Winston's Pee is Pink to Brown

[MollyBear361]

Winston is my two and a half year old Richardson Ground Squirrel. I have noticed lately his urine changes. Sometimes it is clear. I kept finding spots on the ground and couldn't figure out what it was. Very dark brown it had an oily smell to it. I think it is his urine. He just peed and when I clean it up it is a very light pink color. Is his urine supposed to be clear? He mostly eats Oxbow fine grind (he doesn't have the teeth for hay) and oats mixed with water. I leave rabbit and prarie dog pellets for him but he doesn't touch them. He also gets dandelions, clovers from outside. This week he has had a couple mealies, banana, and avocado for treats every other day.

[Jackie in Tampa]

not familiar with ground sqs... just giving this a bump..
however make sure he is drinking lots of water if you think this is a bladder/kidney issue.

[Liza]

I'm not real familiar with ground squirrels either, but i saw you give him wild clover..and that is a clue. There is a plant that looks very much like clover called oxalis.. It contains something called oxalic acid, which can turn urine a rusty, pinky brown color in people.. not positive about squirrels tho.. I would watch and see if it happens more when you feed the wild, outdoor food.. then eliminate the "clover" and see if that helps..

[Rhapsody]

I know with regular squirrels their urine will turn a rusty or pinkish red if they eat to many acorn....... so this makes me think that your little one may have eaten some thing that did not get filter though his body correctly since he is not eating any Timothy Hay which help them with digestion issues like it does with rabbits.

[pappy1264]

RGS's do mark and it is sort of a skunky smelling stuff, I am wondering if that is what you are seeing? Are you sure it is pee?

[MollyBear361]

Thanks guys. I will have to look up what that plant is or weed as my husband calls it. Yes, it is pee. I dont think they mark like a cat or skunk. He gives off an odor when he is scared but thru fur. His back will get greasy and smelly. The smell isn't really bad. Kind of musky. I've grown to like his smell. :rotfl call me crazy. When I first got him it was stronger but not so much anymore. The food he eats is almost all timothy Hay. He just can't eat the actual hay bc of teeth issues. I will keep watching. Thanks for the ideas.