Babies with tails entangled!

[Scooterzmom]

We have a case we've never seen:

Someone found 5 babies all tangled together, very dehydrated, finder describes the stench as horrible ("like death" he says) but says they are still moving but are very weak.

We don't have photos unfortunately, he's driving at the moment. Called a vet's clinic and they said "Jut cut their tails."

Does anyone have any ADVICE PLEASE?

[pappy1264]

Warm soak? (or warm wet cloths to help seperate the tails). Are the tails injured? I am trying to envision it, but having a hard time. But a warm soak I would think would help to get anything off that was holding them together? Prayers being sent.

[Monipenny]

The usual, warm them on heating pad in a box on felt or t-shirt or flannel. Hydrate with pedialite first 24 hours, order fox valley formula at www.henreyspets.com in the mean time feed goats milk formula. After they are stable, I would carefully work to untangle them, avoid cutting their tails off unless done by a vet under sedation if absolutely neccessary. Good chance that much of their tangeling is dried poop, maybe a warm bath in a very shallow dish might help after they are warmed and in stable condition. Others will chime in with further advice. Also be sure to get 1 cc syringes to feed them safely.

[SammysMom]

SM your mailbox is full!
Jay messaged me and I sent Nancy in NY a message. It sounds like putting a warm wet cloth on the tails while they are on heat to warm them is the only thing to do. I am saying a prayer for these poor babies.:grouphug :Love_Icon

[Scooterzmom]

The warm soak was also my 1st advice but now we have more details coming thru:

The finder says the tails are also covered with worms and the tails look like they would have been chewed on, hair gone, some blood and full of worms (could he mean maggots? I don't know). Babies are 5 or 6 weeks old.

My 1st idea is there might be injuries and could be gangrene.

Any more advice? Since all five are stuck together and they are that age it would surely take more than one person to handle them for soaking, the fellow is alone - or so he indicated.

[SammysMom]

Maybe Revolution and or Capstar? A small container or warm water that they can go into? That sounds like at least one was injured and the blood is dried and sticking them together. What a mess! Where is the guy? I assume nobody is anywhere near him?

[SammysMom]

I would bet that "worms" = maggots. Those poor babies...thank goodness for the finder!:grouphug

[Milo's Mom]

If only 2 hands to work with 5 wet a dish towel or wash cloth with warm water and cover the tails. As you know a pic would be very helpful... Trying to advise based upon third party notes is very difficult.

[SammysMom]

That's what I was thinking too MM. They have to be in sort of a circle and the wet cloth can go in the middle. Of course best to do while they are on heat if possible. They do NOT need to be further chilled.

[kastillo]

oh my goodness, how horrible! poor babies, please let us know what
s going on when you get them.
But of course , tend to them first, get them warm and hydrated, wash the maggots off, soak with warm wet cloth.

[SammysMom]

Is it Capstar that addresses the maggots? I think it is available OTC if it is.

[Scooterzmom]

I would bet that "worms" = maggots. Those poor babies...thank goodness for the finder!:grouphug

My box is cleaned out, SM

Damn I hate being the messenger here.

OK corrections as more news arrive. The guy says the 5 tails are stuck together as if from early on something happened and they got fused together. He says it is impossible to separate them even with a soak because it looks like this was done when the babies were very young.

He went to a vet, vet refuses to cut them, says he will only euthanize them. We have no vet at all to give them anesthesia. What to do now?

[SammysMom]

Where is he?

[Milo's Mom]

GET THEM TO A
LICENSED REHABBER, NOW!!! This is a very serious situation!

Edit. Rehabbers have vets........

[SammysMom]

Yeah, if there is a terrible odor, it is likely gangrenous tissue. It may be all or it may be one, but attached it will kill all of them if it goes systemic. Gosh those poor babies...:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Charley Chuckles]

OMG just saw this, didn't read all...if it is just the tails not to worry about that Charley Chuckles did great without a tail all his almost 9 years, his tail had to be docked because of infection yada yada ...I pray all will be fine...with that said,now going back to read all :thumbsup

[Charley Chuckles]

DAMN I just sawe this////WTH CC had his tail off, no biggy...how old are they??? can they be clipped by a rehabber///they will do fine///I have a wild he has a bunny but tail, OMG please I hope thye don't put them down :Cry
My box is cleaned out, SM

Damn I hate being the messenger here.

OK corrections as more news arrive. The guy says the 5 tails are stuck together as if from early on something happened and they got fused together. He says it is impossible to separate them even with a soak because it looks like this was done when the babies were very young.

He went to a vet, vet refuses to cut them, says he will only euthanize them. We have no vet at all to give them anesthesia. What to do now?

[Scooterzmom]

We have NO professional rehabber here. :( Iwonka, myself and just a couple of others are all there is. None of us is medically trained. We have no access to anaesthetics. No vets either, except to euthanize :Cry

CC: the babies are 5 or 6 weeks old.

