My babies are dying....

[MrsRich412]

Hello everyone. I wish I would have found this board sooner! We had a tornado sweep through our town almost two weeks ago. During cleanup the next day we found 5 baby squirrels spread out all over the ground. They had probably been there almost 24 hours. They were very small, had a little bit of fur and scrawny tails. One of them was dead, and we put the others in a box. I started looking up info on what to do. I warmed them up, checked for dehydration (they were). I started them on little bits of pedialyte until they were rehydrated. I slowly started them on Esbilac formula little bits at a time every few hours. One of them (Thunder) was very scrawny from the beginning and just never looked good. "Thunder" died a week after we found them. The other three were doing great. Eating well, starting to walk around, discovering their voices. "Lightening" was always the most advanced. His tail fluffed up first, he walked first, eyes opened first. He was the last one I'd expect to die, but sure enough....yesterday morning when I got up early to feed them, he was dead. During this whole time I have been trying unsuccessfully to get a rehabber to take them. I was flying by the seat of my pants and inexperienced....but nonetheless, doing my best. I have been doing everything I have read to do. They are on a heating pad...not too hot, not too cold. I stimuate them to go to the bathroom, etc. They have started this on their own now for the most part though. I slept next to the other two last night so I could hear them if something went wrong. I got up at 1 am, fed them...they were great. I feed them slowy so they don't aspirate. The next feeding at 5am, "Rainy" was dead. I am crushed! What am I doing wrong?? I have contacted 6 different places trying to get someone to take them in who can successfully rehab, but no-one is interested. In the meantime, they are dying! I have fallen in love with these guys and can't tell you how hard I have cried over every death. My heart is hurting because I am doing something wrong to kill these little guys and I don't know what. I can't find any help either. I even tried caling my regular vet. What can I do???
Thanks! Jill

[MrsRich412]

"Twister" is the only one left now. He is acting fine as all of the others did. Eating about 3ccs every 3-4 hours. Very active....climbing and walking around. High pitched squeaks. Eyes still closed. I am so afraid he will be dead soon though, and I just don't know what to do.
Jill

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

I think at his age, he should be taking more than 3 ccs. I have baby fox squirels (not sure if yours is a grey or foxer) that are only 4 weeks old that are taking 4.5 ccs. every 4 hours. I would try feeding him 3 ccs every 2 hours or so or if he will take more feed him 5-6 ccs. every 4 hours. I am sorry to hear that the rehabbers wouldn't take the little tykes.

[island rehabber]

My eyes are filled with tears reading this -- I am so sorry! First: the fact that those babies may have been on the ground as long as 24 hours tells us a great deal about why they died: baby squirrels' systems will begin to shut down when they are dehydrated, exposed, cold, etc. for any period of time. Even though those same babies will rally for awhile when warmed and fed, they "crash" soon after. Their cells have already gone into shutdown mode. It's horrible and it's happened to most of us. :(
About your remaining little one: have you weighed him? The amount he is eating for a 4 week old sounds less than optimal. Without weighing him it's hard to say but he might want a little more at each feeding. He is doing the high-pitched squeaks because he is hungry, or missing his siblings. Try putting a rice buddy in with him or a small stuffy to keep him company. What are you feeding him with? Again, we all feel your pain and hopefully can help you raise this little baby successfully. :)

[island rehabber]

I think at his age, he should be taking more than 3 ccs. I have baby fox squirels (not sure if yours is a grey or foxer) that are only 4 weeks old that are taking 4.5 ccs. every 4 hours. I would try feeding him 3 ccs every 2 hours or so or if he will take more feed him 5-6 ccs. every 4 hours. I am sorry to hear that the rehabbers wouldn't take the little tykes.

