Wild baby squirrel wobbly... falls when trying to climb

[crhykes]

Last summer I raised 2 orphaned squirrels and released them to the wild this past spring. We now leave food out for them (and their friends). We noticed today that one of the baby (maybe 7-10 wks old) is wobbly when walking... he hops really high and sometimes falls to the side. When trying to climb a tree, it sometimes falls backward, although it was able to make it to the nest. I tried to get the little guy in a box to check it out better, but it gets away and seems very frightened. I feel so bad for him. I have been reading this board and from what I read, the best thing would be to trap him and call a rehabber. First of all, I do not have a trap and 2nd thing is that we have at least 20+ squirrels around our house (thanks to the buffet of food in our backyard). I am not sure we could get the baby.

Any ideas what could cause this? I am not sure what we can do to help. It breaks my heart to see a baby squirrel like this because I know if a preditor finds him, thats it.

Thanks in advance.
Christina
(Harrisburg PA)

[astra]

... i don't have any advice... when it comes to wild squirrels, everything has to be thought through and it's good to have plans A& B...
as for the head tilt and loss of balance, there are two most common causes:
1. raccoon roundworm - if that's the case, it will be fatal (sometimes, caught early, roundworm can be treated, although with difficulty; however, when head tilt/loss of balance symptoms appear, it's too late because those symptoms result from larvae reached central nervous system and that's fatal)

2, head trauma - in this case their condition might improve depending on the severity of the trauma. Most of the time, they don't fully regain balance etc., although it might get better. I know of a few situations, when some ppl took wobbly/off balance wild squirrels inside and kept them as non-releasable squirrels. Most animals intuitively sense who's trying to help them and what's best for them, so, apparently, these rescued wobbly ones realized that this would be better for them.

In most cases, squirrels with head tilts/loos of balance/wobbliness are considered as unable to survive in the wild and, thus, get put to sleep. So, if you bring it to a wildlife center, most likely, they will simply put it to sleep. Even some rehabbers put them to sleep...

As more people see this thread, they will share their experience, and perhaps, someone will have a workable suggestion...

[Rescue04]

Well as for a trap, you can pick up a cheap one from harbour freight tools for 6.00. Bait it with a peanut on a piece of string to the trigger arm - this works great. As for the plan......sometimes you catch a couple of them, but let em go and reset the trap. Just be standing by when you put it out, don't put it out and leave it unattended - the spring on that trap is kinda week and the bigger ones can get out.

[Jackie in Tampa]

be careful in pennsylvania...they hate humans and sqs interacting.
do not take anything alive to a rehabber named sandy.:nono
make plans before attempting to trap.
astra has posted good info.
Thank you for helping, if you do trap him, come back on TSB and we will help you FIND HELP!:Love_Icon

[astra]

as for trapping:
Home Depot has Hav-a-Hart traps that are easy to operate and rather effective. You could set it up in a spot that he visits most. With a lot of squirrels, of course, you might not be able to catch him right away - as has been suggested above, just release the "wrong ones" :) and reset the trap.
It might not be easy, but it can certainly be done, because it has been done many times here.

[crhykes]

OK, we managed to get the baby inside. It was eating in the feeder this afternoon and almost acted like it wanted help. We were able to get it into the cage we used for our other squirrels before they were released. Now he is just laying there. Eyes are open and its breathing. I am sure he is terrified. Unlike our babies we rescued last yr, there is no way for us to handle this one because he is already wild. Also, wondering if this could be West Nile virus or something like that?? There are no visible signs of trauma. We live in town and I have never seen a raccoon around here so I kind of doubt its that. Thanks for the info. I hate to see him put to sleep if there is any chance at all of survival.

Thanks for your responses!

[CritterMom]

Can you cover the cage almost completely to make it dark and secure feeling, and load it up with goodies - shelled pecans, whatever - and fresh water? Then leave him be and just try to monitor him so you don't stress him too badly. Is the cage inside or outside?

