squirrel question

[C.C.'s mom]

The vet called me today and asked me if I'd take five baby squirrels. When I stopped by to pick them up they were extremely dehydrated. She gave them each fluids. I asked if the people that dropped them off had mentioned what they had been feeding them. The vet said the woman had them for a week and had been feeding them kitten milk. I've been giving them pedialite to help their little systems. They look so pitiful. Do you have any other suggestions? Thanks so much!

[Anne]

CC, just give them hydrating fluid until their systems clean out the Kitten milk. Then start them on Esbilac puppy formula. dilute the formula like you would for very young babies. Over the next week ( five days) bring the formula up to full strength. Pet Ag, the company that makes Esbilac is processing the powder in a new way. Check in Nutrition for how to correctly dilute the new formula.
Where in Florida are you? I am just outside Jacksonville in Orange Park. It you are close, I can give you my phone number and you can call me for any help. Of course, the board is always here and you have access to many minds and constant help:D

[C.C.'s mom]

Thanks for the quick reply! I'd read how to take care of a kitten milk squirrel a year or two ago but have never had one to deal with until now. We usually receive them after a storm or from a tree cut down. So far this season we've only had males (9) but finally got a few females in this group. We live in central FL but would love to move a little more north :) Thanks again for all your help!!

[Rodney Ro-Dent]

Why is kitten milk bad for baby squirrels?
Rodney has been on the puppy milk and eats it like a hog but I was just curious about the kitten milk

[4skwerlz]

Why is kitten milk bad for baby squirrels?
Rodney has been on the puppy milk and eats it like a hog but I was just curious about the kitten milk

Too much protein; not enough fat. It causes them to starve.

[Rodney Ro-Dent]

Oh thanks. that makes sense.