5 pinkies found

[jo_schmoe]

Just got a call from a lady who had a squirrel in her house. I looked and looked and finally found the nest. 5 baby boys inside. They all still have their cords so they can't be but a few days old. I didn't have much choice as they were about to gas them and also noticed a rat trap set up. I pondered on what to do and finally decided it would be best if I just took them home. All seem pretty healthy except one who has a bloody nose. Ive never had them this small and if anyone has any suggestions to help I sure would appreciate it. I feel bad for mama but if I left them there they would surely have died. I couldnt put them outside because it freezing here today and she has a free roaming dog outside. They are all on heat now and we will try a feeding here in the next hour.
Does the FV need to be diluted for the first feeding? The mom was in there with them but when she heard us she quickly ran away so Im assuming they have already been fed. Do the need pedyalite for the first feeding?? Seems like forever since I had babies. We need all the prayers you can send our way!!!
The lady did have a pic of a squirrel on her porch and it looked like a grey to me....so these could be grey babies!!!!

[jo_schmoe]

I forgot to add they are average 15 gms. Being this small and weighing that amount im almost positive they are greys. I will get some pics when its time to eat. They are all very active and making nice clear noises.

[island rehabber]

hi jo -- welcome to pinkyland!
The most important thing with these teeny ones is to have PATIENCE. Go slowly, and let the babies tell you what they need. You can start with 3:1 diluted FV if they haven't been without mom for long, and get up to full strength by tomorrow morning. At their age they probably need every 3 hrs feeding, watch their milk line. KEEP THEM WARM while feeding. If they get cool or the formula gets cool, they will resist eating. Remember you are simulating their mamma -- body temp 102*.
Expect to see weird things pooping out of them at first. Poops from mammas milk may be black, dark green, light green or reddish. DO NOT PANIC. :D
Expect for them to look less chubby and hydrated under your care than under mamma's....but do your best to keep them as plump and hydrated as possible. Losing a couple of grams the first few days is normal with neonates, which is what you have. NOT GAINING for a few days is also normal. Take each day, each feeding, as it comes. I love pinkies and I'm here to help. :thumbsup

[jo_schmoe]

hi jo -- welcome to pinkyland!
The most important thing with these teeny ones is to have PATIENCE. Go slowly, and let the babies tell you what they need. You can start with 3:1 diluted FV if they haven't been without mom for long, and get up to full strength by tomorrow morning. At their age they probably need every 3 hrs feeding, watch their milk line. KEEP THEM WARM while feeding. If they get cool or the formula gets cool, they will resist eating. Remember you are simulating their mamma -- body temp 102*.
Expect to see weird things pooping out of them at first. Poops from mammas milk may be black, dark green, light green or reddish. DO NOT PANIC. :D
Expect for them to look less chubby and hydrated under your care than under mamma's....but do your best to keep them as plump and hydrated as possible. Losing a couple of grams the first few days is normal with neonates, which is what you have. NOT GAINING for a few days is also normal. Take each day, each feeding, as it comes. I love pinkies and I'm here to help. :thumbsup

Thank you so much. I just did the first feeding. They all took almost a 1 full cc. One pooped and it was very dark but I remember it being like that with R&R. They pottys were nothing more than a drop. Is that normal?? They haven't been away from mom long....maybe a few hours.

[jo_schmoe]

well, heres the gang. We havent given anyone names yet. I want to make sure they all make it first. They are sooooo tiny. They still have their cords so I don't think they are very old at all.

[island rehabber]

There's a hint of grey on their heads, so they could be 5-6 days old. Adorable babies! 1cc is excellent...remember that FV moves slowly thru the system so don't panic if they aren't ready to eat again after 3 hrs. Are their cords little stubs or actual strings, yet? The stubs will fall off on the 10th day, so that will help you later on with their actual age. :)

[island rehabber]

Also, pottying takes longer at this age....infuriatingly longer, sometimes :D. Keep going until each one pees a little, at least. Sometimes I'm about to give up and 'whoa!' the baby starts peeing like a firehose. They do take longer....I keep a radio on when feeding because once I nodded out with a pinky on my lap while pottying her...:sanp3:shakehead

[jo_schmoe]

They stubs look like a small black dot. I only got one to poop but im not going to stress out until later about that. If they dont go in the next few feedings then I will start to worry. Im not adding anything to the FV...just plain. I wont until I see a need for it.

[island rehabber]

Im not adding anything to the FV...just plain. I wont until I see a need for it.

:thumbsup works for me, every time! I will tell you, I began adding Ultra Boost to the 32/40 about 2 weeks ago, and it helped get runty Vera up to a better weight. Otherwise, I add nothing.

If the cords are a dot, they are almost a week old. That's GOOD....much less fragile than 1-3 day olds.

Don't worry about poop too much. At this age, they may not poop with every feeding, but they should pee.

[virgo062]

Oh so tiny....And cute too....Get some rest you will need it...Poor mama squirrel I feel bad for her too but you did the right thing...Anyway you could make a nest and hang it from a tree where you found them????

