Jerry the flying squirrel

[josieorr]

I had a thread on Jerry the flying squirrel, but I accidentally deleted it. :shakehead To sum up the old thread, I found Jerry 3 days ago, he has fur, open eyes, his ears are open and normal, and he has very tiny front teeth. I believe he is about 4-6 weeks but I am not sure. I rehydrated him with 1qt water, 3tbs sugar, and 1tsp salt. I placed him in a soft cage, half over a heating pad, and half off. I then made a formula for him (since I could not get any Fox Valley right away) of 1 cup goats milk, 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream, and 1/3 cup plain yogurt. I feed him out of a 1 c.c. syringe, and he eats about 1 and 1/2 c.c.'s every 4-5 hours. He soon began peeing/pooping normaly, and moving around quite a bit. I was asked to post some photos so that you guys could let me know if he is healthy, and if you know how old he is? (By the way I weighed him yesterday, he weighed .85 ounces, and today he weighs .88 ounces.) My questions are: Is he at a healthy weight? Am I feeding him a proper amount? Does he look healthy? Thanks!!!! :crazy

168551

168552

168553

168554 This is the syringe I am currently feeding him out of (1 c.c.)

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Don't know I am not a flyer person, but he sure is cute.
They will be on soon, they all get up at night ya know.

[IrishHarps]

:wave123
Hi Jerry!
He sure is a cutie patootie. Looks very young - probably only a few weeks old. Do you have Fox Valley formula on the way? The more experienced flyer people will be able to give you better advice on baby feeding. He looks pretty normal for his age to me, though. Adorable pics!

[josieorr]

:thankyou Yes, I ordered Fox Valley yesterday, and it should be here tomorrow or Saturday. When I fed him this morning he was running around so much a could barely rub his belly! He weighed 23 grams yesterday.

[Skul]

Had to do a quick mental calculation.
I think that's around 26-27 grams.
Five weeks. Maybe five and a half.
Weight is fine for that age, and he looks healthy.
If your scale can read in grams, do that. Makes it easier.
Temporary diet is fine until you get some FV. Just remember to do a slow switch over to it.
If you have a small pouch that you can wear, put the little guy in it.
If he bonds to you a little, it will help in a couple weeks when he starts jumping, then making flights.

Just saw the gram weight.
Five weeks at the very most. :)

[Skul]

BTW, you didn't delete the other thread.
You just lost track of it.:D
It's just futher down the list.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Awe, Jerry looks great!
hair looks good, not spikey/dehydrated..
as far as weight...since flyersare so small, it's usually better to weigh them in grams if possible..much easier to monitor precisely.:thumbsup
I am not a flyer pro, but have raised several..
thinking eyes open at 23 days:thinking
soon his fur will get a greasy look if it hasn't already, do not bath him..this is normal!
I agree with the additional heat..let him decide if he needs it.
I wouldn't worry about stimulation, at this point he's old enough.
I would guess that he should be eatig 1.5 to 2.5 cc..
every three to four hours..
the syringe size you have is correct..however it is a disposible.
It will start sticking and then suddenly release, exploding formula can cause aspiration..you can oil it with cooking oil, Wesson etc.
However, I would buy several O-ring type syringes when you purchase FV formula..and a few silicon mothering nipples too.
Ideally you will hold Jerry straight up to feed, pointing the syringe upward, not down the throat...go slow...slow is key..
he may not actually suck the syringe, he may be happy to take drop by drop with his togue..
it's actually safer this way.
If you think you have aspirated him , tip his nose to the floor gently.. allow enough time for formula to leave the lungs thru the nose, wipe it off so he doesn't reinhale. Go slower!:)


:D Their little mouths remind me of a rose bud...so sweet...
I have to wear bifocals, but still sweet!:D :Love_Icon
Flyers like cottonballs as bedding..wait til you see what one baby flyer can do to cottonballs..it'll wow ya!
They love small pouch type housing..
a crown royal bag..
you can hang it if he snubbs it on the bottom of the cage..
and of course lots of small pieces of fleece to burrow in..
They love long sleeves..they are typically shirt divers...:D
Jerry looks great!
YOU WILL FIND THE FLYER PEEPS ON AT NIGHT USUALLY!:crazy
what a crowd!:thumbsup
we love pics and can't wait to see Jerry take flight!!:jump
edit..I am sooo slow, I started this post before any one else had posted..oye..
and everyone is now on chapter 8...oye!
Did evelyn woodhead have a typing course too?? ha!

