winter is almost here and freshly released red squirrel is losing hair

[iwonka]

A friend of mine released a red squirrel a month ago. Yesterday she saw Skippy missing hair on his head .. see photo below.
Has anyone seen this before? .. She lives in northern Canada ... Winter is almost there. Please help.. What she should do?


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Thanks.
Iwonka

[iwonka]

I forgot to tell you that Skippy has the nest she builded for him.

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[Fireweed]

What's the exact temperature where she is right now? During the day and at night? That is the only thing I'd be concerned with at the moment.

Red squirrels --especially in the north-- can easily lose patches of fur when they molt. When they start shedding their big winter coats in the spring, and when they start getting their coats in late fall, the process can also make them itchy, which can lead to even more hair loss. Perhaps Skippy is in the middle of growing his winter coat?

I released a red squirrel here in the spring, in Yukon, Canada, and in the middle of winter he was injured. I took him back inside and within a few weeks he was losing small patches of fur...I thought it was mites, I thought it was nutrition...but the patches grew back after about a month and he was fine.

In Wild Baby Mammals: The First 48 Hours and Beyond it says this: Sometimes Red Squirrels have unexplained hair loss. This is nothing to worry about once you've eliminated mites and nutritional deficiencies as possible causes. Keep the squirrel warm during this period of fur loss and feed [him] a balanced diet. This fur loss is different from the spring and fall molt.

So, this is why I ask about temperatures. I'd watch Skippy to make sure he doesn't continue to lose fur especially since it is getting colder.
But my guess is it's most likely the result of his fur coming in for winter since you say he was "freshly" released.

Last spring in May, while there was still snow on the ground,
this is what a couple of the wild red squirrels here looked like:
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/whobyfireweed/c7fc0d8d.jpg
http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j126/whobyfireweed/90c4c646.jpg
After a month, all their fur grew back and they looked sleek and beautiful. :)

The fur loss on Skippy's head could also be the result of a small injury--they tend to lose their fur around the injury as it heals.

Also, when was Skippy released? Has he had enough time to build up caches of wild foods? What kind of stuffing does he have in his nest box?

[astra]

FW, don't you think that Skippy's bolding patch looks different from the 'molt" pattern?... i don't know, I have not seen a lot of reds, but greys have similar "molt" kind of fur pattern as on your red in the photo.
Skippy's looks different to me... :dono :thinking

[Fireweed]

No. :D I think it looks just like a patch I've seen on another red last year during molting season. However, I mentioned several different reasons why he could be losing his fur...molting, just one of them. So, it could be any of those and possibly something else. :dono

The pictures I posted above weren't necessarily because of molting, either, as that was a nursing mother who could've been lacking in nutrients at the time.

I guess what I was trying to say, as does WMB, is that sometimes it can be difficult to tell why they lose patches of fur, unless it's obvious as mites.
More importantly, is he prepared to withstand the cold if he continues to lose fur?

[iwonka]

What's the exact temperature where she is right now? During the day and at night? That is the only thing I'd be concerned with at the moment.]

It's not so bad now: 3'C during the day and -2'C at night, but in Quebec the temperature drops very quickly.


The fur loss on Skippy's head could also be the result of a small injury--they tend to lose their fur around the injury as it heals. ]
I will ask Julianne to check if he doesn't have injury.


Also, when was Skippy released? Has he had enough time to build up caches of wild foods? What kind of stuffing does he have in his nest box?]

He was released a month ago and Julianne feeds him regulary so I'm afraid he may thinks he doesn't need to take care of making food reserve. :dono However she told me that she will feed him whole winter.

I asked her about the nest stuffing.. I have only a virtual contact with her and as she doesn't speak English she cannot join this forum :sad

Thank you!
Iwonka

[iwonka]

In Wild Baby Mammals: The First 48 Hours and Beyond it says this: Sometimes Red Squirrels have unexplained hair loss. This is nothing to worry about once you've eliminated mites and nutritional deficiencies as possible causes. Keep the squirrel warm during this period of fur loss and feed [him] a balanced diet. This fur loss is different from the spring and fall molt.


What is the "balanced diet" for Red Squirrels?

In the case it goes worst, do you think she should bring him back home?

