Follow up on Chips eating..

[leenidia]

Well after trying to unsuccessfully coax her to eat last night, I gave up at 0400. I am tired it was a long day/night. I woke up this morning around 0630 for their feeding and put them together for feeding--in my sports bra they both were cuddled up. So she ate.. thanks to all of you here at TSB for your kind support and advise. I will continue to feed her together with Dale. Unfortunately, b/c she keeps suckling on him, I need to separate them. I think she is getting plenty of food b/c she feeds until she stops, when she does that I stimulate her to use her bowels and if nothing/something I continue to feed until she had enough. With all of my efforts, she still suckles on him. Is there a pacifier that I could buy for her? do they make such a thing? uughhh such a dilemma.. my poor Chipella… and worse for Dale.. Thanks again for your support! Nidia:thumbsup

[leenidia]

In addition to the good news of Chipella eating, I was just informed that both Chipella and Dale are aggressive towards my sitters. When I feed them, they get excited to see me and are happy to come out of their cages. Their sitters are afraid of them now b/c apparently they say that they lunge at them and or attempt to bite. They don’t act like that with me, although when I am around people, they don’t want them to be near us (Dale/Chip and myself). Is this normal behavior? I’ve never known that squirrels can act possessive or let alone acknowledge me as their mommy.. can they? if so, what do I do about feeding times, now that I know that they refuse to eat with the sitters while I am at work. Could they wait until I get home for a feeding? Im afraid they will become undernourished...

[astra]

yes, it is perfectly normal for squirrels - to be a one-person squirrel.
That's one of the many reasons why they don't make good pets.
They tend to get attached to one person only (there are situations, when a squirrel will favor a wife or a husband only, acting aggressively towards the other spouse etc), while either being openly aggressive or barely tolerating other people.
They can feel possessive or jealous of their human.;-) That's a squirrel.;-) "if it's mine, it's mine";-).

I am sure, other people will share their "tricks" and solutions to the feeding problem by sitters.

[gs1]

:goodpost Astra :thumbsup

i'm not sure many people have had this problem....

usually when raising a baby squirrel the person going in is aware of the full time nature of the job....

and then if they have to give them up... it's usually to a rehabber ... so someone experienced with squirrels....

i hope someone has some solutions.... but if they're going to someone not experienced with squirrels... i'm not sure what can be done.....

leenidia ... can they lap formula? maybe with yogurt to make it less .... messy???

hmmm maybe they're much too young for this .....

are you planning on releasing eventually.....?

would you like us to see if there are any rehabbers in your area that would be willing to raise and then release back on your property if you want?

would your boss be ok with you taking them to work in a bird cage (no plastic carriers - they chew through....)

:thinking well i'll keep thinking.....

[leenidia]

good to know.. thanks..:D
yes, it is perfectly normal for squirrels - to be a one-person squirrel.
That's one of the many reasons why they don't make good pets.
They tend to get attached to one person only (there are situations, when a squirrel will favor a wife or a husband only, acting aggressively towards the other spouse etc), while either being openly aggressive or barely tolerating other people.
They can feel possessive or jealous of their human.;-) That's a squirrel.;-) "if it's mine, it's mine";-).

I am sure, other people will share their "tricks" and solutions to the feeding problem by sitters.

[leenidia]

When I found them at 4 weeks, I called the rehabber in this area and they told me that they will euthanize them b/c they didn’t have the room for them, this is why I have them. I understand the :crazy involved and am caring for them as if they were my own. I love them and will release them in my yard when they are ready. My husband will build a home and they can have all the fun they want. I have plenty of trees in my yard and plenty of love to give them...
:goodpost Astra :thumbsup

i'm not sure many people have had this problem....

usually when raising a baby squirrel the person going in is aware of the full time nature of the job....

and then if they have to give them up... it's usually to a rehabber ... so someone experienced with squirrels....

i hope someone has some solutions.... but if they're going to someone not experienced with squirrels... i'm not sure what can be done.....

leenidia ... can they lap formula? maybe with yogurt to make it less .... messy???

hmmm maybe they're much too young for this .....

are you planning on releasing eventually.....?

would you like us to see if there are any rehabbers in your area that would be willing to raise and then release back on your property if you want?

would your boss be ok with you taking them to work in a bird cage (no plastic carriers - they chew through....)

:thinking well i'll keep thinking.....

[gs1]

sounds amazing....:thumbsup

but what about the sitters ...can they train with you ...considering squirrels are so hard to squirrelsit?

or your boss?

or going home at lunch???

or something?

:D

silly question are you washington dc?

[leenidia]

I think I will attempt to bring them with me to work, we shall see how that will turn out. My commute is about 45 min’s so I don’t think that will work. I’ve missed about a week and a half when I first found them. Now that they are stable (thanks to all of TSB wonderful assistance) I’ve missed less work. However, I think I will try and bring them with me. Just not sure how that will work and all.. Nidia:tilt
sounds amazing....:thumbsup

but what about the sitters ...can they train with you ...considering squirrels are so hard to squirrelsit?

or your boss?

or going home at lunch???

or something?

:D

silly question are you washington dc?