Found injured squirrel in street--what now!?

[JustineB]

I found an injured squirrel in the street.. It looks like maybe he has a broken leg and arm (opposite sides of his body). I moved him from the street to the grass (using a plastic bag) and he's now resting in the grass. I can't tell his age.

I brought over walnuts almonds and carrots to where he is lying and poured some river water in his mouth, and also left a water bottle cap full of more water next to him.

I'm located in western NJ and don't know how to tend to this squirrel. What should I feed him? should I shelter him if it rains?

[JustineB]

Also should note, he's squirmy but stable and seems to be keeping his body in a comfortable position.

[astra]

Thank you for rescuing this little one.:thankyou

could you bring him inside?... left outside with such injuries, he will be an easy prey.
If you could bring him inside, put him in a box/plastic bin, cover half of it, and keep in him in a quiet place. When you get a wild injured animal, they need to be kept warm, dark and quiet.
Just don't bring him to a wildlife centre yet - most likely, they will put him to sleep.
Let's see if there are TSB people in your area...
Keep checking here often - someone experienced will be here soon.
In the meantime, if you could bring him inside, that will be best.

Edit: put some old t-shirt(s) in the box with him for him to hide and snuggle. Just don't put anything loopy (like towels) because their nails tend to get caught and torn in the loops.

[astra]

:bump

[JustineB]

We are going to bring him into the garage and keep him in a laundry basket.. He's sleeping right now. Can anyone suggest food for him??

[astra]

for now, in addition to water, you could give him apple slices, avocado pieces (no skin and no pit! ), almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans (no corn, no peanuts, no seeds), pieces of watermelon, squash, cucumbers, sweet peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, carrot pieces.
Of course, long-term he'd be fed differently, but for now those foods should be ok.
Just make sure he has water. If you think he might splash the water bowl, you could put some pebbles in it and pour just enough water to cover the pebbles - this way he won't get aspirated accidentally, and it might help to keep the bowl from overturning.

[Jackie in Tampa]

where are you in New jersey...we can try to find a rehabber for you...
thank you for bringing him in the garage...
astra is giving great advise.

[equine623]

Where in NJ are you located? I'm about 12 miles over the PA/NJ border in PA, near Rt 80. I've rehabbed babies and some older animals and am a certified vet tech, so I've got a decent animal handling background :D I can try to come by to give you my opinion (whatever that's worth lol) and/or possibly bring him back depending on his condition and where you are.

I will check the board later tonight, or PM me if you are able to.

Or email me at ku246c@aol.com
:wave123

[I Love Lucy]

I'm in New Jersey in Central Monmouth County. Where are you located? I can help if you are not too far.

[I Love Lucy]

If you are closer to Northwest NJ there is an excellent rehab center. It is
Wild Baby Rescue Center, Inc. 14 Grouse Mountain Road Blairstown, NJ 07825 908-362-WILD wildbabyrescue@yahoo.com

[astra]

personally, I'd use any wildlife centre as the last resort, because they tend to euthanize broken limbs/broken anything since such fractures very often render animals non-releasable, or so they think.
Of course, if there are no TSB members who could take him to care and treat, then, that will be all you can do. But let's see if there is someone who might take him.

Also, to everyone: Justine cannot send/receive private messages because she has just joined and as a new member doesn't have that option activated (unless that changed).

[equine623]

As of this morning I haven't gotten any contact from her, has anyone else? I posted my email when I realized she probably couldn't do PM yet. Hoping the squirrel is doing ok... :dono

[JustineB]

Hi all!sorry for the delayed response.

Nuts (yes, we named him!) made it through the night and seems to e moving around ok. he was able to pull himself out of the box and has been sleeping on and off for most of the day.

We're in west NJ, exit 33/36 off RT 78 -- or about 30 minutes off exit 142 on the Parkway.

We definitely do not want to bring him anywhere where he might be euthanized! His breathing seems raspy, so we think he may have a broken rib, but of course we are not sure.

I'll be picking up fruits and apple sauce (organic, no-sugar added) for him today. Do you suggest that we try to reset any bones that may be broken?

I'm currently doing these posts from my iPhone, so I don't know if I can navigate to turn on PMs. I'll be checking this often but if you can offer assistance, please email me -- burke4work@gmail.com.

Thank you guys!!!

[JustineB]

I think I was able to turn on PM now... If someone can try, please do so.

[equine623]

Hi,
I sent you a PM just now, let me know if it doesn't go through for some reason and I'll email you directly.

Jill

[JustineB]

I can receive PMs now! And turned on email notifications.

Fire away with the help!! :)

[Milo's Mom]

how is Nuts doing?

[I Love Lucy]

I just looked on map quest and I believe you are less than an hour from me. I can definitely help. I'll PM you.

[JustineB]

Nuts was sleeping underneath a pool cover, but we moved him into a box with old tshirts and towels. He let us pick him up to move him without any problems. He's sleeping soundly right now... Will be watching closely.

[I Love Lucy]

I just sent you a PM with my cell phone number. Did you get it? I have been having intermittent problems with my PM's.

[astra]

Nuts was sleeping underneath a pool cover, but we moved him into a box with old tshirts and towels. He let us pick him up to move him without any problems. He's sleeping soundly right now... Will be watching closely.
towels are not good - they have loops and squirrels' nails tend to get caught in those loops, causing raptures and permanent damage. Only smooth fabrics, such as t-shirts, fleece etc.

[JustineB]

I'm sad to say that Nuts passed away today. :(

His injuries were likely way worse than we could have known. He seemed more alert today but unfortunately he couldnt fight any longer.

Thank you, everyone, for your help and advice. It's so appreciated and I'm overwhelmed by all of the love that came from this community.

RIP Nuts. <3

[I Love Lucy]

I'm so sorry to hear of Nuts passing. If he had two broken limbs he could have been either hit by a car, dropped by a hawk or took a long fall. He likely died because of internal bleeding. Thank you for giving Nuts a safe and warm place to die in peace.

RIP Nuts.

[Chickenlegs]

Death is kind when life is pain. You done good. He was at peace and loved. May his next birth be a good one.

[astra]

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[equine623]

:grouphug RIP Nuts