need a home for baby squirrel in Alabama

[brett3xx]

I found a baby grey squirrel yesterday, seems to be a healthy 6-8 week old. I left him outside in the hopes his mother would come for him, but after she didnt I brought him inside lastnight and have been bottle feeding him goats milk. He is very friendly, but I have no idea nor the time to raise him, so I am in desperate need of a home for this little guy. If anyone wants him or knows of where I might could take him. Please let me know thanks.

Also, Ive been using a leather glove to handle him as I do not know if I should try barehanded, any info on this would also be appreciated. Thanks

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc387/brett3xx/52F5C4FB-BBBF-4A93-9967-C78DA78FB67A-165-00000007D433E9AA.jpg

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc387/brett3xx/3C95CCC3-ACA8-4FB9-99EB-5CDA016FC571-165-00000007D7FF0CA1.jpg

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc387/brett3xx/70433A05-861C-4A7A-ADF4-A9583D7AEADE-165-00000007DBE7F5BF.jpg

[djarenspace9]

What part of AL are you?

[brett3xx]

Jasper Alabama, about 30 minutes from birmingham

[djarenspace9]

We have several AL members so let me see if they can help!

[brett3xx]

That would be great! Thanks

[rygel1hardt]

If you dont find anyone from this board I do know someone experienced about an hour and a quarter from you or about 63 miles. I can pm you her number if you want. Stacey

[djarenspace9]

I sent a private message to a few people I know in AL and also made a link in the Non Life Threatening area to direct folks here.

I am working right now so I will not be able to check in for a while, but please check in for responses.

Thank you for caring! :thankyou

[brett3xx]

ok Thanks you both. I could meet someone with him as long as its not too far. I would love to find someone experienced that can give him the care he needs. He really is extremely friendly and seems too enjoy people

[Nancy in New York]

I just alerted 4 members who are in Alabama, and who have raised squirrels, hopefully we will get someone soon.

[kastillo]

I would love to take him, but I'm in lower Alabama, on the Gulf Coast. I really do wish I was closer.

[Mchicha]

I just got in and the messages on this. I am about 2 1/2 hours away in Central AL and don't have room to overwinter more than the two I have. I've got Baby in a flight cage and Aubie is still in FireEyez small cage until he gets large enough to put in with Baby.

If nobody closer steps in, I am happy to set up a train to get him down to Kastillo. I could meet in Birmingham Sunday a.m. (work obligations make it impossible to do so any sooner) to pick up the little guy and then meet Kastillo around Evergreen or some other halfway point the next weekend.

[Mchicha]

Also, the gloves are entirely up to you. He's very unlikely to give you a bad bite at this age and they really like being rubbed on the side of the neck/armpit area. And they're soft and furry and fun to pet. :)

[Lisaaaroo]

Awe poor little orphan, he is a cutie! I hope he can find a home! I myself am new to this with my little Sandy who came to me when she was 5ish weeks old and now she is 12-13 weeks and happy and healthy! If all else fails I would be happy to take the little guy as I have a singleton to release in the spring! She has a BIG cage (About 6ft tall and 4ft by 2 ft wide.) Feel free to visit her thread in the nursery section under Sandy's story so you can see all her pictures!

Here is a pic of her enjoying her Henrys Healthy growth blocks!
http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv95/nancym518/Bronx%20Babies%202012/IMG_57132.jpg[/

[Mchicha]

Lisaaaroo, I can also transport up to your direction if need be. My son lives on the GA side of Chattanooga (Chickamauga) and wouldn't mind a visit, so I could kill two birds with one stone. (How awful does THAT old saying sound on a board devoted to saving animals, lol.)

I am all about finding some buddies for the singletons.