[Jackie in Tampa]

cover the cage for starters please...calm and dark and quiet...
High five, good job!
Now the little will need supplimemtal heat, do you have a heating pad or can you make a rice buddy until he can be evaluated.
Remember he is scared, so do everything quiet and soft...slow is best, no loud or sudden anything.
If you have a water bottle...go ahead and fill and hang.
I would def add cheerios and pecan halves...something irresisitable and yummy...
if you can watch him eat and be the eyes for the rehabbers..
does he appear to chew normal?
How old does he appear to be?
can you handle him without stressing him too much?
did you do a pinch hydration test?
bugs?
do you see small white patches that look like lint in his fur?
are his eyes shiny or dull?
we need lots of info...

can you post a pic?
Does he appear to be in life threatening status?
sorry for the questions...

[Jackie in Tampa]

Crittermom types fast!..
ok, I will let her help
good luck:wave123

[CritterMom]

Crittermom types fast!..
ok, I will let her help
good luck:wave123

Not hardly honey - I just know the basics! Get back here!

[crhykes]

cover the cage for starters please...calm and dark and quiet...
High five, good job!
Now the little will need supplimemtal heat, do you have a heating pad or can you make a rice buddy until he can be evaluated.
Remember he is scared, so do everything quiet and soft...slow is best, no loud or sudden anything.
If you have a water bottle...go ahead and fill and hang.
I would def add cheerios and pecan halves...something irresisitable and yummy...
if you can watch him eat and be the eyes for the rehabbers..
does he appear to chew normal?
How old does he appear to be?
can you handle him without stressing him too much?
did you do a pinch hydration test?
bugs?
do you see small white patches that look like lint in his fur?
are his eyes shiny or dull?
we need lots of info...

can you post a pic?
Does he appear to be in life threatening status?
sorry for the questions...


He hasn't tried eating anything yet since inside but while outside, it seemed like he had trouble chewing, like he was slow or something. He tried so hard but didn't get very far. I gave him a shelled peanut and he couldnt get into it while outside. Its hard for me to see his fur. I haven't tried handling him yet because I want to make sure he is calm and dont want to stress him out. My boyfriend made him a plate of goodies, we'll see how that goes. I'll get a pic and be in touch in an hour or so. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!

[Jackie in Tampa]

when you do get a good look at him, note if ears are dirty too...just take in as much info as you can...
how does he hold head while eating or drinking
how does he appear when chewing
is fur standing on end
are ears laid flat
does tail ever curl over back
and if/when it does...does it stand to sky or lay over head as if hiding
can you see spine
just anything you can note will help the rehabbers expedite a plan of treatment or advise.
pics would be a great bonus also.
I am sure you have read aboutr REscue Remedy, a de stresser type all natural suppliment made by Bach and found often in drug stores on the vitamin aisle...small yellow box...about $8..some Pet stores carry a pet version, I like the human type best...it is ok to get spritz/spray or the drops...
what about heat, I am concerned as to keep itself warm the sq will burn alot of calories and energy...so providing heat is a simple teatment that will help. It adds comfort also.
Talk sweet to him...soft and sweet. We have vibes that they read well.
We will be waiting and watching
thank you

[crhykes]

Ok, cage is covered. We have a space heater blowing on the cage, low setting. The cage is in our garage, its quiet and dark.
Do have a water bottle, but he shows no interest.
Snacks are in there with him. Shelled peanuts, grapes. Shows no interest. Thats all I have on hand right now.
My guess is that he is 10-15 wks old. Seems about the size my little guys were last yr at this time. Probably an July or August baby.

It was raining when we brought him in so he was wet. He is drying off but I see no lint in his fur. I didnt see any bugs. His eyes look shiny to me, but they still don't look "right", if you know what I mean. I have not handled him yet, so no pinch test.. but he is an "older" baby, so how can I tell if they have fur. I remember doing that with my bald little squirrels but not sure how to test if they have fur.

