Squirrel Board Saved My Baby, Q's

[MommaScott]

Hello fellow Squirrel enthusiasts!!
I cannot express my gratitude for this website! Earlier this week I had a very lethargic, bloated and dehydrated baby and no computer, only a cell. I was in a panic to say the least.
Thanks to the posts on this site I got the answers I needed to save my little guy (Rocky) however I could not log in and ask questions. I worked on him from 8pm-1am and was up periodically after. He is now doing wonderfully well!!!!!!
I will post a photo of him shortly and would like feedback on his age if anyone can help, I'm thinking 5-7weeks. I have several questions about raising him, and have already found many answers through these posts.
1. The Pedialyte container states to only keep for 48 hrs after opening. Can I keep longer for an animal?
2. He is taking Esbilac well, what food comes next? I'd like to be prepared.
3. Should Esbilac be diluted with water? I have the pre-mixed cans.

I think that is all for now! And yes, I am planning on keeping him long term.
Thank you! Love, Momma Scott

[California Squirrel Lover]

Hello and welcome!! :wave123 :Welcome I'm not a rehabber or an expert or anything, but a squirrel lover!! :D I come on this forum to get advice and learn about how to help my backyard squirrels, who I love dearly, and to connect with others who understand and share my love of squirrels. As I said, I'm not an expert, but I thought I'd seen the pros here express an opinion that Esbilac is not a good thing to give them?? I see there's a section on here called THE ESBILAC ISSUE , and I think it mentions using Fox Valley formula instead. When others come on here to post messages for you, I'm sure they'll tell you if this is correct or not. In any case, I'm SO happy your little one survived, and I really look forward to hearing more and seeing pictures!!

[farrelli]

Pedialyte should only be continued for 24 hours and after that switch to just water and sugar. The salt makes it counterproductive after 24 hours.

1 cup warm water
1 Tbsp sugar (tablespoon)

Yes, Esbilac is bad in that it can create GI problems like diarrhea. Has he been on it long? If he's taking it well, there isn't an emergency, but you should switch to Fox Valley as soon as possible.

http://www.foxvalleynutrition.com/product-lines/milkreplacers/

If he isn't tolerating it well or hasn't been on it for long, you should switch to the temporary goats milk formula until you can get the FV using the following recipe:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29903

Proper feeding technique is CRITICAL. If not followed, it can cause pneumonia which kills very quickly. Please put him up to your ear occasionally and see if you hear any clicking or wheezing sounds. If you do, you must tell us immediately and we'll tell you how to treat with antibiotics. The proper technique is spelled out below:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36777

[California Squirrel Lover]

Hi farrelli! I'm glad you saw this and posted the correct info. :thumbsup

[island rehabber]

:Welcome MommaScott and we're so glad we helped you save your little one. Yes, you've gotten perfect advice so far: Esbilac can cause serious GI issues in baby squirrels and you should definitely transition to Fox Valley Day One for Squirrels, 20/50 formula. It is cheaper than Esbilac and smells WAY better, too. :D

I will confess that I keep Pedialyte way past the 24-hr period. This 'rule' is meant to protect infant humans (and the Pedialyte manufacturer from lawsuits :shakehead) who might be sickened by bacteria when the container has been open for more than a day. Okay fine, for an infant human I would use extra precaution....I have never had a problem with a baby squirrel and Pedialyte even when it had been in the fridge for a month, opened. However, I do prefer to make my own:

2 cups very warm water
1.5 TABLEspoons sugar
1/2 TEAspoon salt

Please feel free to ask any and all questions as you raise this little one. Diet is Job One, two and three with squirrels, so memorize our Healthy Diet in the Nutrition Forum. There will be a pop quiz. :D

[California Squirrel Lover]

Hi MommaScott, I forgot to mention henryspets.com is a great place to get squirrel nutrition supplies, like the Fox Valley formula! :thumbsup

[MommaScott]

