DO I NEED TO BRING THEM IN?

[Milo's Mom]

The Fuzzy Five are in the release cage. They have ice, they have water, they have misters and they have a fan. It is currently 108 degrees!!!
They are breathing rapidly but their mouths are NOT open.

SHOULD I BRING THEM BACK INTO THE HOUSE INTO THE AC?

Please leave me know as soon as possible as I'd like to act before heat issues present themselves even more.

EDIT: The temp is 108 that is NOT the heat index, it's the actual temp!!!

[Jackie in Tampa]

damn 108*...I would!
:D but you know what they say about JIT and her pet shop sqs....

I let a release sleep inside last night...I found him sprawled out belly up under a cage roof at 11pm on my way to the flyer shack... he went back out at the light of day!
Getting ready to pour here and the temps are relatively low...87*...but the humidity:shakehead you northerners would never be able to manage.
Air is heavy and thick...within seconds sweat pours from every pore.
The weather dude said that all the eastern US was at risk for heat stroke.
They have warnings to use A/C...people have passed due to the heat wave...Your state was one of many that they spoke of...
Fred said the bus yard at night in memphis was 100*:sanp3

yep, I would.

[momma2boo]

I, too, would bring them in. No need to suffer in the heat if a nice, air conditioned B&B is only foot steps away. :poke Oh Garcon .... please grab the bags and bring them to the lobby.

[lilidukes]

I'm dealing with the same thing I have 2 liter bottles filled with water frozen and fans, my 5 in the release cage come out and lay near them. I want to bring mine in but then we would have to start over again and I see no end to this heat soon. Trying to stick it out. I go out every hour to check on them they are quiet but no signs of heat stroke so far. I also change their water bottles every couple of hours as they get really warm. I'm feeding watermelon, corn and other things tempting. They are still devouring their HHB's very early in the am. Worried, worried, worried:osnap

[momma2boo]

for those who cannot bring in their critters please think about picking up cooling plates that are used for chinchillas. You can also pick up stone (marble) from Lowe's or Home Depot type stores. It stays cool (in general).

[Milo's Mom]

I've also been freezing 5qt buckets of water and giving them a frozen block/brick. They only seem to last for about 2 hours at most. I cannot freeze them fast enough!!

My ice cube maker is oh "extra ice" setting in order for it to make it faster than normal and I ran out of ice. I had to go buy 2 bags of ice...hope the ice maker catches up soon!!

Tomorrow is supposed to be better for us, but forecasting the weather is the ONLY job where you can be WRONG the majority of the time and STILL have a job!!

They are responsive, but they are slow. I'm going to go watch them for a little and if they continue to lay on the floor of the release cage, I'm gonna try to figure out how to bring them in.

[CritterMom]

damn 108*...I would!
:D but you know what they say about JIT and her pet shop sqs....

I let a release sleep inside last night...I found him sprawled out belly up under a cage roof at 11pm on my way to the flyer shack... he went back out at the light of day!
Getting ready to pour here and the temps are relatively low...87*...but the humidity:shakehead you northerners would never be able to manage.
Air is heavy and thick...within seconds sweat pours from every pore.
The weather dude said that all the eastern US was at risk for heat stroke.
They have warnings to use A/C...people have passed due to the heat wave...Your state was one of many that they spoke of...
Fred said the bus yard at night in memphis was 100*:sanp3

yep, I would.


Jackie, our dew points here in Maine are up to 85, which means it is even more humid here than Florida (and I grew up down there - the air is like a saturated sponge). Dewpoints of 85 are almost never seen even in Louisiana! It is HORRIBLE! I have lived up here since 1987 and have never seen anything like this... I have been screaming at my technicians to pound Gatorade today - I am concerned one of them is going to have a heart attack working in this heat... They have even had to stop all of the road work (summer is road construction season here) because the asphault won't harden...

[Milo's Mom]

Jackie, our dew points here in Maine are up to 85, which means it is even more humid here than Florida (and I grew up down there - the air is like a saturated sponge). Dewpoints of 85 are almost never seen even in Louisiana! It is HORRIBLE! I have lived up here since 1987 and have never seen anything like this... I have been screaming at my technicians to pound Gatorade today - I am concerned one of them is going to have a heart attack working in this heat... They have even had to stop all of the road work (summer is road construction season here) because the asphault won't harden...


Yup, they stopped the road work/paving here too!!

[lilidukes]

Been putting out fruit and keeping fresh water for my wilds and already released kids too. I'm only seeing them in the early am and right before dark.

[4skwerlz]

If they're breathing fast, bring them in, right away.

Fast breathing means they're already overheated.

[Milo's Mom]

TY 4S...going to get them right now.

[CritterMom]

Yeah, I responded the same on the other thread. If only for your peace of mind, bring the babies in. Avocado and watermelon for all!

[4skwerlz]

I know some of you are thinking they need to get used to the heat anyhow....but actually, if they get overheated once, they become more prone to future heat exhaustion. When you get heat exhaustion, the body "resets" the internal thermostat....forever. So actually, by leaving them out in this heat, you could be causing harm to their future ability to acclimate.

Hope this makes sense.

This is not normal weather; cattle are dying from the heat in the midwest.

I'm reposting this:

Warning! Squirrels Can Overheat in Summer

1. Never place a caged squirrel in direct sunlight.
2. Always provide water and shade.
3. On hot and/or humid days, indoor squirrels should be kept inside.
4. To-be-released squirrels need to be slowly acclimated to summer temps.
5. Never leave indoor squirrels (or unacclimated to-be-released squirrels) unattended outdoors.
6. Take extra care when traveling. Never leave your squirrel in the car without the air-conditioning turned on, even with all the windows open.

