Need Help with Flying Squirrels

[Tere33L]

Please HELP me...I am a rehaber in Tennessee. I rarely get Flying Squirrels but have gotten 8 this past month...of the 8, 4 of them have died (they were all pinkies when they came in). The remaining 4 are 4-5 weeks old. (None are litter mates, so ages vary, all eyes are open).
I have them on Esbilac mixed 1 to 2, every 3rd or 4th feeding they look dehydrated, so I substitute apple flavored pedialyte. It seems to do the trick then by the 4th following feeding they look bad again. The best way to describe it is that their coats look wet only they are not...so I start the whole cycle over again...help!!! They are eating 1cc every 3 to 4 hrs (6 times a day). They are also eating (nibbling) pecans and licking a few other foods, but something is not right. I love these little guys and it is so hard when I lose one, especially when I am doing all I know how to do. PLEASE HELP!!! I have raised over 20 gray squirrels in the last month and they all did great but these guys are so different.

[Sissy]

Hi Tere, :Welcome to TSB! We have some excellent flying squirrel experts on here that can help you. I do know when they are young, they do have a wet look to their fur. They also do better in a moist heat rather then just plain heat. I put a small bowl with a damp washcloth in their covered container to help keep them hydrated.
Also there is a wonderful website: www.nfsa.com that has a wealth of info on it.
Hope this helps till an expert comes along and give you more info.

[digiandchipper]

:Welcome Hey there.......I'm sorry I'm not a rehabber but I know there is a forum somewhere on here JUST for flyers. Maybe you can find help there while you wait on a rehabber to come on:)

[Tere33L]

Hi Tere, :Welcome to TSB! We have some excellent flying squirrel experts on here that can help you. I do know when they are young, they do have a wet look to their fur. They also do better in a moist heat rather then just plain heat. I put a small bowl with a damp washcloth in their covered container to help keep them hydrated.
Also there is a wonderful website: www.nfsa.com that has a wealth of info on it.
Hope this helps till an expert comes along and give you more info.


Thanks I will try the hydrating trick ... makes perfect sense ... will be nice if it is that simple

[Sissy]

Another thing I remembered about them, is they do look wrinkly most of them time, due to all their extra skin for their flaps. Muffinsquirrel is an excellent person when it comes to knowing about flying squirrels. I know she will be on here sometime tonight. Sounds like your doing a wonderful job so far with them. They will steal your heart in a minute.

[digiandchipper]

How are things going - good, I hope?:grouphug

[FlyerLuver]

If you need some xtra hands I live in Olive Branch, MS just 10 minutes from Memphis and I don't think you are too far from Wolfchase? I work for an exotic Vet in Collierville if you need anything hollar at me:thumbsup

I hope the babies are doing better for you:Love_Icon