FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

[island rehabber]

In light of the recent problems rehabbers have been experiencing with Fox Valley 32/40 formula in neonate - two-week-old baby squirrels (pinkies), , it has been decided that the best alternative is Esbilac Puppy formula (POWDERED), with Probiotics. The Esbilac should be used for at least the first 3-4 weeks, after which you may leave the baby on Esbilac if it's doing well, transition the baby gradually to a mix of Esbilac and FV 20/50, or go to straight FV 20/50 until weaning. The use of the FV32/40 is not recommended at this time for baby squirrels because of digestive issues, which can and HAVE been fatal in pinkies.

Esbilac powdered puppy formula is easily available in pet stores and Walmarts everywhere. PLEASE do NOT use the canned Esbilac; it is not the same formula as the powder and may cause diarrhea.

Should you need to make another temporary formula (you can find goat milk but no Esbilac), a former member of TSB
developed this temporary replacement formula recipe:

Jackie's Goat Milk Recipe
1 cup goats milk
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup dannon all natural vanilla yogurt

Mix well and keep in a covered plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. Replace after 48 hours.

[semiferger]

Thanks for putting up this awesome guide.I have tried and want to thank you for sharing this guide Its easy to make.
is there anything to add to the formula to help a four week old squirrel gain weight?

[island rehabber]

Fox Valley makes a product called Boost to supplement their squirrel formula; it provides more fat & calories and may help. :thumbsup

[Giftee's Mom]

I've been using powdered Esbilac for several years and have experienced no problems. I remember hearing last year how some rehabbers' squirrels were having diarrhea even with the powder. I had babies at the time on powdered Esbilac and had not a hint of diarrhea, and everybody grew up happy and healthy and diarrhea-free. So for now, until it proves me wrong, I have to choose to continue to use Esbilac. But it's nice to know there's an alternative formula out there that's good for squirrels. :)

[CritterMom]

FYI: The Esbilac in the can that has the golden retriever puppy is the OLD formula that nobody had problems with. The NEW stuff is in a can with a little fluffy white spitz/american eskimo type puppy. There is still lots of the old stuff out there.

[Conkers]

I went to the feed and seed today to pick up the Esbilac and they had none. Unimilk was recommended to me, so I bought it. My baby has been fed once with this milk, as the vet is closed for the weekend. Is this acceptable?

[Rainy9]

I went to the feed and seed today to pick up the Esbilac and they had none. Unimilk was recommended to me, so I bought it. My baby has been fed once with this milk, as the vet is closed for the weekend. Is this acceptable?

I have never heard of Unimilk, but I would strongly advise that you order some Fox Valley formula since it is made with squirrels in mind. You can get it from hernyspets.com or foxvalleynutrition.com . In the meantime, you might want to use the milk replacer recipe mentioned in the begging of this thread instead of the unimilk. I hope this helps and good luck with the squirrly! :thumbsup

[Cejemere]

^^:wott :wott

[joy2behere]

Hey YA'LL!!! My 1st post here. Found it early last wk while researching about what "age" my 4 baby squirrels were (5-6 wks then). Eyes were closed when I got them but the very next day, they opened their eyes. They'd already started weaning also. I can honestly say that a LOT more info on squirrels is available since I started at age 15 periodically rehabbing/raising squirrels & this site was referred by several other sites so when I got here I couldn't leave!!! I LOVE that ya'll get to share all the fun times & heartbreaks b/c knowledge & experience helps! There's nobody I know in my area that has it with squirrels & they're quite abundant in GA so this forum is gonna be great for me. I've been reading all these cool stories ya'll have here before signing up & I'm soooo glad I'm not the only weirdo - LOL - J/K!!! After this many yrs, ppl remember "ya did it before" so they search ya out when babies are found. I read in the forum (somewhere) it takes special ppl to do this for the long haul & it REALLY DOES! So like it or not, 2 stayed with me (Alvin & Brittany) & this past Saturday, 2 went home with my brother (Simon & Theodore)... what can I say... I'm a music buff with kids & always had some sort of naming theme when there are multiple babies... LOL.