Symptoms of Heatstroke
Mild--Damp fur, appears to be sweating, rapid heartbeat and breathing
Moderate--Drooling or "foaming at the mouth," labored breathing, vomiting
Severe--diarrhea (may contain blood or mucous), uncoordination, seizures, collapse

If you see any of these symptoms, bring the squirrel indoors immediately and begin Emergency Cool-Down Procedures:

Emergency Treatment for Heatstroke

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency--Do not delay treatment!

Symptoms of Heatstroke

Mild--Damp fur, appears to be sweating, rapid heartbeat and breathing
Moderate--Drooling or "foaming at the mouth," labored breathing, vomiting
Severe--diarrhea (may contain blood or mucous), uncoordination, seizures, collapse

Emergency Cool-Down Procedures

You must get the squirrel cooled down quickly. Seconds count!

1. Bring the squirrel inside.
2. Dip the squirrel in cool water up to his neck.
3. Lay the squirrel down on a damp cloth with his head slightly elevated and turn on a fan.
4. Bathe the squirrel with a cold wet cloth, especially the head and tail areas. Ice packs can be placed around the squirrel (not on him or under him).
5. Offer a small amount of cool water to drink.
Note: Keep the squirrel as quiet and still as possible; exercise will cause him to become more overheated.

For mild cases, the above treatment may be enough. For moderate/severe cases, vet care is required to save the squirrel's life. If you don't have a vet, have someone else call around while you continue the cool-down process.

6. Don't stop the cool-down process, even for a minute.
7. If it's a warm day, run the AC in your car before you transport.
8. Transport the squirrel quickly to the vet, continuing to bathe the squirrel with a cool washcloth while en route (bring some cold water with you).
9. When you get to the vet, tell them it's severe heatstroke. They should rush the squirrel to the back for emergency care immediately.
10. No matter what happens, keep bathing the squirrel in cool water until the squirrel in the vet's hands.

If heatstroke occurs away from home or while traveling. Use the same procedures as above. Use anything you can find to cool the squirrel down. In a pinch, a cold soda or even water from a nearby stream can be used until you can find help.

If you have no access to a vet, try to find a rehabber. If you're on your own, you will need to monitor the squirrel constantly, including his body temperature. Take the squirrel's temperature using a rectal thermometer or a digital ear thermometer. When his temp reaches 103 degrees F, you must stop the cool-down procedures to avoid overcooling. Continue to offer cool water drop by drop.

Most squirrels will not survive moderate/severe heatstroke without IV fluids, which only a vet can provide.

Note: Signs of permanent organ damage may not show up for several hours or even days. The squirrel may seem to recover initially, then get worse later.

A squirrel can develop heatstroke in as little as 10 minutes, even in the shade!
__________________

[Pierre]

Grayson is newly released and he was kind of out of it this morning. Would just pancake.

I brought him in. He's been an angel inside and has slept like a baby in his nest. :Love_Icon

[SammysMom]

This little dufus Sammy was insistent about going outside. Here he is after 20 minutes or so in his outdoor cage in the shade. Like a little wet dishrag. He isn't quite as interested in outside now!:sanp3

[SammysMom]

Here's the pic I forgot to add

[Milo's Mom]

Plan A - get the babies into the nest box, stuff the hole with oven mitts and dishtowels and run them into the house before they got out. Did NOT work. I could NOT get them all into the nest box. Got bitten 6 times, and scratched like I was playing in the briar patch. Needed new plan.

Plan B - put all 5 misters pointing towards/in/on the release cage and turn the hose on as high as it will go. Duct tape all electrical components of their fan that could possibly get wet reattach it to the cage (outside) and turn it on HIGH.

After I got Plan B accomplished I grabbed the thermostat off the side of the house and attached it one of the tiny dry areas of the release cage, which is out of their reach. After 10 minutes I got the temp down to 86 DEGREES!!!!!!

They are mad as hell at me and it is now "raining" in their release cage. I left 3 areas of dryness for them. They are wet and their breathing has slowed to what I would call normal. I also dumped 20 pounds of ice throughout the release cage.

Is this okay or is what I am seeing in their breathing the next "phase" of heat stroke?

Please advise!!

EDIT: I just went back out to check on them...the temp outside has dropped to 98 degrees, the storm clouds are moving in, it's windy and it's thundering. The temp in the release cage is now 76 degrees!!!! Did I just managed to provide AC in an outdoor open release cage?

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

We are getting the storm too, feels nice outside now :).

I would be careful chasing them around when they are super hot, you can make the situation 10X worse because then they're overheated and exhausted from using up their energy running around. I had a red squirrel die like that 2 years ago. Was a hottish day (like 90) and I was ready to release her and chased her around for like half an hour and she got super worn out. She started just clinging to the walls with her front paws way up high. I brought her in and cooled her down, but within a couple hours she was uncoordinated and ended up dying :sad. It was really stupid on my part and I felt HORRIBLE. She was not the healthiest squirrel to begin with though, she had balding syndrome and it was 2 months before her fur started growing back and it typically only takes a squirrel a couple weeks to start growing fur back. So, she had issues, but chasing her in the heat certainly didn't help.

Good luck with your little tykes.

[Milo's Mom]

The temp outside has dropped to 92 and the humidity has dropped by nearly 20%. They are acting like The Fuzzy Five that I know. The temp in the release cage is 74 degrees and I just gave them some frozen acorns to munch on. They all came running...just like normal.