SR&B2, great minds think alike...and at the same time! :thumbsup

[Sammy in Canada]

Hello, i am so sorry for what you are going through, alot of people with experience will be on soon to help you, i rescued a red squirrel when he was about five weeks old, you seem to be doing the right thing, i myself did not use esbalic, but they say it is the best, dont be hard on yourself, you are a sweet angel for all that you have done :Love_Icon

[MrsRich412]

Ok...thanks. I'll try to up his feedings. The last feeding he went two hours. He seemed hungry, so I fed him and he took it great. He won't go more than 3 ccs. I have tried to give him more over the past week or so, and he just won't take any more than that. I don't want to force it in him. I will go every two hours from here on and see what happens.
~Jill

Sidenote...I have been TERRIFIED of squirrels my entire life. Up until these guys came into my life 2 weeks ago, I would still panic when a squirrel was near. I don't know why, and I get teased about it a lot! I have always had this terrible fear of them, and now I am heartbroken over them dying. I can't believe I feel this way about them. My family is shocked! lol Funny how things change....

[Sammy in Canada]

Ok...thanks. I'll try to up his feedings. The last feeding he went two hours. He seemed hungry, so I fed him and he took it great. He won't go more than 3 ccs. I have tried to give him more over the past week or so, and he just won't take any more than that. I don't want to force it in him. I will go every two hours from here on and see what happens.
~Jill

Sidenote...I have been TERRIFIED of squirrels my entire life. Up until these guys came into my life 2 weeks ago, I would still panic when a squirrel was near. I don't know why, and I get teased about it a lot! I have always had this terrible fear of them, and now I am heartbroken over them dying. I can't believe I feel this way about them. My family is shocked! lol Funny how things change....
can you post a picture of your baby squirrel, we all love to see photos, under the thread Sammy is in a photo contest you can see my Red Squirrel, it is truly a blessing when a squirrel comes into your life :Love_Icon

[MrsRich412]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/mrsrich412/015.jpg[/IMG]

I hope this comes through....I just took this a few minutes ago. How does he look?

[Jackie in Tampa]

:Welcome Welcome sweetie!
:thankyou thank you for loving them..{especially after being afraid for years} and doing your best for them.
:grouphug sorry your baby is not doing good.
I think he should be eating more also.
I am not a rehabber, so I can't really help to much...it looks like his eyes are about to open.
Has he had diarrhea....how are you making Esbilac?
just getting some info, for the rehabbers...
Good Luck:grouphug

[MrsRich412]

No diarrhea....and the Esbilac is the powdered form, not the ready made. He sounds fine when he breathes...no rattling or anything. I am feeding every two hours now since he will not take any more than 3ccs at a time. He isn't aspirating at all. I am hoping whatever took the other three won't hit him as well. I feel like I have failed these little guys....

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

He looks like a precious angel, just take caution to feed him slowly so he dosent aspirate. If he has milk come out his nose hold him upside down to get the fluid out of his lungs.
I am so sorry you lost the rest of the babies. Is there any way that you can weigh him that is the only way to tell if hes getting enough formula they need 5-7% of their body weight.
(If he is 100 grams he needs 5cc).
You are certainly doing the best that you can and we all applaud you for that.
Stick close here and give us regular updates, and jump right in with any questions.
Just by looking at his picture he looks just nice to me, also they like their formula nice and warm..

[Jackie in Tampa]

:) Hello again
I don't heat the formula in the microwave, I heat a bowl of water and float another filled with formula in the hot water...and babies won't drink cold or warm formula...so keeping the water hot enough is important for him to enjoy. Just thinking why he won't take more.
I am sending lots of love your way:Love_Icon

[Mads]

Jill...~ Welcome. That's too funny that you've been afraid of squirrels your whole life and now these babies chose you! It's a sign....:thumbsup

I'm so sorry about the loss of the 2, but I think that Twister looks pretty good from the photo , and sounds like you're doing everything right. I would though, with only 1 left, give him a little stuffed animal or something for a cuddle buddy.

I raised 5 for the first time myself this spring...and didn't know anything either. They are all doing great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6lTPQE5pRY

A link of the best of on my youtube movies, if your interested. Good luck to you. I've lost little animals before for whatever reasons, I never knew, and I know how horrible you can feel, but, your doing so much more than alot of people would even consider doing, and for that, you are a wonderful person.