[kastillo]

I'm trying to talk my husband into it (hehe). He loves the babies as much as I do, he's home with them 24/7 because of lack of work for him around here. He just doesn't want to drive too far (and if we go somewhere, he's driving - men, lol) If someone closer can be found sooner, by all means. I work weekend nights only. All my other time is devoted to the squirrels. I need to put a new tire on my car before I can make any trip out of town, and hopefully will have that done after I make some money this weekend. Keep us posted on the status of little guy. He's too precious!!

[Lisaaaroo]

Oh my that would be wonderful! I live right by the chickamauga dam! :) I have also been searching for a buddy for Sandy because I think it would make the release in the spring more succesful! :) I have plenty of fleece, fv and other squirrelly supplies on hand and would love to take care of him and eventually when the time is right put him in with Sandy because she really is starting to get restless and i believe she needs more than my hand to play with! lol! (My hand would appreciate the break too! haha looks like Freddy Kruger got ahold of it!)

[kastillo]

Oh good, Sandy will have a buddy!

[Mchicha]

I think we have a plan if Brett can hang on until Sunday.

Lisaaaroo, I love Sandy's cage so much....if I had only Baby I would bring HER to you. She and Sandy are the same age and size and she would be thrilled to have an equally large buddy to pounce on and such a large space to bound around in. You will have to let me examine the cage closely so I can find someone to make me one.

[Lisaaaroo]

Sandy says :wahoo :alright.gif :multi !!!

She will have a wrestle buddy if all works out! I just think it would really make the release in the spring more successful since she will finally know that she is a squirrel! lol!

[Lisaaaroo]

I think we have a plan if Brett can hang on until Sunday.

Lisaaaroo, I love Sandy's cage so much....if I had only Baby I would bring HER to you. She and Sandy are the same age and size and she would be thrilled to have an equally large buddy to pounce on and such a large space to bound around in. You will have to let me examine the cage closely so I can find someone to make me one.

No problem at all can do and yes hopefully they can wait until Sunday! Awe about the name Baby thats what I called Sandy at first because she was just so little! Baby sounds like a little heart breaker! Hopefully she will have her playmate in with her soon! :)

[rygel1hardt]

There seems to be quite a difference in the ages of these squirrels. The one this thread is about seems quite a bit younger than Sandy. Babies this different in age may not get along! I have eight here right now and none would except any from another litter at this point. So I have five cages of squirrels til they are released. I just want to be sure that if these two squirrels dont get along that the person who takes him/her has an extra cage big enough to winter a second squirrel in. Stacey

[brett3xx]

I think we have a plan if Brett can hang on until Sunday.

Lisaaaroo, I love Sandy's cage so much....if I had only Baby I would bring HER to you. She and Sandy are the same age and size and she would be thrilled to have an equally large buddy to pounce on and such a large space to bound around in. You will have to let me examine the cage closely so I can find someone to make me one.

Yes I think we can manage until Sunday, But I really need some guidance on taking care of him. Im feeding him goats milk that I bought from pet depot using a small bottle that I also got from pet depot. Is this ok? and how much and how often should I feed? Does he need any other types of food/water? What is the best thing to keep him in. Im sorry for so many questions, but I really dont have a clue. You can contact me by phone or text if its easier to make arrangements. my cell is 205-388-1673.

[Nancy in New York]

Yes I think we can manage until Sunday, But I really need some guidance on taking care of him. Im feeding him goats milk that I bought from pet depot using a small bottle that I also got from pet depot. Is this ok? and how much and how often should I feed? Does he need any other types of food/water? What is the best thing to keep him in. Im sorry for so many questions, but I really dont have a clue. You can contact me by phone or text if its easier to make arrangements. my cell is 205-388-1673.

