Baby squirrel ‘adopted’ by hen rescued by animal welfare charity

A baby squirrel which was “adopted” by a hen is being cared for at a wildlife rescue centre.

Animal welfare charity the Scottish SPCA was called in to help after the squirrel kit spent several days last week sleeping under a chicken at a farm in Tayport in Fife.

It is thought the little animal had probably become separated from his mother and had been seeking warmth and comfort from the hen.

The kit is now being cared for at the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Clackmannanshire, where he will be rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

The charity is now caring for the kit (Scottish SPCA/PA)

Scottish SPCA animal rescue officer Beth Galbraith said: “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.

“The hen wasn’t fussed at all with the new addition.

“The kit was very thin and dehydrated so is now under the care of our wildlife hospital who will rear him until he is healthy and old enough to be released back into the wild.

“This was a very unusual rescue but also a very cute one.”

Anyone who finds an animal in distress is advised to call the Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

Advice on squirrels can also be found on their website at: www.scottishspca.org/advice/squirrel