Two male Gray orphans, 5-6 wks. Just found #2!

[cnmnnaturalist]

While out doing yardwork, I picked up the noise of a little critter in distress. On the way to tracking it down, I found a dead lactating female about 2-3 days dead from a gunshot wound. I managed to track the cries down to a youngster under a tree. About 2 hours later I managed to find the second orphan a ways away. The nest looks to be in a hollowed tree on another neighbor's property (likely the one who shot the female). I tickled the first baby a bit to get it to do some distress calls to see if anything would answer, but no luck. Did the same with the second one I found. I'm quite certain the mom is the dead one I found. Last night the temps were about 16F, so I'm sure the babies only just emerged to find their moms today. It's going to be in the low 30sF tonight, so I'm glad I found them.

They're about 5-6 weeks old. Eyes fully open and clear, tails completely furred, not quite able to sit up. A couple fleas but otherwise looking pretty good. They are dehydrated a bit, and I managed to give them both about 5-7 ccs of an emergency rehydration formula (2 c warm water, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tbsp sugar), which they eagerly drank. Did a little 'potty patting' before putting them in their carrier. It's a small carrier with a fluffy towel creating a cavity. They're in a quiet room with a heater on inside (checking every 15-20 minutes). I let them crawl around on a tea towel before taking it outside to see if I could get any interest in it from any squirrels. None yet.

Wildlife Rehabbers are difficult to reach here in NW Minnesota. I've called several numbers to get no answer. Local vets don't have any contacts that can help. Tomorrow I'm heading to town to pick up some supplies. Esbilac (no goat milk available anywhere near by), Pedialyte, mineral block, extra nesting material, nipples, flea comb, some solids for exploration (fruit, nuts). I'd prefer very much not to care for these squirrels, since I only have some minor experience in just emergency care before getting them to rehabbers. But I will have to care for them until I can find someone to take them in. I'm thankful they're that old though!

I'm grateful for any advice you folks can give. I'm quite angry the neighbor would shoot any this time of year. Grr!https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/934019_364423930326475_704225433_n.jpg
A quick photo of one of the youngsters. I didn't get a good photo since they were pretty squirmy and I wanted them to get back in their carrier and de-stress.

[Milo's Mom]

Sounds like you've got the basics down. Good Job!!!

Since you are not able to find Goats Milk to make GM formula, I strongly encourage you to order Fox Valley Formula 20/50 (http://www.henryspets.com/fox-valley-day-one-formula-20-50/). It can only be purchased online, so I'd order it sooner rather than later.

You can also get nipples and a few syringes.

Since you are left with no option other than Esbilac, it will work as a temporary formula. BUT, you really need to be diligent in how it's mixed.

Always mix it with HOT (not boiling, but very hot) water.
Stir it VERY well and put it in the fridge for no less than 12 hours.
Then add the heavy whipping cream and warm the mixture, then feed.

If the above steps are not followed it will not fully breakdown and it is very likely to cause bad poop problems, which can lead to severe dehydration, which can lead to death.

The key to the above steps is letting it "rest" for 12 hours. This allows the powder to dissolve completely.

Esbilac will work as a temporary formula, but ultimately it lacks the nutritional content the babies need. And it smells bad.

Towels - towels with loops can get tangled around little claws. Fleece or an old t-shirt is much better and safer.

EDIT: I forgot...WELCOME TO TSB!!!! And thank you for saving the little ones.

I will now try to find out if we know of anyone in your area.

[pappy1264]

It would be better to take the towels out and replace with old tshirts, as the loops in towels can cause nails to get caught. Do you have a heating pad you can put on low under half the carrier? This little one looks good. Poor momma. Glad you found them!!

[cnmnnaturalist]

Syringes are easy to get, thankfully. About how much of the Fox Valley will I be needing to finish these little boogers off? How about supplementing with Pedialyte with the Eslibac until I get the Fox Valley?

I don't have a proper heating pad, BUT I happen to have a reptile heating pad that doesn't have auto-shut off! I'm sure they'll love it. How about some cozy flannel sheets? Plenty around to cover up plants.

[Milo's Mom]

Syringes are easy to get, thankfully. About how much of the Fox Valley will I be needing to finish these little boogers off? How about supplementing with Pedialyte with the Eslibac until I get the Fox Valley?

I don't have a proper heating pad, BUT I happen to have a reptile heating pad that doesn't have auto-shut off! I'm sure they'll love it. How about some cozy flannel sheets? Plenty around to cover up plants.
I would think 2lbs (2 - 1lb bags) would be a good amount.

Pedialyte should only be given for 24 hours. After that it's counter productive and can cause poop problems. If they are still showing signs of being dehydrated after 24 hours you can make the homemade hydration fluid LESS the salt and offer it in between feedings. (EX. feed at 2, hydrate at 4, feed at 6)

Flannel is fine as long as the edges are finished/hemmed. If the edges are raw (fresh cut and not hemmed) it will create a MASSIVE amount of strings.

I do not think the reptile heating pad will be warm enough for them, but it is certainly better than not offering them heat. Put it 1/2 under the container you have them in.

You can also make them a rice buddy. Take a tube sock, fill it with uncooked rice or lentil beans, tie the top of the sock closed and microwave it for 45 seconds to 1 minute. Smoosh it around to make sure there are no hot spots then give to babies. They will snuggle up to it like they would their real Mom.

EDIT: Since you have nothing other than the Esbilac, yes, use it. BUT, it is expensive so get the smallest container of the powder as possible.

Also, if you are going to order from Henry's, get 2 bags of the Henry's Healthy Blocks Growth Formula. The blocks are super healthy for them and they are made specifically for squirrels. If you order everything at one time it will save you shipping costs.

[Milo's Mom]

Sometimes grocery stores have Goats Milk in the canned section, next to the condensed milk. You will have to reconstitute it per the instructions on the can and then add heavy whipping cream and yogurt. It is far better than Esbilac.

[cnmnnaturalist]

Another reason for needing a rehabber is the cost of care. Couldn't have come at a worst time! Argh! But I can't say no. I'll figure it out. 2- 1lb bags Fox Valley 20/50, 2 bags squirrel blocks, some little teats. About $70. Yeesh!

I have an old hand-made rice heating pat I made for myself that'll work great. Nice for snuggling up to.

[cnmnnaturalist]

I'll check again for goats milk tomorrow. There has to be some around here somewhere!

[Milo's Mom]

I'm trying to locate help for you....you are really out in the middle of nowhere!! Everyone is 3 hours away.....but a 6 hour trip does cost less than raising 2 squirrels!

[cnmnnaturalist]

Any alternatives to the Squirrel Bites? Or a way to make a cheaper alternative? I can't find anything under $19.99, and $40 is a big hit to take right now.

The rehabber thing is frustrating. We used to have one only 20 miles away but she had to quit because she was totally overwhelmed and stressed.

[Milo's Mom]

I have to step away from the computer. Keep asking your questions...we have many many very helpful members that are happy to help you as much as possible.

[Milo's Mom]

Yes, sort of. You can buy commercial ones at a pet store...Mazuri, Kay-Tee, but the littles will need to eat handful after handful of the commercial stuff to equal 2 of the Henry's Blocks. I've done the math....Henry's are really the best value.

If its easier financially, get one bag of formula and one bag of blocks now and when you start running low order more. It will cost an additional 5.99 for shipping, but it won't hurt as bad initially.

[SammysMom]

:Welcome to TSB! You are getting superb advice from a wonderful member of this board. Milo's Mom knows her stuff!
There is a recipe for homemade blocks, but for what you will need it is not going to save much as the ingredients are not inexpensive and will also need to be ordered from Henry's. The shipping on an order from Henry's is a flat rate so it just makes sense to order all that you will need in one shot. It will last you quite a long time.
:thankyou for working so hard for these little guys! Your neighbor is a big jerk if he/she shot the mama of these babies!:soapbox

[cnmnnaturalist]

Ordered 1 bag of the 20/50 and a bag of the Bites. I found a place I can get the nipples at locally. If I can't find goat's milk, is it possibly a good idea to supplement their temporary Esbilac diet with yogurt/cream for the organisms? Don't want to risk getting them sick at all. I'll pick up some good organic nibbles for them tomorrow, look for goat's milk and find wild foods around as things grow to let them explore with. Once they de-stress a bit, I'll put them in a slightly larger carrier with good stuff to play with, chew on and explore.

I found a great soft pillow case and put them in it instead. And I found a better heating pad for them while I dug around for supplies. They'll be nice and cozy now. They don't enjoy the potty stimulation, but they'll get over it!

[Skul]

No one in Brainerd or St. Cloud?
Oh boy.

[Nancy in New York]

We have a member who is a rehabber in Minnesota in St. Louis Park, is that close? Here user name here is sabelson.
I am going to send a pm to her, and direct her to this thread, even if she is too far, she may know of someone close that can help.

[cnmnnaturalist]

St. Louis Park is about 3.5 hours away too. We tend to be 3 hours away from EVERYTHING!

[Nancy in New York]

St. Louis Park is about 3.5 hours away too. We tend to be 3 hours away from EVERYTHING!

Perhaps if she comes on she can guide us to someone trustworthy.
Seems like you are doing great though.:thumbsup

[Milo's Mom]

Ordered 1 bag of the 20/50 and a bag of the Bites. I found a place I can get the nipples at locally. If I can't find goat's milk, is it possibly a good idea to supplement their temporary Esbilac diet with yogurt/cream for the organisms? Don't want to risk getting them sick at all. I'll pick up some good organic nibbles for them tomorrow, look for goat's milk and find wild foods around as things grow to let them explore with. Once they de-stress a bit, I'll put them in a slightly larger carrier with good stuff to play with, chew on and explore.

I found a great soft pillow case and put them in it instead. And I found a better heating pad for them while I dug around for supplies. They'll be nice and cozy now. They don't enjoy the potty stimulation, but they'll get over it!

If you cannot find the GM, yes, you will absolutely need to add heavy whipping cream to the Esbilac. Esbilac is made for dogs, dogs are carnivores so they have a very high protein diet...Squirrels are omnivores and they require a diet higher in fat than protein. The formula you just ordered, FV 20/50, the 20 means 20% protein and the 50 means 50% fat. Off the top of my head I do not know what Esbilac is, but I am positive that you must add the heavy whipping cream in order to increase the fat levels to something more suitable to a squirrel.

If you wish, you may add some yogurt to the Esbilac/cream formula, it will not hurt them...just make sure it is a full fat yogurt. YoBaby is pretty commonly available. Also, you want the one without the fruit bits...something like vanilla is normally very well received.

Since your thinking they've been without Mom for a few days, they are most likely pretty dehydrated. Please make sure you're giving them lots to drink. They may have as much as they want.

[Milo's Mom]

At their age you really don't need to stimulate them; but for now, make them deal with it. Monitoring the color and odor of the urine is a very very good way to determine their level of hydration/dehydration. Ideally, squirrel urine is a very very pale yellow to nearly clear and has just a mild sort of woodsy odor, the higher the level of dehydration the darker and stronger smelling the urine will be.

Once you get your FV and they are eating like little champs you will not need to stimulate them. (just a couple more days)

And, thank you very much Sammy's Mom, that was very kind of you. :grouphug

[SammysMom]

Just the truth...:grouphug

[cnmnnaturalist]

I put down a white tea towel to check their urine coloration already. They're looking a little darker, but it's what I'd expect from dehydration. Nothing really foul. I'm giving them about 4-5mls of the rehydration stuff about every 2 hours, I'll give them the last one for the night in about an hour and then take them up to my room so I can check on them during the night. I think they'll be just fine overnight. Their skin isn't as tacky any more, so they're obviously recovering already. I'm always amazed how a little hydration perks critters up.

[Monipenny]

Looks like you are doing a great job. If you can't find a rehabber close enough, are you going to raise them until release, approx. 10 more weeks? I'd say in about another day, they will melt your heart and you might want to raise them yourself. Welcome to TSB and thank you for caring for these sweet little ones.

[sabelson]

Hi, Just got home and saw the message. I'm in St. Louis Park/Minneapolis. Where do you live in NW MN? I have a couple directories of rehabbers in MN I can look for names for you if I know what city and county you are in.

Thanks,
Sharon

[sabelson]

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/nongame/rehabilitation/rehabers_list.pdf

Here is a list of all MN DNR permitted rehabilitators. It looks like there are many up north who take orphan squirrels but I'm not sure where you are exactly. You should be able to find one in your area from this list. Let me know if this helps or what I can do to help.

[sabelson]

Ok, now I see where you are. There is someone in Bemidji an hour away from you who takes squirrels. She is listed under Beltram County on the DNR list from my previous post. Also found some rehabbers in St. Cloud, Sartell and Clear Lake which look to be about 2 hours from you. Check that list though since I don't know where all those towns are. Hopefully the Bemidji rehabber can help.

Hope this helps. Let me know if I can help in any other way.

Sharon

[skippy]

The rehabber thing is frustrating. We used to have one only 20 miles away but she had to quit because she was totally overwhelmed and stressed.

Is it possible to get in touch with her? Perhaps she has some supplies she could loan you to help you out for the time being.

[cnmnnaturalist]

I've tried calling the rehabber in Bemidji quite a few times without success.

The two little boys are doing well this morning. I'll be heading out soon enough to get them some yummy stuff. The slightly larger of the two was quite vocal, chattering and giving fuss but quickly started to explore (still occasionally complaining). He's a feisty one! They crawled into my sweatshirt pocket and yelled at me when I tried to get them out. Funny guys.

[Milo's Mom]

Good update! Thanks!!

Sounds like you might just be falling in love with your 2 new friends....:)

Next task...after you get back from your shopping trip.....names. Everyone needs a name. :Love_Icon

While you are out, if you come across a small stuffed animal (we call them stuffy's), one without hard plastic eyes or nose and with out a squeaker, and filled with soft stuffing (not the little balls that they out into things for weight), I bet they'd really enjoy it. They will play with it and sleep with it. It is certainly not a requirement, but just thought I'd mention it cause they really do like them. :D

[cnmnnaturalist]

Oh yeah, I've been thinking of names all night! I just put in some fun branches for them and the feisty one is throwing a fit again. He postures a lot and throws 'punches', but he also tries to grab my hand and investigate it. I have to keep him away at a point because he's a nibbler! The cats are VERY curious so I have to keep an eye on the cage when it's near and lock it up behind a door later.

[Milo's Mom]

Oh yes, cats are deadly to squirrels. Cat saliva is just awful. Also, if you do indeed end up raising and releasing these guys (which I think you may end up doing) they MUST and I mean absolutely MUST fear cats. Always triple check the cage and always quadruple check that the door is closed all the way, always.

Also, it is probably a very very good idea for you to wash your hands very well before touching the babies. Just to make sure you have nothing "cat related" on your hands....especially since they are investigating them.

I am not trying to sound harsh; however I am stressing the extreme importance of keeping them away from anything cat. It is REALLY important.

[sabelson]

I would add to wash your hands AFTER touching the squirrels too. Diseases, germs, parasites go both ways and you don't want to give the cat anything either. You'll be washing your hands a lot.

[Milo's Mom]

I would add to wash your hands AFTER touching the squirrels too. Diseases, germs, parasites go both ways and you don't want to give the cat anything either. You'll be washing your hands a lot.

:thumbsup

[cnmnnaturalist]

I wash my hands BEFORE and AFTER handling these little guys. I don't want to pass on anything to them, or from them. Believe me, I know the pathogens and parasites they carry! They do have some fleas, but it's a small number (pretty surprising, actually). I'll be dealing with them with a flea comb and some good grooming. They don't need any bloodsuckers on them, and we certainly don't need them in the house! Them nesting in the pillowcase seems to work to keep the fleas contained. Any fleas I find I squish immediately anyway. We never have problems with fleas since they tend to do poorly with the cold temps.

The cat saliva thing really is scary. I've seen the effects on animals first hand, so I'm being very careful. I'm not letting the cats get too close, but I am letting them see the cats once in a while and see that predatory behavior of the cat, and trying to reinforce the 'scary' nature of the cat (like getting slightly upset, shooing the cat away, getting closer to the babies). I'm not showing any affection to the cats or letting the scent of the cats get too near the babies. It's upsetting the cats, but they'll get over it!

Same with our big black lab Baxter. They'll get a look at him and I'll teach them to be scared. I'm going to be releasing them in an area where they're not likely to see either cats or dogs, but I will still teach them a thing or two before hand.

I might also later on take their carrier outside onto the deck and expose them to the alarm calls of the resident squirrels. We have a Cooper's Hawk that has been preying on some of the migratory birds (I only prevent it to a point, since the hawk deserves to eat too), and I have a Great Horned Owl kite I can use to get the squirrels to alarm call and teach them to be cautious.

I'm KIND OF disappointed they're not black gray squirrels. We have a small population of them that comes and goes in numbers. Really cute!

The foods I'm going to buy are organic strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, nuts (sunflower seeds, hazelnuts). Anything else that I should let them try? Any veggies like watercress or maybe go out and find some grass sprouts or something? I know they start to explore foods now and I want to get them taught early on.

[Milo's Mom]

I wash my hands BEFORE and AFTER handling these little guys. I don't want to pass on anything to them, or from them. Believe me, I know the pathogens and parasites they carry! They do have some fleas, but it's a small number (pretty surprising, actually). I'll be dealing with them with a flea comb and some good grooming. They don't need any bloodsuckers on them, and we certainly don't need them in the house! Them nesting in the pillowcase seems to work to keep the fleas contained. Any fleas I find I squish immediately anyway. We never have problems with fleas since they tend to do poorly with the cold temps.

The cat saliva thing really is scary. I've seen the effects on animals first hand, so I'm being very careful. I'm not letting the cats get too close, but I am letting them see the cats once in a while and see that predatory behavior of the cat, and trying to reinforce the 'scary' nature of the cat (like getting slightly upset, shooing the cat away, getting closer to the babies). I'm not showing any affection to the cats or letting the scent of the cats get too near the babies. It's upsetting the cats, but they'll get over it!

Same with our big black lab Baxter. They'll get a look at him and I'll teach them to be scared. I'm going to be releasing them in an area where they're not likely to see either cats or dogs, but I will still teach them a thing or two before hand.

I might also later on take their carrier outside onto the deck and expose them to the alarm calls of the resident squirrels. We have a Cooper's Hawk that has been preying on some of the migratory birds (I only prevent it to a point, since the hawk deserves to eat too), and I have a Great Horned Owl kite I can use to get the squirrels to alarm call and teach them to be cautious.

I'm KIND OF disappointed they're not black gray squirrels. We have a small population of them that comes and goes in numbers. Really cute!

The foods I'm going to buy are organic strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, nuts (sunflower seeds, hazelnuts). Anything else that I should let them try? Any veggies like watercress or maybe go out and find some grass sprouts or something? I know they start to explore foods now and I want to get them taught early on.
No sunflower seeds or nuts right now! They need to learn to eat their veggies and blocks before they get fruit. Fruit is like candy to them.
Honestly, right now, personally, I'd keep them on formula and blocks only.

