Sometimes, very young mammals need a supplemental heat source while waiting for their mothers. It's important to give the wild mothers plenty of time to reunite with their babies, but it's important to keep the babies warm as they wait. In general, supplemental heat sources should not come into direct contact with the animal; wrap the item in a towel or dishcloth.
Hand/foot warmers work well, or you can make your own source using an old sock and rice or birdseed. To make:
- Fill an old sock with rice or birdseed;
- Put the sock in the microwave for one minute;
- Place the warmed sock near the baby; the warmed rice/seed will hold the heat.