my name is Amanda.... help!

[mandibair]

Found a baby squirrel yesterday. From what I've been reading hes probably 4-5 weeks. Eyes arent open yet. I've read a lot of different things about what kind of formula to use. Since yesterday Ive been using replacement kittens milk. I have never raised a baby squirrel, but years ago I raised a wild rabbit we rescued from the lawn mower. He lived for 5 years. I am concerned because I just noticed a small amount of diarrhea. Can this kill him?! Help! I don':dono t have gatorade or pedialyte. can i give him a tiny bit of water? Thanks!

**worried** :dono

[lila01]

HI!!! Do not use kitten milk! Someone will be on here soon i'm sure to tell you what to do but first of all you need to get the baby hydrated! You can use pedialite any flavor and you HAVE to get the baby warm before you feed! NEVER feed a cold baby! And yes the diareah can kill him if you don't get it under control! Post in the emergency section so someone will see it fast and you can get better answers these are just a few things I know! I have a baby girl about four weeks and shes is doing great thanks to the wonderful people here at TSB!!!

[mandibair]

thanks katie

[lila01]

You are very welcome!! :Welcome :Welcome

[mandibair]

Found a baby squirrel yesterday. From what I've been reading hes probably 4-5 weeks. Eyes arent open yet. I've read a lot of different things about what kind of formula to use. Since yesterday Ive been using replacement kittens milk. I have never raised a baby squirrel, but years ago I raised a wild rabbit we rescued from the lawn mower. He lived for 5 years. I am concerned because I just noticed a small amount of diarrhea. Can this kill him?! Help! I don' t have gatorade or pedialyte. can i give him a tiny bit of water? Thanks!

**worried**

[mandibair]

do you know if i can give him tiny bit of water?

[UDoWhat]

Hi Amanda, sounds like you could use some help. First, the kitten milk is not good for your baby. It is not formulated for squirrels. It won't kill him, tonight, but you should switch to formula that is formulated for squirrels. Kitten replacement formula causes , with long term use, long bones to curl and a head shaking or bobbing, among other problems . I will begin to list the things you will need or need to order right away. I don't know where you are but I can help you with him. I am in Howard County, MD. I have supplies and will share or take him if you want. I will help. I will not take him unless you want me to.
BTW, :Welcome
Marty

[SammysMom]

:Welcome Amanda,
NO kitten milk! You should probably take a look at the baby squirrel nutrition thread here. The best formula for baby squirrels is Fox Valley which you can order online at http://foxvalleynutrition.com

For now, here is the recipe for Goats Milk Formula:
Jackie's Goat Milk Recipe
1 cup goats milk
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup dannon all natural vanilla yogurt

Mix well and keep in a covered plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. Replace after 48 hours.
I have used this and had great results.
Still try and order the Fox Valley....its amazing stuff.

For hydration you can make pedialyte
Pedialyte - depending on size, determines how much. But for now, what ever you can get in him. If you do not have any there is a homemade pedialyte recipe:

1 tsp salt (teaspoon)
3 Tbsp sugar (tablespoon)
1 quart warm water
Mix all ingredients in warm water. Store in refrigerator

Make sure you can put him somewhere dark and quiet - for the first 24 hours at least.
Before you do anything else you need to be sure he is very warm and hydrated.

[Scooterzmom]

Hi Amanda:

Thank you for rescuing that baby.

The diarrhea is most likely caused by the kitten's milk replacement. It is not sufficient for a squirrel's needs and the change is abrupt from his mom's milk. The diarrhea if left unchecked can dehydrate him and kill him. So you'll have to 1st take care of that.

This baby will need to get off the kitten formula immediately and be given pedialyte in order to 1. rehydrate him, 2. to cut out the diarrhea, and 3. to compensate for the electrolytes he lost. Luckily there is a homemade recipe for Pedialyte and you can use that tonite until you can go and get some tomorrow (they prefer the fruit flavored one). However, the baby should NOT be kept on Pedialyte more than 24hrs. Check for h is hydration level: gently grab the skin of his back between the shoulder blades and pull up (gently... if it stays up a couple of seconds, he's dehydrate and you'll have to provide the pedialyte on a regular basis overnite. If the skin drops fast, he is not dehydrated.