Yes, on the chasing thing SR&BT...I tried hard to catch them, but when they started zipping around to stay away from me, I backed off and came up with Plan B. Knowing they were too hot to begin with, zipping around like that was not helping matters...

[stepnstone]

[QUOTE=4skwerlz]I know some of you are thinking they need to get used to the heat anyhow....but actually, if they get overheated once, they become more prone to future heat exhaustion. When you get heat exhaustion, the body "resets" the internal thermostat....forever. So actually, by leaving them out in this heat, you could be causing harm to their future ability to acclimate.

Thank you for posting this 4skwerl. :thumbsup Besides this fact, for those that were just recently set out they have not had any time to acclimate with how fast the temps have risen. It's like running into a wall out there.

[Milo's Mom]

Yeah, I responded the same on the other thread. If only for your peace of mind, bring the babies in. Avocado and watermelon for all!

Oh you bet they got avocado and watermelon for dinner tonight!! I was so freaked out. My neighbor saw me running around and back and forth to the house, then in and out of the garage...he came over to see if there was anything he could to do help me...then he asked what I was doing:thinking I had to stop and laugh for a second and then I started babbling about the babies being too hot, and I could not catch them, and what happens with heatstroke, and what plan B was. I think I put him into shock!! LOL!!!:rotfl

[4skwerlz]

Plan A - get the babies into the nest box, stuff the hole with oven mitts and dishtowels and run them into the house before they got out. Did NOT work. I could NOT get them all into the nest box. Got bitten 6 times, and scratched like I was playing in the briar patch. Needed new plan.

Plan B - put all 5 misters pointing towards/in/on the release cage and turn the hose on as high as it will go. Duct tape all electrical components of their fan that could possibly get wet reattach it to the cage (outside) and turn it on HIGH.

After I got Plan B accomplished I grabbed the thermostat off the side of the house and attached it one of the tiny dry areas of the release cage, which is out of their reach. After 10 minutes I got the temp down to 86 DEGREES!!!!!!

They are mad as hell at me and it is now "raining" in their release cage. I left 3 areas of dryness for them. They are wet and their breathing has slowed to what I would call normal. I also dumped 20 pounds of ice throughout the release cage.

Is this okay or is what I am seeing in their breathing the next "phase" of heat stroke?

Please advise!!

EDIT: I just went back out to check on them...the temp outside has dropped to 98 degrees, the storm clouds are moving in, it's windy and it's thundering. The temp in the release cage is now 76 degrees!!!! Did I just managed to provide AC in an outdoor open release cage?

Hey Betsy, Sorry, I was away from computer until just now. Sounds like you were able to get them cooled off....phew. Honestly, having seen this in person, I think having sqs outside is a risk until the weather returns to something like normal summer temps/humidity. But maybe with your misters, yours can cope; sounds like they did a good job of getting the temp way down. :thumbsup Thank goodness you had them set up.

With heat exhaustion, the harm is to the internal organs. With severe cases, like SR&BT described, advanced symptoms happen quickly followed by death; this is usually due to the brain being damaged by very high internal temps. With moderate cases, the other organs sustain damage (the heart, lungs, intestines) and often the squirrel seems fine for 12-48 hrs, then goes downhill fast. So just keep a sharp eye on them for the next couple of days.:grouphug

[island rehabber]

I went up to the release site today, since we still have three babies (raised by truexjrfan-NY and Flo) locked in the enclosures. They are only 11-12 weeks so we're giving them a little more time, but what a heat wave these poor kids landed in! Anyway I half expected to see squirrels in distress when I got there -- my car thermometer read....(drum roll please....) 108 degrees. I had three frozen water bottles with me and I placed them on the floor of the enclosure, side by side like a raft. it didn't take the babies long to find them and start licking them, rolling on them, and pancakeing on them! By the time I left they were all energetic and rejuvenated, as i could tell by the wrestling and pranging that was going on :rotfl :thumbsup:thumbsup.

[4skwerlz]

I went up to the release site today, since we still have three babies (raised by truexjrfan-NY and Flo) locked in the enclosures. They are only 11-12 weeks so we're giving them a little more time, but what a heat wave these poor kids landed in! Anyway I half expected to see squirrels in distress when I got there -- my car thermometer read....(drum roll please....) 108 degrees. I had three frozen water bottles with me and I placed them on the floor of the enclosure, side by side like a raft. it didn't take the babies long to find them and start licking them, rolling on them, and pancakeing on them! By the time I left they were all energetic and rejuvenated, as i could tell by the wrestling and pranging that was going on :rotfl :thumbsup:thumbsup.
Released squirrels have options that caged squirrels don't have. A living tree branch in the shade will always be cool (trees maintain their internal temp too, by evaporation from the leaves, for one thing), so a squirrel can find a high branch in the shade to catch any breeze and press their belly against the cool bark. I've also seen wilds resting with their bellies in the cool soil under a bush when it's really hot. Glad yours were fine!:)

[Milo's Mom]

With moderate cases, the other organs sustain damage (the heart, lungs, intestines) and often the squirrel seems fine for 12-48 hrs, then goes downhill fast. So just keep a sharp eye on them for the next couple of days.:grouphug

They seem like themselves right now. I will be watching them like crazy. What exactly do I need to watch for and if I see something what should I do?