Brett, you can send private messages now.:thumbsup

[Lisaaaroo]

There seems to be quite a difference in the ages of these squirrels. The one this thread is about seems quite a bit younger than Sandy. Babies this different in age may not get along! I have eight here right now and none would except any from another litter at this point. So I have five cages of squirrels til they are released. I just want to be sure that if these two squirrels dont get along that the person who takes him/her has an extra cage big enough to winter a second squirrel in. Stacey

If this does happen my boyfriend and I are willing to build another cage and have Sandy's old cage for the meantime until he is bigger! They will definitely be introduced slowly and not just thrown in together because I figured it would take time, gradual introduction and encouragement! But if it does work out it would be wonderful because it would make release in the spring much easier on not only Sandy but me as well! I do understand your concern though and appreciate it as well! :)

[Mchicha]

Brett, there is a recipe on here for goat's milk formula (made with goat milk that you can buy at Walmart in the milk section). I will post the recipe in just a moment. If you could run out and get the fixings for that to get him through Sunday that would be much better for him - I am afraid that what you have from PetSmart is probably a formula for other animals that contains goat milk but also may be balanced in a way that is harmful to squirrels.

You need to feed him with a 1cc syringe instead of a bottle, so he doesn't aspirate (if you see bubbles or milk from the nose, that is aspiration. If this happens, tilt the baby upside down so the milk can run out the nose.) If he aspirates, he is getting too much milk too quickly. Aspiration can lead to pneumonia and can kill him, so be cautious when feeding.

You can get a couple of 1cc syringes from the drugstore - ask at the pharmacy at Walmart. I have been buying mine from RiteAid - they have a needle that screws off and you throw it away (with the protective cap on it) and feed with the needle-less syringe. He needs to eat every 4 hours.

[Mchicha]

Homemade Goats Milk Recipe -

1 cup Goats Milk (get a carton from the milk section in Walmart)
1/3 cup Full Fat Vanilla Yogurt
1/3 cup Heavy Cream (frig section)

feed with the 1cc syringe, very slowly. If you have a food scale that weighs in grams, find out how much your baby weighs and feed 5-7% of body weight at each feeding. If not, mine was eating 4-5 cc's at each feeding at that age.

[BamaHam]

Just saw this...I live in the top left corner of Alabama, 30 min. from TN and MS. I only have one cage right now and I'm winterizing a 4-5 month old squirrel so I'm not much help. My cage indoors has Hammy an he's 2 1/2 year old.

[kastillo]

Brett, how is the baby today?

[Lisaaaroo]

Also when feeding hold the baby upright and hold the syringe at an angle pointed upwards this will help so he won't aspirate. Just go very slowwwly! I know it can get frustrating but even if you have to go one drop at a time make sure he is eating and go every 4 hours!

If he did indeed aspirate I have everything on hand to help the little man as I dealt with it in the beginning with Sandy!

How is he doing today?

[brett3xx]

Also when feeding hold the baby upright and hold the syringe at an angle pointed upwards this will help so he won't aspirate. Just go very slowwwly! I know it can get frustrating but even if you have to go one drop at a time make sure he is eating and go every 4 hours!

If he did indeed aspirate I have everything on hand to help the little man as I dealt with it in the beginning with Sandy!

How is he doing today?

That's good to know, he is doing great, hes getting more active every day. Were feeding him with a syringe now and Im going to Walmart this evening to get the ingredients for the goats milk formula.

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc387/brett3xx/6D9C2CAC-C585-4C5E-902B-2129AE65BB1F-165-000000A328AD55D7.jpg

[Nancy in New York]

That's good to know, he is doing great, hes getting more active every day. Were feeding him with a syringe now and Im going to Walmart this evening to get the ingredients for the goats milk formula.