You can also make homemade formula (recipe compliments of Jackie in Tampa) once you re-introduce him to "milk" - but you will do that gradually. The best kind of formula for baby squirrels is Fox Valley; you can order it online or maybe someone near you may have some to lend you until you receive your own.

Here are the 2 recipes you'll need.


Homemade Pedialyte Recipe

I quart warm water
3Tbs sugar
1tsp salt

Good for 24 hours

Do not administer for more than 24 hours.


Homemade Formula - compliments of Jackie

1 cup goats milk
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup All natural vanilla yogurt (Liberty)

Mix well and keep in a glass container in the refrigerator.
Lasts 72 hours in the fridge.

Warm the formula to feed – only takes a FEW seconds in the microwave. BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERHEAT, it will curdle the yogurt.

P.S. Oops I see that Sammy's Mom beat me to the punch :jump :thumbsup

You will also need to keep that baby warm. Make sure you place a heating pad under half of his box - so he can move ff the heat if he feels to hot - and that you give him some old t-shirts or fleece he can hide in and cuddle. If you don't have a heating pad you could make him a rice buddy - i.e. filling up a sock with uncooked rice or beans and warming that up in the microwave for 25 secs or so (microwaves vary it strength so be very careful!). You want it warm enough that he can feel comfortable to nestle against it but not so hot that he could burn himself. Test the heat on your own wrist after you take it out of the microwave and wait 1 minute (it takes one minute to reach the temp it will be once it's out of the microwave). o

[mandibair]

thanks! where can i get healthy formula tomorrow? And he is very active trying to crawl around and only sleeps for a short while after I feed him. He prefers to use the syringe even though I have tiny bottles for feeding. Maybe it makes him work to much to get the formula out so I've just been using the syringe. Im in Williamsport. How far are you from me? I didnt sleep hardly at all last night I was holding him so he wouldnt get cold.

[Pierre]

:Welcome

The below link will give you some great information about first steps with your baby. You're probably past some of them but it still has great info. You will likely need the hydration formula information in it.

http://www.thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13090



Also, regarding formula, the below is from IR's Sticky on the preferred [Fox Valley] and the best temporary formula fora squirrel:

FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

In light of the recent problems rehabbers have been experiencing with Esbilac formula, it has been decided that the best alternative is Fox Valley 32/40.

http://foxvalleynutrition.com/prod/d...p?CID=1&PLID=1

Nicholas P. Vlamis, President (Nick)
(800) 679-4666
If you call in your order and tell him you need it quickly he'll be happy to oblige. He can ship to you regular post 3-5 days and overnight. He's very nice and very easy to work with.

In the meantime you will need to feed your baby a home-made formula, but please for the sake of the baby, do not feed this for more than 4-7 days. It's a great temporary replacer milk but it lacks certain vitamins and minerals that the babies need to thrive. This recipe will ensure that your baby will be well nourished until your order from Fox Valley arrives.

Jackie (Jackie in Tampa) has graciously offered her temporary replacement formula recipe.
Jackie's Goat Milk Recipe
1 cup goats milk
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup dannon all natural vanilla yogurt

Mix well and keep in a covered plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. Replace after 48 hours.
Please note, this website has several links that still mention Esbilac and we need to keep these links active as they do contain excellent information so please keep in mind that Fox Valley is now the formula of choice for raising baby squirrels.
__________________
Island Rehabber
NY State Licensed
Wildlife Rehabilitator

[mandibair]

thanks so much going to make pedialyte now

[UDoWhat]

HI!!! Do not use kitten milk! Someone will be on here soon i'm sure to tell you what to do but first of all you need to get the baby hydrated! You can use pedialite any flavor and you HAVE to get the baby warm before you feed! NEVER feed a cold baby! And yes the diareah can kill him if you don't get it under control! Post in the emergency section so someone will see it fast and you can get better answers these are just a few things I know! I have a baby girl about four weeks and shes is doing great thanks to the wonderful people here at TSB!!!
Perfect advice above. Do not feed him until he is warm. As I said I will return with info. Is he warm??? He should not be cold to the touch. We have to rehydrate him before food.
Here is the homemade re-hydration recipe, if you do not have pedialyte. If he has diarrhea, he can dehydrate and die. Stop the kitten formula. Start the fluids as listed below for the next few feedings


Homemade hydration fluid recipe:

Re-hydration fluid:
1 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons sugar
1 quart water.

