Baby squirrel found alive under chicken's wing after being separated from mother

22 August 2023 , 15:37

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The squirrel was found under a hen

A baby squirrel found asleep under the wing of a chicken after losing its mother is being cared for at a rescue centre.

The unusual bond formed on a farm in Tayport, Fife, where the squirrel kit spent several days nestled under a chicken, presumably seeking warmth and comfort after being separated from its mother. It is now being cared for at the Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Clackmannanshire, before being released back into the wild.

Beth Galbraith, an animal rescue officer with the Scottish SPCA, an animal welfare charity, shared the details of this unique rescue: "We received a call from a member of the public who advised a squirrel had been coming into their hen house and sleeping under a chicken for several days.

"The squirrel kit had likely been separated from his mother and had been seeking warmth and comfort from the hen." Interestingly, the hen seemed unfazed by its new companion.

The squirrel is now being cared for at a rescue centre

Galbraith further noted that the kit was very thin and dehydrated, emphasising the importance of the care it will receive at the wildlife hospital until it is healthy and old enough to return to the wild.

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Describing the incident as a "very unusual rescue but also a very cute one," she urged anyone who finds an animal in distress to contact the Scottish SPCA's animal helpline at 03000 999 999.

For advice on squirrels, the public can visit the Scottish SPCA's website at: www.scottishspca.org/advice/squirrel.

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PA Scotland