[astra]

What is the "balanced diet" for Red Squirrels?

In the case it goes worst, do you think she should bring him back home?
I'd assume, especially, based on observations of various squirrel species here, although, there are certain species-specific differences, overall guidelines are the same for all of them: rodent block + good dark veggies +wild foods+a piece of fresh fruit/nut as a treat.

if his condition does not improve and even gets worse, I'd consider overwintering him. Without thick "quality" winter fur it might be tough for him in harsh QC winter. It might further compromise his immune system and cause other problems, like mange etc.

BUt that's just what I'd do.

Others will pitch in with their suggestions

[Fireweed]

The temps aren't bad. I wouldn't worry unless it gets to below -15C and/or if he loses more fur. Then I'd consider overwintering.

Do find out what he is using for his nest box stuffing. Poly-cotton batting (used for quilting, I think) is supposedly the best for cold/wintery climates.

For the diet, I'd make sure he's getting rodent blocks every day...and make sure he eats them and doesn't just cache them. I have to crush the blocks into small pieces so the squirrels here eat them. Otherwise they just stash them and come back for more to stash. :shakehead

Also, fresh veggies. With fruit and nuts being a treat. In cold temps, I'll give the outdoor squirrels one big nut just before bedtime every day. But only if they are eating their blocks. :thumbsup

Keep us updated!

EDIT: LOL! Yep...what astra said! :thumbsup

[iwonka]

MORE PROBLEMS WITH SKIPPY!!

Skippy has a front leg injury (he walks on 3 legs). His under pad is cut horizontally. It does not bleed, but his little paw is limp. She worries a lot and asking if she shouln't bring Skippy back home to heal .. overwintering...Is it a good idea?
Thank you a thousand times!

[Fireweed]

Sounds like he got into a fight.... totally normal behavior for a red, unfortunately. They often...and I mean, often, have injuries from fighting.
They are quick to heal, usually, too...

BUT if she has any concern about him, if he is not his usual self, if he can't walk/climb/run normally, I wouldn't be mad if she brought him in. :D

And be aware, if she brings him in now she will probably have to overwinter him because he will lose the winter fur he is now growing... and by the time he's healed it will be even colder outside and he would freeze if re-released before spring.
How old is he?

EDIT: I just saw you said : he walks on three legs. Consider bringing him in if he isn't using all four legs all the time... like, if he is just favoring the paw some of the time because it's sore, that's not necessarily a bad thing, if he can run on it if he needs to.
If he is limping most of the time, it could be a more serious injury and I'd bring him in for sure.

[iwonka]

Do find out what he is using for his nest box stuffing.

She said: wool sock and some hamster nesting material from pet shop.

[iwonka]

How old is he?


He is ~13 weeks now (released at 10)

[Fireweed]

Wool isn't bad. But I'm not sure about the hamster stuffing.

He was only released a little over two weeks ago?
Hmmm...being that this is Montreal not Florida... I personally think he needs more time than that to prepare for winter, even if he gets fed by your friend.
Many rehabbers release reds at a younger age than greys/foxers because they mature so darned fast...but they also release them well before winter.

I don't want to say you should or shouldn't bring him in, because I'm not your friend and I can't observe Skippy myself... But, there's nothing wrong with bringing him in to get him good and healthy, and then release him in the late spring when there is a ton of wild food available, the temps are warmer, and he'll be that much more mature.
And considering he is also injured, it's not a bad idea...

If the injury is just a cut that is keeping him off the paw because it's sore but he can run and climb on it, and the fur loss on his head is from a minor injury, and he seems otherwise healthy and wild enough...there's also nothing wrong with *not* bringing him in. Minor injuries do often heal fine without intervention, especially in the cold. If this is what she decides, I'd keep an eagle eye on him all the time until he is all healed up. Feed him really well, too. Fresh, clean water. And extra warm bedding.

Your friend will have to weigh the pros and cons as she sees them.

I'm not a rehabber...and I sure hope a rehabber pops in here...

All the best, friend and Skippy! :grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

OK I will weigh in....BRING HIM IN.
There is something going on with the fur. Now his little paw is injured.
Fall releases are always at a disadvantage, even at their healthiest.
Do you know if this little one was fighting captivity?
Does she have an adequate cage for him? Can she handle him? I am assuming so since she knows that it is the underside of his paw that is hurt.
He is at a disadvantage now, I wouldn't think twice....you had me at
walking on three legs.