THE NEXT PHASE IS LISTED BELOW UNTIL YOU CAN ORDER FOX VALLEY


When they have had a few feedings of hydration fluids or pedialyte, you may begin the temporary Goatmilk formula. Mix it as the recipe indicates but for the first few feedings you will need to transition the formula slowly.

Jackie (Jackie in Tampa) has graciously offered her temporary replacement formula recipe.

Jackie's Goat Milk Recipe
1 cup goats milk
1/3 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup dannon all natural vanilla yogurt

Mix well and keep in a covered plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. Replace after 48 hours.
Please note, this website has several links that still mention Esbilac and we need to keep these links active as they do contain excellent information so please keep in mind that Fox Valley is now the formula of choice for raising baby squirrels.

[Scooterzmom]

Stick to this thread here for keeping us posted, Amanda. This way until your baby is all secure and out of danger the administrators on the board will be monitoring your thread to make sure you get help ASAP.

Also, very important, when feeding your baby, make sure you always hold him upwards, never on his back or with his head tilted backwards -to make sure he does not aspirate. Also, try to get a 1 cc syringe from the pharmacy - tell them you don't need the needle, you're feeding a tiny kitten and all you want is the syringe. Eyedroppers are too hard to control and the baby can easily aspirate from that.

If by chance the baby inhales some liquid, immediately turn him upside down, very gently with one finger pat his little back and massage him to help make the liquid come out of his nose. You don't want any liquid in his lungs, he could develop pneumonia that way and that could be fatal.

We just know you're going to do great, your little one is lucky he found somebody who cares so much for him. :thumbsup

[lila01]

Yay Amanda I knew if u move it here u would get help!! Sorry I couldn't do more but I'm always scared to say the wrong thing! I just made my Lila a rice buddy tonight and she loves it! Please keep us posted and let us know how she's doing!! Good luck and keep up the good work!!!:thumbsup :grouphug

[Pierre]

thanks! where can i get healthy formula tomorrow? And he is very active trying to crawl around and only sleeps for a short while after I feed him. He prefers to use the syringe even though I have tiny bottles for feeding. Maybe it makes him work to much to get the formula out so I've just been using the syringe. Im in Williamsport. How far are you from me? I didnt sleep hardly at all last night I was holding him so he wouldnt get cold.

A syringe is the best, don't use a bottle, and the smaller the better. 1cc size is best. You can get them at any pharmacy often for free [NO needle!]. Say your feeding an orphaned kitten. Feed VERY slowly or you could cause pneumonia if the baby gets formula in it's lungs.

Also, read the first link I just sent in a previous post about Rice Buddies to help keep his warm. You should also look into getting a heating pad that does NOT have an automatic shut off. Sunbeam makes them and they are only about $14. [google]

:grouphug

[mandibair]

oh yeah! he was thirsty! how much do i give him and how often hes searching for more

[UDoWhat]

thanks! where can i get healthy formula tomorrow? And he is very active trying to crawl around and only sleeps for a short while after I feed him. He prefers to use the syringe even though I have tiny bottles for feeding. Maybe it makes him work to much to get the formula out so I've just been using the syringe. Im in Williamsport. How far are you from me? I didnt sleep hardly at all last night I was holding him so he wouldnt get cold.
The syringe is the right thing to use for feeding. The bottle can cause him to aspirate( get formula in his nose and lungs). This can kill him. Go very slowly with the syringe.
I am about 1 hour and 30 minutes from you. In Ellicott City, MD. I know where Williamsport is. I had a great -aunt in the nursing home there.

More info to keep him warm and other advice.

Caring for Baby Squirrels

Warm the Baby (never feed a cold squirrel!)

Quick Methods:

-Cup the baby in your hands or under your shirt next to your skin.

-Fill a plastic bottle with very warm water. Wrap in a cloth, place next to baby, and cover him. Reheat every 2 hours.

