I have limited resources available to feed by baby squirrel, need urgent advice!

[tayloriley47]

Hello all,

On Friday I found a baby Indian palm squirrel (he's about 3 weeks I think) here in New Delhi.

I have no access to esbilac powder / fox valley so I listened to the people who recommended boiled milk / cream and started using that after a day of rehydration fluids.

He seemed to be fine until being constipated yesterday. He pooped in the afternoon yesterday a little but then nothing after his evening feedings (and I stimulated a lot) and nothing this morning. I switched him to hydration fluids and a tiny bit only of watered down boiled milk / cream. He finally relieved his constipation today with two big ones, they have always been the right color and consistency from what I have read. Tonight he seems a bit constipated again, but then again I also don't know if it is normal for him to just go once or twice a day.

When I wrote a squirrel expert (who is recommended on here), she said to stop boiled milk and to get fresh cows milk (don't think i will find fresh goats milk). When I told her I would get some in the morning and asked what to do for tonight, she said to just give him the fattiest milk I have, not boiled. I have some 25% fat cream (pasteurized) but I am nervous to give it to him because of this crazy milk debate! I don't know what to do...

Please let me know what you think and mind that I am in India, with not much money and no car! In the fridge I have milk, cream, and tomorrow I will buy fresh (not processed / packaged) cow milk.

Taylor

[Rhapsody]

Please keep in mind that milk its self will not kill the squirrel --it is the fact that milk does not have the nutrients that is needed to sustain the life of a squirrel long term...... when feeding milk the squirrel starves to death over time.

[astra]

Hi Taylor,

Cow's milk is not good for squirrels due to inadequate nutritional content.
Also, cow's milk may cause various GI issues.

Can you get goat's milk?
There is a good homemade goat's milk formula that you can use, at least for now.

Moreover, there are two members here who live in India and have indian palm squirrels. They, too, had a hard time finding stuff, but then, eventually, with TSB's help were able to come up with suitable solutions.
You can contact them through a private message.
Their screen names are Chickoo and Aida.
Chickoo also has an email address listed - when you go to Chickoo's profile and click on Send an email to Chickoo (or something like that), it will give you Chickoo's email address.
Do contact them - they will be happy to share what they use.

Another thing - they (and some other people who are not in North America) - used Royal Canine formula.
Look for it - it should be available in India.

[astra]

Temporary Formula for Infant Squirrels – The Goat’s Milk Formula

Because of recent manufacturing issues, Esbilac and other puppy formulas are no longer being recommended for squirrels or other wildlife. The formula that TSB recommends, Fox Valley Day One, is currently available online at www.foxvalleynutrition.com and www.henryspets.com. But those require shipping and this baby squirrel needs food NOW.

One of our senior members who posts as Jackie in Tampa uses an excellent temporary substitute, and it can be assembled from locally purchased ingredients:

3 parts goat’s milk
1 part heavy whipping cream*
1 part vanilla yogurt

Formula will last 48 hours in refrigerator.

Goat’s Milk
This can be purchased at natural food stores such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, and at most health food stores that sell groceries. It is a product for humans. Do not substitute commercial formula made for baby goats or other livestock sold at feed stores.

Goat’s milk is available fresh in a carton; evaporated in a can; and as a powdered milk. If you purchase either the evaporated or powdered versions, please blend them with water according to the package directions before using to make the formula.

Heavy Whipping Cream
This is found in small cartons in the grocery store near the coffee creamers and half and half. Regular heavy cream may be substituted if it is unavailable, but the heavy whipping cream has the highest fat content, and is preferred.

Yogurt
Yogurt has beneficial bacteria in it that soothes and settles digestion. Full fat yogurt is best, and a good choice that is very widely available is Stoneyfield Yobaby yogurt. However if it is unavailable, a low fat vanilla yogurt may be substituted. Avoid those that have artificial sweeteners in them. Vanilla and banana are both popular flavors, and the sweet taste of the yogurt helps to convince the baby to accept it.

It has been recently discovered that very small pinky squirrels may do better digestively if, instead of being given Fox Valley formula straight, mix the Fox Valley 50/50 with the Goat’s Milk Formula assembled WITHOUT the heavy whipping cream.

