Found Baby Flying Squirrels

[Ntwiles]

I've found a baby squirrel that had made a nest inside a large pile of logs we had been piling to burn. I had it for a couple of hours before I was able to get back to my home where I could figure out what to feed it. I don't have esbilac powder and it will be a few hours before I'm able to get any. I'm feeding it salt and sugar water now but I know that is all its had for almost 24 hours. I know squirrels aren't supposed to drink cows milk but is there anything else I can give it until I can give it esbilac powder?

[Jackie in Tampa]

:Welcome
welcome!
A rehabber will be here soon!
Please keep them warm, quiet and dark.
How/why do you know they have had nothing for 24 hours?

[lookmomchickens]

:Welcome

[Ntwiles]

Thanks. I know that because I've had it for almost 24 hours now. I've been feeding it 1cc of the salt water solution every 2 hours to keep ithydrated and I have a shirt in the bottom of it's box to keep it warm.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Thank you for reply.
The hydrating solution, I quart warm water, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt.
Great that you have a 1cc syringe.
A warm water bottle or a rice buddy can be made if you do not have a heating pad.
If heating pad is used, please make sure it does not have auto cut off feature. Babies must be kept warm. If cold, their body/organs will shut down and they will die.
Fill sock with any dry rice and tie off, heat in micro wave for a few seconds...repeat every 20 minutes or as needed.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Can you give me an idea where in Ohio you are so we can hopefully find a rehabber for you?

[♥FlyingsquirrelGirl♥]

Do you possibly have a heating pad to keep on low underneath the shirt? how old would you asume the baby is? water is fine for the first day, i'm not sure what else to tell you i'm sure some one will be here soon to help you out some more. Please leave it in a dark quiet place to keep it calmed down.

BTW, :Welcome :Welcome :Welcome
:wave123 FlyingsquirrelGirl

[Jackie in Tampa]

to test for hydration, pinch skin gently between shoulder blades and release if tenting occurs...baby is dehydrated.
Baby can survive for 24 hours on this, however if warm and hydrated, will need nutrition.
Can you see any injuries?
Have you aged them yet?
Can you give general area where you are and maybe we can find you help in your area. County for example.
We have a flyer guru here, Muffin Squirrel..I will pm her and she can help determine age etc. for feeding amounts and times.
Esbilac is the next thing to mothers milk. It may be found at Tractor Supply, feed stores, Petco and Petsmart. Some Walmarts. Just Born will work temporarily and is also at WAlmart.
Thank you for finding TSB, someone will be here soon!

[♥FlyingsquirrelGirl♥]

here is a link of Ohio rehabbers:

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contactN.htm#oh

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Here is a list of rehabbers for Ohio, if you would be willing to give us more info we can help pin one down for you.


Time is of the essence since you have already the babies 24 hrs. I would not delay in getting hands on help quickly.


Ohio, Central


Ohio, Central region (Columbus)..... 614-793-WILD

Ohio Wildlife Center
Ohio, Central region, Columbus area (Reynoldsburg)..... 614-864-5534

Pamela Mayle, licensed home wildlife rehabilitator
Wildlife Species: cottontail rabbit care
Ohio, Central region (Crestline)..... 419-683-3228

Jane Schnelker, Wildlife Haven
wildjane@columbus.rr.com
Wildlife Species: all species, IWRC State Representative, Newsletter Editor for OWRA
Ohio, Central region, Licking County (Hebron)..... 740-928-8331

Nonda Surratt, Cedar Hill Wildlife Care
sasquirl@adelphia.net
Wildlife Species: orphan and injured mammals
Ohio, Central region, Miami County (Troy)..... 937-698-6493

Mariann Savard, Brukner Nature Center
brukner@juno.com
Wildlife Species: songbirds and mammals
Ohio, Central region, Richland County (Mansfield)..... 419-884-HAWK

Gail Laux (director), Ohio Bird Sanctuary
lauxobs@aol.com
Wildlife Species: birds only


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Ohio, Eastern

Ohio, Eastern region (Canton)..... 330-829-WILD

George & Sandra Kollar/ Kerr, Mother Nature's Children, Sandra Wildlife Center of Canton Ohio
Specialty: teaching


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Ohio, North Central

Ohio, North Central region (Castalia)..... 419-684-9539

Mona Rutger, Back To The Wild
mona@backtothewild.com
Wildlife Species: all species of native wildlife except racoons
Specialties: raptors and both native and non-native turtles and tortoises
Comments: I have six large flight cages including a 112' Bald Eagle flight cage and
accept raptors from other centers for further conditioning before release
Ohio, North Central region (Medina)..... 330-667-2386

Laura Jordan (director/owner/operator), Medina Raptor Center
lcRaptor@aol.com
Wildlife Species: raptors and injured adult songbirds only
Specialty: Raptor conditioning for release
Comments: We have 5-36 foot flight cages and 1-108 foot cage; we do flight work for several organizations
Ohio, North Central region, Medina County (Spencer)..... 330-667-2386

Laura Jordan, Medina Raptor Center
LCraptor@aol.com
Wildlife Species: raptors
Ohio, North Central region, Wyandot County (Upper Sandusky)..... 1-888-294-4477

