and probably stain walls or ceilings.

If you decide to wait her out, get the hole repaired during the hot months.

Bill

Carrie

7/16/2017 08:42:19 am

Hi there, I have a "pet " squirrel that comes an goes each morning n night, her mother got reach over out front of our house probably on her way back to the nest on our roof/ attic someplace up there. Anyways, the hungry baby came to literallyly! The question is she has never left, just lives in our closet I converted into a home for her. Now she is most definitely pregnant, she's gotten way stand offish and started biting, acts different now weird more wild. Will she have her babies here? Inside, also I'm wondering if she will go. Back to being a sweet, non-biting squirrel after she gives birth. I miss being able to hold her and pet her. Thank you I care a lot about her and I'm concerned, plus my stepson n hubby walk by the closet/ her home all day every day n I wouldn't want her to attack anyone. God bless

William link

7/19/2017 08:49:18 pm

Hi Carrie!

If your squirrel is pregnant and being defensive it is the hormones and the tendency to protect her nest that is driving that behavior. As to whether she will have her babies there, I would say probably because inside a house offers more protection than any place else but it all depends on how safe she feels. Just don't mess with her babies when she is around.

Be sure she gets extra calcium while she is pregnant and after while she is nursing to prevent metabolic bone disease. I give my pregnant and lactating females all the Nut Squares they want during pregnancy and after. If you want the recipe write to me at SquirrelNutrition@Yahoo.com and request our Squirrel Nut Square recipe and food lists for squirrels.

As to whether your squirrel will go back to being nice after she raises her babies I would say "probably" but some squirrels are baby factories and get pregnant twice a year.

Bill

Alisa Kenney

9/2/2017 08:43:13 pm

I have a release squirrel who has given birth sometime in the last few days. She had been MIA for 3 days but came down from her tree for a quick pecan... thinner and with protruding teats. She didn't stay as usual but went straight back up, directly past the perfectly good nestbox I built and up into a drey out at the tip of a branch directly over the pool. Why would she prefer a leaf nest over the box? I thought I saw her scrapping with another squirrel over the box last week and assumed she'd taken up residence and was chasing off an intruder. Now that she is NOT using the box even after having babies, I wonder what I can do. Maybe the box is occupied by someone else. Maybe the box is one of her back up nests and she just doesn't find it the best option? The leaf nests are vulnerable. Second, it's right over the pool and that's disaster if anyone falls out. Third, this is Florida and we regularly have significant storms with wind and heavy rain.
Can we somehow persuade her to move into a nestbox? I have the release enclosure nestbox I can put in the tree. But I want HER to move in, not a local stranger.
I'm terribly worried for her and her babies.
At least she will make quick trips down to us so we can be sure she gets nutritious food and plenty of water.
I saw you recommend fresh coconut for lactating squirrels? Any other suggestions?

William link

9/3/2017 11:52:03 am

Hi, Alisa!

When it is still hot, squirrels prefer the coolness of a leaf nest over a squirrel box. That's probably the reason your squirrel is avoiding the box.

With Hurricane Irma bearing down on the US, I think I would try to rig some sort of catch net over your pool in the event the dray gets blown out of your tree.

That's about all you can do because there is no way to make a squirrel move into a squirrel box.

Bill

Ronald Benson

9/9/2017 09:18:51 pm

question actually...if a mother squirrel gives birth and leaves the nest (attic) and while shes "out" her entrance hole is blocked, how long will she keep trying to get back in the attic to her babies?

William link

9/10/2017 03:52:54 pm

Hi, Ronald!

She will usually continue until she can chew a new way back in!

Bill

Chrissy

1/16/2018 08:48:36 am

I have been hearing scratching, clawing and running around in our attic for a week. I called pest control and will be here tomorrow. They believe it’s a squirrel. I have not heard noises for a day and half now. Should I keep the appointment or cancel it?

William link

1/16/2018 09:13:57 am

Hi, Chrissy!

It's more than likely a pregnant female that was busy making a nest in preparation for giving birth. They make primary and back-up nests so that if one gets compromised, they can go to a back-up. Your attic will be her first choice because it is dry, safe and relatively warm by squirrel standards.

If pest control can locate where she is getting in and make sure she is not in the attic, they can close it off with metal mesh to make sure she can't reenter. it's still a little early for her to have babies, but if they can locate where she is nesting and check it for babies that would be a good thing.