Then after they eat their blocks eagerly, then start the veggies. The dark green ones first...in a sec I will post a link to the Healthy Diet....I use it as my shopping list.

There is really no need to "teach" them anything. They already know it, they are born knowing it. I would not take them outside. In the wild with their real Mom they would not be allowed out of the nest for another several weeks.

EDIT: Here is the link for the Healthy Diet http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39275

The first veggies they should learn to love are the ones listed in Group 1, then they learn to love the ones from group 2 and then finally group 3.

[Milo's Mom]

Also, I know how incredibly hard it is to keep the domestic pets away from the babies...they want to see what their Mommy is doing and what is taking her attention away from them.

The babies naturally fear them as one of their born instincts. When we, the humans, end up raising them with our domestic pets, they see that the cats and dogs are friendly and mean no harm to them. Then when out in the wild if they see a cat or dog they will not run and alarm and will most likely be eaten.

I have a dog and a cat (used to have 2 dogs and 3 cats) I really do know how difficult it is to do what I am saying. There are so many stories here about how a loving pet ate the baby squirrels...broke into the cage and ate them. I am not being dramatic, I am being 100% dead serious.

Washing hands already!! PERFECT!!!! :thumbsup

[cnmnnaturalist]

Dark greens? Awesome. I had someone tell me 'get them hooked on the edible wild mushrooms' but even those have some toxicity to them, especially to babies. I ordered the blocks and 20/50 last night, so it may be a couple of days before it arrives. I'll keep them on the rehydrate and the goat milk (or esilbac, if I can't find the milk. fingers crossed!). I did give them a little bit of apple and a little bit of walnut meat (less than a pea-sized chunk of each) after giving them the rehydrate.

Believe me, the pets will NEVER get a hold of these babies, and I will be keeping them well away from them to keep them from being acclimated to them.

I'll have to see if the local shelter has a larger cage that I can use once they get to the stage where they need more room. I put them in a larger carrier (about 2' high, 3.5'long) with some branches to climb on. They're still wanting to stick to the pillow case nest, so I'm not pushing them.

[MJS]

:wave123 :Welcome TO TSB!!! EXCELLENT ADVICE FROM MILO'S MOM...SHE HAS BEEN A GREAT HELP TO ME SINCE WE RESCUED OUR TWO 6-7 WK OLDS ALMOST THREE WEEKS AGO. FOR THEIR DIET, FOX VALLEY 20/50 AND HENRY'S BLOCKS ARE ALL THAT YOU'LL NEED FOR AWHILE (OTHER THAT SYRINGES AND NIPPLES). YOU MIGHT WANT TO CUT THE BLOCKS IN HALVES OR QUARTERS UNTIL YOU SEE THAT THEY ARE ACTUALLY EATING RATHER THAN JUST SHREDDING THEM. ALSO GIVE THEM SOME FRESH CUT HARDWOOD STICKS (PENCIL SIZE OR SLIGHTLY LARGER) TO GNAW ON. GOOD RESCUE!!! :bowdown BTW...YOUR NEIGHBOR (IF HE'S THE SHOOTER) IS AN IDIOT. :madd

[Milo's Mom]

Thank you MJS!! :grouphug And thank you again...about cutting the blocks in half or quarters to start.

Personally, I'd save my money right now on the veggies. Get the stuff you need for the formula, then get some food into them. It's been awhile since they've had any good calories.

Then when the FV and HHB's arrive, get them started on both.

Then after they are eating their blocks you can buy the veggies.

Just a savings suggestion since I know how much you've spent in the last 24 hours!!

The apple and walnut will not kill them. But it is SOOO much easier to get them to like the healthy stuff first and then the sweet stuff....sort of like a human kid, give them candy and wonder why they won't eat a healthy dinner. :thinking

[Milo's Mom]

I have to run some errands so I am logging off for awhile.

Again, we have many many members that are very helpful and knowledgeable, so keep asking your questions! :thumbsup

And you bes' get onto your errands too...those babies are probably very hungry!! :)

[Sqrl]

I have been looking out my back door today and have found that I have 3 little ones out in my yard...,I have has such fun watching them to explore the yard and finding what we call helicopters..they are getting the nuts and just having a grand time with them.

I just love my squirrels,,,since I have gotten Abby I have had such fun and now I am feeding my out doors baby's... those two little ones are so lucky you found them and it sounds like they are loving it as well. Pleas keep us updated I love so see the change in the babies...

:thankyou

[cnmnnaturalist]

I was in luck! I found goats milk. I gave them a 3:1 mix of the rehydrate and goat milk formula. One absolutely adored it, the other hates it. It's never that easy!

I picked up a couple of soft dog toys (since they're built to be chewed on and don't have tiny parts), a small water bottle to attach to the carrier, some new cheapo pillowcases and a woolen knit hat for them to use as a nest. They LOVE the hat. A lot. They feel very safe in it.

The only 'chewing things' they had for rodents were really...iffy and I didn't want to risk it. How good are deer antlers for them? We have some old antlers we used for decor outside and the wild squirrels have whittled them down quite a bit.

[Milo's Mom]

:wott:wott

you found goats milk!!!! :multi:multi:multi

Deer antlers are good for them...hence the wilds chewing on them. Just wash them in hot soapy water and rinse really well before you give to babies.

When you say you gave them a 3:1 mix of the rehydrate and GM formula...does this mean you mixed the two together? If so, please do not do that anymore.

You can either add some extra water to the formula OR in between feedings give them extra hydration. But do not mix the two.

Also, have you removed the salt from the hydration fluid? If not, please do so. Giving hydration with salt for more than 24 hours is counterproductive.

I am SOOO happy you found Goats Milk!!! Can you hear me cheering? :rotfl

[cnmnnaturalist]

Alright! They'll get diluted formula for now. One of the stores sells antlers for dog chews, and I thought I'd put it across to see if it would be a good chewing treat. A lot better than random pieces of wood and weird stuff made from who knows what.

[cnmnnaturalist]

JUST FOUND NUMBER 3!! He was crying on the neighbor's deck and I scooped him up. He wasn't afraid, coming right to me and crawling onto my hands. I just gave him about 6 ccs of the rehydrate and put him in with the others. He's quite happy to be snuggled in. I had to put more heat on because he was so cold! Poor baby.