Where was he released? Can I assume it's not on her property?

[astra]

OK I will weigh in....BRING HIM IN.
There is something going on with the fur. Now his little paw is injured.
Fall releases are always at a disadvantage, even at their healthiest.
Do you know if this little one was fighting captivity?
Does she have an adequate cage for him? Can she handle him? I am assuming so since she knows that it is the underside of his paw that is hurt.
He is at a disadvantage now, I wouldn't think twice....you had me at
walking on three legs.

Where was he released? Can I assume it's not on her property?
:goodpost if there is a paw problem on top of the fur problem, and he has just been released, and it's almost winter here in Canada... he sure sounds like an overwintering candidate.
Being just released, he is not fully adapted to the wild dangers and if, on top of his utter inexperience, he has only three healthy legs, dodging predators might become twice as difficult = extra stress=extra pressure on immune system=more health problems

[Fireweed]

OK I will weigh in....BRING HIM IN.

:goodpost
Listen to Nancy, she's got the brains, I'm the ambivalence driver. :D
Edit: and listen to astra, too. :poke :D

[iwonka]

Do you know if this little one was fighting captivity?

Not at all..and he still attached to her.

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Does she have an adequate cage for him? Can she handle him?

Yes.


Where was he released? Can I assume it's not on her property?

No, it's not on her property.. It's a pine forest.

[JLM27]

Bring him in. Spring is soon enough.

[Fireweed]

"it's not on her property.. It's a pine forest."

So she couldn't even watch him if she had to/wanted to. I'd definitely bring him in, then. :thumbsup
Squirrel snuggles for the winter! :Love_Icon

[astra]

Bring him in. Spring is soon enough.
i needed to hear that, because winter is only just about to start and I already feel like it will be long, long, long...

Yes, she can have fun enjoying him during the winter:D

[iwonka]

:thankyou :grouphug :thankyou

[Nancy in New York]

:thankyou :grouphug :thankyou

While reading your post, when you said that she could bring him back home, that's what really got me. I figured he wasn't where she could watch him.
And the fact that he is so friendly to her still and wasn't fighting captivity, all wonderful signs.
I'm so glad that you came on asking questions for your friend. Please tell her to get him first thing in the morning.....I'm anxious for him to be home with mama....:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon
If you're able, it would be nice to post more pictures of the little one, and keep us updated on his little bald spot, his foot, and how overwintering is going.
I'm thrilled he will be coming back, there's no place like home.......:Love_Icon

And I will even offer to babysit if she needs to go away at any time!:D

[iwonka]

Please tell her to get him first thing in the morning.....I'm anxious for him to be home with mama....:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon
If you're able, it would be nice to post more pictures of the little one, and keep us updated on his little bald spot, his foot, and how overwintering is going.
I'm thrilled he will be coming back, there's no place like home.......:Love_Icon

I will !

:thankyou again. :Love_Icon

[iwonka]

News from Skippy!

Justine decided to let Skippy in the forest. He's recovered quicly and the fur los was was just a molting.

Here some pictures since then.

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[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

:thumbsup

[Scooterzmom]

OMG! Iwonka, you and Justine have certainly done a wonderful job helping him: he's totally adorable!!!! :Love_Icon

[squirrelfriend]

A friend of mine released a red squirrel a month ago. Yesterday she saw Skippy missing hair on his head .. see photo below.
Has anyone seen this before? .. She lives in northern Canada ... Winter is almost there. Please help.. What she should do?


153514

Thanks.
Iwonka

My husband has the same problem. Would that mean that he is just molting?:D

BTW, it looks like molting to me.

[iwonka]

My husband has the same problem. Would that mean that he is just molting?:D



:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl

[iwonka]

Justine sent me another picture...Skippy in his little house :)

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[astra]

Justine sent me another picture...Skippy in his little house :)

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OMG!!!!!!!!!!:Love_Icon :) this cute red little smiling face

[Scooterzmom]

ohhhhhh boy! Major KLUNK!!!!! :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon