Male Area

[webster0415]

My husband and I rescued a baby squirrel approximately 6 weeks ago. He has been doing great and growing. We just noticed that the end of his penis is red and swollen. Anyone have any suggestions or ideas what this might be.

[pappy1264]

Is he a single? Usually that is seen when a baby is either suckled on by siblings (or themselves) and it could be because of being hungry or could be a possible UTI. Are you still stimulating him to potty? Is he pottying ok? Can you tell if there is a scab on the tip (preventing urine from getting out?)

[webster0415]

Sorry it took so long to respond...yes he is single. I feed him all the time..he was very young when he lost his mother and I think this might be a comfort thing for him. I have gave him a stuffed animal to lay with and we try to interact with his as much as possible. He did have a scab that I soaked off and I have been applying ointment to it. I just don't know what to do. I called a vet and was going to made an appointment for him but they acted like I was commiting a crime by keeping him until spring when he can be released. How do I stimulate him to pee? I'm not sure what I need/should be doing for him. So, any help would be greatly appreciated.

[sage4dylan]

Sorry it took so long to respond...yes he is single. I feed him all the time..he was very young when he lost his mother and I think this might be a comfort thing for him. I have gave him a stuffed animal to lay with and we try to interact with his as much as possible. He did have a scab that I soaked off and I have been applying ointment to it. I just don't know what to do. I called a vet and was going to made an appointment for him but they acted like I was commiting a crime by keeping him until spring when he can be released. How do I stimulate him to pee? I'm not sure what I need/should be doing for him. So, any help would be greatly appreciated.

light feathery strokes over his genitals with a wet q tip or tissue until he's done.... but if he's over 6 weeks he should be getting to go on his own now. If he has a UTI I am not sure how that will affect his peeing, someone more experienced can tell u. Does his cage/nest smell of pee? If u havent been stimulating him and he's not going on his own after 2 days, he's in danger I am sure from not going to the bathroom. Sounds like he might be going on his own by now tho...

[pappy1264]

If he is suckling, some have made a sort of diaper using a baby sock, to keep them from being able to suckle. Have you seen him doing it? Do you see him going pee, does he seem to be straining? He may be doing it if he has a UTI and is having pain or difficulty going. In which case, he would need antibiotics.

[Nancy in New York]

sage4dylan is right, they usually go on their own once their eyes open. BUT I have stimulated them right up to around 8-9 weeks after feeding, just in case, and sometimes I tell ya, I would get a flood.
Also make sure there is no scab on the tip of the penis, that would prevent him from urinating.:thumbsup

[Squirrel Girls Mom]

I acquired a little male about 3 weeks ago that had been sucking himself to the point that he was actually stretched out of shape. The best thing I found is Aloe Vera juice. It tastes very bitter, doesn't burn or irritate the area, heals any fissures or rash, and he can ingest it without any danger whatsoever.

[webster0415]

When I noticed that his penis was infected/irritated I put a warm cloth on it to help and realized that he did have a scab...I soaked it off and applied some medicine called Vetericyn. When you say bedding I'm not sure what your talking about...I have him in a large pet taxi with several towels and blankets and sometimes a heating pad to make sure he is warm enough. He has a hamster waterer attached to the cage and a food bowl in the cage as well...I have noticed a smell and I clean it out about every other day. Is there some kind of special bedding that I could get for him that will not harm him? I found a website that sells squirrel food and purchased him some but are there other things I could feed him? Like I've said...I need help on what to do. Do you all just rehab your squirrel and release them? I am really becoming attached to him and I don't know if I want to let him go because I will be crushed if soomething happens to him.

[Chickenlegs]

Poor little guy. There are folks here who are MUCH more qualified to respond but I'm here and your guy needs some help. Check out the nutrition section. Squirrels need VEGETABLES and a good quality rodent block--Henry's Healthy Blocks are the Cadillac of blocks but monkey biskits or Oxbow Regal Rat is good and has realio-trulio nutrition (and both are available in a decent pet store). He's still young so does he get formula? Fox Valley is the BEST and can be ordered online. If he's staying the winter best to give it till he just won't take it anymore. Suckling can be a nutritional thing. Fleece is the premo bedding for squirrlies cause they can't get their little toesies caught (towels have loops). He needs a cage--something he can run in--I mean--he IS a squirrel and needs to learn squirrel behavior--running, climbing, jumping--that sort of thing. He'd love a nice cube nest or a pouch to sleep in and blankies-a hammock--toys. As to release--well-- he'll decide that. Most squirrels really want to be in the trees. Just think--life in a cage with a tiny bit of room to run and occasional playtime vs racing through the treetops, hurling from branch to branch, tearing around treetrunks--I mean--If I could choose that life I'd be all over it too. You'll know if he's unhappy and yeah--it hurts to open the door and give your baby a choice but that's what love is--letting go. Folks here are MORE than happy to share what ever knowledge they have with another squirrel lover (and ohmygosh--what knowledge!).Smooch your darling for me!