[UDoWhat]

Oh Jo, pinkies are my favorite. Just take a deep breath and relax as you begin to feed. Go very slowly as IR has instructed. I believe that babies can feel your worries so just love them and have fun. They are so lucky to have you. You did the right thing taking them. That situation sounded terrible. Do you think the mom is in danger with the rat trap issue? I pray not. You have offered her babies a safe,warm and loving place to grow and live freely. Bless you.

Marty

[Ardilla]

So adorable!:Love_Icon

[island rehabber]

Remember, jo: pinkies WANT to live. They really do. :tilt :Love_Icon

[crazy4squirrels]

You're great!! These guys are in good hands and Baby Jude is watching over you giving you a "love ya mom, you can do this"! Prayers to all babies and I hope momma squirrel escaped without being gased or hurt.

[mugzeezma]

JO you have BABIES AGAIN!!!!:multi :multi :multi
sleepless nights formula stink in your hair and clothes....
LOL

been awhile
I know you will do well

grays are a bit more...energetic:D than the laid back foxers so you are in for a treat.

Good Luck!

[Rainy9]

:jump :grouphug

[petlover56]

HII JO! after a long time i know!!

I've been so busy!!

wow 5 babies!!! u are so lucky!!!!!

smoochies to all of them from Terri and me

:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[mugzeezma]

HII JO! after a long time i know!!

I've been so busy!!

wow 5 babies!!! u are so lucky!!!!!

smoochies to all of them from Terri and me

:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi :Love_Icon :Love_Icon
Hey! I was looking for you!
And you're over here!

Hard to resist Jo

[Scooterzmom]

Oh my!!!! Pinkies galore ...:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon I just love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Reminds me so much of Scooter... you're in for such a treat. I'm so happy God placed them in your hands Jo... and I pray their mama fares well, the poor darling. You did the right thing, without a doubt. :grouphug

[MsOakley]

I think 15 grams is a healthy weight for pinkies. I get them at 10 frequently and most manage to survive even at that low weight. Best of luck.

[petlover56]

Hey! I was looking for you!
And you're over here!

Hard to resist Jo


lol :multi :multi

[jo_schmoe]

Oh so tiny....And cute too....Get some rest you will need it...Poor mama squirrel I feel bad for her too but you did the right thing...Anyway you could make a nest and hang it from a tree where you found them????
I wish I could. They were found in a basement...deep in a wall. Its about 10 degrees here today so I don't think they would be able to survive long without mom outside. I feel so bad for the mama....and Im hoping now that she will just stay away from that place.

[jo_schmoe]

as of this morn everyone is doing great. They all took about 1 cc again and everyone pooped!!! Hubby is helping out so much. I have to go to work so he is in charge. He knows exactly what to do. I directed him here so if he has any questions he will ask. Man they are tiny!!! Sooooo cute though.
I can't believe I have greys!!! ( I think) You just dont see them around here.
The baby nest is next to Rocky and Rhoadas enclosure and they must smell them. The keep hanging out on the wire just sniffing. LOL.

[island rehabber]

jo, you're blessed with a rehabbin' hubby? (a rehubber? :D) I am SO jealous! My BF just whines during baby season: "are you EVerrrrrrrr comin' to bed?" :crybaby:hissyfit

[Wonkawillie]

My hubby whines about me coming to bed when I have babies too!!!! But when they get fur and get playfull he cant get enough of them!!!!

[Rescue04]

when it comes to getting pinkies to potty...after feeding i usually give them a few minutes to get warm and rest. then i try and get them potty. that helps. alot. otherwise you will be just sitting there....working on them and getting impatient.

[jo_schmoe]

as of this morn everyone is doing great. They all took about 1 cc again and everyone pooped!!! Hubby is helping out so much. I have to go to work so he is in charge. He knows exactly what to do. I directed him here so if he has any questions he will ask. Man they are tiny!!! Sooooo cute though.
I can't believe I have greys!!! ( I think) You just dont see them around here.
The baby nest is next to Rocky and Rhoadas enclosure and they must smell them. The keep hanging out on the wire just sniffing. LOL.
Hi ladies, i'm russ joes hubby. Just thought i'd drop a line and let everyone know just finished my first solo feeding of 5 babies. And it only took 3 hours!!!

[Rescue04]

Hi ladies, i'm russ joes hubby. Just thought i'd drop a line and let everyone know just finished my first solo feeding of 5 babies. And it only took 3 hours!!!
lol...it just takes time and patience. you will get the hang of it.

[Baxied]

:jump Way to go Russ! What a good squaddy you are!!!!:jump

[Kristal]

You caught yourself a good man, Jo ;) :thumbsup

[pappy1264]

OMG.....my hubby couldn't see their mouths to feed them!!! lol Glad to hear they are doing so well. Loads of prayers going out.

[Ronda]

:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon pinkies!:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

so adorable.... good job both of you!

[island rehabber]

hi russ! :wave123 guess what?


