Baby chipmunks are vulnerable and fragile creatures. When left alone, they might become dehydrated or malnourished, which leads to serious health issues or even death.
In the wild, they’re also at risk of being preyed upon by other animals. Hence, it’s essential to ensure they receive proper care and attention to increase their chances of survival.
This article will guide you on what to do if you find a baby chipmunk. We’ll cover important topics, such as where to take them, what to feed them, and how to care for them.
Further, we’ll address some questions, including whether they can drink water or milk. Let’s get started!
Where Can I Take a Baby Chipmunk?
If you come across a lone baby chipmunk, your first thought might be to help them. However, only take them with you if the mom is nowhere in sight.
The best thing to do for them is to find a wildlife rehabilitation center.
These centers have trained professionals who know how to provide the correct care for the animal. They also have the necessary equipment to guarantee their survival.
When looking for one, it’s necessary to do some research and find a reliable facility. To begin your search, you can contact your local animal control office and request a list of licensed centers near you.
Another option is to look for online directories or ask for recommendations from people you trust. After finding a licensed wildlife rehab center, reach for further instructions on transporting the baby chipmunk safely.
To transport the animal, you’ll need a small, ventilated container with soft, warm bedding. You can find these at your local pet store or online.
Once you have the container, keep it in a dark and quiet place to prevent the baby chipmunk from getting stressed.
Additionally, during transport, avoid giving the animal water or milk as it can be harmful to their health.
Caring for a Baby Chipmunk
Taking care of a baby chipmunk requires specific attention and care. To ensure their survival, they need warmth, food, and water.
Creating a Safe and Comfortable Environment
It’s crucial to provide them with a secure environment where they can grow and develop.
You can put the baby chipmunk in a small box or container with soft bedding, like shredded paper, paper towels, or cloth.
Then, choose a quiet and dark place to put the container in, where no pets or other animals can reach it.
How to Handle a Baby Chipmunk
Be gentle and cautious if you need to handle a baby chipmunk. Remember that they’re fragile creatures and can easily get hurt or agitated.
To minimize risk or injury, always wear gloves when handling baby chipmunks. However, handling should be kept to a minimum to avoid causing them unnecessary stress.
How to Monitor a Baby Chipmunk’s Health
Watching a baby chipmunk’s behavior and physical condition is crucial to ensure it’s free from health problems.
A healthy baby chipmunk should have bright, clear eyes and a dry nose. Additionally, it should have a good appetite.
On the contrary, if you notice the animal is less active, not eating or drinking, it could be a sign that something’s wrong. It’s also a sign of worry when they’re displaying unusual behavior.
In this case, it’s best to seek a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or a veterinarian for professional advice and guidance to address the issue.
What to Feed a Baby Chipmunk
Baby chipmunks have specific dietary needs. Feeding the right food to a baby chipmunk is crucial to its survival.
What Consists of a Chipmunk’s Diet?
Chipmunks need a diet high in protein and fat. Their natural diet contains insects, nuts, seeds, and fruits.
Importance of Feeding Chipmunks the Right Food
While in captivity, feed them a specialized diet similar to what they would eat in the wild. This will help ensure they get the proper nutrients and develop healthy bones and muscles.
If it doesn’t receive proper nutrition, a chipmunk may become malnourished, which can cause serious health problems. Do your research and consult a professional about the right types of food they need to thrive.
Commercially Available Formulas for Baby Chipmunks
Commercial formulas are available for baby chipmunks and are designed to provide proper nutrition. These can be found at pet stores or online and are usually available in powdered form.
They contain high-quality proteins and fats required for the chipmunk’s development. If you can’t find one, the best alternative would be milk replacers or puppy formula.
However, remember that cow milk isn’t appropriate for baby chipmunks and may lead to digestive issues.
Homemade Options for Feeding a Baby Chipmunk
If you’re unable to find formulas for baby chipmunks or want to make your own, there are recipes you can try at home.
One way is blending soaked and boiled or steamed nuts, fruits, and vegetables to create a nutritious puree. Always use fresh ingredients and then blend the puree well to prevent choking.
How Much Should a Baby Chipmunk Eat?
To ensure a baby chipmunk grows well, you need to feed them the right amount of food at the right times.
Generally, baby chipmunks need to be fed around 5% of their body weight 5-6 times a day. This means that if it weighs around 5 grams, then the formula or food should only be around 0.25 grams of food or 0.25 milliliters of formula.
However, each baby chipmunk is unique, so it’s best to ask an expert for feeding advice based on its specific needs.
Can Baby Chipmunks Drink Water?
Baby chipmunks require water to maintain their health and well-being. Water helps them regulate their body temperature and keep their bodily functions running smoothly.
How to Give Water to a Baby Chipmunk
When offering water to a baby chipmunk, it’s crucial to do it with caution.
One way to do this is to fill a shallow dish with water. The dish should be shallow enough so the chipmunk can drink in it without drowning.
Another option is using a syringe or dropper to offer them water. However, ensure not to provide too much water or cause the chipmunk to choke.
Warning Signs of Dehydration
It’s necessary to keep baby chipmunks hydrated, as they can become seriously ill without enough water.
Signs of dehydration in a baby chipmunk may include being tired or lethargic and having a dry mouth or nose. Additionally, they may be dehydrated if they have sunken eyes, less urine, and a sudden loss of appetite.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s vital to give it water immediately and seek advice from a professional.
Importance of Not Overfeeding Water
Although it’s paramount to give baby chipmunks water, it’s also crucial not to give them too much at once. Too much water can lead to aspiration, which can be fatal.
It’s advised to give them water in small amounts and keep a close eye to ensure that it’s drinking safely.
Can Baby Chipmunks Drink Milk?
There’s a difference of opinion on whether or not baby chipmunks can have milk. Consider all options and consult with a professional before making any decisions.
Understanding the Risks of Feeding Milk to Baby Chipmunks
Feeding baby chipmunks with milk may cause stomach issues, such as diarrhea, and can affect their health.
Furthermore, many milk products in the market contain high levels of lactose. This may not be easy for chipmunks to digest.
As previously mentioned, cow milk isn’t suitable since it cannot replace the nutritional benefits that come with chipmunk milk.
Alternatives to Milk for Feeding a Baby Chipmunk
Wildlife rehabilitators use specialized formulas, like Esbilac, to feed baby chipmunks. These formulas have the right balance of nutrients to help chipmunks develop properly.
If you prefer to make your own formula, it’s essential to get advice from a licensed expert. This ensures you’re using the right ingredients and ratios for a chipmunk’s specific nutritional needs.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a baby chipmunk is a big responsibility and requires a lot of patience and dedication.
Providing a safe space, providing them with appropriate food and water, and monitoring their health are essential for their well-being. Additionally, consulting with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian can help ensure the animal receives the best care possible.
Ben has a bachelor’s degree in construction engineering. When not constructing or remodeling X-Ray Rooms, Cardiovascular Labs, and Pharmacies, you can find him at home with wife and two daughters. Outside of family, He loves grilling and barbequing on his Big Green Egg and Blackstone Griddle, as well as working on projects around the house.
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