I would say he is in life-threatening status, he seems very tired and lethargic, although we have seen him hobbling around outside like this since yesterday. He is very still now, but I am sure he is scared. He seems to trust us, though. I didn't want to stress him out yet by trying to pick him up.
Could a dog or cat jumping on him hurt him like this? I saw a lady let her dogs off their leash behind my house the other day "because her dogs like to chase squirrels". (:pissed ) At that time I had been seeing a little squirrel come around to eat and haven't seen him since then (except for wobbly last evening), so I am thinking this may be the same squirrel and is something that has happened in the past 2 days.

I tried attaching 2 pics. Hope it works. Tried attaching a video but no luck.

Thanks again. You guys are great. Nice to find someone who loves squirrels as much as me.

[Jackie in Tampa]

do you have vet that can be trusted?
do you have pet meds left over?
sqs are illegal in PA unless a rehabber is involved...can you tell us general area you are in? maybe a county name...TSB has some sq friendly members up there that may be a good option if meds/help are needed...just thinking ahead.
Also, if garage gets warm, make sure the heater is not too close, ty!
If he is sick enough to not eat and is lethargic, I would try to get some pedi in him via syringe. An eye dropper will work in a pinch.
I would wrap him up when I held him or fed him.
If he starts to flail, cover his face with something, your hand or T shirt, he will calm.
It appears he is not wanting to drink or eat, that worries me.

If you do decide to try to hydrate him {I would}, ck his ears, nose etc...
if he shows you his teeth, would you recognize if anything was 'not right'?
Do you have supplies?
syringes -1cc/ml is advised...O rings are best if you can find them
heating pad
wee tiny flashlight {penlight}
yogurt
benedryl{infant prefered}
baby asprin
goats milk {canned or fresh from dairy section}
un shelled nuts, {almonds, walnuts, pecans, hickorys, filberts}
grapes apples carrots romaine pears kale brocolli swet potatoe

to do the pinch test, gently lift skin between shoulders, if it stays tented, he will need hydration, if it relaxes, all's good.

Home made pedialyte
1 quart warm water
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
mix and store in fridge for upto 3 days...

If he starts climbing or banging around, get Rescue Remedy asap and keep him covered, we do not want him to do more damage.

Dogs can do alot to a sq...it is possible.
Does he appear to have a head tilt?
He is sooo young, please don;t be afraid...talk soft and sooothing.
Thank you so much for helping him and not leaving him out there:grouphug

[island rehabber]

crhykes, if the poor squirrel is still with us this morning, you can try both AARK Wildlife Center or the Schyukill Wildlife Center-- I just got a PM from a member who tells me both are trustworthy and really do try to help wildlife.

[crhykes]

He did eat some last evening but I couldn't watch him because everytime I walked near he got scared and went under the blanket. He doesn't seem to tilt his head to the side but he reminds me of an adult with parkinsons... jittery and wobbly - if you know what I mean. He has stayed pretty calm so far... he's in a larger ferret type cage with levels and hasn't tried to climb or leave the bottom. He wont drink from a syringe or water bottle. We did have pedialyte, but since he has eaten on his own, I feel a little better.

I still haven't tried handling him... and I haven't had chance to buy the stress drops for him either. But, if he isn't taking anything from me, how would I get the med into him anyway? I don't have any infant benedryl on hand, so I would have to get that also. Have a penlight (just finished nursing school in May, feel like I wish I had went to vet school!!!). Have a heating pad but it turns off after a little while so that is why I decided to use the heater. Its a small one and on low and i have it far enough away its not blowing directly on him. We dont park in the garage and this is a small room off of the garage and its staying pretty quiet and warm and we can even keep it dark during the day (not sure if we should keep it dark all the time or not). I hestitate to bring upstairs because I have 2 dogs and 2 cats that will annoy him and scare him. Still have to buy some other nuts- only have peanuts right now but he ate chopped peanuts, lettuce, corn and grapes last evening. Luckily I work from home so I am here all day to check on him. (Although I am not getting much work done!)