*It is recommended that when just starting to feed a new baby that the first feedings be made without the heavy whipping cream. This will give their digestive systems a chance to acclimate from mama’s milk to our substitute without the harder-to-digest whipping cream. Once they accept the formula and are eliminating properly, the whipping cream can be gradually added in.

When your Fox Valley formula arrives, please transition your babies to the new formula slowly, by blending the Goat’s Milk Formula with the blended and liquefied Fox Valley formula, increasing the ratio of Fox Valley with each feeding until you are no longer using the goat’s milk.
__________________

[tayloriley47]

Again, I cannot find goats milk but I will keep trying. In the meantime I am going to by fresh (straight from the cow) cow's milk. I am asking if this is better than boiled cow's milk? Should I mix it with some pasteurized cream I have or no? Let me know.

[astra]

Again, I cannot find goats milk but I will keep trying. In the meantime I am going to by fresh (straight from the cow) cow's milk. I am asking if this is better than boiled cow's milk? Should I mix it with some pasteurized cream I have or no? Let me know.
i don't know what to say about cow's milk other than yes, it is wrong for a squirrel. Of course, if that's all you have right now at this moment and the baby needs to eat, then, use it. BUT do not consider it a long-term solution because it is not. Do try to get goat's milk and/or look for Royal Canine.

As for boiled or not...
boiling makes milk more digestible
also, I don't know anything about the cows from which you will be getting your raw milk, but how sure are you that they are 100% healthy and clean?

Boiling can take place of pasteurization b/c it kills bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that might be in raw milk.

So, if I had to choose, I'd use boiled milk
but others might have different opinions

[astra]

don't use cream yet, but use yogurt.
Cream can be a bit too heavy on a little baby's GIT.
So, try milk with yogurt and then, gradually introduce cream (because they need fat)

Again, try to find goat's milk and/or royal canine asap.
Cow's milk can cause major GI problems, and from what I understand, you may not be able to get a quality vet care where you are (vets won't know what to do with a squirrel, and may not even agree to see it), and you won't be able to get any meds.
So, in the long run, it is cheaper and easier to find goat's milk and/or Royal Canine.

Since you are in New Delhi, there must be goat's milk or Royal canine or some equivalent of that

[tayloriley47]

Thanks, I will do my best to find one or both of the two by the weekend! Will also try to contact the other members in India.

[astra]

try googling goat's milk and royal canine.

This is what i found: http://www.petclubindia.com/royalcanin/contact_us.html

if you can't find fresh goat's milk, you can use powder or canned - they will have to be reconstituted, of course.

[astra]

Here is another site:http://www.royalcanin.in/

don't know what the difference b/w the two sites is, but I kind of find this one more trustworthy... but it might be subjective impression only, so do contact both and see what they say

[stosh2010]

This member has a Palm Squirrel and has had many feeding issues also.
here is her link...
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35639&highlight=bloated

[astra]

here is an article about goat's milk in Bangalore.
I think, if Bangalore has it, then New Delhi should have it, too.

I think, they name some brands and stores - see if you can find something similar where you are http://www.bangaloremirror.com/index.aspx?page=article&sectid=10&contentid=201109022011090221452962be090ee3

EDIT: i think this is one of the major suppliers of goat's milk in INdia: http://www.nadurgoatfarm.com/AboutUs.php
don't know how far they are from you, but i am sure if you call them, they might be able to make suggestions where you can get it and what brands to look for

EDIT 2: http://www.health-mall.in/productdet/500/510/2017/meyenberg-goat-milk-powdered-goat-milk-vitamin-d-12-oz-340-g-.aspx

[astra]

if you can't find fresh goat's milk, you can use powder or canned - they will have to be reconstituted, of course.
just want to clarify myself: while powdered goat's milk will have to be reconstituted with water before feeding (which means, don't mix powder with yogurt and cream, but first, add water according to the directions on the package of the powder, mix well, and then add other things), but not all canned goat's milk should be reconstituted. Some of it comes in a condensed form and it will be indicated on the can how to reconstitute it.

BUT some types come in a can already ready to drink and do not have to be reconstituted.