OMG!!! You all are soooo helpful! My husband and I are willing to do whatever it takes to make this little guy's life as fulfilling as it can be. Here's his story:
Found him on the ground outside while walking my dog. He was in really rough shape, had hair and eyes slightly open but very thin, had a few bugs and some brown stinky goo.
There were no trees around, only bushes, so I was looking around the building he was near and saw a small hole near the roof of the third story!
I waited. Momma did not come out.
Later, I scooped him up with a glove and because it was late afternoon on Easter there were no stores open. We put him in a box on a heating pad with some clothing and decided that if he made it until morning we would help him fight.
Much to our surprise he was alive and I went out to get Esbilac and Pedialyte with the syringes. I have documented the amount (mL) and times of the feedings along with notes of his poo & pee schedule.
We have considered a rehabber but we are so in love with him. I know that wild animals need to be in the wild, it's hard to tell that to our hearts. He is also not suitable for release into the wild. (This is my personal opinion)
He is pretty used to human handling and likes our dog. The dog is amazing with him as well, but we would never leave them alone together.

I am certainly going to the food section (post) and think I should order the Fox Valley if it is better. He has been on Esbilac for the past 3 weeks but he seems thin to me. Any suggestions for switching him over? I'm sure it will need to be gradual. He pees regularly, but his poo goes back and forth from solid to softer and stringy. He hasn't had any all out diarrhea, unless the more wet stringy stuff is.
OK, I'm sure I will have tons of questions down the road and I'm so very happy to have found this community!
Thank you!

[farrelli]

If he isn't gaining weight, you should switch to the GM formula until you can switch to FV. Esbilac is bad in that it's not digested well, so he may be not getting enough nutrition. GM can be gotten at many grocery stores, including Walmart. If you can't get fresh (which is best) it's also available canned next to the evaporated milk. When you post a pic, please also post his weight, in grams if possible.

[farrelli]

Btw, the transition is usually the following but might be extended if digestive upset occurs:

3/4 Esbilac, 1/4 GM or FV for a couple days
1/2 Esbilac, 1/2 GM or FV for a couple days
1/4 Esbilac, 2/4 GM or FV for a couple days
100% GM or FV

[MommaScott]

Farelli- He is lethargic tonight, should I start GM formula right away?! He's not bloated, or dehydrated, but listless and that is not like him.

[farrelli]

Please explain the lethargy. Has he been eating, drinking, pooping, and peeing? Can you give a weight and a picture?

[farrelli]

Oh, and is he clicking or wheezing when you listen carefully?

[farrelli]

If you can't give a picture, I can help technically. And if you don;t have one at all, here's a guide:

http://www.squirrelsandmore.com/how-to-determine-the-age-of-a-baby-squirrel?___store=default

[MommaScott]

No clicking or wheezing. When I just went to put him down from listening, he squeaked during, and now he has limited use of back legs!!!!!

PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!

[farrelli]

Picture! Picture!

[farrelli]

If he's a baby, there's a low probability of metabolic bone disease, but it can occur. I need to know his age and diet up until now. I also need to know his weight.

You might be well advised to feed him supplemental calcium. Do you have any cal vitamins that you could crush up? Let me know. Vatmin D can be bad, but some is necessary. If you don;t have any, go get some or get some Tums (which are mostly cal).

[farrelli]

Also has he or could he have taken a fall? Babies should be kept in a small space where movment is limited.

[MommaScott]

When trying to post I keep getting file too large error message. He looks to be in the 7 weeks age range but much smaller.

[farrelli]

email me the pic farrelli-at-rcn.com (replace -at- with @)

[farrelli]

We may have to talk on the phone as I'm fading fast.

[SQUIRRELSAREME]

I have FV I can share until you can order some. I am in redmond where are u I can meet u tonight if needed. Welcome and thanks for helping this little one

[Shewhosweptforest]

Hang on Rocky:Love_Icon :grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Shewhosweptforest]

I have FV I can share until you can order some. I am in redmond where are u I can meet u tonight if needed. Welcome and thanks for helping this little one


:bowdown :Love_Icon :bowdown :thankyou

[MommaScott]

Farrelli- a very sincere thank you.

All is well.

[farrelli]

We spoke on the phone, the back legs were just being drug a little, which seems to happen from time to time, but are good now. She'll be getting the GM in the morning and weighing her regularly (if you don't have a kitchen scale, they're $20 or less and can be gotten at Target, Walmart, BBB, etc.).