I would let them evaluate the situation. Just make sure that they are humane pest controllers and not going to poison or destroy the squirrel or her possible babies.

Bill

Leona Pena

3/5/2018 10:16:58 am

Hi we have squerrels in our hallway wall leading upstairs we dont know how they got in there , they chewed a small hole in the wall so they can watch us I guess we have dogs and a cat the cat talks to them and they chatter to her they tick their little heads out I want to know if thevweather gets warm will they leave on their own we havnt called anyone because Im a animal lover and dont want them killed. We have a huge pine tree in our front yard and therevwas about 9 of them living in it ladt summet.

Kevin

3/20/2018 04:59:33 pm

We have two grey squirrels, a male and female. It's the middle of March and we think she is about to have babies. About a week ago she got very aggressive, but now she is acting very tired, sitting on her butt, made a new nest, and sleeps all day. How can you tell if she is pregnant or about to have a litter?

William link

3/20/2018 07:54:07 pm

Hi, Kevin!

I'm assuming these are captive squirrels?

If the female is pregnant and close to term you will see her teats become more prominent. She will also build multiple nests and pull fur from her body to line her main nest. After giving birth she will become more aggressive and protective of her babies.

If she is captive and has babies, separate her from the male because he will try to kill her babies if he gets a chance because males do this to put them back into heat so they can mate again.

Bill

Lucy T. Katz

5/20/2018 08:44:57 am

Your blog is very helpful. We live in Austin Texas and have a squirrel that has built a nest in our tree. I’ve been feeding it corn, sunflower seeds and nut mixture. We provide fresh water every day. Should we be feeding her in May or should we allow her to forge as well. We have so much drought here in the summer and we leave for vacation. Concerned she won’t have good forging skills. Your blog is outstanding.
Thank you!

William link

5/20/2018 02:26:00 pm

Hi, Lucy!

Foraging is instinctive. They do it no matter how much you feed them. Winter time is when they may need help like when deep snow, Ice storms, severe drops in temperatures may make it difficult for them to dig up food they have buried.

The only thing I would provide in hot drought conditions would be plenty of water. They can go for a month without food when it is hot because they are heat sensitive and stay inactive and don't burn many calories. But, they can only go for a few days without water if it is hot and dry.

So, I would provide a big source of water if you are going to be gone long during a hot spell. I like to put a tablespoon of colloidal silver per gallon of water when it is hot to prevent algae and bacteria from growing in the water!

Bill

Barb M.

5/30/2018 07:08:34 pm

Hi Bill, I bought two squirrel nest box kits from you last fall and they were happily occupied all winter by up to four squirrels in each. I have the tame (but wild) squirrel I call Little Girl who eats out of my hand, and she made it all winter but was kicked out of the box she was first to claim when a litter was born in it. Also have babies in the other one--SO much fun watching them! Anyway--great nest boxes and easy to assemble--I did it myself and then hubby and I fastened them to 12 foot 2" x 4"s and raised them/strapped to the trees. We couldn't get up any higher and squirrels seem fine with them there.

So, I have three questions. It now looks like my Little Girl isn't so little anymore and may be expecting. She has approached both boxes and been thoroughly rebuffed in getting one back. We live in a small town where the squirrels seem used to living closely together. I have up to 7 or 8 that come in to my feeders. We have many evergreen and other large trees on our lots. Can I build and put up a couple more boxes in hope that Little Girl will be able to keep one? They can each be out of sight of the others.

Also, how do you know when to clean out the used boxes? I think the young squirrels from the first litter born have moved on (there were 3-5 in the trees at all times but don't see much of them now) but mom still seems to be protecting the box. If I emptied it, do you think she would give it up?

Lastly, is there anything safe I can put in the bottom of the boxes to combat fleas and mites? I can touch a bit of peppermint oil every few weeks on Little Girl's back of neck/shoulder area she can't reach, so she has stayed pretty free of problems, but she's the only one I can do that with.

Thanks very much! Barb M.

William link

5/30/2018 08:16:20 pm

Hi, Barb!

I'm glad your boxes were a big success through the Winter! You can build and place boxes in any trees as long as they are high enough to not attract unwanted tenants. I had one on a 12 foot 2X4 in my cherry tree last Spring and I had to evict a young opossum from it. It was the second eviction for the same opossum who occupied one I had mounted to the side of my release cage. It scared my wife half to death. She got up on a step ladder to check it for babies and was met with the pointed nose of a hissing opossum.