How do we do this? No scalpel available, like I said ... we have only the minimum tools.

What ABs would we need for after the procedure?

[Scooterzmom]

This is beyond frustrating. Sure we do our best to rehab but... each time we end up with a similar situation i.e. a big and/or bad emergency we are reminded just how callous this province is towards animals, wildlife in particular. We get no help... nothing from them except the damn euthanasia.

I'll tell you what it's like for us here: We feel like a bunch of nurses stuck in the middle of a field in Africa, with no doctors, and trying to tend to a village of wounded with no medication.

Correction: I know of ONE rehabber, who had her permit and now does not have it anymore because she says having it or not she's stuck with the same problems. She does have a vet but, one who pulls out the needle as soon as it is a bad situation. Because they have nobody to take care of the animal after operations etc, are always short of foster homes - as we are - they save only the ones they deem salvageable with the minimum post surgery care. :(

[SammysMom]

Okay, if you were to do this yourself, personally I think that you do not want something that "scissors". You want a wire cutter sort of tool that has blades that meet rather than passing each other. VERY sharp. My husband says "linesman pliers". fit the description.
As their tails are made to come off if a predator grabs them, is this an option?

[Scooterzmom]

Okay, if you were to do this yourself, personally I think that you do not want something that "scissors". You want a wire cutter sort of tool that has blades that meet rather than passing each other. VERY sharp. My husband says "linesman pliers". fit the description.
As their tails are made to come off if a predator grabs them, is this an option?

Passing the info to Iwonka.

I, too was wondering about the tail/predator thing. Iwonka has access to some medication - so far, at least - so I thought maybe give them some Metacam... something for the pain before the procedure.

[astra]

the meds combo will have to be similar to amputations - Jackie will be able to suggest how to stack them. Prednizone + painkillers + abs to prevent infection

what sammysmom suggested about the tools. It should be sharp and cut with much power (and courage). I never did anything of the sort, of course, but I've seen hens slaughtered in a farm setting - should be very quick, strong, firm, sure (i know easier said than done)

[SammysMom]

I guess just being sure that it doesn't increase the bleeding. It is just such an awful idea, but the alternative is far worse. God bless whoever has to make that decision. I will pray for strength and steady hands...:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Fireweed]

Scooterz, can't the guy send you some pictures right now? :thinking
Hopefully he is saying fused but it's really just the fur/blood that is entangling them and they won't actually need their tails cut off... ??
:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

[SammysMom]

If they are "fused"!!! If not this obviously does not apply.
Hesitation is the enemy in a situation like this. A firm quick "nip" is what it takes. Jackie is the one to assist on this one for sure. In a way it is similar to clipping teeth. Straight is important and the sharper the better on the tool. The blades meeting it really important if possible. Hydrate before anything though... These babies are in trouble and hydration is so very important wioth stress and particularly when medicating.

[sassysquirrel]

Is there anyone close that raises any kind of dogs that have their tails docked? Poodles, Austrailian Sherperds, Cocker Spaniels etc.

They will have the tools and the meds. They will also be able to sew them up if needed.

Some people that raise their own dogs will dock their tails themselves. Some do and some will take to their vet. But still worth a try.

Poor little babies

[astra]

Scooterz, can't the guy send you some pictures right now? :thinking
Hopefully he is saying fused but it's really just the fur/blood that is entangling them and they won't actually need their tails cut off... ??
:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug
if some tails started to rot sort of with maggots and stuff, they will have to be cut off :(

[Scooterzmom]

OK new update!

The babies are freed!!! The fellow made it home and started clipping the hair to see where they were joined and... HE DISCOVERED A 6th ONE!!!!!

All 6 are alive as of now!!! Dehydrated but alive and are going to one of our experienced "rehabbers".

I think that this at least gives us hope.

Will get more news when they get assessed by her.

[SammysMom]

They are not attached?:crazy

[Monipenny]

Relieved! We can all breath now. Sigh.

[iwonka]

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[Unikorngrrl]

Poor babies! How precious!! How are their tails looking now that they're untangled? Healthy or injured? What were the "worms"? Do they seem stable? GOOD LUCK!!! :Love_Icon

[SammysMom]

Oh my goodness they look wonderful! :thankyou

[SammysMom]

Second to the last pic is the best squirel feet pic ever!!!:Love_Icon
so, i bet you are happy to not be snippin off tails.:sanp3

[Chickenlegs]

Those poor babies. At least now they have a chance. All matted and tangled like that--in the wild they would have died for sure. Wonder how they got so tangled up? You guys are amazing!

