2 tiny babies

[Emmysmom]

Hi, I wrote a post the other day about 2 little babies I have, they are on heat, eating fox valley 32/40, and seem to be gaining a bit. I have a question about their saggy skin, and the fact that their skin seems dry? Can I use a bit of baby oil on their backs or would that be harmful? I forgot to mention that they are very young, weighing 42 & 41 grams. Thanks

[farrelli]

I think the baby oil should be fine, but "saggy skin" says dehydration to me. Please gently pinch the skin between the shoulder blades and see if it tents for a few seconds or goes right back down. Posting a pic would be great too. Thanks.

[SammysMom]

I would be ore concerned by the possibility of them being dehydrated. Sammy's fur actually gets "dry" if he isn't drinking enough water. It happens so very fast with tiny babies! Maybe a bit of water sweetened with molasses or sugar between feedings?

[Nancy in New York]

Hi, I wrote a post the other day about 2 little babies I have, they are on heat, eating fox valley 32/40, and seem to be gaining a bit. I have a question about their saggy skin, and the fact that their skin seems dry? Can I use a bit of baby oil on their backs or would that be harmful? I forgot to mention that they are very young, weighing 42 & 41 grams. Thanks

Get a little jar, like a baby food jar, with a lid. Put lots of holes in the jar, or use a can opener like you would for condensed milk so that it has those two punctures. Place a piece of watered sponge in the glass container with the lid on and put it on the heating pad on the inside where the babies are.
It add humidity to the container/air and their skin will look great in a couple of days.
Make sure the heating pad is set on low and not in the container, only under half of it.

[Emmysmom]

When I pinch their skin up, it does go back down pretty quickly, they do look a bit wrinkly though. They are being stimulated and poop and pee fine, how much water in between and will it affect their appetite? Thanks

[Emmysmom]

Oh ok Nancy, that is a great idea, I will do that...thank you. I will try to post pics, I am not very computer savy but will try!

[CritterMom]

Are they in a cardboard box or a plastic container? Cardboard will actually pull moisture out of them (think about how soggy cardboard boxes get in a basement). Put a piece of water saturated sponge in a little jar or something and set it inside the box on top of the heating pad side and you can make a teeny sauna for them. I would also give fluid rehydration in the form of either plain water or water with a bit of sugar in it in between feedings.

Winter homes are usually just as dry as dust from the artificial heat and it can take a toll on the little ones.

[Emmysmom]

They are in a plastic aquarium with a vented top, lined with a soft fleece blanket, with another to cover them up. They are doing well but I haven't had squirrels this small and couldn't remember if their skin looks loose like this. Of course after feeding they don't look as much like that. Thanks you guys for such quick responses and help

[farrelli]

It really sounds like dehydration. How long does it take for the skin to return to normal with the pinch? It should be immediate, like on the back of your hand. If they are dehydrated, they won't digest their food properly and can become impacted and die. Ca you work on the pic? I'll post instructions in a min.

[farrelli]

Here's the instructions for posting pics.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30

[Emmysmom]

Hi all, I am not having luck posting a pic as of yet, I keep geting an error message saying google.com processing has stopped, whatever that means. I have to say that I put the sponge in the jar to add humidity, and started water in between feedings and the babies are looking much better! They are pooping and peeing, squirmy, and eating well. I appreciate the advice

[SammysMom]

Feel free to email a pic to me and I will post it for you. vfwpost7666@sbcglobal.net