chipmunk problems.

[Agnieszka]

My chipmunk, Taco, is acting up very strange since I took him in. He has his eyes open, but I get the impression that he cant see because when I give him my hand and wave it around in front of him he does not respond to it and tries looking for it in the air since he knows its what gives him food. Once he touches it (with his nose) thats when he tries to climb it and gets excited and squirmy. He's had his eyes open for about 2 weeks but usually he keeps them closed even though he can open them, he only opens them from time to time. Is it possible that he is blind? please help I dont know what's wrong with him:shakehead

[Buddy'sMom]

It does sound like he might have a problem. If he can't see, there would be no particular reason to open his eyes. However, squirrels and chipmunks don't see that well directly in front of them, since their eyes are on the sides of their head. So, try this:

Bring your hand toward Taco from the side and see if he responds to that. try it on either side. There may be a difference and he could have sight on one eye but not the other. If he can only see out of one eye, he will not have any depth perception, which would make it harder to respond to your hand.

Also, try doing it from the front but from a few feet away, as they have better frontal vision from a distance.

I have experience only with a couple of wild chippies who now venture within about two feet to scoop up some seeds -- but if I make any motion with my hand, they are away in an instant.

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Loopy Squirrel]

Does he have any goop or crusties in or around his eyes at all. Are the eyes black in color or do they look whitish, bluish, cloudy, or opaque in any way?

[Crazymunk]

What do you mean by you took him in? do you mean he has had his eyes open for 2 weeks because he is a baby? Can you tell if his eyes are "cloudy" ? does he climb about at all?