I think he was happy just to get a good night sleep where its warm. Not too cold here in PA yet, but its been damp and rainy for the past couple days. Its sad because even though his was wobbling along, he still managed to make it to my peanut feeder out back. I am so glad I was able to get him inside. Even if he doesn't make it, at least he is warm and comfortable and out of harms way. Keeping my fingers crossed that he can recover and be out in the wild again, but not sure at this point.

I know its illegal to have pet squirrels in PA. I am in the Harrisburg area. I worried about this last yr when I raised two babies from birth who lost their mom. I was relieved to be able to release them after about 10 months and now they still visit me everyday.

I'll keep in touch once I am able to evaluate him better. :thankyou

[Jackie in Tampa]

Thanks for update...

[CritterMom]

Can you put a heavy dish or crock in there with a water/pedialyte mix - maybe 50/50? A flat one so you don't have deep water would be best. This baby has never seen a water bottle but has drunk from many puddles I am sure.

[crhykes]

Can you put a heavy dish or crock in there with a water/pedialyte mix - maybe 50/50? A flat one so you don't have deep water would be best. This baby has never seen a water bottle but has drunk from many puddles I am sure.

I'll try that, thank you!

[crhykes]

Update: He doesn't seem very aggressive to me now. I was able to wrap him in a blanket inside the cage but I hesitate to take him out just yet because he did manage to squirm out of the blanket once and I don't want him lost in my house. He seems much calmer so maybe tonight I will try to take him out and look him over. While in the cage, he did climb once and actually hung by his back claws upside down. Once while climbing the side he fell backward, but not very far because he was near the bottom. His tail seems crooked, though... like it doesnt want to curl around like a normal squirrel. Its seems when he falls to the side, its always his left side, so I am wondering if its something with his back left leg? While he was climbing I saw no bites or open wounds on him at all. I remember the other day when I saw him outside before I got him, he would hop really high on his back legs, maybe it a few hops then fall to the side.

He did take some pedialyte 50/50 with water but not very much. Its like i had to wiggle the syringe to remind him how to swallow. He picked up a peanut in his mouth but acted like he didn't know how to eat it. So if its neuro and he isn't able to eat, that is not good. Means there is brain damage in the area of the brain that tells him how to chew and eat. Either that or he is still traumatized from whatever happened to him.

Thanks for listening. :D

[Pierre]

He might be too scared to eat from you yet.

I text messaged Rippie. I know you all know she helped me with Gracie. She is not far from Harrisburg and is very willing to talk and help in any way.

I know there is fear in PA about rehabbers that will euthanize babies...perhaps some of you on TSB could corroborate that Rippie loves sqs more than anything and would never harm one!!

Thanks so much!!

[Pierre]

PS, Rippie gave me permission for that last posting. :)

[CritterMom]

Yeah, Rippie is the bomb - you will not get referrals to someone who will euthanise here at TSB - we try to save them all...

If he will take anything by syringe, you may want to try the pedialyte, full strength. Many of them LIKE the taste.

This little one may just need some time and TLC where he doesn't need to worry about predators or finding food and can get better. He will likely become more and more friendly as you go - they are REALLY smart and learn who their friends are pretty quickly.

[crhykes]

Thank you all so much!!! You are the best!!! :grouphug

[Pierre]

[thanks CrMom!]

Rippie would love to help if you'd like to talk with her. If so, please respond to my pm and I'll give you her number. :) She can only text right now [she's at work] but can talk live later as well. If you text her now, she can give you some advice and ask some questions to help determine if she needs to send any medications later today, if that seems the best course.

Blow a kiss to that little one! He sure is cute!! :Love_Icon

[island rehabber]

Your baby will be in EXCELLENT hands with rippie! She is truly one of us, and her hubby Brad is a squirrel-lover as well and helps her with the babies. I have met both of them and they are such very, very good people. Don't worry for another second that your baby squirrel won't be given the best care possible in rippie's hands. :thumbsup

[crhykes]

Update on my little one... OK, I think "he" is a "she". The pink thingy is closer to the butt on a girl, right? I had two boys last yr and theirs were futher up their belly.

