Adopted at 7wks and Not Eating

[treeman]

I just got these 2 babies the night before last. They have been away from Momma about 32hrs. They are SO different from the first pair of babies I raised! Its pretty obvious that one is not very happy to be here. She gives me grunting and teeth chattering and trys to run when I approach. Once she calms and I pick her up she seems ok.

Neither one is very interested in the formula. They let me put the syringe in their mouths and when I give it a little squirt the let most of it dribble out and might swallow some. I'm not getting much response though. They both were more interested in the apple wedges but not enough to sit and eat one. They would rather hide and sleep.

I'm starting to get worried. Is this normal for babies adopted at this age? Are they likely weaned? Should I try to force feed them?

[Jackie in Tampa]

ck for hydration...the pinch test...
make sure the formula is warm to almost hot...some sqs will snub if not...
also, these babies are not familiar with silicon or FV...so you may have to semi force...
put the nipple in the corner of their mouth if they will not except it, hold them totally upright and only deliver a drop at a time...go slow...
are they on heat...if they are chilled, they will feel like strangers in a strange land, we must simulate their regular nest and momma sometimes...
keep trying, they're gonna get hungry soon!~:crazy
thank you!:Love_Icon
:poke where's the pics? you know by now we want pics!!!!:D

[djarenspace9]

Try this and see if it works...it's what I do with little wild things:
Wrap them (loosely) in a small towel or blanket
and make like a hoodie over their head.
Your hand should be on the outside of the towel but still
with a good grip on their body, so you don't want something too big or thick.

If they are scared of you they won't eat,
but if they can't see you they will usually drink the formula!
I basically expose only the tip of the face (mouth and nose)
so the eyes are covered but it needs to be a loose wrap
so they feel comfortable but not constrained.

This technique has never failed me!
I call it the "Secret Squirrel" lol :rotfl

[treeman]

thanks ya'll!
They did a little better this go. I used a heating pad under the feeding station and I got about 4cc of watered down formula in each. 'Secret Squirrel' sounds like a great idea! I'll try that next feeding and tell you how it went. I'll get you some pics too!

[treeman]

Secret Squirrel worked great!! Got a whole 5cc syringe this time! no pics yet ...coming

[djarenspace9]

:alright.gif
Secret Squirrel has never failed me!
They just don't wanna be looking at the scary human while they eat :D
(Works great with possums too!)

[stepnstone]

:alright.gif
Secret Squirrel has never failed me!
They just don't wanna be looking at the scary human while they eat :D
(Works great with possums too!)

Good point! :jump

[2ndHandRanchRescue]

Secret Squirrel! I love it - never thought of this - such a great idea - of course we are evil scary creatures to the babies with eyes open. Their mama's have already told them all about us!!!