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc387/brett3xx/6D9C2CAC-C585-4C5E-902B-2129AE65BB1F-165-000000A328AD55D7.jpg

And no more gloves......:D
Did you look around for other little ones? Just keep an eye out. If something happened to mama they may start coming down the tree their nest was in.
Listen for the crying/calling too.:thumbsup

This is the sound you should be listening for.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHGwgONYkHk

[Lisaaaroo]

That's good to know, he is doing great, hes getting more active every day. Were feeding him with a syringe now and Im going to Walmart this evening to get the ingredients for the goats milk formula.

http://i1209.photobucket.com/albums/cc387/brett3xx/6D9C2CAC-C585-4C5E-902B-2129AE65BB1F-165-000000A328AD55D7.jpg


Aren't they just wonderful! I remember Sandy at that age! He looks a bit bigger than she was though maybe its a boy thing haha or maybe Sandy was just a peanut! She is now 346 grams of playful energetic fun and hasn't bitten me once, it is almost as if she knows she is getting rough because she has pinched a little and i just tell her no in a calm low voice. all i really have is just some minor scratches which is from the climbing and jumping to and from the boyfriend and i! nothing a little hibiclens and neosporin won't fix haha! Does he have a name yet I would really like to keep it if you have already named him! :)

[brett3xx]

Homemade Goats Milk Recipe -

1 cup Goats Milk (get a carton from the milk section in Walmart)
1/3 cup Full Fat Vanilla Yogurt
1/3 cup Heavy Cream (frig section)

feed with the 1cc syringe, very slowly. If you have a food scale that weighs in grams, find out how much your baby weighs and feed 5-7% of body weight at each feeding. If not, mine was eating 4-5 cc's at each feeding at that age.

Is heavy cream the same as whip cream or is it something else?

[Lisaaaroo]

Heavy whipping cream is what you're looking for :) they sell it in a carton should be by the coffee creamers and half and half :) just make sure to add last and lightly stir otherwise it turns into butter!

[brett3xx]

Heavy whipping cream is what you're looking for :) they sell it in a carton should be by the coffee creamers and half and half :) just make sure to add last and lightly stir otherwise it turns into butter!

ok thanks, is there any certain kind of yogurt that I need other than it being full fat vanilla?

[Lisaaaroo]

Stoneyfield organic is what I got but you can also look for yobaby anything organic or all natural. You don't want artificial sweeteners! :)

[brett3xx]

Stoneyfield organic is what I got but you can also look for yobaby anything organic or all natural. You don't want artificial sweeteners! :)

ok , can I feed him hickory nuts or anything like that yet?

[Lisaaaroo]

I wouldn't do nuts the first solids should be rodent blocks which I have a bunch of and just got more in the mail today from Henry's! Nuts are a treat, too many can cause problems down the road like metabolic bone disease!

Edit: I would just stick to formula for now and I will introduce him to a Henry's healthy block! They are made for squirrels! :)

[brett3xx]

I wouldn't do nuts the first solids should be rodent blocks which I have a bunch of and just got more in the mail today from Henry's! Nuts are a treat, too many can cause problems down the road like metabolic bone disease!

Edit: I would just stick to formula for now and I will introduce him to a Henry's healthy block! They are made for squirrels! :)

OK thanks, I had a few hickory nuts, but Ill not give them to him if its not good for him. I had my sister feed him while I was at work today, and I think he may have aspirated some milk. He jumped while she was feeding him and it startled her causing her to tense up and push on the plunger, she said he has sneezed several times since then. He seems to be acting fine now, but is there anything I can do if he did aspirate?

[Lisaaaroo]

It's not that they aren't good for him but just not good for a first food! And about the aspiration if you see milk or bubbles coming from the nose you are supposed to tilt them forward for a few seconds and wipe with a paper towel as mchicha had said in an earlier post! But if he does develop pneumonia it takes a few days to set in because fluid gets in the lungs and causes an infection so you won't know right away.

[Lisaaaroo]

Just make sure he is warm and cozy! He needs to be warm when you feed him too and so does the formula so it's easier for him to digest without any belly upset! Are you stimulating him to go potty and is it solid poos and pretty clear pee? Some babies go on their own by 6 weeks but I still stimulates sandy up to 9ish weeks after each feeding just to make sure everything was working properly. :)

[brett3xx]

We have been calling him Mink, and hes doing great! He loved this new milk so much that he cant get enough of it!