[patjones]

Great looking baby I love flyers. Jackie is right the flyer people keep flyer hours they are noctournal!! Congratulations and good luck

[Skul]

Did a check on the weight.
When ours hit five weeks, they ran right at 30grams.
Seems Jerry may be in the four and a half weeks range.
For a better comparison, check photos on this page.. http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16792&page=98

[Jackie in Tampa]

skul is a flyer dude 100%..
you are in good hands!
:Welcome :wave123

[josieorr]

So glad to hear he looks healthy!! Quick question, when I used to have Guinea pigs, after I cleaned their cage they would do a little dance and jump around because they were happy, Jerry has been doing this after he eats, is this normal?

[Skul]

So glad to hear he looks healthy!! Quick question, when I used to have Guinea pigs, after I cleaned their cage they would do a little dance and jump around because they were happy, Jerry has been doing this after he eats, is this normal?
He feels good and wants to play and explore.:)

[josieorr]

Does anyone have a good schedule? What I mean is can someone give me the specific times of day to feed him. Right now I'm feeding him somewhere around the times of 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. - and 3:00 a.m. Can somebody give me a good feeding schedule?

[MiriamS]

:Welcome Josie and :wave123 Jerry!

Jerry is a precious little pumpkin and I am super impressed that you did your research and immediately started taking care of Jerry in the most perfect of ways. :thumbsup

He is a tiny one so he'd surely like to be cuddling with you whenever possible, as he'd still be with his family in the nest. If it's possible, tuck him in a pouch in your shirt or just put him in between two shirts that you have tucked in. He'll be warm, cozy and feel protected. This is also part of the bonding process, which is important if you plan to keep Jerry.

That's the big decision you must make. Having a flyer as a pet can be wonderful and rewarding but it's by no means easy so do some research to decide whether you're raising Jerry to release back into the wild or be your companion for the next ten years.

Regarding feeding schedule, a lot of it is what works for you. As Jackie estimated, at his age, probably 2cc every 3 hours is a good plan. If he'll eat more, he'll last longer between feedings so maybe he can go for four hours. Beyond that it's all about your schedule.

Just like Skul said, after he eats, that burst of energy that's just beyond adorable is perfectly normal. He'll enjoy being petted and handled at that time too, maybe even crawling on you to explore.

[lizharrell1]

So glad to hear he looks healthy!! Quick question, when I used to have Guinea pigs, after I cleaned their cage they would do a little dance and jump around because they were happy, Jerry has been doing this after he eats, is this normal?
With guinea pigs that behavior is called "popcorning". When I got my first flyers and they did that, I thought it was the cutest thing!

[josieorr]

:Welcome Josie and :wave123 Jerry!

Jerry is a precious little pumpkin and I am super impressed that you did your research and immediately started taking care of Jerry in the most perfect of ways. :thumbsup

He is a tiny one so he'd surely like to be cuddling with you whenever possible, as he'd still be with his family in the nest. If it's possible, tuck him in a pouch in your shirt or just put him in between two shirts that you have tucked in. He'll be warm, cozy and feel protected. This is also part of the bonding process, which is important if you plan to keep Jerry.

That's the big decision you must make. Having a flyer as a pet can be wonderful and rewarding but it's by no means easy so do some research to decide whether you're raising Jerry to release back into the wild or be your companion for the next ten years.

Regarding feeding schedule, a lot of it is what works for you. As Jackie estimated, at his age, probably 2cc every 3 hours is a good plan. If he'll eat more, he'll last longer between feedings so maybe he can go for four hours. Beyond that it's all about your schedule.

Just like Skul said, after he eats, that burst of energy that's just beyond adorable is perfectly normal. He'll enjoy being petted and handled at that time too, maybe even crawling on you to explore.

