Wild Squirrel Friend Tail Troubles

[Nickel63]

Hi, I'm brand new on this board and am hoping someone can help shed some light. I have made friends with a Fox Squirrel where I work. He comes to visit me at my open window everyday where I feed him. I have a supply of squirrel food with me at the office and every once and awhile I give him some apple as well. When I'm not feeding him he sometimes makes himself comfortable on my sill and even falls asleep sometimes. Last week I was called away on a family emergency and was gone for 6 days. When I returned he didn't show up until the second day I was back (I expected that). When he did show up he was tentative but warmed up eventually. I soon realized that he wasn't raising his beautiful tail like he usually did especially when the sun was beating on him. He usually uses his tail as an umbrella to shield himself. The whole day he never raised his tail. He also seemed sort of depressed. I'm wondering if something happened to him, e.g. a fight or fall, where his tail is now paralyzed or something. Maybe I'm overreacting too. Does anyone have any idea what may be causing this? I've attached a photo of him with a limp tail and what his tail usually looks like.:thankyou


http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv95/nancym518/TSB%20photos/0504121554.jpg

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv95/nancym518/TSB%20photos/0622121333a.jpg

[Nancy in New York]

I just resized your photos, now I will go read your post.:D

[Nancy in New York]

He is beautiful for sure.
Yes, something happened to his tail where he can no longer put it up. Very possibly a fall. I had one once that fell and his tail was dragging. BUT he was gotten to the vet immediately and put on prednisone which reduced the swelling around that area.
Not sure if the use of his tail will come back.
Is it possible that while you were gone someone could have chased him away with perhaps a broom or something and hit him on his back? I only ask because you said he was somewhat tentative with his approach this time...:thinking

[Nickel63]

Hi Nancy,
Thanks for the resizing, I'm still figuring this out. :tilt
I guess it'll be a wait and see situation. I don't think anyone would have chased him, everyone loves when they notice him with me. But then again, who knows? I did witness a pretty bad fight he was involved in just before I left but he seemed ok afterwards. I guess we'll just hope whatever was wrong resolves itself. Otherwise, will this possibly cause him more trouble down the line?

[Nancy in New York]

Hi Nancy,
Thanks for the resizing, I'm still figuring this out. :tilt
I guess it'll be a wait and see situation. I don't think anyone would have chased him, everyone loves when they notice him with me. But then again, who knows? I did witness a pretty bad fight he was involved in just before I left but he seemed ok afterwards. I guess we'll just hope whatever was wrong resolves itself. Otherwise, will this possibly cause him more trouble down the line?

Not necessarily. They do use their tail for balance, and shade, rain, and when they alarm, you will often see it twitching....so if he can learn to compensate for the loss, balance wise, he should be ok.
The problem here (New York) is when you get a squirrel like this in the winter, and their tail draggs in the snow. A couple of years ago, I had one in my yard that had these HUGE snowballs all caked on his tail, from the very wet snow we had that day. I doubt that he could even go up a tree fast.:shakehead
At least you are suplementing him with treats, so you are making things easier for him. Have you ever tried wild bites. A member here makes them, and the squirrels love them. They are packed with everything a little squirrel needs in their diet. Here's the link: http://henryspets.com
Actually before you buy them, if you want, give me your address, and I will send you some of the block that I use, made by the same person. This way, if your little friend doesn't care for them, you save yourself some money.:D

[Nickel63]

OMG!! He absolutely loves them!! He took 2 sniffs, took it from me, took 2 bites then ran off with it to gobble it down around the corner. Needless to say, I just placed an order with Henry's. He's completely healed now and is using his tail as before and is acting normal too (= very cute). I'm very relieved. I'm not sure what caused his tail to be flat like that but whatever it was is healed now. :wahoo Thanks for the support. :thankyou