First time raising a squirrel

[kel73]

This is Wilbert. He came to me on February 1st. His nest was torn down at my work because it was inside the ceiling space. After reading the forum, I realize now that the mother may have come back for him. I feel pretty guilty for taking him home but I have been sure to keep him as healthy as I can.

He was fed 21st century kitten formula until I received the Fox Valley squirrel formula. I chose the 21st century kitten formula because the ingredients and fat/protein ratio was closest to the fox valley. I have been weighing him most days. His growth has been crazy!

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/549364_10103173935963701_1604752821_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/521875_10103175928500641_1482999_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/537153_10103195445673071_1758598912_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/558139_10103210582229291_150039229_n.jpg

[SammysMom]

:Welcome to TSB! He sure looks great! Do you have him in fleece for his bedding? They do like to snuggle up in it! Are you helping him to potty? He looks nice and plump and healthy!

[kel73]

his weight using a digital scale.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-fRy3yay1x-0/UR72iHtniBI/AAAAAAAABBo/mb18XBeASzc/s160/squirrel+weight.png

[kel73]

:Welcome to TSB! He sure looks great! Do you have him in fleece for his bedding? They do like to snuggle up in it! Are you helping him to potty? He looks nice and plump and healthy!

I am planning a=to get him some fleece and a bigger cage this weekend. I used the paper bedding because it looked like what his nest he came from. I Help him go to the bathroom before and after every feeding. I was a little concerned about his appetite. He is always hungry and he will eat and eat. He doesnt have any problems going to the bathroom and his belly is squishy. Is it normal for him to be hungry all the time? He will eat way more than the recommended amount for his weight if I let him.

[SammysMom]

How much and how often are you feeding?

[kel73]

about 4.5 ml every 3-4 hours. I usually feed him 2 times during the night but last night I didnt feed him until morning and he seemed fine but I am not sure he is old enough for that yet.

[SammysMom]

He does need to eat during the night I think. If he is that hungry, I would feed him through the night. It is the right amount, actually a bit more than the 5 - 7% that is recommended.

[kel73]

yeah I am guessing he will eat until it will cause damage? When the syringe is empty he will search and suckle on my hand. But then he falls asleep soon after. If I wake him he goes into a frenzy searching for the food.

[SammysMom]

Can you see the "milk line" on his tummy after he eats? You want to be sure it goes all the way down before the next feeding. Maybe he needs a bit more often?

[SammysMom]

As long as he is not bloated, you can give a bit more than the regular amount. Also, giving water in between feedings might make him feel better. Hydration is always a good thing!

[Rhapsody]

babies need to be feed every three hours (around the clock) and they are to be feed 5% of their body weight, but no more than 7% of their body weight to avoid over feeding. Once they are three weeks old you can take their feedings to every four hours. Squirrels will always act as though they are starving and thats why it is up to us to stop feeding them once they have eaten their formula in body weight.

[kel73]

Can you see the "milk line" on his tummy after he eats? You want to be sure it goes all the way down before the next feeding. Maybe he needs a bit more often?


I can immediately after he eats. In the last day his belly fur has really started to come in and its a little hard to see now. He honestly just looks very round and when I do see the line its on one side more than the other.

[kel73]

babies need to be feed every three hours (around the clock) and they are to be feed 5% of their body weight, but no more than 7% of their body weight to avoid over feeding. Once they are three weeks old you can take their feedings to every four hours. Squirrels will always act as though they are starving and thats why it is up to us to stop feeding them once they have eaten their formula in body weight.

How old do you think he is? The last picture was taken today. His lower teeth came in I think 4 days ago

[Rhapsody]

Here is some condensed info on Pinkie Care....... :thumbsup
http://mothernaturesrescue.webs.com/pinkiecare.htm

[Rhapsody]

How old do you think he is? The last picture was taken today. His lower teeth came in I think 4 days agoI would say he is 3-4 weeks old..... closer to 4 weeks.

[SammysMom]

Thank-you Rhapsody! My computer hiccuped! :sanp3

[kel73]

Thank you. i think he is about 5 weeks. I could feel little nubs for his top teeth when he was trying to suckle on my finger and I think his eyes will open this weekend. His ears are completely open and he seems to sniff the air and moves his head like he is more aware of his surroundings.

[SammysMom]

He is a little dollie! Thank-you for helping this little guy!

[kel73]

Thank you. I really do adore him. I will keep doing picture updates.

[Rhapsody]

I think his eyes will open this weekend. they usually open their eyes between 4 & 6 weeks old --so he is right on schedule for that happening with me thinking he is around 4 weeks old and you saying probably 5 weeks old..... :thumbsup

[Rhapsody]

Thank you. I really do adore him. I will keep doing picture updates.We love PICS!! --you can go ahead and start him a thread of his own in the Nursery so we can watch him grow up. :)

[kel73]

I will definitely do that!

[kastillo]

Aw... he's so precious.
I've got one about a week or so younger. He looks now like Wilbert when you first got him.
They are a joy to raise. Stick around and suck up the info.
You're baby will be happy and healthy and eventually ready to go back to the trees1

[Nemehoto]

He is looking really good. I'm glad you've taken him in. They are such adorable little guys. Just FYI when their eyes open for the first day or two they can be a bit skittish and distracted. He might not eat as much for a feeding or two.