-“Rice Buddy”: Fill a sock with 1 cup of rice or dried beans and microwave for 30 seconds. Place next to baby and cover him. Reheat every 2 hours.

A heating pad without a shutoff is essential for long term care.



Find a Box or Container. 
A shoebox will do for small babies. A baby that can walk will need a larger box with a lid (with holes) or a carrier. Put a clean baby blanket, flannel shirt, or piece of fleece in the bottom of the box. No towels or terrycloth. Squirrels can get tangled in the loops. Place baby on the material and cover him with one flap. If you have a heating pad, turn it on low and place it under half of the box (not IN the box!) so baby can move away if he gets too warm. You can use the plastic bottle or rice buddy described above, but these are only temporary methods until you get a heating pad, since they must be reheated every 2 hours and won't keep baby warm all night.


NOTE: Monitor his temperature so he doesn’t chill or overheat. His feet should feel warm to the touch.





Older squirrels will require a rabbit, ferret, sugar glider or large bird

[UDoWhat]

Ooops I see you have help. I will check back in the morning.

Marty

[Pierre]

Stick to this thread, but go check your other one because a lot of people have replied there too with good info. :)

[mandibair]

going to look to see if I have any rice. :squirrel1 I would send a pic but i cant figure out how to insert them in this and I havent uploaded any to photobucket to embed them.

[UDoWhat]

I see you have help here. Please check your other thread too. We have been posting there too. I will step out and check back in the morning. You have excellent help here too.

Marty

[mandibair]

Thanks Marty! I appreciate it.

[island rehabber]

I'll merge your two threads. In the meantime, give him all the water he wants -- he knows he is very dehydrated. I agree the kitten milk is most likely causing the diarrhea -- after a couple of fluid 'feedings' it would e great if you could make the goats milk formula for him. I believe we have some good rehabbing members in Maryland -- would you like us to contact them for you?

[mandibair]

Yes I was already in contact with Marty.... I will go first thing in the morning to get the heating pad and goats milk, heavy cream and vanilla yogurt.... i am ordering the formula. Thanks so much everyone. Im sure this little guy appreciates it too

[stosh2010]

The syringe is the right thing to use for feeding. The bottle can cause him to aspirate( get formula in his nose and lungs). This can kill him. Go very slowly with the syringe.
I am about 1 hour and 30 minutes from you. In Ellicott City, MD. I know where Williamsport is. I had a great -aunt in the nursing home there.

More info to keep him warm and other advice.

Caring for Baby Squirrels

Warm the Baby (never feed a cold squirrel!)

Quick Methods:

-Cup the baby in your hands or under your shirt next to your skin.

-Fill a plastic bottle with very warm water. Wrap in a cloth, place next to baby, and cover him. Reheat every 2 hours.

-“Rice Buddy”: Fill a sock with 1 cup of rice or dried beans and microwave for 30 seconds. Place next to baby and cover him. Reheat every 2 hours.

A heating pad without a shutoff is essential for long term care.





Withthe Rice Buddy--Be careful !!!...Different microwaves heat at Different rates-
************************************************** ********
1--Heat in Microwave
2--Remove and squeeze rice to distribute heat.
3--Wait 30 seconds.
4--Hold against your cheek for 10 seconds
5--If too warm--repeat steps 3 & 4

We have had babies burned by Rice Buddies that were hotter that expected and not tested by touch before placing against our little friends. Thanks...
---
a Baby Squirrel can't let you know that he is being burned...

[island rehabber]

:goodpost Marty rocks! You'll be in the best of hands.....:)

[lila01]

Good morning Amanda! Hope the baby is doing good this morning!!! Let us know when u get a chance and I still have my fingers crossed for u!:thumbsup

[longshotgamble]

thanks! where can i get healthy formula tomorrow? And he is very active trying to crawl around and only sleeps for a short while after I feed him. He prefers to use the syringe even though I have tiny bottles for feeding. Maybe it makes him work to much to get the formula out so I've just been using the syringe. Im in Williamsport. How far are you from me? I didnt sleep hardly at all last night I was holding him so he wouldnt get cold.
The syringe its the way to go, even he knows it. Great job, listen to the advice here and get him off the kitten formula.