Anyhow, what caught my eye on this post is the formula at the top. It's close to what I've used since the very 1st pair (Chip & Dale). A family friend worked for an animal shelter, they were brought in & he asked us if we'd be up for the task so we took them to a vet who told us that "most vets won't look at squirrels b/c they're wild animals & therefore can't charge $ to ppl for bringing them in". Things may be diff now b/c it's been a LONG time since 1988! Here is the formula he gave us & I'd love to get a pro opinion but can't "afford" one - LOL...
==============================
1 can Evaporated Goat's Milk (white w/ green letters - found in grocery stores right beside regular evap. milk)

1 can water (I empty milk first into container & use hot water in the can b/c they seem to LOVE a fresh batch like that)

1 Tbsp of Light White Karo Syrup (Vet said gives it just a hint of sweet & the sugar in it would help with energy.... AS IF squirrels need more! hahaha)

1 Egg Yolk - SEPARATE WHITE (Per vet & my experience - Be sure to REMOVE as much of the egg white as possible b/c they can choke on the thickness. Vet said this would give them vitamins & nutrients.)
==============================

Let me know opinions on the formula cuz it seems to work fine, although there've been times where I've wondered if there was something out there somewhere that's made specifically for squirrels. I'll probably check out that website link ya'll mentioned up at the top. Well that's it for now.... glad I found this special place for all us special people... I'm know I'll be back to read & share some of my experiences too!

Joyce

[leenidia]

Hello, Nidia here. I have 2 babies myself and am not really experiencing any issues yet, but Dale’s poo is a bit soft where Chips is not. Its little tiny balls, is that normal? Also, I believe they are about 5 weeks a few days. Their eyes opened 3 days ago. Am I supposed to feed them other foods accept the esbilac? Need advice please, thanks! mjs
I've been using powdered Esbilac for several years and have experienced no problems. I remember hearing last year how some rehabbers' squirrels were having diarrhea even with the powder. I had babies at the time on powdered Esbilac and had not a hint of diarrhea, and everybody grew up happy and healthy and diarrhea-free. So for now, until it proves me wrong, I have to choose to continue to use Esbilac. But it's nice to know there's an alternative formula out there that's good for squirrels. :)

[Rescue04]

i have been using esbilac for yrs now and have not had a problem with it.

[RandoM LogiC II]

I ordered some fox valley and it came a week later, but I don't know where to send my check to pay for it :dono , anyone know the address I should send it to?

[gs1]

I ordered some fox valley and it came a week later, but I don't know where to send my check to pay for it :dono , anyone know the address I should send it to?

fox valley nutrition
po box 1666
sun city, arizona, 85372
u.s.a.

it's on the invoice.... the formula comes from illinois but the payments go to sun city, arizona...

:thumbsup :D :Welcome

[leenidia]

Hi, I was told on countless occassions that goat milk will kill the babies. I'm so confused. Also, at what age does weaning begin and what do I feed them during that stage? They are potty trained already! Chip and Dale are 5 weeks old and they know where their designated spot is for their business. Thanks! Nidia :alright.gif
Hey YA'LL!!! My 1st post here. Found it early last wk while researching about what "age" my 4 baby squirrels were (5-6 wks then). Eyes were closed when I got them but the very next day, they opened their eyes. They'd already started weaning also. I can honestly say that a LOT more info on squirrels is available since I started at age 15 periodically rehabbing/raising squirrels & this site was referred by several other sites so when I got here I couldn't leave!!! I LOVE that ya'll get to share all the fun times & heartbreaks b/c knowledge & experience helps! There's nobody I know in my area that has it with squirrels & they're quite abundant in GA so this forum is gonna be great for me. I've been reading all these cool stories ya'll have here before signing up & I'm soooo glad I'm not the only weirdo - LOL - J/K!!! After this many yrs, ppl remember "ya did it before" so they search ya out when babies are found. I read in the forum (somewhere) it takes special ppl to do this for the long haul & it REALLY DOES! So like it or not, 2 stayed with me (Alvin & Brittany) & this past Saturday, 2 went home with my brother (Simon & Theodore)... what can I say... I'm a music buff with kids & always had some sort of naming theme when there are multiple babies... LOL.