So, if you do end up with canned goat's milk - check the directions on the can

It might also be a good idea to let this reconstituted powder sit for a few hours before adding yogurt and cream

[astra]

don't use cream yet, but use yogurt.
Cream can be a bit too heavy on a little baby's GIT.
So, try milk with yogurt and then, gradually introduce cream (because they need fat)

again, to clarify myself: since cow's milk can be hard on GIT, give cow's milk with yogurt for the first few feedings. If everything goes well (no diarrhea, no constipation, poop and pee are fine), then, add a litttle cream - for a few feedings; again, if it's fine, then increase the amount of cream and I'd keep ratios as in Goat's milk recipe. At least for now

[tayloriley47]

Thanks. The day before yesterday and yesterday he only pooped once - in the afternoon but not in the morning or at night, (peeing was normal), does that mean he is constipated? Before this he was going a few times a day. All specimens are normal, I am just concerned about their frequency... It's 9am now, no poop since 3pm yesterday even though I do a lot of stimulating...

[astra]

Thanks. The day before yesterday and yesterday he only pooped once - in the afternoon but not in the morning or at night, (peeing was normal), does that mean he is constipated? Before this he was going a few times a day. All specimens are normal, I am just concerned about their frequency... It's 9am now, no poop since 3pm yesterday even though I do a lot of stimulating...
they are supposed to go much more often than that, but it may have to do with how much he is eating. If he is not eating enough, he won't poop.

Get his weight in grams and feed 5-7% of his body weight (that's a rule of thumb for tree squirrels here, but i am sure, it is a good rule of thumb for indian palm squirrels, too).

Then, you need to weigh him daily, preferably before morning feeding to make sure he is steadily gaining weight.

Also, how old is he and how frequently are you feeding him?

Constipation:
does his belly feel hard?
is his poop of a normal consistency, or hard? b/c if poop pellets are really hard, that might indicate constipation, too.

First, calculate and see if he is eating enough. If that's in order,
then, watch his belly - hard, soft etc.

Try alternating formula feedings with all natural no-sugar added apple juice - this juice often helps bowel movement.

It's important to determine whether you are feeding him enough or not, b/c if it's not enough - then, you need to adjust that; but if you are feeding enough and he has difficulty going, you need to watch - if his belly gets hard and he is truly constipated, then formula should be stopped and constipation relieved first before any formula can be resumed.

[astra]

also, try warm bath stimulation/massage: fill a dish with warm water, put his bottom in water and gently massage

but again, if he is not eating enough - there is nothing to poop out

[astra]

if he is truly constipated, then formula should be stopped and constipation relieved first before any formula can be resumed.
if he is truly constipated, post in Emergency forum for help.
Emergency forums receive a faster response due to the nature of the forum.
And with constipation you need that.

If he is truly constipated, stop formula and give no sugar added all natural apple juice for a few feedings, and post in Emergency forum

[tayloriley47]

He is 3 weeks old and I have been feeding him 3-4ccs every 4 hours or so, with a break between midnight and 8am.

[astra]

He is 3 weeks old and I have been feeding him 3-4ccs every 4 hours or so, with a break between midnight and 8am.
that's not enough

Again, in order to determine how many CCs to feed you need his weight.
For a grey squirrel of 3 weeks, who usually weigh between 70-80 grams average, it would be 4-5.6 CCs.
Your guy is smaller than greys, but still...
So, please get a gram scale and calculate how many ccs he should be eating.

And frequency: at 3 weeks they should be eating every 3 hours, and they cannot have an 8hour break. That's too long for them.
You can start skipping night feedings after they become about 5wks or so.
But that's ok if they are on Fox Valley, which is a complete nutrition and keeps them full longer.

Your little guy is already at disadvantage because cow's milk does not provide adequate nutrition. So, on top of not getting quality formula, he is not getting quantity either.
Since quality is not available at the moment, focus on quantity.

Feed him every 3 hours.
Yes, night feedings are not easy, but in a couple of weeks it will get easier.
And these early weeks are crucial, especially, since he is eating cow's milk, which is inferior already.