[Lisaaaroo]

We have been calling him Mink, and hes doing great! He loved this new milk so much that he cant get enough of it!

Wonderful update and such a cute name!! :) Mink it is! I went to green life last night and picked up some fresh goats milk, yogurt and heavy whipping cream so I can do the gradual switch to fox valley and I have all his supplies ready and waiting!

[Lisaaaroo]

Mink is all settled in! Just got done feeding him 25% fv/75% gm! He is a very eager eater! He weighed in at 130 grams but could stand to be a bit heavier! He is a very eager eater and ate 8ccs when we got home! The nipple didnt go over too well because he was trying to stick the whole thing in his mouth haha same with the syringe so i just went very very slowly! He just looked at me like really lady thats the fastest your gonna go?! I'm hungry! hahaha! Also Mchicha was a bit concerned before we met that he sounded a bit congested so just in case and after discussing with Mchicha she and I decided to start him on antibiotics just in case! Also I have texted Brett to let him know how Mink is doing! :) just wanted to keep all of you on TSB in the loop!! :)

[Nancy in New York]

Fantastic update! Love the name. See you are really fitting right in here at TSB.
Seriously, you are the absolute best!:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[Lisaaaroo]

Awe that means a lot coming from you Nancy! You helped me tremendously! :) I'm just glad I could give this little guy a chance! Sorry it took so long to reply I've been sleeping when I can because I'm feeding every 4 hrs and he averages 7.5-9.7 right now just trying to get some weight on him lol! He is up to 133 grams as of this morning so it's looking good! :)

[Jackie in Tampa]

:wott :wott

[acorniv]

Awe poor little orphan, he is a cutie! I hope he can find a home! I myself am new to this with my little Sandy who came to me when she was 5ish weeks old and now she is 12-13 weeks and happy and healthy! If all else fails I would be happy to take the little guy as I have a singleton to release in the spring! She has a BIG cage (About 6ft tall and 4ft by 2 ft wide.) Feel free to visit her thread in the nursery section under Sandy's story so you can see all her pictures!

Here is a pic of her enjoying her Henrys Healthy growth blocks!
http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv95/nancym518/Bronx%20Babies%202012/IMG_57132.jpg[/

Lisaaaroo,

Sandy looks fat and happy :thumbsup

Where are you located, and would you be open for another kid the same age as Sandy, who has the same need? I have a healthy male Eastern Gray (I've had him since he was 3 weeks old). He's happy but lonely for a playmate and also needs a safety buddy for life. My guy has done wonderfully ( on Fox's and Henry's and a good variety of raw food and is now fully weaned). He's not a biter (nibbles but doesn''t bear down) and other than having claws that need trimming he's gentle and social - though definately wilder than the first squirrel I raised (probably because he's so robust) and likes people but has a healthy fear of cats.

I'm not in a good position to winter him, and am looking for someone who is over-wintering others and has a good place to release in the Spring. We've had a hawk explosion here in North Georgia, and I can't bear the idea of releasing him just about anywhere I know of, for that reason. I'm willing to drive a fair distance if I can find him a good situation.

BTW, I see you used photobucket to post a photo. I have been unable to post one from iphoto - might try that. Meanwhile, you can pm me and I'll send you photos if you like.

[acorniv]

Mink is all settled in! Just got done feeding him 25% fv/75% gm! He is a very eager eater! He weighed in at 130 grams but could stand to be a bit heavier! He is a very eager eater and ate 8ccs when we got home! The nipple didnt go over too well because he was trying to stick the whole thing in his mouth haha same with the syringe so i just went very very slowly!

The nipple is too long for my guy, so I would set my left forefinger underneath it, at the base of the syringe and he would stand and hold onto my finger and 'make biscuits' on it when he was really into it :D That shortens the nipple plus gives a way for them to eat without being held ( which my guy hated). Hope that helps :wave123