Introduction and some baby squirrel question

[Zombii]

Hi! My name is Rayne, I'm 14 years old and I guess this is my introduction to TSB plus a few questions about my baby squirrel, Aspen.

My dad owns a business, and one of his customers brought in a baby squirrel looking for someone who knew how to take care of it, for it was in a tree that had been cut down that morning. Since I've taken care of baby squirrels in the past my dad told the man he would take him. My dad brought the baby home to me, and I could instantly tell the baby was dehydrated, and needed food. I rode my bike to the nearest feed store, picked up some Esbilac and a 1cc syringe, came home and fed the baby 2cc's. After I got the food into him his energy levels were already increasing. I then began research of his age. His eyes not open, but he has hair everywhere except his lower legs and belly. Getting to the conclusion that he is around 4 weeks old.

Ever since then he has been eating 3cc's every 4 hours, and sleeping in a box with lots of fleece and cotton in front of my heater (set to 78). He eats all 3 cc's every feeding, and does his business right after. I have been bringing him around with me in my bonding pouch like bag, although I have ordered a real bonding pouch and waiting for its arrival. He is very active when he wants to be, but curls up in my sportsbra 95% of the time.

Just this morning I went to get him out of his box and prepare him for his morning feeding, when he looks right at me. He opened his eyes this morning and instantly grabbed onto his feeding syringe that I was holding.

I decided it was time I should name him, since he's healthy and part of my daily life now. I figured Aspen would be a good name, because it means 'Shaky Tree', and because I really love the name in general!(:

Now onto the questions! Haha:P

Now that Aspens eyes are open should I get him a cage, or leave him in the box at night a little longer? What type of cage should I get for him when the time comes? How do I get rid of this very musky scent he carries? I bathe him often, but I can't seem to get rid of it.. And lastly, when do I start feeding him solid foods, and what would these solid foods be?

Thanks so much for reading!
-Rayne
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k576/PikachuZombii/IMG_0766.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k576/PikachuZombii/IMG_0762.jpg

[Rhapsody]

I would recommend a plastic tub or small dog crate until the little guy is steady on his feet so he does not cause any injury to his legs or feet. We feed Fox Valley over Esbilac due to health reason and we start HHB (squirrel blocks) at 7 weeks of age........ you are to feed the formula at 5-7 % of the baby squirrels body weight.

Please do not wash the little guy unless you see mites or fleas on him and them you can use Dawn dish soap....... if you feel that he needs a wipe down you can use natural unscented baby wipes every few days, but if you make sure that he pees and poops after every feeding onto a paper towel that should cut down on the smell (and) use baby blankets or fleece as his bedding so you can wash them often.

Please check out my website "Mother Natures Rescue" for more condensed info on taking care of baby squirrels - link found under my name.......... :)

[Zombii]

Thanks! I've read up on Fox Valley, and ordered some already, I'm waiting for it in the mail, I've been using Esbilac temporarily. I'll be sure to get some wipes! When he pees and poos, it's always on a towel.. I also washed his blankets last night.. I wonder what is causing him to smell so bad../: I will absolutely check out your website! Thank you so much(:

[Nancy in New York]

How much does your little one weigh? 3 cc's every feeding just does not sound like enough for an eyes opened little one.:)
He should not be in front of a heater. You need a non shut off heating pad, and place the container half on and half off of the box and put the setting on LOW. Make sure that the container is half off of the pad so that if it overheats, he can get off. Is this a cardboard box that you have him in? If so, that can be extremely drying for them...you need to get him into a different cage. I will be back in a little while with suggestions.:thumbsup

[Zombii]

He weighs 81g, but I'll be upping his feeding to 4cc's tonight probably.
The only time the heater is on is when it's cold in the morning, otherwise it's off, because it's already like summertime in Texas! I just keep my window open. Yes he is in a cardboard box, but only at night, and it has Carefresh pet bedding generously covering the bottom, along with some small pet toys (stuffed animals) for him to cuddle with. I'll be getting a cage for him soon, everyone on Craigslist seems to live farther than my mom is willing to drive...

