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View Full Version : New here. 5 baby Flyers... weaning questions



Kimberly E
10-10-2012, 05:03 PM
Hi, I have 5 baby flying squirrels. I have had them a couple weeks now. They began opening their eyes 6 days ago. They are gaining nicely and seem to be nice and active. 4 males, 1 female. I was called when the mother shorted out a parking lot light, 200 ft up, chewing through the wires and died. When the worker opened the casing he found these 5 babies, all near death. So, as much as I like to reunite with the parents this wasn't an option this time.

I have done quite a bit of wild life rescue but have only had one flyer in the past and it was quite a bit older and taking solids as well as formula when it was injured and lost a leg. Things turned out wonderfully.

My questions are:

When can I stop helping them void?

Is there a way to get them to use a certain spot instead of there "nest'?

When does weaning begin to take place? Seems to be MANY different opinions about this. I have added many nuts and they are chewing them quite well. Apple slices and orange slices they also enjoy. I usually let any rescues or orphans self wean but at haven't even been able to stretch their night feeding to 4 hours or they appear lethargic and dehydrated so I haven't done that again and its every 2 hrs during the day and every 3 at night.

I always try to release any babies or adults I rehab and these little guys seem already to attached to us. How is that done? How successful is it? I have a grey female that has been living in our oak tree that was released from being hand raised. She's 3, almost 4 and thriving, even had babies this year - in our attic. :)

Also I read there was as issue with the formula, is it just the can or ready to feed or the powder as well?

What is a safe recipe for HM Goat milk replacer?

Phew!

Thanks,
Kimberly

Thanks for any help.