Choking?

[SammysMom]

This is so weird...Sammy is our 3 month +/- baby who has done so well it surprised me as a newbie to the squirrel world. He is eating HHB's daily in the 2 am, veggies and fruits midday and 1 HHB with a sugar snap pea and 1 - 2 nuts in the evening. This has gone fine, but for the last 2 nights he has eaten either a hazelnut or pecan (with shell) and after the last bite he acts like he is choking. Makes a weird squeaking noise and looks like he is gagging and chewing at the same time. After a few loud "gag squeaks" he seems ok, but today some of the chewed nut came back up. Does this mean he shouldn't have the nuts? That seems a little silly for a sq doesn't it? The squeak really freaks me out!!

[mugzeezma]

This is so weird...Sammy is our 3 month +/- baby who has done so well it surprised me as a newbie to the squirrel world. He is eating HHB's daily in the 2 am, veggies and fruits midday and 1 HHB with a sugar snap pea and 1 - 2 nuts in the evening. This has gone fine, but for the last 2 nights he has eaten either a hazelnut or pecan (with shell) and after the last bite he acts like he is choking. Makes a weird squeaking noise and looks like he is gagging and chewing at the same time. After a few loud "gag squeaks" he seems ok, but today some of the chewed nut came back up. Does this mean he shouldn't have the nuts? That seems a little silly for a sq doesn't it? The squeak really freaks me out!!

Bit off more than he could swallow eh?
Unlike all the other things you have offered nuts are solid chunks.

I've heard that noise before and it was just that...gagging
If it continues for any length of time and there are any other odd behaviors there may be more to it.

[SammysMom]

Mugz you are my savior! This board is so full of wonderful experienced "squirrel folk". So I won't worry and can give him a nut or two? It seems to me that a squirrel who chokes on nuts isn't going to do so well living in an oak tree...lol I had the most horrible thought that I would have to do the Heimlich Maneuver on someone who had toothpicks for ribs...lol Also, while I am pestering you, can you tell me what is too cold for a house squirrel to venture into his outdoor cage? Thank-you!

[mugzeezma]

Mugz you are my savior! This board is so full of wonderful experienced "squirrel folk". So I won't worry and can give him a nut or two? It seems to me that a squirrel who chokes on nuts isn't going to do so well living in an oak tree...lol I had the most horrible thought that I would have to do the Heimlich Maneuver on someone who had toothpicks for ribs...lol Also, while I am pestering you, can you tell me what is too cold for a house squirrel to venture into his outdoor cage? Thank-you!
They get all excited about that nut and bolt it down then ~CACK~!
If you have to do the Heimlich lay him on his stomach across your lap and thump him between the shoulder blades like you would an infant.

Too Cold?
I put mine out no matter what. If it's too cold they will hide in their nestbox. Be sure to provide water and food.

[SammysMom]

He is pretty sure the great outdoors is not for him...he'd rather be inside rushing around trying to steal scissors, phones or the occasional silverware...lol When I walk toward the door where his "big boy cage" he makes a mad leap for the coat tree and goes around and around avoiding me until he thinks I have forgotten about bringing hm out the front door...lol
Haircut anyone?

[mugzeezma]

He is pretty sure the great outdoors is not for him...he'd rather be inside rushing around trying to steal scissors, phones or the occasional silverware...lol When I walk toward the door where his "big boy cage" he makes a mad leap for the coat tree and goes around and around avoiding me until he thinks I have forgotten about bringing hm out the front door...lol
Haircut anyone?

:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl

I'd sleep with one eye open if I were you!

may wake up with a new hairdo


:jump :jump

[Jackie in Tampa]

singletons need to be overwintered if under 5 months ...
If the temps drop below freezing I either bring them back inside, or provide heat...

the sound is gagging/choking..like a splinter in the throat, in my experience, sometimes it can last up to two days before they dislodge whatever it usually is...
if he gets lethagic, get help asap.
Chances are he will be fine.