So, calculate how many ccs he needs to eat by weighing him, and feed him every 3 hours. And definitely, at this age and with a substandard formula he should not be going with no food for 8 hours.

Post updates!
:grouphug

[tayloriley47]

Well he is very tiny, I attached a picture. I will weigh him tonight when I get home from work. As of now, the feeding schedule is the best I can do since I work full-time, but I will try and feed in the middle of the night.

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/644672_10151247613499252_427883259_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/426312_10151247614689252_1988469118_n.jpg

[astra]

what a sweet baby:Love_Icon

yes, he looks thin

is there a way for you to take him to work and feed him there? (safely, of course)

but do add night time feedings - that should help a lot

EDIT: of course, if you can't take him to work, then you can't. Just try to maintain 3 hours feedings for now whenever you can

[tayloriley47]

I do take him to work, making sure he's warm and feeding him. I would like to up his feeding amount, but I am just worried about constipation. He pooped an hour ago a fair amount. I just don't want to bloat him, especially on cow's milk.

[astra]

I do take him to work, making sure he's warm and feeding him. I would like to up his feeding amount, but I am just worried about constipation. He pooped an hour ago a fair amount. I just don't want to bloat him, especially on cow's milk.
totally understand and that's why you need to watch his belly

once you up his feeding, watch
if he starts eating more, but does not poop after one feeding - that might ok, but if he does not poop after the 2nd feeding - check his little belly if it's getting hard.

Now that he pooped a fair amount (and his bowels are empty) - see what his belly feels like: should be soft and squishy. Remember this and compare it to when he does not poop: if it starts getting hard, then, stop formula, feed no sugar added apple juice, massage until he poops again.

Watch for bloat, too - his belly will be hard, taut, bigger than usual.
Bloat is as dangerous as constipation - stop formula, feed pedialyte and/or apple juice, or alternate both until bloat disappears.
Never feed a bloated baby.

One more thing - never mix pedialyte and formula.
You can always alternate them (giving pedi between formula feedings), but never combine them into one mix

Just in case - it's better to use homemade pedialyte than store-bought.

Never feed pedialyte for more than 24 hours. If hydration is still needed after that - either plain water, or slightly sweetened water, or apple juice.

Apple juice should be all natural, no sugar added.

So, since he pooped just an hour ago, he does not have constipation, at least for now. So, feed him and observe.

Another thing: if what you will be feeding him is different from what you were feeding him before, do not switch abruptly.
Transition gradually: mix new and old formula as you would do normally, then combine 25% new formula + 75A% old formula for a few feedings, then gradually increase new formula and decrease the old one over the course of several feedings (depending on how he is processing it) until he eats 100% new formula.

And as I said before, if he becomes seriously constipated - please do not hesitate to post in Emergency forum for expert and faster suggestions.
:grouphug

[tayloriley47]

Thanks for all of the advice, I really appreciate it!

[astra]

a recipe for homemade Pedialyte:

1 tsp salt (teaspoon)
3 Tbsp sugar (tablespoon)
1 quart warm water
Mix all ingredients in warm water. Store in refrigerator for 48 hours.

How to Prepare the Pedialyte
Use a plastic syringe (with or without a nipple). Never use pet nursers or doll bottles. They will choke the baby. Fill a coffee mug with hot water. Fill the syringe with Pedialyte and place it in the mug for a couple of minutes. Squirt a drop on the inside of your wrist to make sure the liquid isn’t too hot. It should feel barely warm on your skin.

Proper Position
A tiny baby should be held upright in your hand. A baby with fur can lie on a flat surface on his stomach. A baby that can walk can be held upright or he can drink sitting up. Hold the syringe so the tip points UP to the baby’s mouth and the handle is down. Don’t let the baby get cold. Keep him wrapped up while he eats.

How to Feed Fluids
Place the syringe tip on the baby’s lips (from the side) and squeeze out one drop for him to taste. Don’t squirt a steady stream. Let him swallow one drop before squeezing more. GO SLOW! It sometimes takes a feeding or two for them to catch on. Hairless babies are fed drop by drop. With older babies (once they catch on) you can squeeze slowly for one second, wait for him to swallow, then squeeze more.

