Sick little boy

[bean357]

Hi all,

First post for me here but have been a member and lurker seeking info often! Love this board :)

I was feeding one of our male red fox squirrels peanuts and grapes today and he was eating well and "happy" (I open the window and the squirrels will come running for their treats) Awhile later he just sat on top of the jar feeder perch for a long time not moving or wanting to come for food. I went out there and he seemed to be be trying to throw up. Then some foam came out of his mouth and he urinated. He was also blinking fast and half closing his eyes as if they were burning. He is still in the tree hours later and has not moved.

Any advice on what this might be?

Thank you!
Eileen

[Scooterzmom]

Sounds like maybe he's choking on something!!! The skin of the grapes is dangerous for our little friends... I've seen one choking even on the skin of an apple - it happens even to adult squirrels. Is he still there? Does he seem to be breathing normally now? Does he seem to be in distress? Has he tried to drink since then?

I'm not sure what advice to give :dono I hope some rehabbers more experienced than I will be here soon. If he looks to be in trouble like this you may want to re-post in Life threatening so someone can come and help you sooner.


Praying for this little fella.

[bean357]

Thank you for the reply Scooterzmom, he is still in the tree just clinging to it not moving but at least he is no longer choking or foaming at the mouth. It was quite awhile after he ate a couple grapes that this happened. Usually they seem to "skin" the grapes??? Should I not be feeding them grapes? Have for years and they love them :( I have put water out for him right under the tree. Maybe it WAS apple skin though, as I have an apple on another feeder there. Ugh

[Scooterzmom]

Thank you for the reply Scooterzmom, he is still in the tree just clinging to it not moving but at least he is no longer choking or foaming at the mouth. It was quite awhile after he ate a couple grapes that this happened. Usually they seem to "skin" the grapes??? Should I not be feeding them grapes? Have for years and they love them :( I have put water out for him right under the tree. Maybe it WAS apple skin though, as I have an apple on another feeder there. Ugh

You can still feed them grapes... just peel them first ;) I hope he's doing ok. Hey! it could even be a piece of peanut... happens to animals just like us: sometimes a piece of food goes down the wrong way :( I would just keep my eyes peeled to make sure he doesn't go into distress and maybe prepare something/some way to catch him - should you have to if you see he's in deep trouble.