[Scooterzmom]

3 black, 3 greys... cute as angels! Poor mama... imagine that... losing all 6 babies at once. :shakehead They were lucky as heck to be found by this gentleman, had not been on the ground too long. All in all they're in better shape than first thought. I wonder if by chance they might have been stuck together with sap or pitch... :dono If so, it must have happened quite a while ago and they must have fallen with one (or two) venturing out and dragging the others. :shakehead

The tails look awful though... some kinda strange. Some pieces of them fell off, skin and pieces of bone :( Thing is, the mom was there when the fellow picked them up - she couldn't take them, was panicking and screaming - so we think there's a way to try and reunite them.

Now the question is: should we clean them up entirely... or just their tail? We are worried about the scent, don't want the mom to reject them because she wouldn't recognize their scent. Suggestions please.

We can't reunite them in the morning... too far to have transportation & get them there early enough, but we WILL try to reunite tomorrow for sure.

Thanks guys for being there... going a bit nuts here. Iwonka has other babies not doing well, taking good care of them though.

[sid'smommy]

So glad they are all healthy! I was in a panic reading this thread! For future reference : see if you can get your hands on some lidocaine gel... the stuff the dentist puts on your gums right before giving you a shot. If you cant get that, OraGel for teething might work. To cut them, you need wire cutters. Cauterize with "QuickClot", silver nitrate or, if nothing else... light a match, blow it out, and set on wound. Do not cauterize unless absolutely neccesarry. Im so glad it didnt need to be done! Good luck with the reunion! I hope you find momma :)

[Scooterzmom]

So glad they are all healthy! I was in a panic reading this thread! For future reference : see if you can get your hands on some lidocaine gel... the stuff the dentist puts on your gums right before giving you a shot. If you cant get that, OraGel for teething might work. To cut them, you need wire cutters. Cauterize with "QuickClot", silver nitrate or, if nothing else... light a match, blow it out, and set on wound. Do not cauterize unless absolutely neccesarry. Im so glad it didnt need to be done! Good luck with the reunion! I hope you find momma :)

Making note of this, S'sM. :thankyou

[sid'smommy]

oh, and by the way... tylenol, ibuprofen, actually thin the blood.. not a good idea before the procedure :nono

[Unikorngrrl]

So glad they are all healthy! I was in a panic reading this thread! For future reference : see if you can get your hands on some lidocaine gel... the stuff the dentist puts on your gums right before giving you a shot. If you cant get that, OraGel for teething might work. To cut them, you need wire cutters. Cauterize with "QuickClot", silver nitrate or, if nothing else... light a match, blow it out, and set on wound. Do not cauterize unless absolutely neccesarry. Im so glad it didnt need to be done! Good luck with the reunion! I hope you find momma :)

17 years as a dental asst. Just FYI: The topical anesthetic at the dentist is made with ingredients are are merely absorbed by musocal (mouth) tissue. It is not effective on other types of tissue. Benzocaine has become the most commonly used and has taken the place of Lidocaine for the most part. Same concept applies to Oragel. :/ Would be nice if it would work...

[Unikorngrrl]

So glad they are all healthy! I was in a panic reading this thread! For future reference : see if you can get your hands on some lidocaine gel... the stuff the dentist puts on your gums right before giving you a shot. If you cant get that, OraGel for teething might work. To cut them, you need wire cutters. Cauterize with "QuickClot", silver nitrate or, if nothing else... light a match, blow it out, and set on wound. Do not cauterize unless absolutely neccesarry. Im so glad it didnt need to be done! Good luck with the reunion! I hope you find momma :)

I've seen Vets heat wire cutters to the point they would cauterize and immediately snip the tails of pups so that it clipped and cauterized at the same time. Have you ever seen that? Wonder if that's common practice? Or even safe?!?

[Scooterzmom]

We're kind of caught between a rock and a hard place on this tail cutting thing.

If we want to reunite them with their mom we don't believe it would be a good thing to risk leaving them with an open wound that could get infected. We will have to see but, if there doesn't seem to be any infection right now it would most likely be best to leave them as is, clean and with some topical AB like Polysporin, hoping the mom would take care of them. They usually are quite good at keeping their wounds clean.

We will just have to see as the night progresses how the babies are faring.