Here are the pics:

[MommaScott]

And thank you for the FV offer. We think he will be ok for the night and we will get him on the GM right away tomorrow.
I also hope to get the pic thing figured out so you all can see my beautiful boy!
Goodnight wonderful squirrel community!

[Shewhosweptforest]

Awww :thankyou farrelli:bowdown I know I'm no help...but I worry so:shakehead :thankyou again:grouphug

Edit: Nite Rocky and MommaScott and Welcome :Love_Icon

[farrelli]

Btw, thanks for looking out for this little one! :thankyou

And welcome to TSB. Please keep us updated and pictures are always a must.

:Welcome

[SQUIRRELSAREME]

If you want FV till your arrive so you don't have to switch I can take some to work with me tomorrow and you can swing buy to pick it up. I also have ultra boost , nipples and much more I can share. Only here to help if you want

[California Squirrel Lover]

MommaScott, your baby is beautiful!! Glad he has someone who loves him so much. :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

You guys offering to help is awesome, by the way!!

[farrelli]

SQUIRRELSAREME, such an awesome offer! Thanks!

MommaScott, I'd take her up on it so that you don't have to transition from E to GM, and then from GM to FV. Also, if he hasn't been gaining, UB would be a nice addition.

[SQUIRRELSAREME]

I sent you a email with my phone number if you want to call me and pick up supplies . I will just take things to work with me so if you want it it's yours. Hope to here from you

[quagmire]

So Cute!!

[Skul]

One thing came to mind.
How often are you feeding him, and how much is he eating?

[kcassidy]

Oooo please take Squirrelsareme up on her offer. Don't worry I don't think she will take your squirrel from you!

Fox Valley is so good for them and the faster you make the change and get on a regular schedule of feeding the better she will be.

Few more questions (sorry we are very particular :D)

1. What are you keeping her in? Do you have a heating pad so she can stay warm? (put her container on the heating pad, don't put her on it directly)

2. How often do you feed her?
a. What are you using to feed her? Here is a photo of the syringe and
nipple that I use
b. I'm assuming you feed her on her stomach

I know you love her, so I know you want what is the absolute best for her, which leads to my last question. What makes you think she is non releasable? It is pretty early to make that decision and you would be amazed what good food, proper nutrition can do for these squirrels.

You have time to worry about that later, but just wanted to put that out in the open.

Glad the board was so helpful and you do realize that you have to become more technically savvy as we want more pix :D

[SQUIRRELSAREME]

I have not heard anything from you this morning . I did bring all the supply's to work with me . If you can't make it to redmond to pick up I will be more than happy to bring them to you after 6 tonight . And no I won't take your little one from you as I have my own to care for. Just wanted to help if I can:multi

[island rehabber]

Awesome work by ALL of you helping Momma Scott. I am praying that the baby is ok and that she will take you up on your generosity, SQUIRRELSAREME. Farrelli, you should be awarded at least a rehabber's sub-permit for the work you did on this one by itself.

MommaScott, where arrrre you?

[farrelli]

She's back online!

I totally forgot about the heating pad (squirrels this age can't regulate their own temp) or to ask about the feeding schedule. When she gets the scale she'll be able to feed the correct percentage of body weight (5-7%). This baby has bloated once, so I think she's aware of the dangers of over feeding.

[SQUIRRELSAREME]

Quick up date momma Scott will be stopping by my work to pick up FV ,ultra boost and nipples . I also will get to meet rocky.:multi I am sure she will post a update later on tonight .

[Nancy in New York]

Quick up date momma Scott will be stopping by my work to pick up FV ,ultra boost and nipples . I also will get to meet rocky.:multi I am sure she will post a update later on tonight .

Fantastic update, thank you so much for helping this little one!:bowdown

[island rehabber]

:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup

[farrelli]

Awesome! Thanks so much for helping Rocky. I can't wait to hear about it.