[Nancy in New York]

Ideally you should still have him on some type of heat source, even the Florida babies are on heat. As I said, a heating pad underneath the cage/container set on low.
Here is a link to a cage that would suit him well. It has 1/2 inch bar spacing. After this he would need to go into a larger one, and then into a release cage outside. But this would make a great starter cage.
They should take approximately 5-7% of their body weight at every feeding, so if your little one weighs 81 grams, just rounding it off, he should get approximately 4 to 6 cc's every feeding.
http://www.petco.com/product/113054/WARE-Chew-Proof-Small-Animal-Critter-Cage.aspx

[Skul]

I might suggest upping the feeding amount.
The little one appears very skinny for his age.
Have you thought of adding heavy cream and/or full fat yogurt to the formula?
He's really not quite yet ready to go to solid foods.
You can offer some shelled nut meat (pecan, walnut, almond, filbert) to help him get used to them, however, it will be several more weeks before he weans.
I'm just north of you up hwy 59, near New Caney.

[Nancy in New York]

Are you feeding Aspen through the night too?
If we can find someone close by with a squirrel his age, would you be willing to let them be raised together?
Squirrels are SO much better off being raised with others.
They are less fearful, they learn how to play, groom, and just be squirrels when they have buddies.
I know that you love this little guy, I am just telling you what is best for him.
To be honest, I don't even know if there is anyone around with a squirrel his age.
Singles are difficult, and come release time, they tend to be more hesitant about leaving.
When they have cage mates, I really believe it builds their confidence and they learn so much for one another.
Just keep that in mind, we will help you regardless of what you decide.

[Zombii]

I will get him a cage as soon as I can, and thanks for the heating pad suggestions, I'll start doing that tonight. Skul; I haven't thought of the heavy whipping cream or yogurt, but I'll let him try some at his next feeding.

I don't know of anyone around me with other squirrels close in age, but if there are I'd be willing to set up play dates with the 2. If they get along I'd consider letting them be cage mates(:

Aspens last feeding is at midnight, and first feeding is at 9am.

[Nancy in New York]

He really is on the small side. They should eat every 4 hours. Would your mom or dad be willing to get up through the night with him to feed? Who feeds him while your at school? Just a little concerned that he isn't getting enough through the day....:)
How many times within a 24 hour period does he eat?

[Zombii]

My parents are divorced, and my mom works early in the morning so if anyone had to feed him through the night it'd be me. I'm willing to do that though. I feed him every 4 hours starting at 9am. I'm homeschooled, so throughout the day I'm feeding him. He eats 5 times throughout the day, 3cc's each feeding. But starting tonight it will be 4cc's.(:

[Zombii]

His bonding pouch came in the mail just now(:
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k576/PikachuZombii/IMG_07751-1.jpghttp://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k576/PikachuZombii/IMG_07721-1.jpghttp://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k576/PikachuZombii/IMG_07681-1.jpg

[cuteascnb]

Hmmm....well let me start off by saying that you sound a little like me at that age minus the home schooled part! I have to say that I think its wonderful when someone so young can be so responsible....but don't get over confident and be sure to ask questions and find answers to help you.

It sounds like you are doing a wonderful job...and that you have everything under control....! Please keep us posted on this little guy, and we are ALWAYS here to help!

Here are a few of my suggestions, I may repeat from what others have said cause I didn't get a chance to read the whole thing yet!

I have one question: What happened to the babies you raised before.