OH MY GOODNESS!!! After I fed him this evening he had SO much energy! He was running all over his cage and even TRIED to jump up. :multi. I showed him my sleeve once and since then every time I put my hand in his cage he crawls onto my hand and runs up my sleeve!!! His tail is also just beginning to be curled up instead of dragging on the ground. He is so much fun! :crazy

[josieorr]

I had a few Pecans, and i held a peice up to Jerry and he bit a piece off. It took him a few seconds to chew it, but then he seemed fine and wanted more. Is it okay if I go ahead and let him nibble on some pecan?? He has teeth and is able to sit on his back legs and hold the pecan in his hands. He is somewhere around almost 6 weeks old. Is it okay to go ahead and let him try pecans?

[Scooterzmom]

I'm not an expert about flying squirrels but some rules do apply for most all squirrels... and that is, imit the intake of NUTS! At his age you want to make sure to start him on rodent blocks instead. He needs the nutrients in order for his bones and body to grow properly or else he risks getting MBD (metabolic Bone Disease) - which is very painful and can lead to death. So...

Do your little one a favor and start him off on a good diet before you offer treats. Nuts are basically treats, like dessert for kids. If you start him on that then you'll have trouble later making him the stuff that is good for him.

Go to the NUTRITION forum here and read up on the subject. (Just click on the main link at the top left, scroll down and go to nutrition). There is tons of info you need to insure that your little one grows up and stays healthy. :)


P.S. Your baby sure is ADORABLE! :Love_Icon

[josieorr]

I am at my grandfathers house. We are going to make a nesting box for Jerry to sleep in when he gets a little bit older. Two questions, What kind of wood should I use?? and how big does the entrance hole need to be?? We are planning on getting a round log and hollowing it out, then cutting the top off and creating a lid for easy access to the inside of the cage, and drilling a hole on the front for Jerry to climb in/out. So like I said, Entrance hole size? What kind of wood to use?? Thanks so much!! :wave123

[josieorr]

Also here are some new pics of Jerry :crazy

168777

168778

168779

168780

168781

[Jackie in Tampa]

he's soo cute...
a big 23 grams...:crazy
Jerry is adorable..
I see he has the greasy look..
that's a good thing!:thumbsup
looking good josieorr!!!:bowdown

[josieorr]

he's soo cute...
a big 23 grams...:crazy
Jerry is adorable..
I see he has the greasy look..
that's a good thing!:thumbsup
looking good josieorr!!!:bowdown
He actually weighs 26 grams now! He's been gaining 1-2 grams per day! :D

[josieorr]

Jerry is still on formula, but he is starting to nibble on pecans so I figured I should go ahead and look into getting him some "Henry's healthy blocks". My question is whether I should get the blocks for squirrels under 9 months, or the blocks specifically for flying squirrels. I'm not sure which to get since he is both under 9 months AND a flying squirrel :dono :thinking

[josieorr]

Here are some videos of Jerry! :wott

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCRczn7W7KI&feature=youtube_gdata_player

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xsu83TTHhM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[MiriamS]

OH MY GOODNESS!!! After I fed him this evening he had SO much energy! He was running all over his cage and even TRIED to jump up. :multi. I showed him my sleeve once and since then every time I put my hand in his cage he crawls onto my hand and runs up my sleeve!!! His tail is also just beginning to be curled up instead of dragging on the ground. He is so much fun! :crazy
:wahoo He's SUPER cute. Very small body and big head = divine adorableness. Isn't it neat that Jerry learned about your sleeve so quickly? They're quite smart. Those videos are fun. You're both doing great with the syringe-feeding.

Order the HHBs for flying squirrels because they have the correct amount of protein for a flyer. Skul will weigh in on nest box construction b/c he's the expert there. Keep Jerry close to you and pet him as much as possible...while you still can :D

Very important: start implementing a rule around the house that all toilet lids must be down at all times. This is how most pet flyers accidentally die. It's really easy to forget so start training the humans. Also be super careful about your dog. While you can still hold Jerry, hold him up to the dog but make it clear that he's OFF LIMITS. I'm not a dog expert so maybe someone else can weigh in on how best to do that kind of training. I heard one in the video right?