Anyway... she ate 6 cc's of the goat milk mixture tonight (w/ heavy cream and yogurt)....Hope that isn't too much... she weighs 256gms. She is very calm right now and I can hold her with no problem. I was able to test the strength in her back legs a little. It seems like she has strength in both. I saw no visible signs of trauma to her legs or body.

Sent a pic to Rippie and she seems to think her jaw is swollen. Its hard for me to tell if her teeth are aligned... it does seem as if there is a slight overbite but it looks like a normal squirrel nose to me. She drinks and swallows liquid just find but hasn't tried eating hard stuff yet. It might hurt her to chew?? She hasn't pooped or peed yet that I saw. I tried rubbing her to get her to go but it didn't happen. I am pretty sure she is old enough to go on her own but I thought I would try in case the possible brain injury affected any of those sensations. Plus, it always makes me feel better to see that its all going in and coming out!

So tonight is definitely better than last night.
:jump

[astra]

Update on my little one... OK, I think "he" is a "she". The pink thingy is closer to the butt on a girl, right? I had two boys last yr and theirs were futher up their belly.

Anyway... she ate 6 cc's of the goat milk mixture tonight (w/ heavy cream and yogurt)....Hope that isn't too much... she weighs 256gms. She is very calm right now and I can hold her with no problem. I was able to test the strength in her back legs a little. It seems like she has strength in both. I saw no visible signs of trauma to her legs or body.

So tonight is definitely better than last night.
:jump
what a good update! :thumbsup hopefully, it can soon become clear what's with her jaw, or teeth

[Gina]

Hoping your little rescue baby continues to improve. She sure is a little cutie.:grouphug

[crhykes]

Still trying to think of a name for this little sweetie... anyway- she ate like a piggy twice today 6 ccs of goats milk mixture both times... she seems to be getting a little more strength... 1st dose of Dex today so we will see how that helps her balance. Here's a pic of her eating... she is so sweet.

I also am attaching pics of her jaw and teeth. Not sure if you guys can tell from the pic whether she "normal" or not.

[laspoone]

Update: He doesn't seem very aggressive to me now. I was able to wrap him in a blanket inside the cage but I hesitate to take him out just yet because he did manage to squirm out of the blanket once and I don't want him lost in my house. He seems much calmer so maybe tonight I will try to take him out and look him over. While in the cage, he did climb once and actually hung by his back claws upside down. Once while climbing the side he fell backward, but not very far because he was near the bottom. His tail seems crooked, though... like it doesnt want to curl around like a normal squirrel. Its seems when he falls to the side, its always his left side, so I am wondering if its something with his back left leg? While he was climbing I saw no bites or open wounds on him at all. I remember the other day when I saw him outside before I got him, he would hop really high on his back legs, maybe it a few hops then fall to the side.

He did take some pedialyte 50/50 with water but not very much. Its like i had to wiggle the syringe to remind him how to swallow. He picked up a peanut in his mouth but acted like he didn't know how to eat it. So if its neuro and he isn't able to eat, that is not good. Means there is brain damage in the area of the brain that tells him how to chew and eat. Either that or he is still traumatized from whatever happened to him.

Thanks for listening. :D


I have a very similar problem. I saw a young juvenile squirrel fall from a tree about 4 days ago. Head is going side to side, no balance, falls to right side sometimes rolling completely over. I have it in a cage and am feeding it every 6 hrs or so Ensure. Seems strong but I need HELP too!! Good luck with your baby!

[astra]

I have a very similar problem. I saw a young juvenile squirrel fall from a tree about 4 days ago. Head is going side to side, no balance, falls to right side sometimes rolling completely over. I have it in a cage and am feeding it every 6 hrs or so Ensure. Seems strong but I need HELP too!! Good luck with your baby!
Laspoone, post a separate thread for your juvie - this way you will get fast and personalized help.