[mandibair]

Good Morning everyone!! Just wanted to say thank so much for all your help last night. The little guy is doing just fine and has been drinking the homemaded pedialyte I am about to go to the store to get the goats milk, heavy whipping cream and natural vanilla yogurt.

Can someone please tell me if there is a certain brand and where can I get goats milk??
Thank again,
Amanda

[CritterMom]

If you have any places around like Trader Joes or Whole Foods, they will definitely have goats milk. Health food stores that sell groceries will, too - you might want to call so you don't end up driving all over creation.

Do you have a heating pad to put under baby's container to keep him warm? I noticed you said you were holding him to keep him warm. While out, go to a drug store or Walmart and buy a heating pad WITHOUT the automatic 2 hour shut off. Sunbeam sells one; the bottom of the line CVS pad is not auto shut off and is about $18. It is a must have.:thumbsup

[mandibair]

I'm at the store they have powder goats milk replacer!!! What should i do. Go somewherr else and get the real stuff.

[lila01]

Yay! Gals to hear he is doing well!! Keep up the good work Amanda!!:thumbsup

[island rehabber]

So long as it is NOT made by Pet Ag (Esbilac manufacturer), it's fine. Just mix it as directed, then make the goat's milk formula recipe from that. :thumbsup

[mandibair]

Nevermind found canned goats milk at Martins Foods. I'm shocked tractor supply dodnt evem even carry it

[mandibair]

This is evaporated goats milk is that ok

[mandibair]

Wow shoulda came here first ! Martinsburg has everything I need! Will be getting that heating pad today for sure!

[CritterMom]

Evaporated or dried is fine (buy products for humans, not from a pet shop). Mix it up to the package directions, THEN make the recipe.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Human brand of Goats Milk is Meyerberg, canned{evaporated} and fresh in the carton.
I have never used or seen dried, but have heard others have used it.:thumbsup

[mandibair]

Do I warm this goats milk, cream and yogurt? I thought one of the posts said too but i cant find it now....

[Pierre]

Yes, warm it to about 100 degrees. It should feel very warm to your wrist but NOT hot.

Best way is to microwave some water to very hot in a little bowl. Put your formula in a shot glass or such and place that shot glass of formula in the bowl of hot water. In a few minutes, the formula will warm up nicely.

Keep it warm, or she'll stop eating too soon.

[CritterMom]

Yes, you want to warm it before feeding. It needs to be pretty warm - 105-110 degrees.

Jackie in Tampa can help - this goats milk formula is her old formula:thumbsup

[Scooterzmom]

Yes, warm it to about 100 degrees. It should feel very warm to your wrist but NOT hot.

Best way is to microwave some water to very hot in a little bowl. Put your formula in a shot glass or such and place that shot glass of formula in the bowl of hot water. In a few minutes, the formula will warm up nicely.

Keep it warm, or she'll stop eating too soon.

Good advice, Pierre. :thumbsup One good thing to do also is to warm the glass up in the microwave before putting the formula in it. Put water in it, microwave until the water boils. Then, IF by chance you find the formula still doesn't get warm enough by placing the glass in the bowl, try warming it in the microwave but only 5 seconds and stir it as soon as it comes out of the microwave (be careful, you don't want the yogurt to curdle). Then once warm, place your little glass in the hot water so it stays warm through the entire feeding. Stir it every now and then so it doesn't make a film/skin on top.

TAKE YOUR TIME feeding him. Slow is the key. and Make sure you're holding him upright and keeping him warm, always.[/B] If he feels cold while eating he won't want to eat. Once he has finished eating OR if he begins to squirm during the feeding he might need to potty or pee... so, gently stimulate him to do so. Use a soft tissue or cotton ball or facecloth warmed up with hot water (to imitate the mom's tongue) and very gently rub until he pees and/or poops. You'll have to stimulate him to pee and potty after each feeding anyway.

Keep up the good work, you're getting great advice from a lot of people here. You're being a good squammy to this little angel. :D

[mandibair]

Paid for my order this morning for fox valley.

[mandibair]

I'm worried about over feeding... this little guy has had 6 cc's in the last twenty minutes.... is that too much? or will he just stop eating when hes not hungry...?:thankyou

[mandibair]

I attemped to upload a photo as my profile pic. checking to see if it worked?!