[cnmnnaturalist]

The next thing I need to deal with is the fleas. They are so squirmy (both the babies AND the fleas) that it's going to be difficult to just comb them out. I've heard about using spot treatments (Ovitrol or Revolution for kittens). We really, REALLY do not want to have problems with fleas elsewhere either, so I'm keeping them well away from other critters so the fleas don't hitch a ride. We never have problems with fleas because of our cold winters, but we don't need to a first-time problem.

[Milo's Mom]

WOW! Okay, the newest little one has gone an additional day and a half without food or water. He's probably going to need some additional fluids.

Currently how often are you offering them hydration?

Number 3 cannot have food yet, he must get hydrated and fully warmed first. Remember to go slow with him so his little body has time to absorb the fluids.

When you are offering him fluids (use salt with him, but not the others) make sure it's nice and warm. If you keep him wrapped in fleece/t-shirt while hydrating it will help him to retain his body heat.

I'm not sure how late it is out there right now, but could you possibly take a walk out by where you found the others and listen to see if you can hear more crying?

[Milo's Mom]

Squirrel fleas are not the same as cat and dog fleas. A damp towel bath with Dawn dish soap and warm water will help. Start at the head and work to the tail chasing the fleas down, then pick them off and kill them...just smoosh them between your finger.

OR

I hate to send you back to town, but flea powder works really well too. Just a tiny bit on a cotton ball and wipe them down with it, then reapply to cotton ball and place in the corner of their container.

Due to the level of dehydration, especially with the newest one, I do not think a topical treatment such as Revolution is a good idea right now.

Squirrel fleas may jump onto the cats, but within a day or so they will be dead (the fleas, not the cats).

[cnmnnaturalist]

Mom is going to pick up Revolution for kittens tomorrow, so we'll have it on hand when they're ready to get it applied. I'll do the dawn and flea comb/rinse treatment tomorrow with the ones I picked up earlier, and try and do some dry combing/picking with the new ones.

I'm feeding the rehydrate with a 4cc syringe. There is also the little rodent water bottle with a teeeeeeny pinch of sugar (it's about a 1 cup capacity bottle), which I'll be getting rid of once I see them drinking a little more from it. The new one drank pretty eagerly, and didn't like that I was taking it nice and slow with the plunger so he didn't get too excited and aspirated. He took about 4ccs and I'll give him another couple before bed.

I tend to either cup them in my hand or I get them snuggly in a tea towel while feeding. If they are a little hesitant, I usually drape the towel or my fingers over their head to give them some cover and they go right at it.

I've got them on the heating pad again and he's pretty happy, feeling warmer and his skin isn't tacking as much. Amazing how fast it works!

[cnmnnaturalist]

It's dusk right now but I can go out with a head lamp and see if I see any little eyes. It might work better.

[Nancy in New York]

I've never heard of a 4 cc syringe. Can you get something smaller.
Many times when a little one aspirates like one of yours did, you have to watch out for pneumonia. Listen for a clicking sound when they breath.
Just to be on the safe side, I would start looking for someone that has Baytril.

Sorry I just reread what you wrote, you said so that he wouldn't aspirate.....gottcha.:thumbsup

[Nancy in New York]

JUST FOUND NUMBER 3!! He was crying on the neighbor's deck and I scooped him up. He wasn't afraid, coming right to me and crawling onto my hands. I just gave him about 6 ccs of the rehydrate and put him in with the others. He's quite happy to be snuggled in. I had to put more heat on because he was so cold! Poor baby.


Not sure what you mean about putting on more heat. You have the heating pad under the container, set on low, right?
Do not give anything by mouth until they are warmed. Always have the pad set on low.

[cnmnnaturalist]

Didn't mean MORE heat, meant putting the heat back on. I had actually turned it off for a short time while I was rearranging things. Had the heat off for about 15 minutes. My brain isn't working right!

[Nancy in New York]

Didn't mean MORE heat, meant putting the heat back on. I had actually turned it off for a short time while I was rearranging things. Had the heat off for about 15 minutes. My brain isn't working right!

My brain doesn't work after getting three squirrels either...:D :poke :D

[cnmnnaturalist]

Did a quick look-around with the headlamp, didn't see or hear any sign of another. Barred Owls are hooting, Loons are calling, Peepers and other frogs singing. Too nice NOT to be out!

[kastillo]

Squirrel fleas may jump onto the cats, but within a day or so they will be dead (the fleas, not the cats).
:rotfl :rotfl Sorry, that struck me as funny :rofl4

So glad you found these little ones, so sorry what happened to momma.
Sounds like you are doing great as a first time squirrel mommy!
Keep up the good work!:D :thumbsup

[cnmnnaturalist]

Good morning! All three are bright eyed and bushy-tailed. They decided to yell at me while crawling on my hands looking for food. Each ate their fill and enjoyed some scritches. Their poop and pee looks great.

Mom said "I want to hold one, but I don't want to get attached". YEAH RIGHT! Ha! Good luck with that one! She wanted me to take a picture of her holding one to show her friends. She's holding #3, who was perfectly sweet in her hands.

#3 is doing quite well this morning. He's perked up very well and his skin is no longer tacky. He poofed up his tail and waved it around as he sat in my hand, just letting me know who's boss. Of course, the 'angry squirrel' routine melted when I scritched his neck. What a faker!

[Monipenny]

Awww, sweet! I am glad you found the third one too. Great job!

[cnmnnaturalist]

They ADORE their little nest/hat. Anybody have trouble keeping their head warm? ^^

[cnmnnaturalist]

NEW ISSUE...

They are so FUSSY! They would not take the goat milk/yogurt very much at all. I made a little batch with only a little bit of yogurt and they still don't like it. I had to quit trying because they would try and spit it out, and I didn't want them aspirating anything. I'm sure they're just being picky. They are drinking water from the bottle though, so at least they're getting fluids. Is this just one of those things where I have to say "Take it or leave it" ?

[farrelli]

Are you serving it very warm? They like it very warm.

Did you potty them beforehand? That helps too.

[cnmnnaturalist]

Just tried again and they ate more this time. I think they're just being brats! Each took about 5ml of it. Forgot how messy baby animals can be. Noisy too. They really don't like being wiped clean (just like any squirmy child). They go back into the hat and I can see them grooming and hear them chatter and murmur before settling down. I'll have to keep an apron and towel in there so I don't get covered in the formula.