Would it be a good idea to make some pedialyte ice cubes and also fill their water bottle with pedialyte until this time tomorrow?
Should I still try to get them into the house until this heat wave passes?
They are getting pretty wild and I am not really looking to be bitten again, but if they NEED to be IN THE HOUSE, they may bite me until they turn blue...Mommy=Boss

[CritterMom]

What are your forecast temps?

[UDoWhat]

Plan A - get the babies into the nest box, stuff the hole with oven mitts and dishtowels and run them into the house before they got out. Did NOT work. I could NOT get them all into the nest box. Got bitten 6 times, and scratched like I was playing in the briar patch. Needed new plan.

Plan B - put all 5 misters pointing towards/in/on the release cage and turn the hose on as high as it will go. Duct tape all electrical components of their fan that could possibly get wet reattach it to the cage (outside) and turn it on HIGH.

After I got Plan B accomplished I grabbed the thermostat off the side of the house and attached it one of the tiny dry areas of the release cage, which is out of their reach. After 10 minutes I got the temp down to 86 DEGREES!!!!!!

They are mad as hell at me and it is now "raining" in their release cage. I left 3 areas of dryness for them. They are wet and their breathing has slowed to what I would call normal. I also dumped 20 pounds of ice throughout the release cage.

Is this okay or is what I am seeing in their breathing the next "phase" of heat stroke?

Please advise!!

EDIT: I just went back out to check on them...the temp outside has dropped to 98 degrees, the storm clouds are moving in, it's windy and it's thundering. The temp in the release cage is now 76 degrees!!!! Did I just managed to provide AC in an outdoor open release cage?

Hi Milo's Mom, I am dealing with the same thing. It was 104 here and heat index of 115. I tried to get mine in too but was stressing them badly. I was afraid they would die. I have been taking out cold water and ice in ceramic large bowls all day. (Every hour). I am also giving frozen treats and food. My release cages are completely shaded and I have strong fans going 24/7. Still really hot. I still might try to get them in tonight or tomorrow but I stayed out with them for hours and although hot ... with the fans on them it was bearable and really not as bad as I thought. I don't know what to do either. I don't want one to escape tonight. I don't mind the heat usually... but this is stupid hot. Humidity at 80-85% too. Crazy. You have done great, I think. I am going to put ice in my cages through the night too. Prayers for all in the path of this heat. :Love_Icon

Marty

[Milo's Mom]

Day/Night
Saturday - 96/76 with thunderstorms
Sunday - 92/70 with thunderstorms
Monday - 86/66 with thunderstorms
Tuesday - 84/64 partly cloudy
Wednesday - 84/70 partly cloudy

[4skwerlz]

They seem like themselves right now. I will be watching them like crazy. What exactly do I need to watch for and if I see something what should I do?

Would it be a good idea to make some pedialyte ice cubes and also fill their water bottle with pedialyte until this time tomorrow?
Should I still try to get them into the house until this heat wave passes?
They are getting pretty wild and I am not really looking to be bitten again, but if they NEED to be IN THE HOUSE, they may bite me until they turn blue...Mommy=Boss

I would definitely push cool (not cold) fluids; Pedialyte is a good idea since when we sweat we lose a lot of electrolytes. The watermelon and watery fruits are excellent. I wouldn't do ice cubes. You want to avoid overcooling; the vet manuals stress this very strongly.

As far as today's episode, it's hard to tell how overheated they got unless you were able to take their temps. The very first symptom is dampness of the fur around the chest and shoulders. This can be subtle and easy to miss; squirrels don't really sweat very well. Next is the accelerated respiration and heartbeat. Hopefully, this was a mild case and they will be fine. I would hesitate to put them outside again (during the heat of the day; morning and evening is usually okay) until normal summer temps return. But I don't want you to get bitten either.:shakehead :thinking

What to watch for....They may seem fine for 24 hrs or so. Then lethargy, sleeping and not leaving the nest box, loss of appetite and vomiting (due to damage of the lining of the stomach), mucus in the poop (the mucus lining of the intestines sloughs off)....then....sudden severe dehydration, inability to maintain body temp as circulation becomes impaired and blood pressure drops, clicking/popping as the lungs fill with fluid, irregular heartbeat, death.

If these symptoms occur there's probably not much you can do. It's a very grim prognosis even in larger animals like dogs. The smaller the animal, the quicker it happens and the more deadly it is.

No one on TSB (that I know of) even knew squirrels could get heat exhaustion until a couple of years ago when we got a severe wake up call. When my Hazel died 4 yrs ago after escaping during an August heat wave, was fine for a day or so, and then died after displaying all the above symptoms, not even our best rehabbers could figure out what had happened. Then about a year later, there was a death that was pretty obviously heat related. At some point I did a whole bunch of research, and then....realized what had killed my Hazel.:shakehead Still more research resulted in the heat stroke stickie.

It can happen fast too. One beloved NR squirrel was put in the sun for UVB for just 20 minutes or so (and it wasn't even summer), got severe heat stroke and died in convulsions. Horrible.

Needless to say, since then I've been somewhat of an advocate.... Right now I'm kicking myself for being asleep at the wheel with this heat wave. It's been a while since we've had a case here on TSB, and sometimes I forget that we have a lot of newer members, and that a reminder was definitely in order. :shakehead

[Milo's Mom]

I would hesitate to put them outside again (during the heat of the day; morning and evening is usually okay) until normal summer temps return.

But I have not gotten them in the house yet, so they ARE outside.

They should all be asleep within the next hour or so...I'll stuff the hole in the nest box when they are asleep, unscrew it from the cage and bring them into the house.