[mandibair]

Thank you for your help everyone, he loves the new recipe. Just trying to show you all pic.

[island rehabber]

Beautiful boy! I love when their tails are silver like that. :)
It would be best if you could weigh him, then you'd know the exact range of min/max cc's for each feeding. But if he was really hungry and took 6cc, great! Make sure you don't feed him again too soon -- 4+ hrs at least.

[stepnstone]

How precious, reminds me of my little one when I first found her. :Love_Icon

[mandibair]

ok :thankyou

[mandibair]

I assume he is a grey squirrel... someone said he looked like he had fox squirrel, but I dont think so.

[stepnstone]

I assume he is a grey squirrel... someone said he looked like he had fox squirrel, but I dont think so.

Looks to be a grey to me...:tilt

[stosh2010]

I attemped to upload a photo as my profile pic. checking to see if it worked?!
Did you go to :
1- User CP in upper left of header
2- Click on Edit Avatar
3- Click On Upload from your computer
4- Select photo
5- Click Save Changes

[Scooterzmom]

I'd say definitely a grey, and a gorgeous one at that!!!! :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[mandibair]

Just wanted to give an update.... the little baby is doing very well. Still eating regularly and I can tell he is feeling much better, thanks to the new formula... hope my order from fox valley arrives soon. I do have a question..... is this formula sufficient enough or should I also give him the Pedialyte???
:thumbsup :wott

[UDoWhat]

Just wanted to give an update.... the little baby is doing very well. Still eating regularly and I can tell he is feeling much better, thanks to the new formula... hope my order from fox valley arrives soon. I do have a question..... is this formula sufficient enough or should I also give him the Pedialyte???
:thumbsup :wott
Hi Amanda. No pedailyte after 24 hours. The formula is all he needs for now. When his eyes open you will need to put rodent block in so he can get use to it. You have some time yet. BTW great news, great job!!:thumbsup

Marty

[mandibair]

I am impressed at how quick and fearless this little guy is and his eyes arent even open yet. Although I'm afraid thats what got him into trouble in the first place and end up with me as a temporary mom! LOL Heres a new pic!

[UDoWhat]

I am impressed at how quick and fearless this little guy is and his eyes arent even open yet. Although I'm afraid thats what got him into trouble in the first place and end up with me as a temporary mom! LOL Heres a new pic!

He is so cute. I just got a new one today. 2&1/2 weeks old . How much does your baby weigh?? He really looks good:thumbsup Great job! Got to go feed. BBL. :wave123

Marty

[SquirrelsinSingapore]

TOO CUTE !!

[Tickle's Mom]

He is so cute. I just got a new one today. 2&1/2 weeks old . How much does your baby weigh?? He really looks good:thumbsup Great job! Got to go feed. BBL. :wave123

Marty

Better you guys than ..... me.:poke :poke

[UDoWhat]

Better you guys than ..... me.:poke :poke

Oh come on, I could send you a few FedX.... well, maybe not Fedx but I
could get them to you some way. :jump

Marty

[mandibair]

Lol! Thanks everyone! I'm starting to think he wasn't as old as I thought he was when I found him. But he still hasn't opened his eyes and hes growing like a weed. His tail is already starting to look like a bottle brush. I will be so excited when he opens his eyes but its amazing to me how alert he is and how much he uses all his other senses. I feed him so he's definately more attached to me! I'll send another pic tomorrow. I don't know how much weighs... My scale is packed up somewhere still or its still in Aruba, where we use to live.

[Scooterzmom]

You just watch: when he opens his eyes he'll be a bit intimidated for a short little bit as he tries to take in all this big world around him and then... before you know it he'll be zooming off in any direction the fancy strikes him. :jump They're just so cute at that stage. The downside to that is, however, you'll have to be very careful that he doesn't get himself into trouble or goes to hide somewhere you won't be able to pull him out of. They are super fast and panic can send them off to hide ANYWHERE.