Anyhow, what caught my eye on this post is the formula at the top. It's close to what I've used since the very 1st pair (Chip & Dale). A family friend worked for an animal shelter, they were brought in & he asked us if we'd be up for the task so we took them to a vet who told us that "most vets won't look at squirrels b/c they're wild animals & therefore can't charge $ to ppl for bringing them in". Things may be diff now b/c it's been a LONG time since 1988! Here is the formula he gave us & I'd love to get a pro opinion but can't "afford" one - LOL...
==============================
1 can Evaporated Goat's Milk (white w/ green letters - found in grocery stores right beside regular evap. milk)

1 can water (I empty milk first into container & use hot water in the can b/c they seem to LOVE a fresh batch like that)

1 Tbsp of Light White Karo Syrup (Vet said gives it just a hint of sweet & the sugar in it would help with energy.... AS IF squirrels need more! hahaha)

1 Egg Yolk - SEPARATE WHITE (Per vet & my experience - Be sure to REMOVE as much of the egg white as possible b/c they can choke on the thickness. Vet said this would give them vitamins & nutrients.)
==============================

Let me know opinions on the formula cuz it seems to work fine, although there've been times where I've wondered if there was something out there somewhere that's made specifically for squirrels. I'll probably check out that website link ya'll mentioned up at the top. Well that's it for now.... glad I found this special place for all us special people... I'm know I'll be back to read & share some of my experiences too!

Joyce

[leenidia]

When do I take the heating pad out of their bed? Thanks. Nidia:crazy

[island rehabber]

First of all, if the heating pad is actually IN their bed, PLEASE take it out. Heating pads should always be UNDER the container or the cage -- never in with the babies.

SO, as for taking them off heat altogether, I usually wait until about a week or two after their eyes open. Depends on how warm or drafty/chilly your room is. I have actually had a 7-wk old baby get pneumonia because I took her off heat too early.

[island rehabber]

No plain water yet. 1-2 wk old squirrels should only be given hydration (Pedialyte, homemade pedialyte or Electrostat, for example) and formula. We may have a member in your area with experience who can take them for you -- where are you located?

[Tickle's Mom]

Just took 2 babies home. cat got the Mom. Can I give them water right now. Just tried it to their lips for a sec but their really young and there was no mouth movement at all. About 1 or 2 at the most weeks old.

Until you can get to a rehabber, start reading this thread.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=255


And, where are you located?

[NaturesGift]

Uno check out these links there are rehabbers in Nova Scotia
http://www.hopeforwildlife.org/pages/home
(902) 407-WILD (9453)

or
http://www.martock.ca/vwrrc/mission.html
1-902-678-9750

or
Wildlife Rehabilitation Ctr
5909 Hwy 207, Halifax, NS, Canada
+1 902-452-3339 ‎

[vickyjhnsn]

I am new to this forum and new to raising baby squirrels so I have a few questions.

Two days ago we found a 3 1/2 week old boy (I think). My husband cuts down trees for a living and he was hanging on a limb he already cut down. Pretty tuff little guy. My husband checked all the nests in the tree and no babies and he always does but this one must have been hiding. He said the tree was covered in vines it must have been in the brush of the tree.

I immediately went to Pet Smart and picked up 21st Century puppy formula. They did not have Fox Valley and no stores around me do. I've been giving him the 21st Century formula with the whipping cream and water and so far all looks good. He is perfectly healthy. He is pooping pellet looking poop that is a light brown almost yellow color. Is that ok? He urinates very well too after being stimulated. As of last night he urinates and poops a lot every time I stimulate him which is every time I feed him. I'm feeding him 3 cc every two hours, day and night. His stomach does not look puffy but I'm posting a picture so you all can be the judge of that. I'm keeping him warm with a heating pad under his little box and constantly check it to make sure it is not too warm or cold.

My questions are, does the squirrel look healthy. To me, he looks wonderful. Second question, has anyone ever used the 21st Century puppy formula? Should I order the Fox Valley online or just stick to what I've been using since it is working? Last question, the poop, should it be light brown to yellow? It is not runny and it is small little long pellets. Its hard in consistency but not too hard. Can anyone tell me if he is a boy or a girl. You could kind of see his genitals. To me it looks like a boy. My son named him Alvin already so I hope he is.