...if 3 hours have gone by, it's time to FEED 'EM AGAIN! :rofl4:rofl4:rofl4

[UDoWhat]

Hi ladies, i'm russ joes hubby. Just thought i'd drop a line and let everyone know just finished my first solo feeding of 5 babies. And it only took 3 hours!!!
Just fine! Slow enough don't you think too, IR? :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl
(Your post just made me laugh out loud. I could just see you at the end of the feeding. Time to start again. Welcome to pinkie world. Most of all :thankyou for caring for these babies.) :jump

Marty, Licensed Maryland Master Wildlife Rehabilitator

[crazy4squirrels]

:D Good job Russ!! Time to feed the babies..

[Scooterzmom]

I'm jealous... I want RUSS for a hubby!!!!!! Look out, Jo... I'm making myself look great - calling the plastic surgeon to make me look 40 years young, getting the fancy clothes and all... and I'm coming to steal your hubby :rolf :rotfl :rolf

[jo_schmoe]

He's a pretty awesome guy to say the least!!! He was gone a lot when Rocky and Rhoada were babies....and I think he feels like he really missed out. He has dove head first into squappahood!!! Im soooooo proud of him.
Russ has named a baby. His name is Mopar ( he has a perfect mopar symbol on his nose)
The little guy has 3 names....I call him Little Bean, Russ calls him Peanut and my friend who had brought me to the lady with the "problem" got to name one and she chose Ringo. ( seriously...I know what you all are thinking...that I totally named him that......I didn't!)
The other 3 have yet to be named. It will come to us. For some reason one guy reminds me of a Stanley ( this I have no clue) but not sure it fits him.
oh...and did I mention that russ did as good if not better job as me. It so comforting to know that he is just as capable as me. ( you know how mommies can be.....worry worry worry....I called him every 30 mins today. LOL)
ok, time for me to feed....cuz Russ just put the last one back.
I took some time off of work so I could be here more for them. I will try and get some pics for you in the morn. I think we are in love.....:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon .....its a good thing!!

[UDoWhat]

Thanks for the update. More when/if you have time, please. I get it with pinkies. Just time to put the blankies in the washer then back to feeding then... all over again. :Love_Icon
Marty

[mugzeezma]

[QUOTE=jo_schmoe
The little guy has 3 names....I call him Little Bean, Russ calls him Peanut and my friend who had brought me to the lady with the "problem" got to name one and she chose Ringo. ( seriously...I know what you all are thinking...that I totally named him that......I didn't!)
The other 3 have yet to be named. It will come to us.[/QUOTE]

WEll duh! John Gaul and George ,,,or Paulette and Georgette!

[jo_schmoe]

Well, everyone seems to be doing really well. Very active and good eaters.
Take a look at their chart if you will and tell me if improvements can be made.

Ringo-13 gms, peed every feeding but hasnt pooped for last 3 feedings.

1 Dot ( not named yet) - 14 gms, peed every feeding, large poop 2 feedings ago.

Mopar- 14 gms, peed every feeding but hasnt pooped last 3 feedings.

2 Dot - (not named yet) 16 gms, peed every feeding, pooped last 2 feedings.

Zappa- 16 gms, peed every feeding but hasnt pooped last 3 feedings.

When I went to feed again I did notice a few droppings in the box. They are really dark and stringy.

[jo_schmoe]

Everyone has also lost their belly buttons. So you guys think 10 days old maybe??
Im worried about poops. ( whats new) Everything that has come out has been leftovers from mom. Dark and stringy. My first thought was dehydration but skin tests are good. They are all on full strength FV with nothing added.
The nipples I have are way too big so Im going to place an order with Chris today. Any suggestions on what size works best for tiny ones??
I should also add that there was some droppings in the box. If we can't get one to poop we work on it for about an hour. Im wondering if so many littermates causes enough stimulation for them to poop occasionaly. :dono

[madtowntom]

I had been using the mini-nipple (http://www.squirrelsandmore.com/product/856/mini-nipple-set.htm) set from Chris's, however, I think the plain old silicone nipples (http://www.squirrelsandmore.com/product/589/mothering-silicone-nipples-by-classic.htm) more closely mimic the size of a squirrel nipple and work just as well

[Lulu2010]

Congrats on your 5 pinkies! I only have one to raise (and it's pretty much my first time), and that one is a lot of work. That's wonderful that you and your husband are working as a team to raise them. They are so lucky to be raised by two caring people.

[jo_schmoe]

Well, everyone pooped!!! yessssssss. They all ate well and peed like champs. I will be making them a thread in the nursery now that we are past 48 hours. Heres a new pic I just got of one. His name is Zappa. (Yup...I came up with that one :D ) Camera died before I could get the rest so will post them all over on the new thread. They are beyond sweet and I can't stop smelling them. I love baby smell!!!!

[pappy1264]

Precious! Glad you got poop.....know how scary that waiting can be! Silicone works good, that is what we have been using (well, first two days, Bean was tubed).

[island rehabber]

:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup !!!

[Scooterzmom]

:alright.gif :thumbsup :alright.gif :thumbsup :alright.gif WTG Jo!!!!!! Beautiful pinkies!!!!!!! I just luuuuuvvvv babies :jump