David Balz (director), Wyandot County Humane Society, Inc.
wyhumaneone@cs.com
Specialty: tube feeding, IV therapy




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Ohio, Northeastern

Ohio, Northeast region, Cleveland area, (Broadview Heights)

Kathy Hilliard, Cleveland & Cuyahoga Wildlife Rescue & Rehab.
linder@myself.com
Wildlife Species: Raptors
Ohio, Northeast region, Cuyahoga County (Bay Village)..... 440 871-WILD

Dave Wolf (Director of Wildlife), Lake Erie Nature and Science Center
Wildlife Species: adults and injured wildlife only
Ohio, Northeast region, Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)..... 216-235-5014

Megan Lynn Barrett, licensed home wildlife rehabilitator
hhasrescue@yahoo.com
Wildlife Species: All species native to the state of Ohio
Ohio, Northeast region, Cuyahoga county (Parma/North Royalton)..... 216-308-0469

Janine M Goodwin (Director), Starfish Animal Rescue
soul_searcher@sbcglobal.net
Wildlife Species: All local wildlife
Specialties/Knowledge: Squirrels and groundhogs
Ohio, Northeast region, Medina County (Chatham Township)..... 330-667-2915

Dan and Midge Shotwell (co-directors), Chatham Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
cwrcenter@yahoo.com
Wildlife Species: orphaned baby mammals (all other species are accepted, then transferred
to appropriate facilities
Specialties: we enjoy working with baby skunks and woodchucks


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ohio, Northwest

Ohio, Northwest region (Kenton)..... 419-673-1977 (any hour)

Nancy Mabrey (director), Wildheart Rehabilitators
nancymabrey@bright.net
Wildlife Species: any small mammals, especially racoons, opossums,
squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs (not deer)
Comments: we have 6 setellite locations, State Permit RVS
Ohio, Northwest region (Montpelier)..... 419-459-4640

Lovejoy's Halfway House Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Inc.
Godcreatedkritters@frontiernet.net
Wildlife Species: Black Bears, raccoons, most mammals native to Ohio
Comments: 24 hr info service


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Ohio, Southwest

Ohio, Southwest region..... 513-825-3325

Jeff Hays, Raptor, Inc.
kriedel@tso.cin.ix.net (Kathryn Riedel)
Ohio, Southwest region (Fayetteville)..... 513-875-3433

Mary Carrelli, Second Chance Wildlife (president/founder)
scwildlf@cinc.tds.net
Wildlife Species: native and migratory Ohio wildlife species, forming a non-profit corp., oil spills
Ohio, Southwest region, Hamilton County (Cincinnati)..... 513-825-3325

Kathy McDonald (volunteer), Raptor, Inc.
Wildlife Species: Birds of prey only
Ohio, Southwest region, Hamilton County (Cincinnati)..... 513-844-6340

Damien Oxier (director), Arrowhead Reptile Rescue
director@arrowheadreptilerescue.org
Wildlife Species: reptiles only
Ohio, Southwest region, Ross/Pike/Scioto/Vinton Counties (Lucasville)..... 740-289-8779 (H) or 740-663-2125 (W)

Melody Olaker, Scioto Trail/Great Seal State Parks Nature Center.
melodyo@zoomnet.net
Wildlife Species: deer, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, fox
Comments: Accept any infant wild animal...all mammals and some raptors; cell #740-649-2962

[Jackie in Tampa]

Flyers open their eyes at I think 21 days'ish.

[Jackie in Tampa]

:thankyou Good Luck, Rippie can help you!:wave123

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

:dono Looks like they left, Please update us!

[Ntwiles]

Thanks for the help. I'm in Cincinnati now. The squirrel was found in northern Kentucky but I brought it home with me. I think from pictures I've seen the squirrel is at least 5 weeks. It has hair and opened eyes but other than that I'm not sure. I don't think it has any visible wounds. I was planning on rehabilitating the squirrel myself. Would that be a bad idea? I seem to have everything I would need besides esbilac powder which I'll have soon.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Ok if you plan on keeping the babies they need that esbilac quickly!!!

[Ntwiles]

Ok I have esbilac. What's a good way to age a squirrel? The amounts needed seem pretty age specific.

[Ardilla]

Ok I have esbilac. What's a good way to age a squirrel? The amounts needed seem pretty age specific.
This site has pics to determine age

http://www.nfsa.us/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1966

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Do you have a gram scale to weigh him, that is how you will tell how much to feed.
Do you have powder esbilac formula?

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

:thankyou Ardilla! Please let me know if you have powder formula, it will need to be diluted accordingly.

[Ntwiles]

No it's liquid esbilac. Is that a problem? The squirrel is about 3-5 weeks old judging by those pictures.

[Ardilla]

With my powdered Esbilac I just go with 1 part Esbilac powder, 2 parts water, BUT Otis was already on it when I got him from MS.

[Ardilla]

No it's liquid esbilac. Is that a problem? The squirrel is about 3-5 weeks old judging by those pictures.

No, but it'll go bad before you use it all.

