Move from milk toward a balanced adult diet without forcing weaning before the juvenile can actually sustain itself.
Weaning follows reliable solid intake, weight stability and normal elimination.
Build the solid-food base around the species’ natural ecology.
Strength, coordination, climbing/digging/gliding and foraging must develop before release.
Ground-squirrel weaning varies substantially by species and size. Merck gives about six weeks as a general ground-squirrel reference, while rehabilitation natural-history guidance notes that some larger species develop more slowly. Use species, body condition, self-feeding and weight trend rather than one universal date.
The juvenile now needs more horizontal floor space, deeper safe substrate, multiple tunnels/retreats, weather exposure appropriate to its age, and opportunities to dig. If the species hibernates or estivates, begin planning the seasonal transition now — not the week before release.
Ground-squirrel care varies by species. The references below cover veterinary neonatal care, wildlife rehabilitation, natural history and release planning; use species-specific ages, social behavior and seasonal timing whenever they are available.