You can put them up in any tree but be prepared for over-population of squirrels. Nesting boxes do a very good job of protecting babies, but predation is Natures birth and population control.

I have to be constantly aware of the population in my area because they can quickly become a nuisance to neighbors when they run out of places to live. What I do, is live trap and move squirrels to parks and areas that have plenty of water and trees that produce acorns and other tree crops.

If I trap a male, I definitely move them. Females can't get pregnant without them! If I trap a female, if she is panicky when I approach, she probably is not one I have hand raised, so I will be careful to approach slowly with a blanket between me and the trap to hide my outline. Once covered, they calm down because they think they are hidden.

If it is one I have raised, they usually are not panicky. They usually just appear annoyed that they are in a cage again. I'll slowly tip the trap to check to see if they are female or lactating and will let them go.

Trapping and moving squirrels is good for the gene pool. It helps minimize inner-breeding. Males don't differentiate whether a female in heat is their daughter or not, so it is just as important to manage,( to the best of your ability,) squirrel breeding as it is for farmers to manage their cattle and other animals.

It's almost summer when squirrel boxes are rarely occupied. They're too hot in summer. If your little gal is pregnant she is instinctively going to select a primary residence, and will build a couple of back-up drays or leaf nests. Because, if a female's primary nest becomes compromised, or damaged, she will move her babies to a back-up nest.

I've had customers write and tell me that their female release squirrels were so bonded to them that they actually return to their door when they are ready to deliver and come back into the house and go to their old location in the house to have their babies. That is amazing! I haven't had it happen to me because we raise to release and don't try to establish strong bonds with our squirrels.

We've raised and released over 60 squirrels over the past 10 years. Can you imagine what our house would be like if even a tenth of them returned to have their babies in our house????!!!! :>)

Bill

Barb M.

5/31/2018 04:08:36 pm

Bill, Oh forgot a couple t things--yes, I could imagine your house with that many! But such fun! Little Girl will come in the door to the back porch to get fed, but will go no further and that's good as I have a cat. They have sniffed noses a couple of times when I've taken my cat out to my fenced in garden--but I don't encourage it and now have cat and squirrel trained to avoid each other.

Little Girl is wild other than liking me (and/or my food) and I don't try to tame her any more than that though I would dearly love to! She and her lost brother were very young squirrels on their own last spring. I can touch her a bit, and she will sit on my lap to eat, or lay under my chair when it's hot in that all out sprawl, so she trusts me. She was probably 4 or 5 months old last spring and has made it a full year but I know something, including traffic, could happen to her anytime. I hate it but I know it.

I notice she has been a little more wary lately than she was. She doesn't appear to be real filled out with babies, but her teats are getting bigger and standing out from her fur--but no nursing going on and no fur plucked out of her. Being pregnant could be a reason for more caution on her part too I suppose. Or I may know nothing about what I'm talking about!! I haven't been a squirrel gramma before!

Is Lucky still living? I know she would be getting way up there for age and then having all her problems along the way. I sure hope so, but at least if not--you had a wonderful and rare relationship with an animal and I would call you Lucky too! I feel lucky to be trusted a little by my little one--she is still smaller than most of the others. I've had two cats live to almost 19 and my cats are always part of the family--current one is 10 this year.

We don't have many opossums up here, thankfully as I don't like them much. We get the occasional skunk through town stinking things up and once I caught one in a live trap at the friends. Threw a towel over the cage, and then used a stick to push the springy door up and it went on it's way peacefully. Thank goodness!

We did have a black bear come down our alley 2 years ago, two of our neighbors saw it but it was at daylight and I missed it.

Anyway--thanks again! Barb

William link

6/2/2018 05:46:46 pm

Hi, Barb!

Yes, they get more "testy" and aggressive just before and after giving birth. They become very protective of their babies and are always in a hurry when they are away from the nest.

Yes, Lucky is still alive and we celebrated her 10th. birthday this past March 7th.

Sorry for the short answers! We're swamped with squirrel mail at this time of year!

Thanks for writing!

Bill

Barb M.

5/31/2018 03:47:02 pm

Thanks Bill, So, you don't think four houses on two city lots would cause problems between the squirrels themselves? People all over town feed birds and have oak trees, etc. I just don't want to do it if would cause a bunch of fighting among the squirrels. They all seem to hang to themselves and only squabble at the feeders on occasion (they have their own feeders so don't bother the bird ones either).

