© squirrelrehabilitation.com, 2011 The Basics Feeding Chart/Schedule  Feeding Feeding One Week Description  Amount Interval 17 grams 28 grams 41 grams 67 grams 95 grams 118 grams Below are pictures of a single baby photographed at different stages of development.  This baby was 12 grams at birth. Babies can vary quite a bit in weight and in other areas, such as when they open their eyes.  Also, while the feeding amounts should be consistent, the feeding intervals can vary slightly.  The best indicator that the baby is getting enough to eat is that it gains weight consistently/daily.  One of the best indicators that the baby is being fed too much is the consistency of the stool.  Begin feeding the baby according to the schedule below, but should at any time the baby’s feces begin to turn soft and unformed (not individual pellets), increase the time between feedings, not decrease the amount being fed. Overfeeding is as dangerous to a baby’s health as underfeeding. Note: Umbilicus still attached   Feeding Feeding Newborn to One Week Description   Amount Interval 12 grams Completely hairless except for tiny vibrisse (whiskers).  Eyes are sealed shut and ears are pinned to head for first few days. 5% of body weight each feeding Every 2-3 hours for  6-8 feedings each day.  Note:  Many rehabilitators insist upon a middle of the night feeding, and there is nothing wrong with that.  However, if you can stay up late and get up early, the equivalent of one feeding can be skipped, and you can get five or so hours of uninterrupted sleep. Beginning to develop fur and has a grayish tint.  Whiskers are noticeable. Eyes remain closed but ears unfold.  Umbilicus falls off at approximately this time. 5% of body weight Every 3 hours for 5-7 feedings each day. Fur continues to develop. Eyes remain closed.  5% of body weight Every 3 hours for 5-6 feedings each day. Fur on muzzle and around eyes develops distinct coloration. Eyes remain closed.  5% of body weight Every 3 hours for 5-6 feedings each day. White fur on stomach begins to develop. Eyes remain closed.  5% of body weight Every 3-4 hours for 5-6 feedings each day. White fur on stomach filling in. Eyes may begin to open.  5% of body weight Every 4 hours for 5-6 feedings each day. Fully furred.  Eyes open.  Begin to introduce solid foods (rodent block, high calcium vegetables and fruits, nuts. 5% of body weight Every 4-5 hours for 4-5 feedings each day. Note:  Continue this schedule until the baby is eating (and preferring) solid foods.  As the baby weans, he will eat less and less formula (not the 5%) and sometimes will refuse it altogether.  Keep offering formula, however, as it contains many necessary nutrients.  If the baby at this age rejects a feeding, increase the time between feedings until you are offering only two feedings, then only one feeding, a day. Before or after each feeding, the baby must be stimulated to urinate and defecate.  Please click the “Next/Stimulating” link below.