Caring for Baby Chipmunks
Caring for a baby chipmunk can be quite exciting, however, there is some work that’s involved to ensure that the baby chipmunk is getting what it needs not only to survive but to be healthy. If you should ever stumble upon a baby chipmunk the first question that should arise is where is its mother?
Before removing the baby chipmunk wait for a while perhaps a few hours if you can spare that to see if the mother shows up. If the mother doesn’t appear especially if it’s towards evening and night starts to set in then that should be a sign that the baby chipmunk is in trouble and needs your help before it becomes a meal of its predators. Before removing the baby chipmunk look for signs to see if it’s injured, signs such as bleeding or broken bones, the baby chipmunk might also be shivering. If you see one or more of these signs the baby chipmunk needs professional care. Its good also to consult your government wildlife agency to see if it is allowed to care for wildlife in your state.
Once the baby chipmunk is in your care contact a wildlife rehabber, a wildlife rehabber is a profession where persons are trained and involved in the treatment of animals that are orphans, injured, or sick. Once the animal is healed and well able they are released into the wild. The humane society or animal shelter should have a phone contact to reach them.
If you plan to raise the baby chipmunk yourself then set up a baby chipmunk habitat.
A baby chipmunk habitat
Once the baby chipmunk is brought home use a small cardboard box, towels, or pine chips and a heating pad or a hot water bottle which is better, if you’re using a heating pad place the heating pad on its lowest setting. The heating pad should never be in direct contact with the baby chipmunk’s body, If the towels are thick and if the box has a certain thickness place the heating pad or hot water bottle under the towel or the box.
A hot water bottle if used should be monitored, refilled, and warmed, ensure if you’re using a hot water bottle that it doesn’t’s leak. If using pine chips instead of towels, place the pine chip in the bottom of the box this will make a bed that’s comfortable and soft for the baby chipmunk.
Nursing your baby chipmunk
Your baby chipmunk needs to be rehydrated, Pedialyte will work wonders. Warm the Pedialyte to body temperature and with a syringe or eyedropper being to feed the baby chipmunk.
For the first 12 hours after finding the baby chipmunk feed the chipmunk with Pedialyte. Another option that can be used is esbliac puppy milk, with an eyedropper or syringe begin to feed the baby chipmunk. The direction for the proper mixture can be found on the back of the container. All other foods including cow’s milk should be avoided.
When feeding a baby chipmunk wrap it in a towel with its eyes covered, the baby chipmunk should be held firmly and handled as little as possible don’t treat it like a pet except when you’re feeding it.
Getting a baby chipmunk to urinate
Releasing bodily waste is a must for a baby chipmunk, to accomplish this use a cotton swab wet in warm water, once this is done gently rub the cotton swab over the baby chipmunk genitals which will cause the chipmunk to poop or urinate.
Releasing a baby chipmunk into the wild
Before releasing the baby chipmunk back into the wild ensure the chipmunk is defecating (poop) and urinating. Once the baby chipmunk reaches around 9-10 weeks, during the early morning hours release it. The baby chipmunk should be released or set free in a wooded area that has a water source, trees, vegetation, and rock outcroppings.
Chipmunk predators
Here is a list of chipmunk predators
- Foxes
- Rats
- Hawks
- Owls
- Snakes
- Weasels
- Bobcats
- Coyotes
- Raccoons
- Lynxes
Some chipmunk fun facts
10 chipmunk fan facts
1. It has been recorded that North America has the largest population of chipmunks.
2. Chipmunks has many food sources
3. Chipmunks are not sociable creatures and are considered to be loners.
4. There are 25 species of chipmunks of which 24 are recorded to live in North America.
5. Chipmunks spend most of the winter sleeping in their dens.
6. Chipmunks are excellent swimmers.
7. A chipmunk can run up to 21 miles an hour.
9. Chipmunks live in a variety of habitats including deserts, mountains, plains, and forests.
10. Chipmunks are great climbers.
The final word on how to raise a baby chipmunk
Taking care of a baby chipmunk requires some work but the work will be worth the effort as the baby chipmunk becomes stronger. I believe we should do whatever we can to give nature a helping hand. It’s so good to help animals that are in distress, a word of caution, however, care should be taken when dealing with wildlife.
So if you ever come across a baby chipmunk that’s in distress then step in by giving a helping hand and by following these steps. Let’s give these distressed babies a fighting chance by doing what we can as we help them to survive seeking to preserve and grow their population which I think is really awesome.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Chipmunks is very scarce in my area. But, would definitely assist one when it needs help. A person would forget it is a wild animal. Glad you keep reminding us that.
Waterbottles need to be handled carefully as I even got burnt by one. Good you give this tip. Is a chipmunk a good pet to have or best to release in the wild?
Remember these animals are wild no matter how cute they are you don’t know what can happen especially if they are startled or feels threatened. I would help them then release them back into the wild.