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View Full Version : Baby Squirrel in Mount Dora FL HELP



Gina
08-30-2011, 05:23 PM
I just got a call from a guy named Chris who has a baby squirrel that fell from a tree. From his description it sounds about 5-6 weeks, just opened it's eyes.

Is there anyone close to Mt Dora who can go and pick up the squirrel tonight? I would not be able to go until around 1:00 tomorrow which is too long for him to be without food, etc.

Chris is disabled..cannot drive anywhere or go and get formula or anything.

For right now I instructed him to set up the baby with a rice buddy in a box with t-shirts in a quiet area.

Gina
08-30-2011, 05:46 PM
I have to go feed my horses, etc...will be back on very soon. If you can get him I will send you a pm with Chris's phone number. :thankyou

Gina
08-30-2011, 06:44 PM
My husband is having problems with his asthma and we may have to go to emergency room.

Freaking out about this little squirrel... I hate to leave my hubby's side as I would be gone for 2 hours or so depending on where in Mt Dora he is.

momma2boo
08-30-2011, 06:55 PM
I looked on the map. Mt. Dora is fairly west of Sanford but parallel to it. It is slightly north of Zellwood. It is south east of Eustis. (about 1 hr 15 minutes from me). Unfortunately I am home without a car ... hubby is working until 10 tonight.

Anyone in this area that can rescue this little guy?

Gina
08-30-2011, 06:55 PM
Well...I just spoke to Chris and he fed him some 2% milk through a straw:sanp3

Going to go pick up the baby squirrel now.

Gina
08-30-2011, 06:58 PM
I looked on the map. Mt. Dora is fairly west of Sanford but parallel to it. It is slightly north of Zellwood. It is south east of Eustis. (about 1 hr 15 minutes from me). Unfortunately I am home without a car ... hubby is working until 10 tonight.

Anyone in this area that can rescue this little guy?


:thankyou

momma2boo
08-30-2011, 07:07 PM
Well...I just spoke to Chris and he fed him some 2% milk through a straw:sanp3

Going to go pick up the baby squirrel now.

:thankyou Now I will be able to sleep tonight :thankyou Gina, you are the best. Tell hubby you will make it up to him. :D

haydenismylife
08-30-2011, 08:35 PM
wish I got on sooner so I could have helped, glad u were able to get this baby.

Gina
08-30-2011, 09:33 PM
I am home - It's a Boy! He is dehydrated, looks underweight for his size. I warmed him up and he took 2 cc's of pedialyte. Was very, very hungry. His eyes are a little runny and he was sniffling a little. My equine vet (also wildlife vet) is coming out for one of my horses at 10:30 tomorrow so he will get evaluated and started on antibiotics if needed.

Tickle's Mom
08-30-2011, 09:38 PM
:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

Is your hubby still speaking to you?:poke :poke

Gina
08-30-2011, 09:38 PM
wish I got on sooner so I could have helped, glad u were able to get this baby.

Was just a bad time of day for everyone I think. He is home, warm and resting with a belly full of pedialyte.

Gina
08-30-2011, 09:40 PM
:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

Is your hubby still speaking to you?:poke :poke

:rotfl :rotfl I totally owe him big time. So glad he loves animals almost as much as I do.

Tickle's Mom
08-30-2011, 09:45 PM
:thumbsup :D :D :thumbsup

I'm an asthmatic soooooooooooooo.....I feel his pain, literally. Been using the inhaler too much lately! :tilt

Gina
08-30-2011, 09:46 PM
:thankyou Now I will be able to sleep tonight :thankyou Gina, you are the best. Tell hubby you will make it up to him. :D

I know I would not have slept a wink either.
Hubby making a list:jump I bet the number one thing is "No More Squirrels":D

Gina
08-30-2011, 09:51 PM
:thumbsup :D :D :thumbsup

I'm an asthmatic soooooooooooooo.....I feel his pain, literally. Been using the inhaler too much lately! :tilt

I wonder if it is the weather, too humid? He has a nebulizer and that does help alot but he is having to use it every 4 hours just to feel comfortable.