We also have a 40 acre camp that we moved a good number to from a friend's house about 5-8 miles from us who hated them. They have established themselves there but it's a somewhat harder life than here in the city. Haha! They do get fed out there too along with the deer and everything else.. So, they haven't over populated and I could probably move some out there or many other places.

Should I climb up and check the box I think has no babies anymore and clean it out and will Little Girl possibly take it back over, before adding any more nest boxes to the yard? I have no idea if they have two litters a year here in the far north, but was surprised to see such big baby squirrels emerge in mid-May too. Fully bushed out large tails and about 1/2 the size of mom or more than that so they must have been born pretty early. I haven't seen them at my feeders since they left the little "forest" we have in the back, a perfect baby squirrel play area--about a dozen evergreens in a fairly small area. Not sure where they went but town is 7 streets about a mile or two long each and surrounded by wild areas outside town borders. All my neighbors love the squirrels and people feed birds all over town..

We have a wide variety of versions of squirrels so they are somewhat recognizable--gray, gray brown with dark faces, different size tails, a few kind of tan colored on back with blonde tails, black, and one I call Two-Tone. She/he is regular gray from head to hips, then somewhat longer blonde fur from the hips back. I'll send you some pics sometime.

Any ideas on the flea/mite protection?

Thanks for all your help and fast answers! Barb

William link

6/2/2018 05:41:59 pm

Hi,Barb!

When in doubt, move them out. If you think it may cause problems, move them.

Bill

Barb Morgan

6/3/2018 03:20:21 pm

Thanks for the answers! Barb M. (no need to reply again)

Barb M.

6/3/2018 03:32:36 pm

Oh, and so happy to hear your Lucky is still living the good life with you! Ten years old! Wow!

Joyce Hyde

6/15/2018 03:32:09 pm

Great site. Learned so much from reading all the messages. Just have one squirrel we call Spunky (describes his personality). All last winter and spring he came to eat when I called him. Of late though he's slow to come, and now isn't coming at all. Could he be a she and having babies? I'm jus learning about squirrel habits.

William Sells link

6/21/2018 07:12:26 pm

Hi, Joyce!

Having babies is a distinct possibility,however it is pretty late in the early birthing season. June usually marks the beginning of the second breeding season, so that is another possibility. (Females lead a mating chase and sometimes disappear for a short time.)

When you say that he/she was slow in coming, did it seem to have trouble moving? Because Metabolic Disease is another possibility if the squirrel was not given calcium or calcium rich foods. If they don't get calcium rich foods or a supplement like Nut Squares, their body will pull calcium from their bones to support the growth of their Incisors teeth that grow at a rate of 1/4 to 3/8 inches per month. When their bones get depleted of calcium it becomes very painful to walk and climb. When it gets bad enough they can easily fracture their pelvis or back because the bones are very brittle, or even have a heart attack because calcium plays a key role in the re polarization of heart muscle between beats.

Squirrels that live in the city are more prone to MBD because cities pick up dead animals and deer rarely shed their antlers in town. Squirrels in the wild will gnaw on the bones of dead animals for the calcium and other minerals.

I hope that's not the reason your squirrel isn't showing up, but I need to point out all the possible reasons!

Bill

Denise Hodson

11/2/2018 06:59:39 pm

Will squirrel actually use the squirrel box?

Reggie Baker

11/7/2018 02:17:01 pm

I have squirrels nesting for winter in the eves of my garage, will they chew or harm any of the electrical wiring on my power tools? I live in Canada 120 miles above US border - Regina, SK

Michael

1/6/2019 02:10:32 pm

Hello, could I have a nest with babies in early January in Tampa FL.? I blocked their entrance hole to the attic and they scratched open a new one that same night. I want to put a one way exclusion door but am afraid of trapping babies.