[mandibair]

Finally! he opened his eyes! :thumbsup :jump

[mandibair]

okay so i went to the store first thing this morning to get the rodent blocks. I havent opened the bag yet because i want to make sure I got the right thing~ this is Kaytee Forti-Diet Pro Health, for Mouse, Rat and Hamster. Looks like small tubular pieces.... is that the right thing... first few ingredients are ground yellow corn, dehulled soybean meal, ground wheat, ground oats, ground peanuts, sun-cured alfalfa, ground flax seed, dried cane molasses.....

does this sound right?:dono :Squirrel

[Jackie in Tampa]

that's the one...
however...that first ingrediant is why I only use these as teethers...
I use HHBs as corn is not an ideal food for sqs, it works against the healthy diet...
I am not saying to not use them, but I do not keep sqs on them, as above...only for teething.
Many members here use that brand as it does not have meat by products in it...they are vegetarian blocks. Other brands like Mazzuri have meat in them, which is worse as I fear rancid, who knows how long they sit on a shelf or in a warehouse:shakehead

Henry's Healthy Blocks are configured to squirrel needs, they are all wholesome ingrediants, human grade, they are made to order, never on a shelf! Two a day is 100%RDA in a normal grey sq!
I promote them as I have many sqs here that are non releasable, I have seen the difference they make in activity, happiness and over all appearance! {that is the big indicator they are what is best!}:thumbsup
You can buy the vitamin mixture and make your own also...
Ck out the site...
http://henryspets.com/
they sell other stuff too...
ck out the formula bottle, it's great for making and storing formula...
it's a one stop shopping place too...they have everything!:thumbsup

PS, The owner is a member here too, 4skwerlz, soo if you have questions, she is the nutritional guru to the Squirrels! :wahoo

just sharing what I use here at Squirrel Central!:wave123

[mandibair]

Awesome sight! Love there stuff :multi
Thanks a bunch!

[mandibair]

Both eyes are open!!! And man hes hyper today! LOL:bump

[Jackie in Tampa]

Both eyes are open!!! And man hes hyper today! LOL:bump
4.5 weeks old then!!!!:thumbsup
he can see you! How sweet is that!!!:D :Love_Icon

[mandibair]

4.5 weeks old then!!!!:thumbsup
he can see you! How sweet is that!!!:D :Love_Icon

I know, its soooo cool! :D :Love_Icon :Love_Icon I'm glad hes healthy. How much longer will he be on the formula? Just Wondering

[Scooterzmom]

Your little guy looks SOOOOOO adorable. :Love_Icon I find this is the best, sweetest stage of all; they're still cuddle balls and yet they're full of spunk. Too bad that stage just doesnn't last long enough :shakehead

Keep him on formula for as long as he'll take it. Usually they let you know when they're weaning themselves. They need it until they are at least 10 to 12 weeks old... preferably longer if they're still willing. The point is, it can't hurt them, it's full of vitamins and good stuff for them. However, just like us they have their own preferences and tastes and he may get to a point where he may not want it so much... e.g. he might not want any by day and/or once or twice a day but maybe he will still take it at night (i.e. late evening). Mine for the most part got to a point where they didn't want any by day but still loved their late evening one. (I love that stage too because since they're all sleepy it gives you a chance to still cuddle them during the feeding... so sweet *sigh). Besides, I find it helps them sleep better and longer in the morning, and of course it helps keep them healthier too.

I also give my kids Boo-balls - which do contain FV - and they love them. Henry's Healthy blocks and/or Boo-balls, it's another way to make sure they get their share of vitamins and calcium.

[mandibair]

look how cute!!!:wave123

[Scooterzmom]

What a squidgeable little fuzz butt :D Be sure to give him plenty of belly kisses from me.

[mandibair]

Hey all! This morning when I got up to fed the baby he was making a strange garbaling sound after I picked him up he seemed to be fine and I didnt here the noise anymore. My first thought was OH-NO what's wrong! Maybe he was just making a purring sound. I'll keep an ear out to see if he does it anymore.

[mandibair]

Ok just fed baby again and when he's sniffing I can here a strange gravelly sound.... Maybe its just squirrel noises but i thoughr it was his breathing! Then I hold him up to my ear and listen and it doesn't sound like its in hislungs more like he's got some congestion in his nose! What can I do I don't want him to get sick. Or am i crazy and hes juat learning new noises through his nose?

[mandibair]

Getting very concerned .... Going to call around see if I cam get some antibiotics for my baby!