OPERATION COOL has commenced...got to get everything in here all set up again...they are going to be SO NOT HAPPY with me...after running free for 2 days, then being locked back up in the release cage only to go back into their small indoor cage...these babies are not going to love me anymore...BUT they will be alive!! I hope!!!

[Jackie in Tampa]

Rest in Peace Sweet Hazel...


Remember Punky , Frickster/Ragans sq that passed of heat stroke...
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=17739&page=3
:shakehead
It wasn't until later we realized the dogs were running around the outdoor cage, increasing Punkys activity and heart rate...
Poor Punky and Ragan...
Her thread really helped get the heat stroke sticky in place.

Heat is wicked scarey...be careful.
it rained here and the temp dropped to 82* ...

[Milo's Mom]

The BF just had an idea after we discussed the step by step plans (which did not really exist) of OPERATION COOL. What if we go to Lowe's first thing in the morning and buy a small air conditioning unit, then cover the entire release cage with white/light colored tarps and mount the AC unit to the release cage, thus giving them real AC while still in the release cage. Would this work?

The issues with bringing them back in the house until the heat passes are:
If I bring them in the house in the nest box how do I get them into the indoor cage? These guys have been out in the release cage for 5 weeks now...they are not the cute little soft loving babies anymore...they love Mommy, but they are also a little on the wild side.
If I manage to get them into the indoor cage, I cannot get the nest box in the indoor cage without taking it apart and I cannot do that if they are in the indoor cage.
If I manage to do the above, feeding them is the next issue...there is no way that I am going to be able to catch them if they get out while they are in the house, so opening the door to the indoor cage to get the food in and out is going to be an issue.
After being back in the house which is maintained at 69* will they need to be re-acclimated to the outdoor summer temps again? Basically starting the entire release process over from the beginning?
If the release process needs to be started again, we are looking at mid September until their portal opens again...will they have time to build nests, stock up on food for the winter, etc, etc, etc?

If you all agree that they need to come into the house, then I'll make it work...somehow. But the BF wanted me to ask about the above.

[4skwerlz]

Don't mean to scare you. You can see I have a certain perspective. Experienced rehabbers may have a different take.:grouphug

[4skwerlz]

The BF just had an idea after we discussed the step by step plans (which did not really exist) of OPERATION COOL. What if we go to Lowe's first thing in the morning and buy a small air conditioning unit, then cover the entire release cage with white/light colored tarps and mount the AC unit to the release cage, thus giving them real AC while still in the release cage. Would this work?

Holy cow....should work I would think.:D If you can keep the temp in the high 80's surely that would be good enough.... :thinking

[SammysMom]

It seems to me (NO expert), that the AC with tarps would get them thru the dangerous time without a whole lot of stress on them and you. The noise might be a bit much for them is all I might worry about, but it seems like the lesser evil. Do u want some suggestions for the AC to the cage idea?

[SammysMom]

My husband is as AC tech and he suggested keeping the air conditioner a it away from the cage that is covered in tarps and sort of making a "duct" of cardboard from the top where the cold air comes out to the cage so that the AC wasn't too close and frightening them. It would also then not draw the cold air out immediately from the bottom of the AC.

[island rehabber]

If the release cage is in the shade and you've done all that you described, MM, I truly don't see why you'd want to stress them (and yourself!) out so much by bringing them back in. Going from 101* to 69* is not particularly good for them, either. They are not in the blazing sun, they are not being harassed by dogs (oy!). IMHO they will be ok....just my stupid little opinion. :tilt Other than pancaking more than usual, the kids at my release site looked normal as anything. :dono

[UDoWhat]

MM and BF too, I think it is a good plan. I think it will work. Like 4S said if you can keep it in the 80's or so. Can you still use a fan or 2 to push the cool air around??? How about one of those big camping tents or portable shade?? Don't know just wondering. I am having the same problem with mine not being so friendly either. They get waaaaaaaay stressed when I try to catch them. I am afraid mine will die from stress and heat if I am not careful. Here tonight the humidity has lifted some. I have been outside changing water and adding ice to the big water bowls, it was not so bad. I was surprised. I will try in the early morning one more time. Just don't want to stress them. My cages are off the ground and I put a 10 lb bag of ice in each cage. They may open it but it will drain through the wire bottom. One of my guys was down eating the ice and hiding pieces around the cage. Poor baby!!:Love_Icon Will wonder shortly, "Now where did I put that ice???" I am sure your babies will be fine for tonight, anyway. The Fuzzy Five are lucky squirrels. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

Marty

[4skwerlz]

MM and I have talked..... I was pushing for bringing them in since they only have 24 hours of brutal heat to get through (96) and then back to normal. But you guys raise legitimate concerns about that.

One thing she mentioned that was concerning was when she went to the release cage, all five were pancaked on the very bottom of the cage, a place they don't normally spend time.

Hard to know what to do. :thinking

Betsy, you're probably better off listening to the experienced rehabbers here than to me. Also, as was suggested in your PM (which I just read), opening the portal so they can escape to the trees is another option.

[UDoWhat]

MM and I have talked..... I was pushing for bringing them in since they only have 24 hours of brutal heat to get through (96) and then back to normal. But you guys raise legitimate concerns about that.

One thing she mentioned that was concerning was when she went to the release cage, all five were pancaked on the very bottom of the cage, a place they don't normally spend time.

Hard to know what to do. :thinking

Betsy, you're probably better off listening to the experienced rehabbers here than to me. Also, as was suggested in your PM (which I just read), opening the portal so they can escape to the trees is another option.