1. HEATING PAD (LOW)....1/2 under container 1/2 off container! 9at least for another week...they love it and will use it forever if you let them...
2.Esbilac is a NO NO now....Im glad to see you ordered FOX VALLEY! When my boys were younger I mixed it as directed and added just a small amount of YO BABY yogurt...you can also add heavy cream. (FEED SLOWLY...keep it really warm)
3. He is a bit thin...I would feed him around 5-6 cc's every 4 hours...you will usually know that hes full cause he'll get sleepy and just relax in your hand.
4. Make sure your stimulating him to go to the bathroom...he should pee each time, and poop too (may not everytime)!
5. My Shiloh had a strong urine smell at that age...I started giving him about 3 cc's of water between feedings and it seemed to help.
6. You can use baby wipes to clean his underside....urine can leave a burn if not cleaned often.
7. Feed him at night....I fed Shiloh nad Ranger throughthe night till they were 6 weeks old.

FIANLLY he is adorable and I love his name! Good luck nad keep us posted.

[Zombii]

Cuteascnb; Thank you(:

My other baby was a hurricane Ike baby, and he ended up passing away at 12 weeks, vet said it was head trauma that he got when he had fallen from the tree. Thanks for the suggestions, and I will absolutely keep you guys posted!(:

[Skul]

OK, Zom. So far so good.
Aspen does appear to be very malnourished.
Do whatever you can to increase the feeding amount.
When the FV comes in, you'll need to adapt him to it.
Mix both formulas seperate, three to one water to powder.
Then mix two parts Esbilac with one of the FV formula.
After a couple feedings, go the a half and half mix for a couple more.
Then two parts FV. to one of Esbilac.
After two of those, he should be ready for just the FV formula (with the cream and yogurt).
This is when you can try going to the two to one ratio. Water to powder.
I mention this only to keep Aspen well hydrated during the transition.
Because of his skinny nature, he may not be able to keep his body temperature where it needs to be. So, the heating pad may be a big help.

Some other folks may have a different approach, so listen to them also.
They often do a better job than I.

[Zombii]

Thanks, Skul.(: He took all 4cc's at his last feeding, so he obviously wasn't getting enough with 3. What is his ideal weight? He's 81g right now, so how much should he gain?

[CritterMom]

Zombii, 4cc should be the low limit on his feeding, so continue to increase it a little with each feeding. Weigh him every day and you want to shoot for 5-7% of his body weight per feeding (example, a 100 gram squirrel should eat between 5 and 7cc per feeding). As he weighs more he will eat more. Don't add tons of cream - it will give him the runs - I wouldn't add more than 1/4 part cream and 1/4 part yogurt, and when you get the FV and do a S-L-O-W transition to the new food you can drop the cream and yogurt completely.

[cuteascnb]

Thanks, Skul.(: He took all 4cc's at his last feeding, so he obviously wasn't getting enough with 3. What is his ideal weight? He's 81g right now, so how much should he gain?


81 X .07= 5.6 So I would say between 5 & 6 CC's wold be sufficent....I think he should be gaining about 3-5g a week (could be wrong) someone correct me if I am please!

REMEBER SLOW TRANSITION TO FV!

[Zombii]

Thanks CritterMom and cuteascnb! I'll try to feed him 4 1/2 -5cc's at his 9pm feeding(:

[Nancy in New York]

Ideally you should still have him on some type of heat source, even the Florida babies are on heat. As I said, a heating pad underneath the cage/container set on low.
Here is a link to a cage that would suit him well. It has 1/2 inch bar spacing. After this he would need to go into a larger one, and then into a release cage outside. But this would make a great starter cage.
They should take approximately 5-7% of their body weight at every feeding, so if your little one weighs 81 grams, just rounding it off, he should get approximately 4 to 6 cc's every feeding.
http://www.petco.com/product/113054/WARE-Chew-Proof-Small-Animal-Critter-Cage.aspx

As I explained earlier....this is the range.
Since your little one just took 4 cc's you can offer more.
I think that he wasn't eating round the clock before could attribute to him being a little underweight.
I will check my records on my last babies and see what they gained from day to day....
Here is the thread:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23856&page=5

These babies came to me malnourished and as you can see from the 8th to the 11th, the weight gain of 18 grams on two of the squirrels, 15 on another and 14 on the fourth.
On8/8/10 her are the weights:

Brick is 66 grams
Rose is 61 grams
Amethyst is 65 grams
Violet is 60 grams

On 8/9/10 here are the weights

Brick went from 66 to 73
Rose went from 61 to 67
Amethyst from 65 to 73
Violet from 60 to 67

On 8/10/10

Brick now weighs 79 grams started at 66 Sunday morning
Rose now weighs 73 grams started at 61 Sunday morning
Amethyst now weighs 79 grams started at 65 Sunday morning
Violet now weighs 72 grams started at 60 Sunday morning

8/11/10

Brick weighed 81 grams overall gain 15 grams
Rose weighed 79 grams overall gain 18 grams
Amethyst weighed 83 grams overall gain 18 grams
Violet weighed 74 grams overall gain 14 grams

* What I had to do, because they were so underweight, is to feed them more often and work them up to the amount they needed to sustain themselves. You don't want to start off giving Aspen too much immediately. You want to avoid bloat. Make sure to feed him every 4 hours.

[Zombii]

Good healthy babies!(: Aspen will be gaining soon. I'm sure he's looking forward to his 5cc's in a little bit:)

[cuteascnb]

As I explained earlier....this is the range.
Since your little one just took 4 cc's you can offer more.
I think that he wasn't eating round the clock before could attribute to him being a little underweight.
I will check my records on my last babies and see what they gained from day to day....
Here is the thread:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23856&page=5

These babies came to me malnourished and as you can see from the 8th to the 11th, the weight gain of 18 grams on two of the squirrels, 15 on another and 14 on the fourth.
On8/8/10 her are the weights:

Brick is 66 grams
Rose is 61 grams
Amethyst is 65 grams
Violet is 60 grams

On 8/9/10 here are the weights

Brick went from 66 to 73
Rose went from 61 to 67
Amethyst from 65 to 73
Violet from 60 to 67

On 8/10/10

Brick now weighs 79 grams started at 66 Sunday morning
Rose now weighs 73 grams started at 61 Sunday morning
Amethyst now weighs 79 grams started at 65 Sunday morning
Violet now weighs 72 grams started at 60 Sunday morning

8/11/10

Brick weighed 81 grams overall gain 15 grams
Rose weighed 79 grams overall gain 18 grams
Amethyst weighed 83 grams overall gain 18 grams
Violet weighed 74 grams overall gain 14 grams



THANKS for clearing that up! Its the 3-5 or more i guess per day!!!

[cuteascnb]

Good healthy babies!(: Aspen will be gaining soon. I'm sure he's looking forward to his 5cc's in a little bit:)

If he will take more then 5 try...but dont go over 6 you dont want to bloat him! He really needs that nurishment :thumbsup

[Zombii]

He took 5cc's!(: He wasn't interested in a 6th though.. Afterward it seemed like his poo/pee wouldn't end! Haha

[cuteascnb]

He took 5cc's!(: He wasn't interested in a 6th though.. Afterward it seemed like his poo/pee wouldn't end! Haha



thats good....you should notice him pooping on a more "scheduled" basis once he gets into a routine. I would try each day to up the CC's...even a little. They will over eat too...so you gotta watch out for that... think he will do just fine though, your doing a great job!

[Zombii]

Thank you!(:

[cuteascnb]

Thank you!(:


no problem.....!:thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

I make mine rest in-between cc'c They are 8 weeks now but since i got them at 3 weeks I give them some and then make them rest , give some more , rest and so on ... this way their little bellies know when they are full, if they just down it all at once it is easy to over feed them, bad tummy aches them:D

[Zombii]

Thanks for the tip, Sweet Simon's Mommy!

[Skul]

:wave123 Zom.
Just remember, the every four hour schedule is temporary.
It's there to help him gain weight right now.
I should have mentioned that the yogurt and cream are mixed in with the formula.
After mixing the formula, then add half a part each of either one or both.
The yogurt should be the full fat variety, natural. That way he gets the benefit of the yogurt bacteria.
All this will require patience for the next few days, so, hang in there.