[mudmaiden]

Someone should be on soon...if it is pneumonia you should hear a clicking with each breath..babies make lots of sounds when feeding and when they know is feeding time.

[mandibair]

It's not a clicking sound its more like a grumbling and its not all the time just through his nose when he gets excited, like when he was clinging to the side of the cage door.

[Milo's Mom]

Can you see anything in the baby's nose? (dried formula/snot/etc.)
If you have a bulb syringe (the thing they use on babies when they are first born and also when they are congested) you can try sucking whatever it is out of his nose. You might also be able to try this using a small syringe. DO NOT put it IN his nose, just up against then pull the plunger.

[Scooterzmom]

Hami still makes a weird kinda sound at times - a snort kinda sound that is almost like he's trying to talk. Very hard-to-describe that sound.:dono My kids around the age when their eyes just open also used to make a sort of semi-clicking sound when they were happy, but if I put my ear to their chest I noticed it was a kind of purring sound yet very easy to misatke it for clicking. Not easy to tell you what this may be without being there unfortunately. :thinking

[mandibair]

Just fed him again he was fine.... didnt make the sound at all! :thinking
He sure had me worried! But I guess maybe he discovered a new sound and wanted to keep making it! LOL:jump

[CritterMom]

Squirrels, especially baby squirrels, purr much like kittens. Is that what it was?

[UDoWhat]

Hi MB, I have had computer problems earlier today and late last night even. :sanp3 I just read your PM's. I will PM you. How are the sounds now??

Marty

[mandibair]

Might just be him purring! It's definately not clicking. He's so dang cute! Thanks everyone.

[mandibair]

My baby is eating rodent block! This is a good thing but makes me sad hes growing to fast!! :wahoo

[UDoWhat]

Yessssssssssss to rodent block!!!! :wahoo :wahoo take this from someone who has been there, done that,.... you should keep him on rodent block for the next three weeks. Do not offer anything else except block, any kind of block since he is and will be on formula for a while yet. The reason I suggest this so strongly is because if you offer him ANYTHING else, (like apple, nuts, veggies), he will NOT touch the block again. It is a lot like offering a child the choice between broccoli and their favorite candy. Once that happens it is soooooo hard to get them to eat the block. This is not always true, but I would bet 95% of the time. He is so darling. Isn,t it fun to watch him play???:Love_Icon :Love_Icon

Marty

EDIT: Good to hear no clicking sounds, just purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs!

[lila01]

Yay! I'm so glad ur baby is doing great!!!:wahoo My little Lila still hasen't opened her eyes yet but she is a feisty little thing! Glee to hear all is well!

[mandibair]

:thankyou :grouphug
Its funny the noises he was making are more like hes trying to copy the dog growling... My jack russell, Allie, she is very protective over him. Anyone or our chihuahua goes near him she shows her teeth and growls. When I first found him I had him a laundry basket with fleeces, she laid shivering next to the basket all night long watching over him. I got up to feed and felt so bad I made her a bed with a pillow and blanket so she could lay comfortably next to him....

Thanks everyone!!:thankyou :thankyou :jump

[mandibair]

This little baby is breaking my heart! I put him in the cage and he clings to the side by the door and squeals!! as loud as he can. I open the door and he climbs to my hand fast as he can... then hes quiet. Hes like a kid, put him down.... he cries, pick him up......... hes quiet. So dang cute thought!

[JFerret]

Please do not let your dog or any other house pet near your baby squirrel. :nono Your baby boy should have a healthy fear of all your house pets if he is to survive out in the wild. Allie won't like it, but your squirrel will be better off for it. When he is released, he may run up to a strange dog and be killed for it! :peace

Jeanne

[mandibair]

I agree, now that his eyes are open I wont even let the dogs in the same room.

[mandibair]

Yay! I'm so glad ur baby is doing great!!!:wahoo My little Lila still hasen't opened her eyes yet but she is a feisty little thing! Glee to hear all is well!


I'm so glad your little Lila is doing good! Do you have any pics of her

[mandibair]

Did everyone feel that earthquake!!!! :shakehead :shakehead :shakehead :shakehead Crazy isnt it!:sanp3 :osnap