[farrelli]

Make sure that you use a baby wipe to clean the formula off so that they don't get milk burn. Water alone doesn't always do it.

[cnmnnaturalist]

That's what I'm using! The 'sensitive' type, anyway. Just like wiping a 2 year old's face off. "Just let me -hold still--hey stop--I need to--"

[cnmnnaturalist]

The babies have found their appetites! My goodness! They are eating between 6 and 10mls at a time. They are VERY vocal and grabby when feeding too! The noisiest, biggest one has been calling for his dinner, doing the 'mommy' cry and I run right to him. I'm a total sucker! They are drinking from their water bottle too. After a good feed, they do play a little and explore.

And I was mistaken. It's 2 boys and one girl! Oh dear!

I have to take my mom in for an appointment and will be gone most of the day, so I'm instructing dad on feeding and caring for them. He's pretty good with animals and knows a bit about medicine, so that's good. I think he'll be enjoying it.

[SammysMom]

Most important is that they need to be "head up and forward, tail down and back and the syringe pointed at the roof of their mouth, not down their throat. Aspiration prevention...:D

[cnmnnaturalist]

Don't worry! I've had them sitting up on my lap, the syringe at a 45 degree angle and just taking it slow. Sitting up makes their little bellies stick out as they fill up. Really cute!

Thinking about future housing now. We have an old wood duck box that will make a great house for the time when they are pre-release and release. Now I have to figure out whether to buy or borrow a cage, or just build one for them to excessive in. Anyone have any ideas? What kinds of materials are safe?

I'll be trying to find some nipples and some good deer antlers tomorrow. I'm combing the woods for the perfect mini jungle-gyms of branches. They are starting to climb up them and explore. We have an old basket made of broad, flat sticks and they really love climbing in it. It's like of those old domed monkey-bar things. The holes are big enough they can squeeze through easily, and they seem to like being underneath, like it's a fort. Very cute.

[SammysMom]

Untreated lumber and 1/2" hardware cloth is best. If you build it, wire attached on the inside as they do love to chew the wood!!! Look on Craig's List though. Many members find great cages there. Jackie has even made cages by removing sides and adding hardware cloth to pieces of furniture, like and armoire.

[cnmnnaturalist]

Thank goodness for previous experience! I panicked when I heard clicking from #3 and thought "OH GOD PNEUMONIA ASPIRATION I'M A HORRIBLE MOMMY" and it was just a little bit of nasal aspiration. Couldn't get him to sneeze so I applied a very gentle pressure with the blunt end of an applicator to the base of the nose and he sneezed just fine. Sounds great now. Learned it from stimulating puppies and kittens!

[cnmnnaturalist]

THE GUILT, IT PAINS ME SO! I am a HORRIBLE mother. Two of them have noisy, clicking rales. #3 is worse than the other. I've instructed dad to get Baytril and give .03ml to them. The vet will help out with that.

I ABSOLUTELY have to take my mom to an eye appointment, so this sucks. REALLY SUCKS. I fed them sooooo carefully and slowly and still they get it! I don't know if they just hiccuped or what.

I put on the ambient heater too and dad will be going in very shortly to get the meds. He has vet/medical experience so I have total faith in him. I've instructed him to not give any food and let them lap water off of his fingers or hands. He will check on them every once in a while.



ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!!!!

[Milo's Mom]

THE GUILT, IT PAINS ME SO! I am a HORRIBLE mother. Two of them have noisy, clicking rales. #3 is worse than the other. I've instructed dad to get Baytril and give .03ml to them. The vet will help out with that.

I ABSOLUTELY have to take my mom to an eye appointment, so this sucks. REALLY SUCKS. I fed them sooooo carefully and slowly and still they get it! I don't know if they just hiccuped or what.

I put on the ambient heater too and dad will be going in very shortly to get the meds. He has vet/medical experience so I have total faith in him. I've instructed him to not give any food and let them lap water off of his fingers or hands. He will check on them every once in a while.



ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGH!!!!

The amount of Baytril to be given depends on the strength of it and also the weight of the squirrel. It's not a good idea to just give them all a straight amount.

Also, squirrels do make a lot of noises. If they are clicking with aspiration pneumonia the clicking will be coming from their lungs (hold their chests up to your ear) and it will be with EVERY SINGLE breath, both in and out.

Since it is so cold where you are, they may have exposure pneumonia...

The ambient heat...they must be on heat AT ALL TIMES. They are too young to thermoregulate. Giving them heat is very important. When they are getting to warm they will move away from it themselves.

The heat thing is just as important as the instructions I gave you for how to mix the Esbilac, maybe even more important. They absolutely must have heat at all times. A wool cap will not keep them warm enough. The average body temp of a squirrel is more than 102*, anything less and hypothermia can set in.

Do they have a rice buddy? Are you reheating it every 2 hours or so?

[Nancy in New York]

No time to read all the posts, just two questions.
What size syringes are you using, and do you have a heating pad with no shut off.
You must keep the heat set at low.

[cnmnnaturalist]

Just returned from the appointment and dad reports all three are doing very well. The vet assisted in getting the dosage right and he gave them a dose and fed them (per vet instructions, less than normal and much slower). He said otherwise they are very active, hungry and their breathing sounds better. Lung noise is MUCH quieter, but still a tiny bit of clicking. They gave us a TEENY 1ml syringe to administer the meds, and dad was using another of the same size to slowly give them food.

They have a heating pad that is constantly on low, and I check to make sure that they are getting enough heat. At night, when it gets a little cooler in the house, I put a towel over the carrier to retain heat (but leave it open a little for ventilation.) I will hold them once in a while to feel how warm they are as well. They do move from their hat/nest when they get too hot, and snuggle back in when they get cold. They still receive warmth when they are anywhere on the floor of the carrier.

[SammysMom]

The carrier needs to be only half on the heating pad. Just put the heating pad down and put half of the carrier on it. They need to have half the carrier be cooler in case they get too hot.

[Nancy in New York]

Did you order 1 cc syringes? If not, pm me your address, and I will get some in the mail to you tomorrow. :thumbsup

[cnmnnaturalist]

Heating pad moved.

We have about 8 1cc syringes, and the vet will give them to me for free any time I need them. Thanks anyway!

[cnmnnaturalist]

I'm happy to report that all three are doing well this morning! They ate a hearty, if very slow meal. They did not like me taking my time in giving them the food. Much chattering, murmuring and complaining. After they were fed, they did a little wrestling and exploring before heading back to bed.