I don't want to do anything wrong. I want to make sure this little guy has a chance. I'm not a rehabilitation specialist but I have done this with infant kittens that were abandoned and they all thrived.

Thanks in advance for your help.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff256/vickyjhnsn/Alvin.jpg

[vickyjhnsn]

Just spoke to Lee at Henry's Healthy Pets. Wow they have everything I need for this little baby. I'm learning. I ordered the right formula and excited more than ever about this little girl. Thanks Lee and island rehabber. I'll keep you updated.

[stepnstone]

I posted this in another thread a bit ago, but I used the Esbilac last month and my baby almost died. I had ordered the Fox Valley and went to the vet and got Pro-Biolac Kitten Formula while I waited for it to arrive. The Pro-Biolac did so well I finished out that container before switching to FV. She did really well on it.

Esbilac changed their formula back again, the new Esbilac with probiotcs is
very similar to the first formula that was ok to use. Some of the old is still
on the shelves so one needs to read the label and make sure it says "with
probiotcs" on the label, the older Esbilac of course is without and does not
list it.
I still have to shake my head at veterinarians that recommend kitten formula for
squirrels instead of puppy formula, a squirrel does not fall under the category of
feline. :shakehead The replacement milk for kittens does not hold the proper balance of
nutrition required for a puppy anymore then it does for a squirrel.

That being said, I'm glad to hear your little did so well and happier still that
she transitioned to the FV. I wish you nothing less then continued health and
good luck for you and your baby. :grouphug

[Abbi's Mama]

I had avoided using kitten formula but I compared the ingredients of it to that of the FV and it was very similar...
I had bought a different brand the first day I got her, but never used it because I'd read it wasn't good for them. I still wouldn't use that brand, but the Pro-Biolac did very well and had close to the right protein/fat content that baby squirrels need. Plus it has colostrum, which was honestly the selling point for me with that brand.
However, FV is def. my number one choice.

[Ace-the-squirrel]

Is the Henry's a substitute for one of the formula feedings? Should I give Ace water with the Henry's? I am eagerly waiting for them to arrive because Ace is starting to nibble now :grin2

[CritterMom]

No, the best thing to do is cut one in half and just put it in the cage with him - and continue formula feeding as you were before. Give them formula as long as they will take it. Some babies will pounce on them immediately and swat you if you try to take it away, some take a while - they mess with it and chew them up without actually eating at first...but the idea is to acclimate them to THIS as their staple food.

[Ace-the-squirrel]

No, the best thing to do is cut one in half and just put it in the cage with him - and continue formula feeding as you were before. Give them formula as long as they will take it. Some babies will pounce on them immediately and swat you if you try to take it away, some take a while - they mess with it and chew them up without actually eating at first...but the idea is to acclimate them to THIS as their staple food.
Thanks I will keep all of this info. close to my heart :Love_Icon Hopefully he will be the pouncing type and just eat them up :serene He loves his formula though!

[supergirldee]

Do you have a weight on the little guy? You really need to feed by weight.[/QUOTE]

I am weighing in a few. Locating my postal scales.
is there data confirming the Tomlyn is not good for them or is it just that we know Esbilac has been working?
Any tips on how to switch between the two formulas? Do I just change over as soon as I have the Esbilac.

The Tomlyn formula ingredients are:
Ingredients: Dried whey protein concentrate, animal fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid), vegetable fat (preserved with BHA and citric acid), dried whole egg, canola oil, sodium phosphate, lecithin, calcium carbonate, choline chloride, cod liver oil, potassium chloride, magnesium sulfate, L-arginine, artificial flavor, dried bovine colostrum, dried whey, sodium bicarbonate, alpha-tocopherol (source of vit. E), manganese sulfate, zinc sulfate, vit. A supplement, ferrous sulfate, vit. B12 supplement, zinc proteinate, manganese proteinate, copper proteinate, ascorbic acid (source of vit. C), cholecalciferol (source of vit. D3), niacin supplement, d-calcium pantothenate, thiamin hydrochloride, copper sulfate, riboflavin supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vit. K), biotin, sodium selenite, ethylenediamine dihydroiodide, folic acid, cobalt sulfate, dried fermentation product of (Bifidobacterium lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus lichiniformis, B. subtilis, and L. lactis).