[Ntwiles]

I was afraid of that but at least I have some for now. I really appreciate all the help. It only seemed to want about 2cc even though the chart I read (from here (http://www.squirrels.org/raising.html)) said 3cc. After that it kind of closed its mouth and wouldn't take any more. Would it know to stop eating when it was full or did I do something wrong?

[Jackie in Tampa]

The first feedings must be diluted and a tad bit warmer than your skin... I would do half water and half esbilac at first feeding. Do this twice every three hours. If I remember right, they should eat about 2ccs and very slowly. They may or may not want it. Go slow, even drops are ok...Hold him upright so no fluid goes in lungs. We do not want babies to aspirate.
YTey have the sweetest mouth on anything I have ever seen, lucky you!:D
Liquid esbilac is only good 72 hours in refridgerator. Powder is more economic. If you plan to raise them, I would get that next time.
The third feeding I would strenghten the esbilac...the liquid is actually READy TO USE, however switching slowly is perfered!
We need pics!:jump
nevermind, sounds like they are hungrey...yeah!

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Please be aware that squirrels are very costly to raise. Formula gets very expensive and you will need a large cage among other foods.
Also please be aware its illegal to posess wildlife, and
they take a lot of time and effort.:thumbsup

[Jackie in Tampa]

I don't want to be overwhelming you, but heat is very important. You will need to keep these little ones on a heating pad set on low, half under container, so they can move from heat if too hot.
Fleece or Tshirts are perfered, no towels, their nails will catch.
Please keep away from children and other pets.
We recommend a rubbermaid container with air holes in lid.

:multi can you post pics? We can help.

[Ontario Rehabber]

Hi Jackie,

I think I am thread jacking here, but thought it may be worth it. The pedialyte is only good for approx. 72 hours, but what we have done is freeze it in ice cube trays as soon as it is opened and then it stays good, and can be dispensed as required. I've never used the liquid esbilac, only powdered, but do you think the same thing could be done with it to make it last?

[Jackie in Tampa]

Rippie is right, as the babies get older they need special foods and housing. They are also nocturnal. However we will help you either way.

Have you seen the babies pee?
The mother will usiually do this. So you will have to gently stimulate them after every feeding. Some use a wet/damp finger, others a tissue. You may not see any poops for a few days.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Hi Jackie,

I think I am thread jacking here, but thought it may be worth it. The pedialyte is only good for approx. 72 hours, but what we have done is freeze it in ice cube trays as soon as it is opened and then it stays good, and can be dispensed as required. I've never used the liquid esbilac, only powdered, but do you think the same thing could be done with it to make it last?
Yes it can be frozen into cubes.:thumbsup

[Ntwiles]

Rippie is right, as the babies get older they need special foods and housing. They are also nocturnal. However we will help you either way.

Have you seen the babies pee?
The mother will usiually do this. So you will have to gently stimulate them after every feeding. Some use a wet/damp finger, others a tissue. You may not see any poops for a few days.

I think it has already. I read that that's only necessary for squirrels that hadn't grown hair yet. Is that wrong?

I'll make sure to keep it warm and get a better cage for it. Right now its in a large cardboard box. I think I can handle the cost and effort and if not I'll make sure to hand it over to one of the rehabilitators you've shown me before I allow the squirrel's health to be affected.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

But keep in mind it wont need to be diluted that far (for thet long)only for a few feedings. So just dont go diluting the whole can, and then freeze!:thumbsup

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Right now the most important things the baby needs:
Heating pad for constant warmth
Regular feedings
Calm, quiet surrounds
Tupperware container fairly deep.

And feed very very slowly, most baby squirrels die from aspiration which causes pneumonia.

[Jackie in Tampa]

I think it has already. I read that that's only necessary for squirrels that hadn't grown hair yet. Is that wrong?

I'll make sure to keep it warm and get a better cage for it. Right now its in a large cardboard box. I think I can handle the cost and effort and if not I'll make sure to hand it over to one of the rehabilitators you've shown me before I allow the squirrel's health to be affected.
:thumbsup Great!
I am not sure if you are in a legal state, but having a back up plan is a great idea. With these little flyers , you never know when you may need meds or experienced help. So having a rehabber in advance is sound advise.
When buying the 'first' small cage, bar spacing is very important.
Half inch is recommended.
Glad to hear they are eating well.
:poke Pooping and peeing the babies must be done by mom until they are capable of standing up and not peeing on themselves.

Thank you for rescueing these babies!:bowdown
still needing pics!:D

[Legomom]

:Welcome to TSB & the life of an HOF! (Human Owend by Flyer :) )

This will give a brief overview into life with a flyer:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15969

There is great info on 'Found a flyer' right here:
http://www.nfsa.us/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=206&p=742#p742

Here you will find pics to help you determine if your flyer is a boy or a girl:
http://www.nfsa.us/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=68

And there is info more great info here:
http://www.nfsa.us/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=68

It's so over-whelming when you get/find your first squirrel, but hang in there, ask lots of questions & post pics when you can....you'll do just fine! :grouphug

:poke Has your new friend told you his/her name yet???