It is really hard to know what to do. 4S, I trust your judgment as much as anyone, rehabber or not. Opening the portal is an option. Funny, in 12 years I have not had to deal much with this oppressive heat situation. Maybe only a few times. I will need to evaluate my release plan in the summer. I have a feeling this is not the last time I will have to deal with this heat. :dono

[Milo's Mom]

I just read all of the responses to the BF. His thoughts after hearing everyone's comments/thoughts/advice was:

It is a "normal" temp tonight/right now. By bringing them into the house you will be stressing them, which is not good. In addition, the temp in the house is SO much cooler it will cause them additional stress by the dramatic change in temps.
We will be home all day tomorrow and we will be able to watch the thermometer in the release cage. When you got home at 3ish today the temp was over 100* and by 5 when I got home you had it down to 74-76* the misters and ice are most certainly working. I think if you try to sneak out there and bring them in the house you will cause them (& us) much un-necessary stress.
If the temps tomorrow are getting to high and with the misters and fan you cannot keep the temp down, we'll go buy an AC unit, wrap the release cage and build some duct work, to try to get the temp down to 80*. If we cannot accomplish that, bring them in and I'll use the AC unit for my shop.

So, as of right now, as much as I would love to have my babies in the house with them being cool and safe, with all of your feedback/thoughts/advice I am going to leave them in the release cage tonight. Their fan is on and they have pedialyte in their water bottle and a huge bowl of cool water.
I will be out there tomorrow morning within moments of opening my eyes (around 5:30ish) to check on them. If I see any signs of distress, I am going to over ride the BF, put my foot down, throw a temper tantrum, whatever it takes and those babies ARE coming in the house...if he's not happy, he knows where the door is!:rotfl

Thank you ALL VERY much for all of your time/thoughts/advice it means SO much to me. I am going to bed now...if I change my mind in the middle of the night you all will be the first to know!!

[UDoWhat]

I just read all of the responses to the BF. His thoughts after hearing everyone's comments/thoughts/advice was:

It is a "normal" temp tonight/right now. By bringing them into the house you will be stressing them, which is not good. In addition, the temp in the house is SO much cooler it will cause them additional stress by the dramatic change in temps.
We will be home all day tomorrow and we will be able to watch the thermometer in the release cage. When you got home at 3ish today the temp was over 100* and by 5 when I got home you had it down to 74-76* the misters and ice are most certainly working. I think if you try to sneak out there and bring them in the house you will cause them (& us) much un-necessary stress.
If the temps tomorrow are getting to high and with the misters and fan you cannot keep the temp down, we'll go buy an AC unit, wrap the release cage and build some duct work, to try to get the temp down to 80*. If we cannot accomplish that, bring them in and I'll use the AC unit for my shop.

So, as of right now, as much as I would love to have my babies in the house with them being cool and safe, with all of your feedback/thoughts/advice I am going to leave them in the release cage tonight. Their fan is on and they have pedialyte in their water bottle and a huge bowl of cool water.
I will be out there tomorrow morning within moments of opening my eyes (around 5:30ish) to check on them. If I see any signs of distress, I am going to over ride the BF, put my foot down, throw a temper tantrum, whatever it takes and those babies ARE coming in the house...if he's not happy, he knows where the door is!:rotfl

Thank you ALL VERY much for all of your time/thoughts/advice it means SO much to me. I am going to bed now...if I change my mind in the middle of the night you all will be the first to know!!

Good decision. Night, night!!

[4skwerlz]

As long as you can keep an eye on them, I'm sure that will be fine. If they look distressed you can take action.

Keep us posted!:grouphug

[island rehabber]

:thumbsupGood decision.

[SammysMom]

Sounds like a very wise plan! I don't know where you are, but it seems quite a it cooler today here is CT. Maybe it won't get so horribly hot today?:thumbsup

[island rehabber]

Sounds like a very wise plan! I don't know where you are, but it seems quite a it cooler today here is CT. Maybe it won't get so horribly hot today?:thumbsup

Yes, it's only 82* here today (as opposed to 108)...better put on a sweatshirt...:D

[Pierre]

By 3:00 pm it's supposed to be 100 here again, with the heat index at 110. :sanp3 Sunday is supposed to finally be cooler... :wahoo

Grayson played in the house and was a total sweetie. He slept most the day afterwards. He seemed so peaceful.

This was my thermometer last evening at 6:30, in the sun. :nono

[SammysMom]

Yeah, we have one of the therometers that shows indoor/outdoor and highest and lowest temps. After yesterday it says 111* for the highest!!! Yesterday morning was 89* and this morning is 79*. I was wondering if I should go into the attic for my thermal underwear...:jump :thinking :jump

[Milo's Mom]

Sorry for the delay in updating, but I was out with the babies looking at them VERY carefully.
The temp on my back porch is 86* and the temp in the release cage is 76* as of 9am. The misters are NOT on, just the fan, which is NOT blowing on the thermometer, so I feel confident that 76* is a "true" temp.
Last night I filled their water bottle with Pedialyte and this morning only 1/4 of the bottle was remaining. Boy did they drink a lot. I filled it again with Pedialyte this morning and as they drink it, I will be refilling it with cool water. Don't want to keep them on Pedialyte too long. :nono

They are munching on breakfast at this moment. I checked (stood and watched) to make sure that all were peeing and that the pee did not smell strong and was very light in color. All poops look good too, so far.:wahoo

They will be watched VERY closely today and they will have fresh cold watermelon and grapes for a mid morning snack and their choice of watermelon, grapes or frozen yogurt blocks for their afternoon snack.