[supergirldee]

Do you have a weight on the little guy? You really need to feed by weight.


He is 53 grams according to my postal scales.

[Spanky]

Is there data confirming the Tomlyn is not good for them or is it just that we know Esbilac has been working?

We know Esbilac works and we almost always see bad results (no weight gain, diarrhea, bloat, etc.) from many other formulas and, unfortunately, once the problems show up it becomes an extremely hard, uphill battle to save them. IMHO it is not worth the risk in finding out.

I am unfamiliar with Tomlyn's and spent a few minutes earlier trying to find the ingredients (unsuccessfully).


Any tips on how to switch between the two formulas? Do I just change over as soon as I have the Esbilac.

The Esbilac powder is mixed 2 parts water to 1 part Esbilac. This is considered "full strength". If your baby is otherwise healthy and well hydrated, start with 3:1 dilution for 2 -3 feedings to see how he does then progress to the 2:1 full strength. :thumbsup

Also, I suggest you start a new thread with your story in the Help Needed (non-life threatening) section. Posting there will be seen quicker and by more members that can assist you (more opinions, quicker responses, etc.). Here is the link to that section:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?116-Non-Life-Threatening-Help-Needed

[Spanky]

He is 53 grams according to my postal scales.

So he should be getting 5% - 7% of his body weight, or 2.6ml - 3.7ml.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?36777-PROPER-FEEDING-TECHNIQUE!!

You can use a goat's milk formula as a temporary substitution:
3 parts goat’s milk
1 part heavy whipping cream
1 part vanilla yogurt

[Spanky]

So he should be getting 5% - 7% of his body weight, or 2.6ml - 3.7ml.

Clarification for future readers as I suspect I confused the person I was trying to assist:

So he should be getting 5% - 7% of his body weight, or 2.6ml - 3.7ml per feeding.

[supergirldee]

Walmart had a PetAG Milk Replacer for puppies in powder form. It was not PetAG Esbilac. White canister blue text... same company but called Milk replacer not Esbilac...

Does any one know if they are the same?

I can not find Esbilac.

I will feed the rest of what I have tonight and journey out tomorrow to some exotic pet stores.

[Spanky]

I doubt they are the same but here is the ingredient list, third ingredient should be the "dried whey protein concentrate". Do you have a Tractor Supply Company (TSC) nearby? They usually have it...

[Spanky]

This is what I found for PetAg Puppy Milk Replacer. Blue can, pre/probiotics but the ingredient list is much different from the Esbilac.

PetAg Puppy Milk ReplacerRice flour, dried meat solubles, dried skimmed milk, dried milk protein concentrate, animal fat (preserved with BHA and BHT), coconut oil, high oleic canola oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), dicalcium phosphate, dried whey product, whey, casein, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, maltodextrins, salt, ferrous sulfate, lecithin, artificial flavor, DL-methionine, vitamin E supplement, zinc methionine complex, manganese sulfate, vitamin A supplement, pantothenic acid, niacin supplement, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement, vitamin D3 supplement, folic acid, riboflavin supplement, thiamine mononitrate, silicon dioxide, taurine, zinc sulfate, copper gluconate, pyridoxine hydrochloride, ethylenediamine dihydroiodide.

[NewSquirrelMom]

First of all, if the heating pad is actually IN their bed, PLEASE take it out. Heating pads should always be UNDER the container or the cage -- never in with the babies.

SO, as for taking them off heat altogether, I usually wait until about a week or two after their eyes open. Depends on how warm or drafty/chilly your room is. I have actually had a 7-wk old baby get pneumonia because I took her off heat too early.

OMG!!! I had no idea it wasnt supposed to be in the container with the baby!!! I have done so much research and have tried to educate myself so much with raising my first baby squirrel. No where have I read these specific instructions! What harm comes from it being in the container? I will take mine out immediately but im just curious the harm? I guess it would get too warm?