Gina
08-30-2011, 09:56 PM
Should I feed him every two hours through the night?? Not really sure how to proceed with him. He is so thin and I am worried about feeding him too much, too soon. Any ideas?

4skwerlz
08-30-2011, 10:11 PM
Should I feed him every two hours through the night?? Not really sure how to proceed with him. He is so thin and I am worried about feeding him too much, too soon. Any ideas?

The rehabbers I talk with always say that with badly dehydrated/emaciated babies, you go drop by drop, almost continuously, through the night, until they stabilize. A little fluid, a little diluted formula. It sounds awfully hard to do. :grouphug

Gina
08-30-2011, 10:35 PM
yikes... but I will do whatever it takes. Will get a weight on him now, offer more fluids and check back.

4skwerlz
08-30-2011, 10:45 PM
How bad is he? Is it just dehydration or emaciation too? Can you see ribs? Can you post a pic?

Also, can you check his gum color?

Is he clicking?

Two rice buddies might be a good idea.

Gina
08-30-2011, 10:57 PM
I think he is really bad off. He is at least 6 weeks and only weighs 44 grams. Yes, can see his ribs. It is heartbreaking.
I did not check his gums...should I go check now? Not clicking but definate stuffy nose. One eye is kind of gummy. Overall he looks unwell but he eats eagerly. I hope that is a good sign.
Pee is clear. No poop.
He ate 2.5 cc's - still pedialyte.

4skwerlz
08-30-2011, 11:03 PM
I think he is really bad off. He is at least 6 weeks and only weighs 44 grams. Yes, can see his ribs. It is heartbreaking.
I did not check his gums...should I go check now? Not clicking but definate stuffy nose. One eye is kind of gummy. Overall he looks unwell but he eats eagerly. I hope that is a good sign.
Pee is clear. No poop.
He ate 2.5 cc's - still pedialyte.

Eating eagerly is a good sign for sure. Okay. I know with the really emaciated ones, they just start with formula. Don't even think about cc's. Just drop by drop. I assume he's also dehydrated, so a couple drops of formula, then a couple of drops of pedialyte or water. Then give him a few minutes to rest. Then try again. Keep him super warm at all times.

If Jackie or someone comes on, do what they say; I'm just filling in, repeating what they always have told me.

Gina
08-30-2011, 11:11 PM
:thankyou :thankyou :thankyou
I gave him another rice buddy..he is all snuggly and content at this moment.

4skwerlz
08-30-2011, 11:17 PM
:thankyou :thankyou :thankyou
I gave him another rice buddy..he is all snuggly and content at this moment.

Good. Next time you feed him, do check his gums. I assume they'll be pale but that will give you a way to tell when he's doing better, when they go from pale to bright pink.

Don't let him waste energy fussing. If he loves your hand and being held against your chest, fine. If not, prop him up with his rice buddies and a fleece cover and offer the feedings as he lies there.

Hoping you can pull him through, he sounds bad.:grouphug

momma2boo
08-30-2011, 11:21 PM
There is so much out there. They say not to feed a dehydrated baby but if he is emaciated then I would feed him diluted formula ... but that is only my opinion. I wish a rehabber was present. Why does this always happen on a Tuesday night when IR has choir practice?

4skwerlz
08-30-2011, 11:33 PM
There is so much out there. They say not to feed a dehydrated baby but if he is emaciated then I would feed him diluted formula ... but that is only my opinion. I wish a rehabber was present. Why does this always happen on a Tuesday night when IR has choir practice?

IR is on vacation; just "spoke" with her via PM.