If the temp in the release cage gets above 86* (which is normal for our area this time of year) the misters are going on. If I cannot maintain a temp of 86* or below, the AC is going in or they are coming in. I am not going to go through yesterday again.:shakehead

They have their bowl of ice chips and as soon as I get dressed I am going to give them their 5qt block of ice.

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU FOR HELPING ME STAY SOMEWHAT SANE! Although, I am sure if you ask my neighbor he would tell you that I am anything but!! :tilt

EDIT: I so wish I had a video of me yesterday...if I submitted it to America's Funniest Videos I know I'd win!!!

[4skwerlz]

Glad to hear the kids are okay this morning. Wow, that's quite a bit of fluid they drank....good. If they seemed active and eating, that's a good sign.

I forgot to mention, when we moved to Miami couple years ago, they made a mistake and didn't turn on the electricity in the condo....11th floor, AUGUST, Miami, no AC....and Henry was with us.:shakehead I made up large ice packs, wrapped in fleece, and he would lie on them, poor pookie.

Also, I spoke with Jackie last night and she said if you DO end up bringing them in today, she felt it would have no impact on the release process. She brings her released babies in the house for brief R&R all the time. In fact, she has been letting all her releases use the house as a cooling center this week. Just wanted you to know that. :)

Keep us posted.

[stepnstone]

First thread I checked, glad to see all your babies faired well through the night. :thumbsup

[Pierre]

:grouphug You're a wonderful Squamma!! :grouphug
Your babies seem to be doing well, thanks to your cooling methods!


It's 95 here today already...:sanp3

[scoobysnack]

First you all need to come to Florida where it's relatively cool :D

My inclination would be to do what you're doing. This is "normal" weather and the wilds aren't dropping dead out of the trees.

Scooby who has been totally spoiled for years is out in the squaviary. I put her out early in spring and let her acclimate to the ever rising temp. Sure she's all pancaked sometimes but never seems stressed.

I would think some well placed fans to keep the air moving would be sufficient. My domestic rats are in my barn with a fan on them. They seem to be thriving.

Then again, I live in lovely cool North Central Florida :rotfl

[Jackie in Tampa]

my M/O is to keep the process going...I need to ready these kids for release...and it's hot here too...
the latest GET READY SQ is Twiggs, I roll his cage out early...bring him in at 1ish Pm and take him back out at 6pm...bringing him in at dark.
soon I will do the same only leaving him out over night, with repreave at 1pm-6pm..
the inside temp is set at about 70-71*...
I have never had any sniffles or sudden changes with the summer releases and I haven't ever really changed my methods ..

I do warn about heat stroke if in the sudden direct sun or stress is in the same yard with the pre releases...
using common sense is all I have to go by.

I think providing all the cool support you girls are doing is all we can do...
however bringing them in and letting them enjoy themselves is OK, IMO.
My sqs are my kids. We have watermelon parties during the summer and I do freeze grapes for them too...chilled cold platters of salads are always a hit!
Spice has been going in and out all her life.:thumbsup

[pappy1264]

As I posted in my other thread, my guys are in, and will remain so until this all passes. Precious was in serious distress yesterday at 6:30 am (open mouth breathing, unable to open eyes, ears curled in, drooling). She was wet from the misters and cooled down (gave fluids, fan blowing on them). She is eating fine (they have been in over 24 hours now) and acting fine, but keeping a very close eye on her. I KNOW she would have died yesterday if I had not done something quickly (and they had the misters going and a fan on them all night....but the temps never got below 85 during the night and the humidity was insane....temp yesterday afternoon according to my truck therm. was 106 (on the news they said 103 was the actual temp). I had wild birds we were actually spraying down, as they were lying on the ground, open mouth breathing! Even the chippies were having issues (we put dishes of water all over and they were lying in them!) Today is hot again (supposed to hit 100) but the humidity is a tiny bit less (and it actually was raining and in the upper 70's this morning...but it is hot and sunny now.) All my critters will remain inside until this passes (weather is saying will be in the 80's for a few days, then back to 100! ugh!) They don't seem stressed to be back in (actually last night, Sebastian was rolling and rubbing all over everything, like 'I'm home'! lol)

I like the idea of the a/c (we have several extas would could fanagle with) so may have to look into doing something down that line for the future. But for now, everyone will remain in, safe and cool until further notice!)

I hope all stays well down there, MM. It is scary what I witnessed yesterday and I know how close we came to loosing Precious...if not all of them!

[Milo's Mom]

It was touch-n-go for a little this afternoon...only this time I was the one pacing at the release cage...not them.

This morning it felt nice back there in the shade of the big pine tree, but then the sun turns and it gets a little warm back there and that's when I started pacing.

I have 3 of the 5 misters running and while I was at the store getting some fresh super juicy foods for them I found a box fan for 19.99. I nearly ran a person over with my cart as I was bee lining for it. The fan I have been using is small...maybe 12" in diameter at most, but it is super quiet. Not knowing what this afternoon was going to bring, I got the box fan and hooked it up in place of the smaller fan. The noise scared them all at first, but after about 5 minutes and me talking to them they started to come around. I have it on medium as I do not want to blow them out of the release cage or plaster them to the back wall.:D
With the fan on medium if I stand at the back of the release cage, which is slightly more than 8' from the fan, I can feel the gentle breeze.