[Spanky]

OMG!!! I had no idea it wasnt supposed to be in the container with the baby!!! I have done so much research and have tried to educate myself so much with raising my first baby squirrel. No where have I read these specific instructions! What harm comes from it being in the container? I will take mine out immediately but im just curious the harm? I guess it would get too warm?

You want the heating pad (set on low) under only 1/2 the container, that way they can crawl off the heat if they get too warm. There is a danger of getting burn, overheating if not able to retreat from the heat and of course the danger posed by chewing on an electric heating pad.

[NewSquirrelMom]

i know that it is an electric heating pad I guess I didnt think about it because my baby is so small and quite inactive that it just didnt cross my mind! Ive moved it now I just worry that she wont stay warm. I have a heating pad with a 1-6 heating setting. What setting do you suggest I keep it at? She is only 51 grams.

[Spanky]

i know that it is an electric heating pad I guess I didnt think about it because my baby is so small and quite inactive that it just didnt cross my mind! Ive moved it now I just worry that she wont stay warm. I have a heating pad with a 1-6 heating setting. What setting do you suggest I keep it at? She is only 51 grams.

I would set on "2" and check in 20 minutes and go up or down based on how "warm" the bottom of her container gets. I also try to make sure there is piece of fleece across the entire bottom (and more fleece squares on top of that so they can burrow into the fleece) so they are less likely to lie directly on the plastic.

[G0dn0te]

What about fresh raw goat milk?

[island rehabber]

You could use fresh raw goat milk for a few days; after that you need to begin adding to it as listed in our Goat Milk Recipe. It does not have enough nutrients for baby squirrels long-term.

[G0dn0te]

Perfect. We have our own goats ao this will work.

Our new boy is 20 grams. How much ahould he receive? I read 1 to 2 c.f. every 4 to 5 hours. Also can he skip night feedings?

And quick off topic but can't find answer. If 5 weeka old does he need a heating pad still?

[DarkLies212]

Feed 5-7% of their body weight. Is your 5 weeker 20 grams? :eek. Give them the heating pad until they don't use it anymore

[G0dn0te]

Hi dark. If yoy look at my post age identifier here you can see photos, can't SHARE on my phone. Long story short friend found brother dead, mother most likely killed by their cat. He is a little skinny but has done a great job eating. So we aren't sure age vut looks 5 weeks or more. Will use heating pad, this one turns off after 2 hours which reeks. Sigh.

[NewSquirrelParents]

Hello I'm just wanting to know exactly how I mix the baby puppy powder I was using the liquid can and realized it was the wrong stuff to use. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you

[island rehabber]

Just answered your PM! :great

[LadyMichel]

In light of the recent problems rehabbers have been experiencing with Fox Valley 32/40 formula in neonate - two-week-old baby squirrels (pinkies), , it has been decided that the best alternative is Esbilac Puppy formula (POWDERED), with Probiotics. The Esbilac should be used for at least the first 3-4 weeks, after which you may leave the baby on Esbilac if it's doing well, transition the baby gradually to a mix of Esbilac and FV 20/50, or go to straight FV 20/50 until weaning. The use of the FV32/40 is not recommended at this time for baby squirrels because of digestive issues, which can and HAVE been fatal in pinkies.

Esbilac powdered puppy formula is easily available in pet stores and Walmarts everywhere. PLEASE do NOT use the canned Esbilac; it is not the same formula as the powder and may cause diarrhea.

Should you need to make another temporary formula (you can find goat milk but no Esbilac), a former member of TSB
developed this temporary replacement formula recipe:

Jackie's Goat Milk Recipe
1 cup goats milk
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup dannon all natural vanilla yogurt

Mix well and keep in a covered plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. Replace after 48 hours.

Is there anyone in here that can give me feedback when how to help rehydrate a baby squirrel and how I will know it's okay to start feeding at the formula

[HRT4SQRLS]

Is there anyone in here that can give me feedback when how to help rehydrate a baby squirrel and how I will know it's okay to start feeding at the formula
Here is a link that will help you. On the second page is information about hydration. It also gives a homemade hydration fluid recipe.

https://www.henryspets.com/1-basic-setup/

Can you post a pic of the baby?