If fluids dribble out his mouth or come out his nose, you are going too fast. Stop and tilt the baby’s head down so the fluid drains out (support his head and neck like you would a human baby). Then wipe his nose and mouth with toilet paper. Start over, slower. NOTE: There is now a chance your baby will develop aspiration pneumonia from inhaling fluid in his lungs. This is fatal. Please contact a rehabber or vet, or the people at The Squirrel Board, for assistance.
__________________

[astra]

Thanks for all of the advice, I really appreciate it!
any time :)

THis is a new sticky on proper feeding position.
Check it out - very useful:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36777

[astra]

sorry, totally forgot to ask:

does he have a heating pad under half of his container?

if not, please get one.
You will need a no-auto shut off heating pad.
Set it on low, under half of his container (so that the other half is unheated that he can move to if he gets too warm). Not inside his container, but under.

Heat is very important.
Cool and cold babies do not digest properly.

If he has a pad, then, just disregard this post.

[tayloriley47]

I have been using 2 jars of very warm water wrapped in socks in his bed. I change out the water at each feeding.

[astra]

I have been using 2 jars of very warm water wrapped in socks in his bed. I change out the water at each feeding.
in addition to that you could also fill up a sock with rice, tie it up and microwave them until they are very, very warm. Squish a sock to break up any hot spots that may form. But you will need to reheat it every couple of hours.

But if there is a way, a heating pad will be better. It will provide a more steady and consistent heat. And heat is very important for these babies b/c they cannot maintain their body temp. They may feel warm to our touch, but it's not warm enough for them. And when they are cooler than they are supposed to be, they don't digest well (and since their entire GIT is not working well when cooled, they don't poop well either). Poor GIT work can lead to many problems.

So, use a rice buddy and water jars for now, but see if you can find a heating pad

It will become increasingly important as the feedings will be spaced out.
When feedings become every four or five hours - it will be very difficult to maintain the jars and a rice buddy warm. You will have to wake up every two hours to re-heat them.
Babies often stay on a heating pad until they are 7-8 weeks old or even older.
Eventually, night time feedings will stop, but there still should be a source of steady heat through the night.

[tayloriley47]

Oh ok, very good to know! Will track down a heating pad...

[Itchiku's dad]

Just to let you know. Adult 3 striped palm squirrels only weigh about 100 grams. yours is 5 striped. An adult 5 striped would weigh around 150 to 200 grams.

[aida]

Hello There ,

You live in New Delhi ? If yes then you can get food supplements for squirrel very easily just goto any pet shop who deals in puppy food .

Get anyone one of these -
1. MERALAC ( brand name - Mera Pet ) - its is puppy food , you can use it safely as i also have one squirrel named Chip and he is on this food since birth and he is now an adult .
2. Samolac ( if you cant find the one above )


And for keeping him warm you can use hot water bottle we use when we get some back ache , you can get it easily on any medical store just ask for hot water bottle . You can fill that bottle and keep under his bedding and it will keep him warm .

If you have any problem or query you can ask , i live nearby so i can get you the name of shop if you are willing to goto noida in case you donot find any thing in delhi .

[aida]

You can also check my threads related to chip and his upbringing till now documented there . J

ust click my profile name and goto all threads started by aida

[PennyCash]

Sending nothing but good healing, positive thoughts to you and your baby.:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[stosh2010]

How cool is THAT...We have a "NETWORK" in India..
So glad to see Members giving advice and support.!!!!!!!!!!!
TSB R-O-C-K-S

[tayloriley47]

Thanks everyone for your support! My little guy (Taki) now has a heating pad, which is nice and he seems to be growing up well, check out the picture. He just opened his eyes on Thursday so I guess he is now around 5 weeks.

Unfortunately, I will no longer be able to bring him to work and feed him from Thursday onward, does anyone have any advice about feeding from then on? Should I try starting him on solid food in a few days so he can have that while I am gone, or is it too soon? Let me know when you can. :)

Taylor

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251201_10151251446904252_685722729_n.jpg
http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/185185_10151251447584252_937415738_n.jpg

[sadie7684]

Your little fuzzball is adorable!! :Love_Icon