[MommaScott]

Sorry for the Delay all!!!!!!!
It's so amazing to know there are so many willing to help, almost overwhelming. In a good way! :grouphug

Here's the update: I started Rocky on GM/Esbilac mix right away Sat am. He is typically eating 6mL every 4 hours.
He has been urinating and pooping regularly (after every feeding), and his poo's have stayed formed and brown. Sunday evening he had one of his largest BM's I've seen, I thought that was promising.
The Fox Valley help was Awesome!!!! I can't thank you enough!!! And we enjoyed meeting one of your babies, and you of course!!:)
I am running out to get a scale this morning, this weekend was a little crazy so I will post his weight shortly.
Trying to think of other questions asked- I have small syringes, 3mL, and feed him very slowly.
He was really really active Sunday evening, he was quite the ham hopping, jumping, running, rolling around, wrestling, and just playing. I think the better nutrition has something to do with it!
OK, going to the store now.
Peace, Love , and Squirrels!

[MommaScott]

Hello!
Rocky is currently 110 grams. SQUIRRELSAREME thought he may be approx. 7 weeks old. I will be searching The SB's info to see if there are any age/weight guides.
From a previous poster- I have watched the video(s) of proper feeding and feel as though I'm doing as good a job as any first timer. ;)

Does anyone feel that I'm feeding too little? Not enough?


Happy Earth Day!!!

[farrelli]

The guide is 5-7% of body weight, maybe more if he's still hungry but go slow. You don't want to cause bloat. So, you should give 5.5-7.7 CCs. Probably every five hours or so. Also, don't feed too fast. I assume that you've watched the video on proper feeding technique. You must follow it to not cause aspiration and then pneumonia. You may even have to control the plunger to make sure that he doesn't suck it out too fast.

Glad you're taking care of him!

[MommaScott]

Hello Everyone!

Rocky is doing Phenomenal on the FV that SQUIRRELSAREME gave us, our order just arrived so we are set!
As any non-trained newbie I have some questions- most I have looked for answers on TSB already so I may just be looking for clarification.
He is currently 118g, approx. 8 weeks old

1. He likes to bite, A LOT! Thus far, no blood has been drawn but still annoying. His little top toofers are out just a little bit so it could be related to teething? We have natural wood from outside, as well as pine cones in his cage. Any other suggestions?
Oh, one other thing, he usually mangles the end of his feeder tube by the end of each feeding.

2. Is it normal for him to want anything and everything we are eating? I know enough from reading posts that it is FV ONLY right now. He has taken a swan dive into plates of food as well as drinks. We now place him in his cage ANY time we are eating of have a noncapped beverage out.

3. Any suggestions on play to prepare him for the wild? He is pretty crazy at times, the antics are hilarious! One of his favorite things is to run along the back of the couch and use my husbands head as a spring board to launch himself at me. He follows us where-ever we go, it this normal? Too attached? He also paces and makes noises until we get him, then he will fall asleep in our hands.

Many many thanks all!!! :grouphug

[SQUIRRELSAREME]

Did you order any HHB when you order formula? It might be a good idea if you get some block for him to eat. I just got my order today. I will be up in muckelteo on Monday night if you need some to get you buy till you get yours in. Do you still have my phone number? Call and let me know of you want me to bring some to you.

[Shewhosweptforest]

:wave123 MommaScott that all sounds pretty normal..at least with the littles I've raised :) they go through so many stages...my guys got nippy...but then went right out of it...I did give them small branches to chew on :dono I don't know if that helped...and they are interested in anything you put in your mouth:jump if you had more than one you would see how you can give something to one and they won't have anything to do with it...then you give it to the other and they like it:crazy oh lord here comes the other one ready to growl and posture for the very thing he had no interest in 30 sec ago:dono :jump I also have seen them go through that clingy stage and then a few days or weeks later they are using you for a spring board to anything and everything and looking for every nook and cranny they can get into:dono that's when I really miss the sweet little clingy baby:grouphug
The other thing I do which I think is helpful is to cut fresh branches and hold one and let them climb all over it...I think it gets them use to that surface and feel of where they will be spending the rest of their lives:thumbsup it also helps with their coordination and balance...and build their confidence...just like they will play around their nest in the wild..usually on the closest branch:D

That's about all...I know there's so much to do and worry about but you guys are doing great and when the time comes you'll see him start to become more independent ....he's still little and you're his whole world:grouphug Enjoy it:thumbsup