[DanniCristina]

Hi All I am new here. I did put up a current post and picture in the “poop” thread. I have always rehabbed older animals but a week ago I received a call on a baby squirrel with his eyes still closed. I estimated 4 weeks last Tuesday,, and this past Sunday/Monday his eyes opened a day apart. He is about 115 g from his weigh in on Monday- he is eating 6 CC 4 hours apart, no night feeding from midnight till 630 am. Is that too far apart? Should he be eating more? Or not as far apart? Also, does he seem to weigh enough? One thing he does is try to guzzle his formula. I know I am over worrying but I want the best for him. When do I introduce water and, solids? What is recommended as the best starter foods for him? Does anyone put any toys or anything for them to chew on at this age? He is nibbling on fingers and super playful.

[Spanky]

Going 6 or 7 hours overnight is okay for eyes opened, healthy baby squirrels.

My healthiest baby squirrels to be well over 100grams when they open their eyes, but greys here are smaller than those in up north and larger than squirrels in places like Florida.

Here is a feeding cheat sheet for the proper feeding amounts:
318453

[DanniCristina]

Thank you! I am a little concerned as he has been having the “formula poop” but just now he has more of a almost runnier poop. Super soft, I don’t think if it’s quite diarrhea yet- but I don’t want it to get there. Is there any recommendations at this stage? He is acting normal and playful and of course acts like he’s starving. This is the first time I’ve seen this from him. Should he be allowed to play on the floor? I don’t want this to get to diarrhea so he gets sick. Please advise. He was about 115 grams, 5 weeks, and gets 6 CC every 4 hours with 6 ish hours at night of no food now. also, how long can the formula be refrigerated? I made it Tuesday Morning, so maybe it needs to be dumped? We make it with 1 scoop and 2 scoops water as directed still?

[Charley Chuckles]

I'm confused by all the feeding options. Hopefully this storm will not bring in babies for me however I want to be prepared.
What is best to feed pinkies?
For older but eyes still closed, what is the best to feed?
I've seen mixing Foxvalley with ultra Boost, can that be with 20/50 or should it be 32/40?

Is using Esbilac safe again, if so should ultra Boost be added🤷
Thank you 👍

[Lilmoma151820]

I dont know how to post on here I am new but I think I have 4 pinkies squrrels.. Eyes are still closed..I dont know what to do..I have been taking alittle dog food letting it soak in a little warm powered creamer and small syringe feeding them every two and a half hours.. I dont have money to but stuff so doing the best i can..Can someone give me suggestions please

[Mel1959]

Dog food is not going to work. Please don’t give them anymore.

Where are you located in Florida? There a many rehabbers throughout the state I can point you towards one of them.

Can you post a picture? Scroll down to under the reply box and you’ll see a small box that says “manage attachments”. Click on it and you can upload a picture from a file or take a new one.

[island rehabber]

Mel1959 is correct: pinky squirrels are extremely delicate and difficult to keep alive; they need special formula and feeding tools or they will die. We can try to get help for you if we know your general area in Florida -- for right now give them NOTHING until we figure out how quickly we can get them into the right hands.

[Mel1959]

:hello :dono. Where do these posters go after they come on here looking for help? I wonder if she couldn’t find her original post since she said she’s new to the forum?

[Lilmoma151820]

I live in Old Town Fl

[Lilmoma151820]

Dog food is not going to work. Please don’t give them anymore.

Where are you located in Florida? There a many rehabbers throughout the state I can point you towards one of them. OLD TOWN FL

Can you post a picture? Scroll down to under the reply box and you’ll see a small box that says “manage attachments”. Click on it and you can upload a picture from a file or take a new one. old town fla. 32680

[Mel1959]

Do those little guys have white toenails or black? The reason I ask is that they look like they may be baby rats instead of squirrels. Baby squirrels have black toenails. Are their eyes open?

If these are baby rats, momma rat may come back and retrieve them at night if they are put back where you found them. It might be worth a shot.

