Can I feed my babies too often?

[LuvMeSumSquirrels]

I have 2 baby squirrels 4 wks old that I have taken care of for 5 days. I started them on pedialyte now have them on fresh goats milk. I feed them 3ccs every 3 hrs. At first, I had to make them wake up and eat. But now they act hungry every hour. They will hunt for their bottle until they wear themselves out and go to sleep. It makes me so sad b/c I dnt want them to be hungry, and I give in and give them more. But will it hurt them if I feed them too often? I've looked up on the internet and 3 hrs is the shortest period I've seen to wait. I dnt want to overfeed, but they just act so hungry and suck on everything. Has anyone else had this prob?

[Milo's Mom]

The guideline to feeding is to 5%-7% of their body weight per feeding.

So, go get yourself a scale that weighs in grams and feed them by the guideline. I weigh my guys first thing (before feeding them) in the morning and gauge my feeding amounts for the day by that weight.

They might not be getting enough food which is why they appear hungry every hour. Knowing how much they weigh will help you so much and you will not need to worry as much.

Do NOT just start feeding them more, get a scale.

[LuvMeSumSquirrels]

Thanks so much. :thankyou

[crazysquirrels]

Yes you can.
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/004/6/2/fat_squirrel_by_thegreatpants-d36fej6.jpg

[LuvMeSumSquirrels]

So if they are getting enough to eat, is 3 hrs often enough?

[Rhapsody]

Yes, it can hurt if you over feed your squirrel........ over feeding can cause loose stool and diarrhea, so be careful and only feed them 5-7% of their body weight per each feeding, which is every 4 hours for now and then every 6 hours once they are six weeks and older.
Plus keep in mind that squirrels always act like they are starving...... so please dont feel to bad. I noticed that you said you were using a bottle, please which over to a 1 or 3 cc syringe with nipple so the squirrels do not aspirate or get pneumonia.

Supplies:
http://www.henryspets.com/
http://www.squirrelsandmore.com/

[LuvMeSumSquirrels]

Thanks for the advice. I do use a 3 cc syringe with nipple, I just call it a bottle. This is my second time taking in squirrels, the first time, I did everything wrong. The baby had been injured by cat, but I still feel responsible for its death because I didn't know what I was doing. I have always taken care of baby animals on a farm and I thought it wouldn't be any different with wild animals, but it is far different than a puppy or calf. I am determined to do it right this time and I really appreciate the advice! My best friend had a flying squirrel she raised that I just fell in love with. But she couldn't really help me because hers was older when she found him and he was already eating nuts and things. He was as small fully grown as my two babies are now! :Love_Icon

[Rhapsody]

BABY SQUIRREL CARE:

First thing needed is to warm the squirrel.
Now check for any injuries and/ or wounds.
Hydrate the squirrel right away (use a 1cc syringe) and go slow.
Give homemade pedialyte every hour for eight hours (max 24 hours).
Once hydrated make Goats Milk formula, feed 5-7% of their body weight every 4 hours.
Make sure you stimulate after each feeding to help the squirrel go potty if under 5 wks.

IMPORTANT: Babies must be kept WARM --NEVER feed a cold baby.
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+ Emergency Care for Baby Squirrels +

1. Warm the squirrel (never feed a cold squirrel)
2. Place in plastic container or box w/ pieces of fleece
3. Rehydrate the squirrel (feed pedialyte first 24 hours)

Homemade Pedialyte
1 cup warm water
1/4 tsp salt (teaspoon)
1 Tbsp sugar (tablespoon)

4. Slowly feed with a 1cc syringe - head UP tail DOWN
5. Keep warm at all time - fill bottle with hot water (cover bottle with sock)
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Goats Milk Recipe:
1 cup Goats Milk * (if can - dilute)
1/3 cup Full Fat Vanilla Yogurt
1/3 cup Heavy Cream (frig section)

(lasts 72 hours in frig)
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WARMTH:

1. Heating Pad, on low with a fleece blanket on top --place the squirrel in the blanket.
2. Rice Buddy --put rice in sock (tie off) microwave for 30 sec - place next to the squirrel.
3. Fill empty water bottles with hot water and slide into a single sock then place next to squirrel.

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Once the squirrel is settled in order Fox Valley formula:
http://www.henryspets.com/
http://www.foxvalleynutrition.com/main/home.asp (32/40 birth to 4 wks – 20/50 4 wks & older)
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