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Thread: Missing foot

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  1. #1
    MadDog Guest

    Default Missing foot

    So it's been a while since I've been on here and no one will probably remember me, but I had a squirrel who got bit by a spider and passed away from it. Well, about a week or so ago my neighbors brought me three little squirrels about four to five weeks old. Closer to five it seems to me. All are doing great, but one of them lost a back foot while they were in the nest. It must have happened when it was young because it's healed up and gives him no problems. My question is, will he be ok in the wild without the foot. Will it interfere with his lifestyle at all? I know birds do fine without them, but I'm not sure if the same applies to squirrels. I would hate to let him go and something happen to him because of his disability. Also, I've just recently learned about the squirrels version of down syndrome. His face compared to the other two little ones is squished in more. Could it be that? He also is the more care free one. The other two are starting to charge me and give normal squirrel behavior, but he's just as nice and calm as he can be. Thanks for the help.

  2. #2
    lilidukes Guest

    Default Re: Missing foot

    Hi MadDog

    Some pictures would be a great help. Did the baby possibly fall on his head??? Are you prepared to keep him if he is non releasable???

  3. #3
    MadDog Guest

    Default Re: Missing foot

    Thanks. I will get some pictures just as quick as I can. They might not be all that great though because it's gonna be a web cam I use. I don't think he fell anytime either cause the nest was behind a bench in their shop. And yes. If he is non releasable, I will keep him. I loved my last squirrel to pieces and have experience with the mess they can make and their more crazy side. You did not mess with my last ones food. lol

  4. #4
    MadDog Guest

    Default Re: Missing foot

    This is a head shot of him and a shot of his missing foot.
    Attached Images Attached Images   

  5. #5
    lilidukes Guest

    Default Re: Missing foot

    Time will tell you as to whether or no he will be releasable. If his mobility is good and he can run fast and jump at least 5-6 feet with no problems, then by all means let him go with the others. Good luck!

    What a cutie! Does it look like he could of been born without the foot??

  6. #6
    Jackie in Tampa is offline Left TSB to start her own Board
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    Default Re: Missing foot

    hi. can you wrap him in fleece and take a pic of the stump?
    is it a birth defect or do you think it was an incident?
    is there any scabing or is it healed?
    is it completely furred or bald?
    I have seen the same happen in one of my releases babies, we thought perhaps rats , I do not have racoons which could also do this, but usually racoons will wreck everything and eat everything...
    also, is his chin thick/lower jaw?
    or is that my bad vision?
    Good to see you back on!

  7. #7
    MadDog Guest

    Default Re: Missing foot

    I posted those pictures. It actually is covered in fur. Do you think it could be a birth defect? And his chin isn't as thick as the picture looks, but it is a little and it's set back further than the others are. Something my parents just reminded me about too is that he star gazes alot. He'll just sit in the cage and stare up for prolonged periods of time. I compared his head to my other little buddies and their's definitely a huge noticeable difference. His eyes are bigger and his head, while shorter is fatter. He's not as active as the others are either. What you guys think?
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