[Mrs Skul]

Jerry is still on formula, but he is starting to nibble on pecans so I figured I should go ahead and look into getting him some "Henry's healthy blocks". My question is whether I should get the blocks for squirrels under 9 months, or the blocks specifically for flying squirrels. I'm not sure which to get since he is both under 9 months AND a flying squirrel :dono :thinking

:morning Hi Josieorr
Jerry is Looking really good. Send 4Skwerlz a PM. You Need the Flying Squirrel Beginner Block. That is what I use on my babies. I need to order some more for Bianca. :D Be sure to offer some Mushrooms, Avocado, and
Butter Nut, or Acorn Squash to start out with. Then try Romain, Belgian Endiva and Apple the size of a Dime. No Grapes or Blue Berries :nono He is still to young for them. He will try sucking on them and you will have a problem if he chokes.
Remember Flyers Have a Sweet Tooth. So don't get it started to young. :rotfl

PS
Are you adding Full Fat Yogurt and Heavy Cream to your FV?
Let him lick a little Yogurt off your finger to get him use to it. :thumbsup3

[MiriamS]

Mrs Skul, wouldn't you suggest starting off with the lettuces and mushrooms and holding off on the avocado and squashes? My flyers refuse to eat lettuce and I feel certain it's because I gave them a taste of the yummy food first so they hold out for something better. You're definitely the flying squirrel goddess :bowdown but I'm just asking :hidechair

[Mrs Skul]

Hi Miriam :wave123
Try the Belgian Endiva Letta's. It is a Spear shape and is Yellowish LiteGreenish with White at the Bottom. All OF MY FLYERS ARE EATING IT NOW! :alright.gif They Love it.
You need to offer the block first then Mushroom and Salad. It really makes no difference. Just need to get them to start liking and eating them be for he gets a mind of his own. :D
You also can offer some Cheerios and Old Fashion Oatmeal.

[josieorr]

My alarm clock did not go off in the middle of the night last night so Jerry went about 8 hours without food :sanp3 I FEEL SO BAD!!!! :shakehead bit I just fed him and he seems fine. I guess since hes getting big he can go longer without food.He never eats very much though, usually only 2 maybe 2.5 c.c.'s. Is this bad? Also does HHB sell baby flyer blocks?

[IrishHarps]

Love the videos! I had an attack of the cute squeals all the way through them :D

Mrs Skul - I'll need to try the endive - Momo is getting picky about her veggies. Still loves the HHBs though.

I'm not sure how to answer the last questions - I figure Jerry will be ok though. I've always heard it's better to under feed than over feed (if there are mistakes made in feeding). I don't think HHB sells baby flyer blocks. I'd think it'd be ok to start on the adult ones though (?)

[josieorr]

When starting him off on HHB should I just let him nibble on it or is there some way I can make it easier for him to eat? :thinking

[IrishHarps]

They're chewers by nature so I think he'll just go for it. The Skuls or Miriam (they are more experienced than me!) may have further input.

[josieorr]

I'm going to the store today, any suggestions for weaning foods? What are some good first fruits and veggies?

[IrishHarps]

I started my baby off on applesauce and greek yogurt (she likes the flavored kind). These are mushy and easy to lick up, if you are concerned about him not chewing food right away.

Also avocados are loved by all :)

Mushrooms are a good daily food as well. They are high in Vit D so that helps with calcium absorption.

[josieorr]

I started my baby off on applesauce and greek yogurt (she likes the flavored kind). These are mushy and easy to lick up, if you are concerned about him not chewing food right away.

Also avocados are loved by all :)

Mushrooms are a good daily food as well. They are high in Vit D so that helps with calcium absorption.
:goodpost What kind of mushrooms specifically? Is there a certain brand? Do they come in a can? We have Publix and Wal-Mart here so can I get these mushrooms at a grocery store? Sorry about all the questions, and thank you!!! :peace

[CritterMom]

:goodpost What kind of mushrooms specifically? Is there a certain brand? Do they come in a can? We have Publix and Wal-Mart here so can I get these mushrooms at a grocery store? Sorry about all the questions, and thank you!!! :peace


Buy fresh, right in the produce department. Any of the ones for humans are fine - white, the little baby bellas, any are fine. Don't gather them outside - too easy to choose a poisonous one. Often they sell them in bulk so you can buy just one mushroom, or one of several types. Don't do the canned ones.

[IrishHarps]

I only buy and use fresh mushrooms for myself and for my flyer. Canned mushrooms are usually from China, which has a long history of tainted food. I stay away from them for my own sake, if nothing else!