If you are going to raise them you will need a 1cc syringe, no needle. Make sure they are warm and hydrated by placing a heating pad set on low UNDER the bed they’re in and hydrate with water. You can add a little honey to it to make it more desirable. Little rats/mice mature quickly and can be released at 4-5 weeks old. Eyes open at 3 weeks.

You will need to get some POWDERED puppy Esbilac formula and mix it according to directions….1 part powder to 2 parts hot water. Feed 4-5 times a day, 4 hours apart if they are fully furred but don’t have their eyes open, which means they are roughly 2 weeks old.

I’m not familiar with your area, nor do I know of any rehabbers close to you. I will need to research that and locate someone. Please let me know if you still want to hand them off to a rehabber.

[Lilmoma151820]

Rats wow okay well doesnt change that Ive grown attached to these little ones..So i got the heating pad under beddingbeen feeding them every 2 to 3 hrs.. I have a quick question. When they are ready to be released will they be able to survive in the wild after being domesticated?

[Mel1959]

Yes, their natural instinct is the same as a squirrels. They know what to do. The difference is that squirrels don’t get released until they are at least 16 weeks old, so obviously with a human for a much longer period of time, and most all squirrels wild up and want their freedom. :grin2

[Mel1959]

How are your little guys doing?

[Sommer]

I also wanted to throw out there just because I haven't seen it on here yet. I do love Henry's site but I stumbled across this one who has fv formula on sale for under 10 bucks and so so much stuff if you do other animals! https://www.squirrelsandmore.com/

[Sommer]

Um... That looks more like the baby rat I raised... However, rats are awesome! They do best on human formula though. Luckily my sister had just had a baby when I raised mine so I went and got a bag of her breast milk 🤣

[island rehabber]

I also wanted to throw out there just because I haven't seen it on here yet. I do love Henry's site but I stumbled across this one who has fv formula on sale for under 10 bucks and so so much stuff if you do other animals! https://www.squirrelsandmore.com/

Yes, that is Christina Clark's site, she's a good friend. She no longer is a member here because she does not approve of "pet" squirrels. We agree to disagree, under the right circumstances. :grin2

[Chemk]

I have a baby about 4 weeks old and he is not excited about eating the esbilac puppy powder, I have to almost force him to eat. 3cc he doesn’t seem to be dehydrated. Sometimes he will hold the end of the syringe and feed just fine but most of the time I have to coax him to feed.

Any ideas

[Mel1959]

Are you sure he’s not dehydrated? Have you offered some slightly sweetened water in between normal feedings? When you hold him up to your ear like a phone do you hear a clicking with each breath? Is he acting lethargic?

Once you know he’s not clicking and he’s not lethargic and you try offering some water to be sure he’s not dehydrated, then I’d suggest adding a small amount of full fat vanilla yogurt to his formula and see if he prefers the taste. My flyer prefers Liberte’ vanilla which can be purchased at Publix. I think it’s slightly sweeter than other yogurts with no bitterness.

[CritterMom]

I asked a bunch of questions in your other thread: https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?67915-4-wk-old-baby-grey-squirrel-wont-eat&p=1344511&highlight=#post1344511

[Nolan David]

What should I do with a baby squirrel I found?

Let me tell also?

Is it OK to touch a baby squirrel?

Do I need to feed a baby squirrel overnight?

Kindly please inform me about I will be very thankful to your reply!

[Chirps]

Hi!

Yes you can touch it. Are the baby's eyes open? First thing is to keep it warm. In my signature is a link to the baby squirrel care guide. It is 6 pages but a quick read. At the top right of each page is a "next" button to click to go to the next page. Read that, then come back with any questions. Also if you can post pics of the baby that will help the experts assess.

You MAY be able to reunite with Mom, but keeping baby warm is priority until you can start to address the rest.

[Aiden131]

These foods may include kale, broccoli, apples, grapes, sweet potato, and hard-shelled nuts out of the shell and a good quality rodent diet. ( At Chris's Squirrels and More we offer Mazuri Rodent Block or Zupreme Primate Dry Diet.) Your squirrel will still be consuming formula till about 9-10 weeks of age.

I have found some information that be helpful https://downtownanimals.com/do-squirrels-eat-apples-stems-and-seeds/