Suckling

[squirrel daddy <3]

Why do my baby's suckle after being fed their 7% every 4 hours? And given water about every hour?

[kastillo]

How old are they?
Squirrels will tend to over eat if you let them.
Edit: Also, what kind of formula are you feeding them?

[squirrel daddy <3]

4-5 weeks and fox valley

[SammysMom]

They are suckling each other's privates? Can you get a couple of baby socks to make "pants" for them? You must prevent this is they are doing it. It can become a serious health issue.

[kastillo]

They are suckling each other's privates? Can you get a couple of baby socks to make "pants" for them? You must prevent this is they are doing it. It can become a serious health issue.
Agreed.:thumbsup

[squirrel daddy <3]

I have tried both baby socks and the non stick medical tape. Neither of them seemed to stick with them

[farrelli]

Try an Ace bandage, or separate them. If a scab forms on or inside his penis, you're going to have some serious problems. You must avoid that.

[astra]

sometimes, varying feeding pattern may help, if that has to do with their feeling of hunger, of course.

1. How frequently do you feed them? at 4-5wks they should be fed 5-6 times per day on average.

2. 5-7% of their total body weight is a rule of thumb. Which means that some babies may eat a bit more.
Yes, you do not want them to overeat, but there might be a chance that they need just a tiny bit more food?

also, to avoid overloading them at one feeding, you could try more frequent feedings. Perhaps, if you do more frequent feedings (and they may either remain at their 7%, or take a bit less per feeding - you will have to see).

If their poop starts becoming paler and paler - it's a sign of overfeeding.
So, monitor their poop colour to help you see whether you overfeed them or not if you do end up trying to personalize their feeding pattern.

[astra]

so, see if feedings could be adjusted.

But do try sock-type of things as well and especially if it has nothing to do with their feeling of hunger.

Suckling is a serious issue that, if not stopped, may result in fatal health problems later.

Please don't hesitate to ask more questions.

You will get faster and more responses if you post your questions in Help Needed forums.

[Chickenlegs]

I just got two boys who are sucklers. One little guy had a penis double the size it should be and a scab on the end. Fortunately he could still pee but they had to be separated. Warm soaks and Neosporin fixed the "suckee" up just fine but come to find when I tried to put him in with Poodle he was a "sucker" too. I have cages all over but the boys are safe from each other. The scab took two days to come off and that was with warm soaks and Neosporin 24/7. Musta been plenty painful too.

[squirrel daddy <3]

They get fed every 3-4 hours day and night. Nothing seems to stick with them they always get anything put on them, off.

[Chickenlegs]

Can you separate the boys? It'd be especially nice if they could still be next to each other but suckling ain't a trivial problem. It's more important to stop it than to keep them together (I think--tho I'm certainly not an expert I've seen what can happen and it ain't purtty)

[SammysMom]

Can you separate the boys? It'd be especially nice if they could still be next to each other but suckling ain't a trivial problem. It's more important to stop it than to keep them together (I think--tho I'm certainly not an expert I've seen what can happen and it ain't purtty)
:goodpost :goodpost :goodpost

[squirrel daddy <3]

It's girls suckling boys. And I have seperated them and them when reunited the girl goes right back to suckling

[SammysMom]

Glad you separated them! I know it feels sad, but it is the best for their health. After a few days you can try again and see if the habit has been broken.:Love_Icon

[squirrel daddy <3]

I have seperated them for 2 days and reunited them and they continued to suckle. They don't take to any kind of diaper type thing. Ace bandage didn't work, the medical tape stuff that sticks to itself didn't work either, and neither did the baby sock

[SammysMom]

We need squirrel binkies!

[Curliesmom]

I have 8 week old babies. 2 boys one girl. Baby girl suckled the boys at 4 weeks old. I finally removed her. I put them back together last week. They're fine and dandy now. No suckling. You may have to remove the sucker for awhile.