But you can find white (button) mushrooms fresh pretty much anywhere. They sell them in the produce section at my Wal Mart. I also feed my squirrel portabella mushrooms sometimes. Usually I will just chop off a few pieces of whatever fruits and veggies I'm getting for myself and just feed them to Momo :)

Here is a good list of "good foods" for flyers. (I can't seem to find the Flyer Diet thread on TSB so if anyone has the link...) This one is available on the NFSA boards:
http://www.nfsa.us/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=2931

When in doubt, check one of these lists to make sure it is a safe food. I revisit these lists frequently whenever I find something new!

[josieorr]

Buy fresh, right in the produce department. Any of the ones for humans are fine - white, the little baby bellas, any are fine. Don't gather them outside - too easy to choose a poisonous one. Often they sell them in bulk so you can buy just one mushroom, or one of several types. Don't do the canned ones.
Thank you so much! Sorry I'm asking so many questions I'm just about to go to the store and I want to make sure I get the right things. So if I just have him on formula and occasionally let him nibble on some different foods, he will get all the nutrients he needs? And then when he's ready to wean he will back of on the formula right? When and how do I transition him from formula to water?

[josieorr]

This has mainly started today, but right now I have Jerry out and he is running around and even trying to make small leaps. For some reason, he is trying to chew/bite anything he can get his little paws on. He is nibbling on the couch, my shirt, my jeans, and even my fingers!!!! :mul:soapbox OUCH! He didn't eat as much formula as he usually does earlier, and I offered him a mushroom. He nibbled on it for a second, and then left it. I'm not sure if he actually ate any of it though. Now he's starting this biting nonsense. Is this him being hungry or is he trying to grind his teeth down or is he just being mean???

[IrishHarps]

It's not you - biting behavior happens with all squirrels. I would recommend discouraging it now, while he's young. The classic sharp 'no' and water bottle worked well for me. Momo only ever drew blood on me once.

[josieorr]

It's not you - biting behavior happens with all squirrels. I would recommend discouraging it now, while he's young. The classic sharp 'no' and water bottle worked well for me. Momo only ever drew blood on me once. He has not drawn blood yet, But what do you use a water bottle for?

[Mrs Skul]

:morning Hi Josieorr
Baby Flyers go threw a teething stage. Where Bitting every thing is fun. Jerry will out grow it some. I would not Recommend Spraying him with a Water Bottle. :nono It will shock him and make him wont revenge when Older.
You tell him NO in a stern voice, or Yell out OUCH quickly. I also hold them still and will not let them do anything. If it get to bad, I will give time out, back to the Cage for a min or so. Some time they just Push you away, and
their tiny Teeth just go in. He has to learn it hurts. I will also Yell OUCH! OUCH! each time they bite. They get the message it hurts and not to do it. Good Luck. :D

[josieorr]

Should I go ahead and put some sticks in there for him to chew on? What kinds of sticks can I put in there? I'm afraid it will have small bugs on it or something that's not good for him.

[josieorr]

Is it okay to let my young flyer, jerry, drink his FV out of a very shallow dish? I'm having problems with the 1 c.c syringes getting stuck, and then shooting formula out and I don't want to put him in danger of getting formula in his lungs. He is just starting to eat a little bit of solid foods.

[josieorr]

Its been a while since I did an update for Jerry, so here it is :)
I have had him for 2 weeks yesterday. He weighed 23 grams when I found him, and he weighs 40 grams today. I've been giving him Fox Valley, and today I went to the Pet store and got Kaytee Forti-Diet (Blue Bag). I put one in his cage and he started nibbling on it right away. I also got the Kaytee apple sticks and put one in there for him to chew on. When I found him, he had greasy looking fur as someone said he would,and you could feel all of his bones. I have noticed since I got him, his ears have gotten much larger, his fur is starting to look like an adult flyer's fur, and you can't feel any of his bones now :alright.gif

Jerry when I first got him (4/8/12)
169786

Jerry today (4/23/12)
169787

I was wondering, at his age, is it okay to feed him formula in the morning (6:45 a.m.) a rodent block in the afternoon, formula in the evening (6:00 p.m.) and formula before bed (10:00)? Is that enough for one day? Also, does he seem to be doing well? He seems great to me, but you guys are the experts!! Thanks in advance! :thankyou