Maddy

[MrsRich412]

First of all...THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! I am so upset that I didn't find you all sooner. I feel like I have been walking this road alone without a clue! You all have made me feel so much better.
As of the last feeding (10 min ago) Twister took 5ccs. He has never taken that much. He really looked good. But when I rubbed his little bottom to go to the bathroom, he went and it was runny. Not total liquid, but not a good solid poop like it has been. Kind of an orangish color. I am assuming this is not good, but I'm not sure what to do. :dono

[LynninIN]

Edited: My weakness has been outed...... I'm terrible at directions. :shakehead I don't live in NW Indiana.

[MrsRich412]

YAY! I just emailed her!!

[Apple Corps]

Might there be a parasite infestation??

[FLUFFYTAILNUT]

awww..so tiny n cute..sorry about your loses..rip..sweet babies...

your sweety looked like my bean just before his eye's opened..
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee303/FLUFFYTAILNUT/096.jpg

then ...a few hours after his eye's opened

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee303/FLUFFYTAILNUT/091.jpg:thumbsup

[MrsRich412]

I just spoke with Lynn....she was so sweet! The one in Michigan City is probably the closest to me. Valpo is closer, but I tried that one already. I need to run and get my kids......I'll be back in a bit.

I would love to take care of this little guy myself, and watch him grow, but I love him too much to keep him here for selfish reasons. I want him to have the best care he can....so I am totally in favor of handing him over to a rehabber. Be back soon!

[Mads]

First of all...THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!! I am so upset that I didn't find you all sooner. I feel like I have been walking this road alone without a clue! You all have made me feel so much better.
As of the last feeding (10 min ago) Twister took 5ccs. He has never taken that much. He really looked good. But when I rubbed his little bottom to go to the bathroom, he went and it was runny. Not total liquid, but not a good solid poop like it has been. Kind of an orangish color. I am assuming this is not good, but I'm not sure what to do. :dono

It could be as simple as taking more formula for the first time. I remember that happening one time with one of my squirrels and he was back to normal the next feeding.

[LynninIN]

I just contacted the one in Valpo before I read your post. What type of 25 acre wildlife center won't take a squirrel when their website says they rehab them? I left a message for the director, let's see if he calls me back.

[LynninIN]

Found a licensed rehabber willing to take Twister. :wahoo This delightful man has been rehabbing for 58 years.

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

:wahoo Way to go LynninIN :thumbsup

[FLUFFYTAILNUT]

Found a licensed rehabber willing to take Twister. :wahoo This delightful man has been rehabbing for 58 years.
you are the wo-man!!!:thumbsup :poke :alright.gif :alright.gif :D

[MrsRich412]

I have spoken with the rehabber and he was very sweet. He is willing to take Twister! I am getting ready to take him now. It's only about 30 minutes away too.... I'll let you know how it goes.....THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!! Be back later... Jill

[Sammy in Canada]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/mrsrich412/015.jpg[/IMG]

I hope this comes through....I just took this a few minutes ago. How does he look?
thanks for showing us Twister, i will pray for him, where does he sleep, my sammy at 5 weeks loved and still does sleeping in a 100%cotton t shirt, i will add a picture of my Sammy at 5 weeks or so, keep up the good job, you are doing your best:Love_Icon

[LynninIN]

:wave123 Jill. Good to hear Twister has a new home. The rehabber really did seem like a sweet guy. Please let us know how it goes.

BTW: In the above picture, Sammy's a red squirrel. They are smaller than grey's.

[Coalcracker]

What a happy ending to this story. The whole bunch of you should be proud for what you're doing! :thankyou I'm not ashamed to say that you brought tears to this old truck drivers eyes. :thumbsup

[Sammy in Canada]

WOW what a gang always so helpful, keep in touch Jill, praying for twister :alright.gif :Love_Icon

[island rehabber]

WOW...I've been at sea all day (literally) and just caught up to this thread. You are ALL AWESOME, especially LynninIN and Gammas and and and.....all of you. Good luck, little Twister -- have a wonderful happy squirrel life!

