New Mama Squirrel Not Nursing

[digiandchipper]

New mama squirrel had babies on a friend's porch cage two days ago. She had 5 and one was malformed and it died. Today there is another problem:

New mama is beautiful, but something is not right. She has scattered all four babies in different spots, one is cold and dead this morning and the other three look gaunt and not tended to. She has not been spotted nursing them at all. She is not with them today, just watching from closeby. Mother may be injured somehow, she is spotting blood, I don't know from where. Can't catch her to tell what's going on but obviously something. I don't want to sit and watch them all die. I am a nervous wreck trying to do what is right.

My friend had to go to work but will check messages when she gets there. Please, can any rehabbers advise??

[Legomom]

We can't force mama to nurse, so I think your friend needs to round up the remaining babies & take over. JMO

[island rehabber]

We can't force mama to nurse, so I think your friend needs to round up the remaining babies & take over. JMO

I'm with Shanon...I know mamma squirrels with head trauma, for example, will sometimes give birth and then not care for the babies at all. Please urge your friend to take them in and give them at least a chance!

[digiandchipper]

Ok. She was sending her husband out for syringes in case. Should she try to trap the mama? I don't know yet if her state is legal for possible vet care?

[island rehabber]

I wouldn't trap her until a plan is in place. So many times we do this because we want to help, but then there's no vet available and the animal is stressed beyond limits in that cage, for nothing. Just my .02. :)

[digiandchipper]

Thanks, yes, that makes sense. Poor mama and babies.

[Nancy in New York]

I wouldn't trap her until a plan is in place. So many times we do this because we want to help, but then there's no vet available and the animal is stressed beyond limits in that cage, for nothing. Just my .02. :)
Absolutely agree IR...have her get a plan in place before trapping. Call around to as many vets as she can, if they can't see the mama, have her call rehabbers who may be able to help out, then explain how the have a heart trap works what to put in it and to cover it up and get to a quiet place

[digiandchipper]

ok, husband came home and is attempting hydration. He is getting them on heat first. IF successful how many feeding and how often of rehydration fluid before introducing formula? These are 2 days old and I don't remember anything??

[digiandchipper]

ALSO where can we get Fox Vally, assuming they survive, on short notice?? I told her Esbilac isn't good anymore.................

[Nancy in New York]

ok, husband came home and is attempting hydration. He is getting them on heat first. IF successful how many feeding and how often of rehydration fluid before introducing formula? These are 2 days old and I don't remember anything??

I would do at least 2 feedings of hydration. Do you know what kind of formula? Depending on the weight, it should be 5-7% of their body weight. Probably around .7 cc's of formula every two hours. Look for the milk line for the next feeding if there is none, you can give another feeding. I believe that IR was saying that she feeds every three hours on the FV formula. Don't forget they need to be stimulated too...good luck!!!!

[Nancy in New York]

ALSO where can we get Fox Vally, assuming they survive, on short notice?? I told her Esbilac isn't good anymore.................

If you go to 4S store...she will ship overnight...:thumbsup

http://henryspets.com/

Until you get the Fox Valley he can go to Walmart and get Just Born Puppy Formula...

[digiandchipper]

Thanks I will let them know!