[Nancy in New York]

How's the little one doing this morning? Did you give him night feedings? If so, was he hungry?:)
:Love_Icon

[Zombii]

Nancy in New York, He's great this morning! Took 5cc's at his 9am, but last night he would only take 3 at his 12am..

[cuteascnb]

What's your exact schedule for feeding him....here's a food example, if u ate feeding every 4 hours starting at 9am...

9am
1pm
5pm
9pm
1am
5am

You don't want to skip feedings or go to far in between. If you fed I'm at midnight you should have fed him again around 3-4 am depending if you are feeding every 3 or 4 hours.


It's a lot ....and a big responsibility bit I think you are doing great.

[Zombii]

Cuteascnb; that is the schedule he is on, yes.
Should I start him on 3am feedings?

It is quite a handful, but I've got it under control(: Aspen is a darling baby:)

[Skul]

If you are already feeding at 1:00am, the 3:00 won't be needed.
Do the five and your fine.
The actual time of feeding is not important, only the time between them is.
Noticed you put Conroe in there, so your only seventeen miles from C and I.
Not sure if you can get PM's as yet, but, I'll send you the wifes phone number in case you have specific questions.
She'll talk your ear off, so be ready for that.:rotfl

[Zombii]

Haha thanks, Skul.(: I got the PM:)

[Skul]

That's good.:thumbsup
Like I said, if you run into a problem you're not sure about, call.
C is up almost all night, so time doesn't matter.

[cuteascnb]

Cuteascnb; that is the schedule he is on, yes.
Should I start him on 3am feedings?

It is quite a handful, but I've got it under control(: Aspen is a darling baby:)


no you don't need to do the 3am feeding....just stick to the 4 hours in between each feeding!:thumbsup

[Zombii]

He's eating 5cc's every feeding now:) But when I did a small amount of whipping cream he refused.. I will try again though!

[Zombii]

Would this be a good cage for Aspen?
http://houston.craigslist.org/for/2889420652.html

[Nancy in New York]

Would this be a good cage for Aspen?
http://houston.craigslist.org/for/2889420652.html

That looks really good. You couldn't put him in that right away, but for a month or two down the road, it looks ideal. You may want to jump on it soon....and offer them less than their asking price. Is the bar spacing 1/2 inch?
On that cage. I just noticed that it's new....perhaps you wouldn't want to insult them by offering less, the price is good now, especially if they paid close to $200. for it originally....

[Zombii]

That was my plan was to lower the price a bit! Haha I'm not sure about the bar spacing, but I will definitely ask. I've already emailed her asking about the availability.(:

[Nancy in New York]

That was my plan was to lower the price a bit! Haha I'm not sure about the bar spacing, but I will definitely ask. I've already emailed her asking about the availability.(:

I just edited my post about the price...we must have been typing at the same time...:D Perhaps just ask if she would take less...:dono

[Zombii]

Must have been:D I was planning on asking to lower the price, but to not include the extra toys and such. As I already have a lot of those things he could use from my other small animals(:

[cuteascnb]

How is little Aspen doing today???

[Zombii]

Aspen is doing fine!(: He's getting bigger and healthier every day!

I went to a garage sale this morning, found a brand new 2 1/2 foot tall cage, plenty of room, and bars with a 1/2 inch spacing. It was listed for 15 dollars, but I got it for 10! Such a score:P


http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k576/PikachuZombii/aspen.gif

[Skul]

TEN BUCKS!!! Geez, why can't I get that lucky.:rotfl
Had a chance to weigh him yet?

[Rescue04]

sounds like you are getting all the advice you need on here. just wanted to wish you luck. you sound very mature. i think you are doing everything right. that baby is lucky to have you.

