For the most part, it's best to leave nature alone, and let whatever happens, happen. From time to time, we DO find ourselves involved in trying to help nature out a bit and maybe rescue a stray, abandoned, or orphaned animal. I ALWAYS recommend talking to an expert veterinarian, zoo employee, or Conservation Officer about keeping, handling, care & feeding, and eventual disposition of, small animals separated from their mothers.
If you DO find yourself wondering what to feed an "Unweened" animal, this may help get you started. This formula will work for almost ANY mammal, but be careful not to give too much to them until you've talked to someone "in the know" about how much formula a specific animal may need. If the newborn has not been initially fed at least once or twice, then the newborn will not have the collostrum necessary to fight off disease, and the chances of it surviving are very slim. This formula does NOT supply the needed collostrum!
"Mother's Milk" Replacement Formula !
1 Cup Water (Filtered if available)
1 Cup Powdered Milk
1 Egg Yolk
3 Tablespoons Karo Syrup
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil (Vegetable or Canola Oil is OK)
SHAKE WELL / STORE IN FRIDGE
Warm up small serving size portions prior to feeding.
(Do not cook or heat enough to harden egg yolk)
An eye dropper, or medicine dropper will work well for feeding, but a small baby's bottle with a nipple will work also.
If you find say, a baby squirrel, or cottontail rabbit, or even baby ducks, etc.; it's best to stay away from them and keep pets away from them, as well. MANY times, there is a mother lurking nearby, waiting for you to leave, so they can reclaim their wayward young. If you MUST get involved, please contact Animal Control (In Town) or the Game, Fish, and Parks Dept. and let us know what's happening, and what you intend to do. Often, if we can't help, we can at least steer you in the right direction to get the help you may need. Good Luck!
Heather & "Sweetie"
Heather is a Criminal Justice college student that was interning with me, and planning on becoming an Animal Cruelty Investigator in the future. "Sweetie" was found on the floor of a garage in the S.W. part of town. No nest could be found to return the baby red squirrel to, so Heather became her new "foster" mother.