I've kept their supply of 50/50 mixture of pedialyte/water cool by replacing it every 2 hours. In addition, they have their bowl of ice chips and the 5qt block of ice. The temps in the release cage have been between 78* & 90* throughout the day. The worst part of today's heat is coming to an end and within a few hours it should be a most beautiful evening. I sure hope this is the end of it...but according to the weather this morning...we may be in for another heat wave in about a week. If it is anything like this one, I may not make it, I will have a nervous breakdown worrying about the babies.

I pulled out our old shade sail and threw it over the top of the release cage so that NO direct sunlight can shine into the cage from the top, since the sun is now able to get around the pine tree.

They did not eat a lot of their watermelon, but they did eat some and they are having a blast chewing on the ice block and chips. They have been doing some pancaking but that is expected, they also chased each other around when I gave them each a nut about 30 minutes ago.

So now I need to know when it would be safe to open their portal again? As much as I'd love to keep them here with me forever, they are getting bored and they deserve to be in the trees. What are your thoughts on when to open the portal again?

[island rehabber]

Tomorrow morning. :D

[Jackie in Tampa]

Tomorrow morning. :D'
agree...I told lilidukes the same thing...let them out..
it's 95* now at 6pm...just started sprinkling...temps will drop some...
it's hot here, but not excessive like some in the heat wave...:shakehead
August and September are OUR hottest months...so we haven't seen the worst yet.
Keep'em cool...:Love_Icon :bowdown

[Milo's Mom]

Then tomorrow morning after breakfast their portal will open...again....did I not just go thru this a week ago?:thinking :tilt

I hope they stayed cool enough and/or did not get too overheated to cause them any damage. I sure picked a BAD week to set them free:shakehead

[island rehabber]

Then tomorrow morning after breakfast their portal will open...again....did I not just go thru this a week ago?:thinking :tilt

I hope they stayed cool enough and/or did not get too overheated to cause them any damage. I sure picked a BAD week to set them free:shakehead

Don't worry, MM. I've got three in the release cage since last Friday myself, and they can't be released yet because they just started to crack nuts :shakehead. They're doing fine, in the shade, with their frozen water bottles and fresh yummies daily. :thumbsup

[Milo's Mom]

:multi :multi :multi :multi :multi IT'S RAINING!!!!!!!!:multi :multi :multi :multi :multi
NICE BIG HEAVY STEADY RAIN!!!
IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!!
:wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo :wahoo

[UDoWhat]

Great to hear. I hope it is heading this way. I did the same routine today as yesterday too. Ice, ice and more ice. We all made it. Tomorrow is to be better, I hope. So glad your kids are doing good. I'm going to make a check on mine again now. MM, you did great. :thumbsup Yes, I would open the portal tomorrow!!!! (Lord willing and the creek don't rise.... one of my Mom's sayings. Hehehe)

Marty

[Milo's Mom]

TY UDoWhat!! I even had to up my meds to make it through that last 2 days...I was starting to twitch!!:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl

[UDoWhat]

Milo's Mom,:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl I know what you mean!! Kiltie always says to me....."Do you need take a pill, Hun?" Hate when he says that! But it was true today and yesterday. Shhhh, don't tell him that. :multi Hehehe.

Marty

[island rehabber]

It's still 90* here, right on the waterfront. Lord knows how hot it is, inland. :shakehead

[Nancy in New York]

You're the best mama ever! I read this and saw your worry and concern....oh my! And everything you did for these babies...you are a top notch squamama.
These little fuzz butts are soooooooooo lucky to have you in their life...:bowdown :bowdown Glad everything is fine...:wahoo
:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Milo's Mom]

It was another warm one today, but we had overcast most of the day with some spots of sun. The Fuzzy Five are out and about. As soon as they finished their breakfast, the portal opened. Snickers & Gabby were the first two out followed closely by Bandit, Cody, and little Zoey. They ran around the big pine tree and played under the trailer for several hours then Gabby went off exploring to the other side of the yard. Cody and Bandit followed me around for the next 3 hours begging for nuts and occasionally Gabby joined them.
The BF's mom stopped by to get some fresh veggies from the garden (thank goodness, I have SO much I think green beans and zucchini are starting to come out of my ears!) Cody and Bandit made little pigs of themselves and charmed the heck out of the BF's mom by coming up on the deck and begging for nuts again!
Then the hottest part of the day arrived and BANG they were all gone. I think Cody went under the deck and the last time I saw Gabby and Bandit they were climbing way way up into the big Oak tree.
So, after the horrible heat this past week, I am proud to announce that The Fuzzy Five have been successfully released, again! (no tears from me this time...:Love_Icon )

[pappy1264]

Now, I wonder if they will come back to sleep tonight??? Keep us posted!

[Milo's Mom]

Now, I wonder if they will come back to sleep tonight??? Keep us posted!

Yeah, I was wondering that too. I just got out of the shower and immediately looked out the window and 3 of them are running around in the grass near the release cage. So, there is a possibility that a few of them may come home to sleep.:Love_Icon

[Milo's Mom]

:alright.gif

Excellent job, Betsy. :thumbsup
:thankyou :wave123

[UDoWhat]

So glad the day went better for you too today. Wonderful news!!:multi Hope to meet the Fuzzy Five too. :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi

Marty

[Milo's Mom]

So glad the day went better for you too today. Wonderful news!!:multi Hope to meet the Fuzzy Five too. :multi :multi :multi :multi :multi

Marty

Hopefully they will be around and being the little charmers that they are. I will have a LARGE BUCKET of yard yummies available just in case they decide to show up. I'll also have nuts so we can all stuff our pockets in case one shows up and starts begging!! :D