The sweet little girl, whom I have named Sweet Pea, is still having some lung noise but is doing much better. I gave her her second dose of Baytril, and made very sure that her feeding was slow and gentle. She is retaining body heat better this morning. She enjoyed some extra cuddling and cleaning from me.

I've yet to figure out names for the two boys. One is very vocal, feisty and always hungry. He will act like he is full, but as soon as I start feeding another he will try to climb up and grab hold of the syringe. He even stole it from me! Little stinker! The other male is a bit more calm, loves to explore and comes to protect his siblings when they seem to complain a lot.

I am making plans for the larger 'exploration' cage. An old wood duck box (which a wild gray squirrel decided to 'renovate' and made it unworthy of ducks) will be a great 'release house' with a few alterations. I may end up releasing them far from my house, because I am concerned that they may wander into the cruel neighbor's yard and get shot just like their mother.

I am always looking for fun things in the woods to add to their toys. There are always plenty of things to climb, explore and smell.

[Milo's Mom]

If they are whining and complaining about the speed when eating, you're feeding at the PERFECT speed.

Baytril is best when dosed every 12 hours versus once a day, as it keeps a more constant level in their systems. How many days did the vet tell you to give them Baytril for?

[cnmnnaturalist]

There are few things more adorable when you're just about done feeding them and they start to close their eyes as they suckle. Those bellies are getting properly filled now! I have gotten a routine with the feeding that I count "one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand" before pushing the plunger down to give them time to swallow. Their paws seem to keep in line with this timing, since they will hold and then grip and tug at the 'two-one-thousand'. I tug on the syringe a little if I think they haven't swallowed, just to stimulate them a little.

The vet gave us a 7-day supply, and will keep things on hand if we need more. They've been great with us. They have requested a visit to see the little babies for themselves, but I've let them know I want to wait until I think they are good and strong before I put them through the stress of a trip, and even then.....

They were quite hungry for their second feeding half an hour ago. Even little Sweet Pea was vocal and grabby! They were bad enough I had to keep two locked in the carrier so they wouldn't mob me while feeding one of them. Boy did they complain about that! I usually get them 10ml of formula each before switching to the next baby. After all three get their 10ml, then I check to see if they want another additional 3ml to 'top them off'. Usually they go with 2ml more and then they're done.

Their pee and poo look pretty darn good. They don't seem dehydrated, and their eyes, ears and nose are nice and clear.

[CritterMom]

There are few things more adorable when you're just about done feeding them and they start to close their eyes as they suckle. Those bellies are getting properly filled now! I have gotten a routine with the feeding that I count "one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand" before pushing the plunger down to give them time to swallow. Their paws seem to keep in line with this timing, since they will hold and then grip and tug at the 'two-one-thousand'. I tug on the syringe a little if I think they haven't swallowed, just to stimulate them a little.

The vet gave us a 7-day supply, and will keep things on hand if we need more. They've been great with us. They have requested a visit to see the little babies for themselves, but I've let them know I want to wait until I think they are good and strong before I put them through the stress of a trip, and even then.....

They were quite hungry for their second feeding half an hour ago. Even little Sweet Pea was vocal and grabby! They were bad enough I had to keep two locked in the carrier so they wouldn't mob me while feeding one of them. Boy did they complain about that! I usually get them 10ml of formula each before switching to the next baby. After all three get their 10ml, then I check to see if they want another additional 3ml to 'top them off'. Usually they go with 2ml more and then they're done.

Their pee and poo look pretty darn good. They don't seem dehydrated, and their eyes, ears and nose are nice and clear.


Bring your vet's office a box of donuts or something - vets like that should be gold plated and kept safe because believe me when I say they are in the minority.:thumbsup

[cnmnnaturalist]

They are AWESOME. Ark Animal Hospital - http://www.arkanimalhospitalpr.org/. They have been our vets for years and they have stuck with us through thick and thin.

I'll messaging my contacts with the DNR shortly to get the skinny on release protocol. I'm a DNR Non-Game Wildlife Volunteer, so they know I know what I'm doing.

[cnmnnaturalist]

Yay! The Fox Valley 20/50 and Growth Squirrel Blocks have arrived! Should I ease them onto it right away or can I get rid of the small batch of fresh goat's milk stuff (like half a cup left of it). Thinking about it now, I will have to use the last of the goat's milk to ease them onto the formula. Duh.

I'm going into town to pick them up an antler chewy and a digital scale, along with some other things. I forgot to order some nipples. Should I still order some nipples or should they be okay off of the syringe? I just wonder if the nipples will help with feeding 'manners' and possibly prevent gas/bloating.

[Monipenny]

"Should I still order some nipples or should they be okay off of the syringe?"

I have never used nipples and never had a problem, it's up to you.

[cnmnnaturalist]

Bought the little babies some new stuff. Picked up an electric water kettle (since our downstairs microwave is...crazy), a digital scale and some nice little antlers to chew on. I picked up some baby bottles that I can put the formula in, then sit the bottles in the electric kettle water to heat them up. Works very well! Also picked up a nasal bulb/syringe and some all-natural baby wipes.

I cleaned out their cage today, washed their bedding. I used a mild peroxide/water mix to clean with since I didn't want to irritate them with anything. Someone told me about some of the 'herbal' sanitizers, but the last thing I want is to overload them with some heavy herbal smells. While I washed their stuff, I put them in the tiny kennel and they threw quite a fit. Then they got comfy and threw a fit when I grabbed them and put them into their nice, clean kennel. I only mildly washed their hat/nest since I thought the smell would comfort them if it were still around, rather than everything fresh, clean and not having their scent.

They are eating heartily and are very demanding now. Even little Sweet Pea isn't so sweet any more!

I'll be transitioning them onto their FV 20/50 formula in the next couple of days. Their Henry's Healthy Bites Growth are also here. What's the standard way to give these? There is fresh spring growth popping up, so I'm wondering when I start giving them a little bit of their wild foods just to explore and nibble on.

[skippy]

Bought the little babies some new stuff. Picked up an electric water kettle (since our downstairs microwave is...crazy), a digital scale and some nice little antlers to chew on. I picked up some baby bottles that I can put the formula in, then sit the bottles in the electric kettle water to heat them up. Works very well! Also picked up a nasal bulb/syringe and some all-natural baby wipes.