[Zombii]

Skul; 97g!(:
Rescue04; I've gotten lots of great advice, from all these amazing people:) Thank you so much, I'm very lucky to have gotten Aspen! He's such a little brat;)

[stosh2010]

Hello ( HOLA ! ) from Costa Rica...Wishing you and ASPEN health and happiness...
My CRUISER ( 10 weeks old) just got off the every 4 hours schedule a few weeks ago...

[Nancy in New York]

Just checking in to see how Aspen is doing. Did you get the Fox Valley.
Love that new photo, he is adorable. Great find on the cage....now we need pictures.:D
:grouphug

[Zombii]

Nancy In New York; YES I did get your package! I can't thank you enough for everything!:) I will absolutely be posting pictures soon(:

[Nancy in New York]

Nancy In New York; YES I did get your package! I can't thank you enough for everything!:) I will absolutely be posting pictures soon(:

I will be holding you to those pictures.:poke
Does he like the Fox Valley?:) The smell is real yummy....

[Zombii]

I thought it smelt like vanilla as soon as I opened it x] I haven't given it to him yet! How many teaspoons of fox valley to how much water? I'm not sure how to prepare it.. Help?

[Scooterzmom]

Aspen is so adorable!

I prefer to prepare enough for a day in advance. The portions are 1:2 (one of powder to 2 of water. Make sure to shake/stir it very well and place the portion you're not using in a small glass bottle in the fridge.

Make sure you also have your syringes ready. :)

[Zombii]

I've been feeding him Esbilac, so how should I transition him, or should I just cut Esbilac completely? So if I feed him 5-6 cc's of formula, how much FV;Water do I put in? I didn't get the powder Esbilac so I'm not sure how many spoonfuls of FV to put in the water.

[Zombii]

Never mind, I figured it out! xD The most simple things confuse me :crazy

I will start Aspen on Fox Valley tomorrow(:

Another question;
What should I put in his cage? It seems so empty:(

[stosh2010]

Fox Valley needs to be mixed--and mixed well--stir or shake vigorously...and then let the mix sit at least 2 hours in the fridge....for the powder to absorb the liquid.
Then when you remove from the fridge... stir rapidly...AGAIN... before serving. The FV needs to be around 102 degrees...WARM...like MOM !!!

In the CAGE,??? LOTs and LOTs of FLEECE... no towels or terry...their little claws can catch and cause injury.

[Zombii]

Thank you for the directions, Stosh!(: I will put fleece in the cage for him(:

[Zombii]

Here are those pictures I've been promising on:D
He's enjoying his new Fox Valley formula!
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k576/PikachuZombii/squirrel7.jpghttp://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k576/PikachuZombii/squirrel6.jpg
His new 2 1/2 foot, 10 dollar cage:thumbsup
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k576/PikachuZombii/squirrel5.jpg
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k576/PikachuZombii/squirrel4.jpg
I just got out of the shower in this, so my hair is crazy curly! Hahah(:
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k576/PikachuZombii/squirrel3.jpghttp://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k576/PikachuZombii/squirrel2.jpg
All his new stuff!(:
http://i1116.photobucket.com/albums/k576/PikachuZombii/squirrel1.jpg

[spamrestricted]

Aspen is so cute, Zombii. I hope everything goes well for you two.

Some ideas for your cage and Aspen. We had put bungee cords in stapped all different ways, they loved playing on them. We also put tree branches in the cage, as they get older we would get fresh branches to put in, which they love.
Hammocks and a nest is really good too. I had bought their baby nest from http://henryspets.com/ (great place for squirrel stuff) -- all three slept in it, they really like it.
I also had lots of sheets, etc and just threw them on bottom of cage, they would cuddle themselves up in the sheets, pillow cases, etc. just as long as nothing they can catch their claws in.
Good luck to you and I must say you are a very mature 14 year old :)

[Zombii]

Thank you for the ideas, Spamrestricted!:thankyou

[Zombii]

Is there anyway I/Someone can move this thread to the Nursery section? I feel as if I'm clogging up the help section, when I no longer need help. :)