6-8 week orphan

[clintwilson59]

my neighbor's cat brought in a squirrel that isnt really a baby i looked at this website,
http://www.squirrelsandmore.com/feature/174/how-to-determine-the-age-of-a-baby-squirrel.htm

i think it is some where between 6 to 8 weeks old it seems like it could make it on its own but i dunno, what should i do?

oh its not really hurtr from the cat.

[djarenspace9]

For now read this post that is meant for someone like you who finds a baby and does not know what to do:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11782

Also you may want to check for local rehabbers that can take it.
Hopefully someone here in your area can pipe in and give you advice about that.

Good luck!

[scoobysnack]

The experts will be with you very shortly, but I can tell you, 6-8 weeks is a long long way from making it on it's own. They aren't even weaned at that age. Hang tight, the cavalry will be here quickly.

[djarenspace9]

Also here is a link for rehabbers in Louisiana. You'll have to sort through and see who is near you and what type of animals they care for. I'm still hoping there is a TSB person near you that can help right away though...

[djarenspace9]

Sorry, here's the link http://wildliferehabber.com/modules/xoopsmembers/index.php

[clintwilson59]

there arent any on the list close to me, in the very top north west region.

[clintwilson59]

im beginning to think its older than what i said before, maybe 10 weeks old?

[Jackie in Tampa]

do you have a needleless syringe for feeding?
place the container that he is in on a heating pad , set on low, half way under container, so he can get off the heat if he gets too hot!
He will need a formula, but for now, you can feed him home made pedilyte
1 quart warm tap water
1 teaspoon table salt
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
mix well and store in refridgerator for up to 3 days.
He should take 6-10 ccs at his age, maybe not the first feeding, but soon.
The baby sq can only be on pedialyte for 12-24 hours, You can buy Esbilac Puppy Replacer Milk, ready made or powder at a pet store, Tractor Supply, most feed stores, and some vets...they may have syringes too. All Esbilac must be refridgerated, even the powder and the ready made is also good for only 3 days/72 hours.
An eyedropper will work for now if you do not have a syringe.
TSB recommends Fox Valley Formula, so please order some asap.
foxvalleynutrition.com

Can you post a pic so the rehabbers can help.

[winky2]

If he was brought in by a cat he's going to need to be seen by a rehabber and possibly a vet. Until we can find someone in your area please keep him in a dark warm and quiet place. Can you describe any obvious injuries (wounds, fractures, etc)? How is he behaving toward you? How is his breathing? Any bleeding? Can you take a picture?

[djarenspace9]

Ok, here's a better list. See if there is anyone on here.
It's kinda late so you may not be able to reach anyone tonight.
Best thing if you don't is keep it safe and warm.
What do you have it in?

[djarenspace9]

Geez...I always do that....

http://lawraonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=75

[virgo062]

Geez...I always do that....

http://lawraonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=75

DOH!:rock1

Are you planning on raising that baby?

[clintwilson59]

he seems fine, confused from being here instead of where ever he came from but he was climbing earlier, no injuries or cuts. he is about 3/4 the size of a grown squirrel. sorry my computer is like the oldest computer ever so i cant hook up the camera. he ate a acorn which i guess he opened him self unless my flyer dropped it in the cage. he is in a nest box asleep rite now, he has leaves and felt peices for insulation, hes to big and rambunxious for a shoe box and heating pad like for a younger squirrel.

[clintwilson59]

i've raised a coon and a flyer but not a regular squirrel

[Jackie in Tampa]

california is illegal state...please ask what the center or rehabber will do with the baby sq before relinquishing iy plaese... ..
is it a western grey..a foxer?
hoping someone can help
do you see any punctures? most rehabbers will treat cat wounds with anti biotics...do you have any human meds or maybe cat/dog ABs?
how is he acting?
if he's 10 weeks , give him a grape sliced in half, an apple chunk, pecan half, and also a shallow bowl of water...
still try to syringe feed him...
can you pinch the skin between his shoulders gently, if it relaxes, he is hydrated, if it tents, he will need pedialyte hydration.

[djarenspace9]

Well you can always try to measuring him and if possible weighing him if you have a small scale (weigh a box first and then put him in the box and weigh both and subtract the weight of the box). That may help us help you figure out the age.

Usually aside from size you can tell age by their behaviors and mannerisms (like if they can walk well, hold their tail up etc). If he's still on the young side someone could at least give him a little extra time to mature before he faces the cold cruel world on his own.

See if you can find a rehabber in your area that will take him tomorrow and they can make a good decision about age and his needs. Definitely try to follow Jackie's advice to hydrate him though, that is the most urgent need next to keeping him warm.

Thanks for taking the time to help the little one!
Good luck!

[djarenspace9]

Jackie,

He's in Louisiana... :D

[Jackie in Tampa]

tinfoil geez...sorry bout that!...

[clintwilson59]

he wont let me hold him, but he did drink a little i think. i dont have a syringe but i have this tiny bottle the nipple is about the size of a squirrels he is a sleep rite now.

[clintwilson59]

oh here its not legal either thats why im not sayun exacly where i am, but i dont want to just leave him out on his own. tomorow i'll call a rehabber

[djarenspace9]

Sounds like you have enough info to get you through the night.
Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

:Welcome :thankyou

[clintwilson59]

ok sorry i havent posted yet until now, with yards to mow and dirt to move whats a teenage boy to do? Well any ways i talked to this lady at church who is a small mammal rehaber and she said that he looked about ready to make it on his own and to let him go in the yard from where why think the cat got it. so i did and he took off like he knew the place and went right into this nest where i imagine his mother is.

[winky2]

Nice Job! I'm so glad to hear he was doing well enough to find his way home. I guess he learned his lesson about cats. Thanks for the update!