Ludwig goes Mr. Hyde

[The Glen]

I've had Ludwig for almost two years now, and he's been a good little fellow for those times. I had to go out of town for a week so I left him in the care of my mother for that week. Long story short he escaped and was hiding for almost a week and a half before I finally found him again and brought him home.

His personality has completely changed. He barks at me, he doesn't eat as much, he bites more, and he's coming out in the day time a lot more. Is this a phase from having his freedom squelched or is there something more to this.

[Nevara]

Hmmm your guess is as good as mine.... Rehabbers have any input???? I sure hope he makes it through this phase, and goes back to being friendly! It seems like you've had him plenty long enough that if he was going to suddenly "wild up" he would have already done it. Doesn't seem like it's the right timing for that to happen. But it could be that there was a lot of stress on him when he was "in hiding" from your mother. Could just be still adjusting. I'm not a vet or a rehabber, so that's my best input. Hang in there and hopefully someone with more experience than I have can add a few words of wisdom.

[Bravo]

First off... what is Mr. Ludwig? Flyer, gray or chip?

At first glance it sounds like his instinctive wildness is kicking in... hiding out for a week, his familiar friend gone, etc. But more info on Mr.Ludwig would help.

[The Glen]

Ludwig is a flyer, 18 months old. His typical diet is seeds (pumpkin and sunflower), melons, apples, berries, oranges, pears and cherries. I give him a pecan for a treat.

[Inuyasha's Mom]

I think maybe a little patience? I once read that squirrels don't forget very easily and maybe he's a little peeved that you left for a week with a stranger. :dono

I don't have a flyer, but I've always wanted one! I have an Indochinese ground squirrel. However, I wonder if you should get Ludwig on a more complete diet ... ie. rodent blocks such as Henry's Healthy Blocks or even a commercial block like Kaytee, Harlan or Mazuri? :thinking I'm not sure seeds and fruits could give him everything he needs since he's not out foraging in the wild. Just a thought! :wave123

Good luck! Let us know how it works out!

[Pointy Tale]

The Glen—I’m glad to hear that you got Ludwig back after he escaped. I’m sorry to hear that Ludwig barks at you now. I’m not a rehabber, so I will leave the advice to the experts. Good luck.

[Bravo]

I'm no expert either, but I have heard of animals being moody after a long separation... as above, perhaps some time and patience is all that's needed here.

[tatcat]

:wave123 hey the glen, i understand what yu are going thru with ludwig...i let my tweakerz over a week ago...i saw him today for the first time since then and he was stomping his feet at me...LOL

[The Glen]

Update:

He was pissed at me. I let him out to play in a controlled environment (bathroom with all access points blocked off), he ran around, marked some territory and generally let me know I had to pay for leaving him alone with total strangers that didn't know his 'pet me now' signal. He's getting pampered and it's working.

[Pointy Tale]

Sounds like you're on the right track, pamper him, give him his favorite treats, within reason of course and lots of lovins'( as Rachel would say).

Good luck. Pictures, don't forget to post some pictures!!!!!:D