Chardy

1/10/2019 01:22:01 pm

Hi William, my name is Sandra. I have a young female squirrel under a year old. I got her from some boys who saved her from a downed tree. The boys mother nursed her back to good health and the boys took her to live with them. The squirrel was let to run free in their house and with a house cat they had. They only put her up at night. I saw that she wasn't doing well with all of the motion and loud noises in their house, I was afraid someone would step on her,so they gave her to me. I brought her home made a huge cage for her that is both inside and outside she is totally living large. My question is, she always seems aggressive for the most part, I can pet her for short periods maybe 10 seconds but she always seems to want to fight with my hands, I thought it was just playing but she will bite ...bite. I am the only one who can handle her, she literally attacks other people but isn't afraid of our dogs or cats. I have tried to introduce her to the outside, but she want's nothing to do with it. She will walk up to our cat like she is going to pet it. so I know I can't let her out in the real world. How, if any can I calm her down so that maybe other people can visit with her? She seems to have a real sweet disposition, when she is calm for that few seconds. Yes I know she is a wild animal , but she is my wild animal and I want to care for the best way I can. Thank you

Karen Rodriguez

3/1/2019 06:29:15 pm

Hello, We recently started listening scratching this week up on one of the rooms where the attic is not accessible. Just today when our pest control stopped by to do our quarterly he noticed a squirrel running into a corner section up on our roof that leads to the room where we’ve been hearing the scratching every morning for the past 5 days. The noise is only being heard early in the mornings and randomly throughout the day but will come and go. I’ve seen a squirrel up on our tree rolling with another squirrel and will often run off together when they see me walking by. ..How do I know if the squirrel just gave birth or is still pregnant? It tends to stay pretty nearby and if it’s the one I’ve seen up on my tree she looks pretty big.

Road Salt link

3/6/2019 09:20:16 pm

Great , many pets or birds are suffering in winter. Can You please provide useful content like this . Thanks for sharing.

Lecia McLain

3/27/2020 10:06:11 am

We have a female squirrel that takes pecans from our hand. She started gathering materials for a nest a few weeks ago. She always nests in the same spot in one of our trees. Yesterday we saw 2 small squirrels playing around the opening. They are probably a few months old. I called her name and she came to the opening. Now she just sits at the open and won’t come down for a pecan. 2 questions. Is she ok. And could she possibly have young babies and give birth now in the same nest?

Christina

3/27/2020 07:37:39 pm

Hi. Wonderful site full of great info! I have a female squirrel whom I have bonded with. She stops over every day for snacks on my lap. I haven’t seen her since March 6,2020. Could she possibly be pregnant? She didn’t look too chubby and no nipples showing on March 6th. I’m hoping she’s busy being a new mom because I miss her so much, she became like a pet to me and we have quite the story which I won’t get into here. I just miss her so much

Hanna

4/29/2020 10:51:40 pm

Hi!

We have a little grey squirrel that was orphaned late last summer (2019). We raised her and another little orphaned squirrel throughout the winter, and they faired great. When transitioning them to the outdoors, her brother took off right away and our little girl stayed with us. She lets me cuddle/massage her - we play a lot - but she also spends mostly every day outdoors and she comes home at night around 7pm through a little back door we leave open. She has all her little cozy spots to sleep in here in the house. However, I think she is now pregnant (large nipples, swollen vulva). Oh sheesh! What do you suggest we do? I thought about allowing her to have and raise her young in the house and then transition them more fully to the outdoors than we did with her - but that's a whole additional year of raising these little guys! What do you think?

Justin Quinn

8/6/2020 11:46:05 am

Hi,

We rescued a young female grey here in the UK in early May and it has been coming every day for fresh water, various nuts and food for the last couple of months, around 4 weeks ago another small squirrel, slightly bigger had also started to enter the garden for treats, which our tame squirrel was hiding in a large plant pot. They have both been chased inside our garden area and along the floor by an "adult" squirrel, which we suspect is a female. We have not seen the two younger squirrels for 10-11 days now, but the adult squirrel is still in the tree at the bottom of our small garden. We have left out fresh water which was being used, but doesnt seem to be going down, has the adult squirrel claimed our garden as her territory and do you think we will see our younger squirrels again?

Katie

8/17/2020 04:40:21 am

Once a squirrel builds a nest, how long until babies are born? In other words, what phase of the pregnancy does nesting occur in? Just trying to find out how much time I have to remove the nest that was built yesterday before there are babies in there!

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William Sells is a Registered Nurse turned Squirrel Rehabber and Nutritionist. His passion is raising healthy, disease free squirrels through feeding them the right way and the treatment of common squirrel diseases. He's always open to questions and comments regarding Squirrels and their care and feeding.

When It's Birthing Season For Squirrels

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