[MrsRich412]

Well, the whole family took Twister to the rehab center. The man was great! He classifies himself as a "Smart Hillbilly" lol. He is starting Twister on an IV tonight. He said he really looked good overall and he thinks the others may have had internal injuries that just overcame them. I kind of hope that is the case...then I wouldn't feel so guilty! He said we can visit and call as often as we like. If Twister makes it, he will call us out to be there for his release. If he doesn't make it, he will call us to come get him so he can be buried with his siblings in our backyard. He was so great with my 8 yr old. She was crying and had a hard time letting him go. The man asked her to come back with me so he can teach her the ins and outs of rehabbing so she could take his place. She was SO excited! I know we did the right thing.....my heart is sad, but my heart is happy. I miss them all terribly, but hopefully we made some kind of difference. We have lots of pictures and video of our little guys. And I am not terrified of squirrels anymore! lol Another funny thing is I am highly allergic to peanuts. The thought of ME having squirrels and eventually peanuts in the house is mind boggling. lol

I can't thank you all enough for all your help. I only wish I would have found you two weeks ago. I will hang around since apparantly I like squirrels now! :rotfl

God bless you all!

Jill (and Twister)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/mrsrich412/008.jpg

[Frickster]

aww....SO CUTE!! what a tragic but happy ending. hopefully this baby will go on to live enough life for all of them! even the ones that didn't make it though at least died loved and not alone. you gave them that and for that you should feel happy. :)

[wheezer]

Wow another happy ending:alright.gif I haven't been able to get on much lately but I do peek in every evening. It has been a mix of happy sad times. This is one of the great stories TSB is known for. Lynn, you have sure been working overtime stepping in and saving the day:bowdown :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug
I sure hope Jill stays with us, she is a true squirrel hero herself:thumbsup
So is the rehabber who took Twister:thumbsup
Best of Luck Little Twishter:grouphug :squirrel1 :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Mike_in_Japan]

It sounds like you did the best you could do and you only really had the chance of saving one, which you did well. Maybe when he is all grown up he can be released near you so you can still feed him and care for him.

Thanks for saving a big furry tail friend.

[LynninIN]

A squirrel IV? Wow this guy really is experienced.:thumbsup He sounds wonderful. I'm so glad he plans to keep you informed on Twisters progress and release.

[Sammy in Canada]

Well, the whole family took Twister to the rehab center. The man was great! He classifies himself as a "Smart Hillbilly" lol. He is starting Twister on an IV tonight. He said he really looked good overall and he thinks the others may have had internal injuries that just overcame them. I kind of hope that is the case...then I wouldn't feel so guilty! He said we can visit and call as often as we like. If Twister makes it, he will call us out to be there for his release. If he doesn't make it, he will call us to come get him so he can be buried with his siblings in our backyard. He was so great with my 8 yr old. She was crying and had a hard time letting him go. The man asked her to come back with me so he can teach her the ins and outs of rehabbing so she could take his place. She was SO excited! I know we did the right thing.....my heart is sad, but my heart is happy. I miss them all terribly, but hopefully we made some kind of difference. We have lots of pictures and video of our little guys. And I am not terrified of squirrels anymore! lol Another funny thing is I am highly allergic to peanuts. The thought of ME having squirrels and eventually peanuts in the house is mind boggling. lol

I can't thank you all enough for all your help. I only wish I would have found you two weeks ago. I will hang around since apparantly I like squirrels now! :rotfl

God bless you all!

Jill (and Twister)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v141/mrsrich412/008.jpg
what a cute picture, what a good role model you are for your daughter, you did the best choice and should be very proud, when my Sammy came to my back door later we found three babies that did not make it in my yard, so i will pray for the same outcome for Twister:thumbsup :Love_Icon BE STRONG TWISTER :Love_Icon

[island rehabber]

Awww, Twister is a gorgeous boy! Just a PS to you, MrsRich, about the peanuts: you can go on to have lots and lots of squirrels in your life, but no peanuts are necessary. They aren't really good for them anyway. :D