Mrs Skul
08-31-2011, 01:43 AM
:wave123 Gina
I always feed my Emaciate and Dehydrated Babies Formula Immediately. :thumbsup3 They get Pedialyte
then Formula. They need Nourishment to Bad to waite. They will get Hydration for the formula also. :D
I have saved several starved babies doing like this. Noel is one of them. It just makes for a long night. :D
We need some pictures if you get a chance. :Love_Icon
PS
Just remember only 24 hr on the pedialyte.
If the baby is still dehydrated you can feed Water or mix Molasses & Water, and use that in between the feedings. :thumbsup3
Glad to see IR on Vacation! :thumbsup5

Gina
08-31-2011, 03:08 AM
He is hanging in there. I am so tempted to just let him sleep on me because I don't want him to die alone. Everytime I reach in my heart stops until I feel he is warm and breathing. If only love could heal him:Love_Icon

I think he is having seizures but have never seen one so not positive. The best I can describe: Is as if he is nursing only there is nothing in his mouth. The first time I thought maybe he was just mimicing nursing because he has been starved but the second time I thought maybe this is a seizure?:thinking I wrote down the times.

He is happy to be drinking formula. Is eating eagerly and up to 2 1/2 cc's.
I have it diluted 1/2 strength... when should he poop? Pee's are good but no poo's yet.

Thank you everyone for your advise:grouphug

Mrs Skul
08-31-2011, 03:39 AM
Gina I just sent you a pm. Call my Cell anytime if you need to ask question. I have to step out now and will not be back on.
Yes hold him on your chest let him feel your hart beating. Keep him warm, if needed cover him up, or
put a jacket on over the shirt and him in your Cleavage and Bra.
He will not pooh for up to 24 to 48 hr after he starts eating. Don't worry he will pooh. :thumbsup5
Now That is what we call Guppy Mouth, of Fish Mouth.:D He goes in a Milk,Feeding Trance and is sucking.
Just wiggle the syringe in his mouth to wake him up be for you start feeding again.
Just make sure you wake him up to continue feeding. :thumbsup3

Gina
08-31-2011, 04:00 AM
Gina I just sent you a pm. Call my Cell anytime if you need to ask question. I have to step out now and will not be back on.
Yes hold him on your chest let him feel your hart beating. Keep him warm, if needed cover him up, or
put a jacket on over the shirt and him in your Cleavage and Bra.
He will not pooh for up to 24 to 48 hr after he starts eating. Don't worry he will pooh. :thumbsup5
Now That is what we call Guppy Mouth, of Fish Mouth.:D He goes in a Milk,Feeding Trance and is sucking.
Just wiggle the syringe in his mouth to wake him up be for you start feeding again.
Just make sure you wake him up to continue feeding. :thumbsup3

Ahhh, I had seen that guppy mouth reference somewhere before but did not think of it. Well that is a relief that he is no having seizures. He is on me right now and content. I think he is starting to feel safe and secure. Going to catch some zzz's with him.

He actually looks a little better to me, eyes are brighter and so trusting. Praying he is going to pull through.

Jackie in Tampa
08-31-2011, 06:07 AM
call me if you need me gina..
great save...
hugs to hubby
hi w and g...:Love_Icon :Love_Icon

Gina
08-31-2011, 05:44 PM
Baby Cooper is hanging in there. Vet says he has upper respiratory infection so he is on antibiotics along with terramycin ointment for his eye.

Please say prayers for my little guy:grouphug

147639

147640

momma2boo
08-31-2011, 06:19 PM
Sweet Cooper ... you're in my prayers. Thanks for rescuing him.

4skwerlz
08-31-2011, 08:00 PM
Poor Cooper. Eye infection, respiratory infection, starved, dehydrated..... Yet you got him through the first 24 hrs. :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup

Extra cute, he is.:Love_Icon

Nancy in New York
08-31-2011, 09:15 PM
Oh he is just adorable. I agree with holding him and letting him know he is loved....I am a firm believer in the human touch, it can heal so much.
You are doing wonderful. He feels your love, no doubt about that!:Love_Icon
I also agree with feeding him the formula. He does need nourishment. He is such a feather weight for this age. I like to feed them often, small amounts, or whatever he will take. I offer formula again in a couple of hours, just so they never go hungry, but watch for bloat. Actually he is right on target with the amount he is taking if you go by the 5-7% of their body weight. You're doing everything perfectly!:Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon

Jackie in Tampa
09-01-2011, 06:54 AM
Cooper:Love_Icon

pappy1264
09-01-2011, 08:48 AM
Gina, see if you can find something called Olbas oil. it is from Switzerland, can get it at most health stores, I believe. When Rosie was having breathing issues, I was told to do this 9and I can't imagine it would hurt a squirrel, humans use it, as well). Get a bowl, two metal strainers. Put hot tap water (not boiling) into bowl. Add a few drops of the oil. Put one of the strainers on top of the bowl (bottom of strainer sitting on top of bowl) then put squirrel inside strainer (make sure water is not too close to the bottom of the strainer) and put the other strainer upside down on top of first strainer, making a sort of round cage. You can put a towel over 2/3's of it but you don't have to. The oil will help to loosen the mucuos in his nose so he can breath better. Many have used this with small animals with upper respiratory issues. Again, can't imagine a squirrel having issues with it. Poor little guy, my prayers going out for him. Fight Cooper, stay strong, you can do this!!!!:Love_Icon

Gina
09-01-2011, 11:46 AM
Gina, see if you can find something called Olbas oil. it is from Switzerland, can get it at most health stores, I believe. When Rosie was having breathing issues, I was told to do this 9and I can't imagine it would hurt a squirrel, humans use it, as well). Get a bowl, two metal strainers. Put hot tap water (not boiling) into bowl. Add a few drops of the oil. Put one of the strainers on top of the bowl (bottom of strainer sitting on top of bowl) then put squirrel inside strainer (make sure water is not too close to the bottom of the strainer) and put the other strainer upside down on top of first strainer, making a sort of round cage. You can put a towel over 2/3's of it but you don't have to. The oil will help to loosen the mucuos in his nose so he can breath better. Many have used this with small animals with upper respiratory issues. Again, can't imagine a squirrel having issues with it. Poor little guy, my prayers going out for him. Fight Cooper, stay strong, you can do this!!!!:Love_Icon

:thankyou I will check out my local health food store. In the meantime I have been using vicks gentle vapors plug in. Also putting a little dab of the baby rub on ceiling of his carrier where he can't reach or crawl to get into it. :Love_Icon

Gina
09-01-2011, 11:50 AM
:grouphug Cooper managed 3 cc's at his last feeding and is gaining weight. Thank you for your prayers, still stuffy nose and congestion. A struggle for him to eat and he gets so tired. Seeing a sparkle in his eyes now..short periods. Lots of sleep for him..not so much for me:rotfl I love him so much:Love_Icon .

Nancy in New York
09-01-2011, 11:58 AM
:grouphug Cooper managed 3 cc's at his last feeding and is gaining weight. Thank you for your prayers, still stuffy nose and congestion. A struggle for him to eat and he gets so tired. Seeing a sparkle in his eyes now..short periods. Lots of sleep for him..not so much for me:rotfl I love him so much:Love_Icon .

Cooper has stolen my heart too...:Love_Icon :Love_Icon

mpetys
09-01-2011, 02:15 PM
Hello Gina and Cooper! Hope Cooper is doing well today. His picture is so cute. How adorable!

Gina
09-01-2011, 05:51 PM
Just updating everyone to let you know Cooper is still with us. I think he is getting stronger but he still has that clicking noise that gets stronger after he eats, but after about 2-3 minutes of putting him back in his bed I cannot hear it anymore. I think he gets worked up as it takes energy to eat and he is still scared of his new surroundings.

Pappy...I probably will not experiment with Cooper on the Olbas..I am afraid he would stress with the environment it would make and I also worry that he could catch a chill getting him in and out. The infant vicks does seem to give him some relief...is so very mild and he is able to stay in his cozy warm incubator. But...my hubby may benefit..could help his congestion:D