I cleaned out their cage today, washed their bedding. I used a mild peroxide/water mix to clean with since I didn't want to irritate them with anything. Someone told me about some of the 'herbal' sanitizers, but the last thing I want is to overload them with some heavy herbal smells. While I washed their stuff, I put them in the tiny kennel and they threw quite a fit. Then they got comfy and threw a fit when I grabbed them and put them into their nice, clean kennel. I only mildly washed their hat/nest since I thought the smell would comfort them if it were still around, rather than everything fresh, clean and not having their scent.

They are eating heartily and are very demanding now. Even little Sweet Pea isn't so sweet any more!

I'll be transitioning them onto their FV 20/50 formula in the next couple of days. Their Henry's Healthy Bites Growth are also here. What's the standard way to give these? There is fresh spring growth popping up, so I'm wondering when I start giving them a little bit of their wild foods just to explore and nibble on.

NO BABY BOTTLES. Use your syringes. As they grow you can increase to 3cc, 5cc. If you are experienced enough with holding back on the plunger and controlling them, you can use a 10cc as they are closest to weaning.
Baby bottles are dangerous. No control over the flow, sucking the nipple right down their throat. It has happened.

I'm glad you are being so cautious with them. Just wanted you bring this to your attention if noone else has so far.

:)

[cnmnnaturalist]

Don't worry! I'm not using the baby bottles to feed them. It's just a convenient way to heat up the formula in a hot water bath.

[Milo's Mom]

Do not use a syringe without a nipple. Very dangerous and greatly increases the likelihood of aspiration....and you're already dealing with meds for them.

I also do not recommend as a first time mom using a syringe larger than 3cc's. I will admit I have used larger but the circumstances were very unique and I was terrified the entire time. It's just not worth the risks involved.

Cut the blocks in half and give them each one. They will do everything and anything BUT eat them at first. Pee on them, play with them, nibble them into teeny tiny bits, sleep with them, fight over them, hide them, and then one day when you think you are doing nothing but wasting your money, they WILL eat them. I have never had a baby that does not eat them. They should NOT get anything but the FV and blocks until they are eating all of their blocks. Then and only then do they start getting foods from group 1 of the healthy diet and some of the fresh picked well cleaned wild foods.

[cnmnnaturalist]

Here's a couple of photos I took as I was getting them ready for bed. Since they didn't like the new formula that well (the FV) and didn't eat very much, I came back a bit later and offered it to them again. This time they were hungry enough to take the rest of it, plus a little more for good measure (total of about 13ml each). With tummies full, they did little exploring before snuggling in for the night.

The first image is the female Sweet Pea checking me out before heading to bed. The second photo is the two males snuggling in and Sweet Pea doing some grooming before getting in as well. They kept on trying to pull the lip of the hat down when I tried to get a photo. They wanted to get to sleep!

204138

204139

[cnmnnaturalist]

Do not use a syringe without a nipple. Very dangerous and greatly increases the likelihood of aspiration....and you're already dealing with meds for them.

I also do not recommend as a first time mom using a syringe larger than 3cc's. I will admit I have used larger but the circumstances were very unique and I was terrified the entire time. It's just not worth the risks involved.

Cut the blocks in half and give them each one. They will do everything and anything BUT eat them at first. Pee on them, play with them, nibble them into teeny tiny bits, sleep with them, fight over them, hide them, and then one day when you think you are doing nothing but wasting your money, they WILL eat them. I have never had a baby that does not eat them. They should NOT get anything but the FV and blocks until they are eating all of their blocks. Then and only then do they start getting foods from group 1 of the healthy diet and some of the fresh picked well cleaned wild foods.

I'll go ahead and order some nipples then. I only use 3cc syringes. I have a nasal bulb just in case, but it's hard to use something like that on such a tiny nose, so I'd rather avoid aspiration all together (I'm likely asking for the impossible.)

I gave them each their half block earlier this evening and they ate more than I thought! At least half of the blocks were eaten, the rest is a nice little mess everywhere. They're saving those for later... ^^

[Unikorngrrl]

Oh my dracious...so stinkin' precious! I'd have to stalk you and steal them if you were close enough ;) Glad they're doing so well!!! They look great! :Love_Icon

[Milo's Mom]

Precious little peanuts!!!

With the bulb syringe...very handy and a good idea to have on hand. However, please be careful if ever using it. A good friend of mine (Master Rehabber) mentioned that they can (and have) been used too forcefully and collapsed a lung....sucked the air right out of it. Just thought it would be important to mention....

[cnmnnaturalist]

I've had practice using the nasal bulb on teeny kittens and baby bunnies, so you don't have to worry about me!

Now it's time to start planning the transition cage! I'm pretty good at building things, and we have a good friend/neighbor that's a carpenter. They're going to have quite a gym to play with. I've seen some perfectly hollow logs in the woods near here that would be a great transition shelter. This is going to be fun!

[Unikorngrrl]

Precious little peanuts!!!

With the bulb syringe...very handy and a good idea to have on hand. However, please be careful if ever using it. A good friend of mine (Master Rehabber) mentioned that they can (and have) been used too forcefully and collapsed a lung....sucked the air right out of it. Just thought it would be important to mention....

:goodpost Yes, that is a good one to know!!

[skippy]

Don't worry! I'm not using the baby bottles to feed them. It's just a convenient way to heat up the formula in a hot water bath.
:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[cnmnnaturalist]

http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff495/CariceLaur/th_squirrelsonblocks1_zps19d24c8c.jpg (http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff495/CariceLaur/squirrelsonblocks1_zps19d24c8c.mp4)

I think the Squirrel Blocks are a hit. ^^

I'm very mad at the water bottle I bought for them. Despite three tries to fix it, it still leaks everywhere. UGH. I hate shopping at Wal-Mart. Ordering a really nice one recommended to me along with nippies.

[cnmnnaturalist]

I am so proud of my little babies!

I was fixing their water bottle again and suddenly they started 'alarm chattering' and waving their tails angrily. They pressed up against the rear corner of the cage and I turned around to see what they were looking at. My little cat Spaz had snuck in behind me (I did not secure the door completely. *expletive*) and was looking at them with interest! I scolded her, chased her out and closed the door. They did EXACTLY what I would want them to. I always keep them thoroughly secured and well away from our animals, and I'm very happy that they behaved in such a way. They already know Spaz is a predator.

I can assure you this is an isolated incident. I will NEVER allow any of our cats or dogs near these squirrels in any way. It only takes one mistake to lead to these squirrels either being injured, killed or lose their fear of predators.