I Love Lucy
05-18-2011, 10:38 AM
When choosing a formula we must keep in mind that every case is different in many ways. The babies of course are different but so are our mixing and feeding techniques and the water we use. So results will always vary.
The one thing that remains the same and is the most important thing, is the babies weight gain and digestion. If you are not seeing a steady weight gain or are not seeing normal colored and formed stools, then something is wrong.
Your babies should be gaining 1-3 grams or more per day for pinkies or 3-5 grams or more per day for babies 3 weeks or older. If you do not see that weight gain you may not be feeding often enough or not the right amount. The 5-7% rule for the amount to feed is an excellent way to go for eyes closed babies, but again may need to be adjusted for weight gain. For eyes closed babies you can go up to 10% depending upon the baby (watch the stool for signs of overfeeding).
Many times the formula is the issue to poor digestion and weight gain. If you are not seeing good results with what you are using, stop and try something else. Fox Valley is the preferred formula for squirrels for most rehabbers, but if it is not working for you try adding ultra boost, heavy cream. yogurt, digestive enzymes, goat's milk or another formula.
Personally, this year I have had tremendous success with a 50/50 combination of Fox Valley 32/40 and Zoologic Milk Matrix 32/40 mixed 2 1/4 parts water to 1 part powder. My babies are gaining 30-50 grams per week, their fur and muscle development is superb and their stools have always been normal. Last year my babies, especially pinkies, gained weight slowly and had delayed development on Fox Valley alone. For me, I attribute it to my hard well water with high mineral and metal content.
The most important thing I have learned as a rehabber is we have to be flexible and open minded. Watch the babies weight gain and stool closely. They are windows to what's going on inside.
PS - For those of you who do not know me - :wave123 I have been rehabbing squirrels for the last 5 1/2 years and have successfully raised and released over 150 squirrels. I average 15-20 squirrels per season. I hope this does not start a debate. I just wanted to share my experiences and hope it helps someone else.:grouphug
The one thing that remains the same and is the most important thing, is the babies weight gain and digestion. If you are not seeing a steady weight gain or are not seeing normal colored and formed stools, then something is wrong.
Your babies should be gaining 1-3 grams or more per day for pinkies or 3-5 grams or more per day for babies 3 weeks or older. If you do not see that weight gain you may not be feeding often enough or not the right amount. The 5-7% rule for the amount to feed is an excellent way to go for eyes closed babies, but again may need to be adjusted for weight gain. For eyes closed babies you can go up to 10% depending upon the baby (watch the stool for signs of overfeeding).
Many times the formula is the issue to poor digestion and weight gain. If you are not seeing good results with what you are using, stop and try something else. Fox Valley is the preferred formula for squirrels for most rehabbers, but if it is not working for you try adding ultra boost, heavy cream. yogurt, digestive enzymes, goat's milk or another formula.
Personally, this year I have had tremendous success with a 50/50 combination of Fox Valley 32/40 and Zoologic Milk Matrix 32/40 mixed 2 1/4 parts water to 1 part powder. My babies are gaining 30-50 grams per week, their fur and muscle development is superb and their stools have always been normal. Last year my babies, especially pinkies, gained weight slowly and had delayed development on Fox Valley alone. For me, I attribute it to my hard well water with high mineral and metal content.
The most important thing I have learned as a rehabber is we have to be flexible and open minded. Watch the babies weight gain and stool closely. They are windows to what's going on inside.
PS - For those of you who do not know me - :wave123 I have been rehabbing squirrels for the last 5 1/2 years and have successfully raised and released over 150 squirrels. I average 15-20 squirrels per season. I hope this does not start a debate. I just wanted to share my experiences and hope it helps someone else.:grouphug