[sid'smommy]

I've seen Vets heat wire cutters to the point they would cauterize and immediately snip the tails of pups so that it clipped and cauterized at the same time. Have you ever seen that? Wonder if that's common practice? Or even safe?!?
Yes, that can be done also... I didnt say that because most people would hesitate and not do it quickly enough, which could result in a nasty burn. And the gel, youre right.... I couldnt think of the name of the one for the skin. :) (if it would even be effective on hard cartlige of tail? ) We used it at the doctors office for kids who were afraid of shots... The doctor I worked for was a freak about chapstick, and had it laying around everywhere.... I used to get a q-tip and smear it on his chapstick. He went and had his thyroid checked because of that darn numbing feeling he kept getting in his lips ... teehee :D

[Unikorngrrl]

Yes, that can be done also... I didnt say that because most people would hesitate and not do it quickly enough, which could result in a nasty burn. And the gel, youre right.... I couldnt think of the name of the one for the skin. :) (if it would even be effective on hard cartlige of tail? ) We used it at the doctors office for kids who were afraid of shots... The doctor I worked for was a freak about chapstick, and had it laying around everywhere.... I used to get a q-tip and smear it on his chapstick. He went and had his thyroid checked because of that darn numbing feeling he kept getting in his lips ... teehee :D

:nono Bad girl!! Doctors are hard to work for, no doubt! The kind you're talking about would/should be effective on their tissue in their tails, but it can't numb cartilage or bone for sure.
I would think that if the tails were thoroughly cleaned with antiseptics and cutters were heated that hot that it may very well be the safest as far as infection goes. They would certainly need a round of antibiotics. Interested to see what others have to say...

[Scooterzmom]

Thanks to my husband - Squirrelwrangler :) - we now have some sort of explanation about the babies being tangled as they were. Well, explanation may be a strong word, but... apparently this is a phenom that happens with rats and it then may be that being rodents, the same thing may have happened with these babies.

It's called a "rat king" ... i.e. for some reasons rats can sometimes end up with their tails entangled - how this does happen is still a mystery - and grow together that way. The fact that the fellow was able to detangle them is a feat into itself and probably only due to the fact that the babies were still young enough. If they had not fallen out of their nest they would eventually have died of starvation that way.

For those who are interested in the phenom please check this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat_king_(folklore)

[Scooterzmom]

Upon further research folks this is actually a bigger deal than we thought.

Apparently there have been "squirrel kings" but so rarely witnessed that it borders folklore. The last one seen was supposedly in 1986!!!

So we will do our best to try and see if the finder has any pics of them all stuck together. It's that rare that it would be worth adding the pics and instance to Wikipedia.

It is also extremely lucky for those babies that they were not taken in by some doc who knew about "squirrel kings" because they might have wanted to euthanize them just so they could preserve them as documentation :(

Knowing all this now, I'm still in shock at how lucky these babies have been so far. They truly are miracle kids.

[flyer girl]

I have had a few rehabs both flyers and chipmunks that I have had to amputate there tails, first it takes 2 people and make sure you have clotting powder and a needle and thread just in case, one person holds the squirrel upside down in one hand with the other hand they pinch the base of the tail to restrict blood flow the other person goes a little above the bad spot with really sharp scissors and cut.. Then you take the clotting powder while the other person is holding the tail and cake it into the wound until it stops bleeding if you can not get it to stop then you pull the skin from front to back and put two stitches in.. then start these kids on antibiotics if these kids are little enough it is not that hard on them if they are older some pain meds maybe required.. Also keep in mind you want to leave more skin then bone so the wound will heal well, the best way to do this is after the first cut pull the skin down and cut just a very little piece of bone then close the wound.. If at any time while doing this process you see something white and stringy it is normal it is a tendon or ligament and you cut through those 2..I hope this is helpful and good luck..:grouphug Flyer girl

[Scooterzmom]

I have had a few rehabs both flyers and chipmunks that I have had to amputate there tails, first it takes 2 people and make sure you have clotting powder and a needle and thread just in case, one person holds the squirrel upside down in one hand with the other hand they pinch the base of the tail to restrict blood flow the other person goes a little above the bad spot with really sharp scissors and cut.. Then you take the clotting powder while the other person is holding the tail and cake it into the wound until it stops bleeding if you can not get it to stop then you pull the skin from front to back and put two stitches in.. then start these kids on antibiotics if these kids are little enough it is not that hard on them if they are older some pain meds maybe required.. Also keep in mind you want to leave more skin then bone so the wound will heal well, the best way to do this is after the first cut pull the skin down and cut just a very little piece of bone then close the wound.. If at any time while doing this process you see something white and stringy it is normal it is a tendon or ligament and you cut through those 2..I hope this is helpful and good luck..:grouphug Flyer girl

:thankyou FG but they have been successfully separated with no damage. Took the poor finder the patience of an angel, trimming the hair away, bit by bit and all but he did it :wahoo

Can we come up with the name of 6 miracles for these little wonders? :dono

Here is a link showing practically what it was for our 6 little babies: http://tywkiwdbi.blogspot.ca/2012/09/a-squirrel-king.html

[Nancy in New York]

A rehabber friend of mine three years ago got in 5 babies that had their tails entangled. Initially the finder thought they had been tied by some kids because at the time, there was no other sensible explanation. When my friend got them, she took them to my vet. Joy, my vet said that this is so rare she has only seen it once before in all of her practice. All of the tails had to be surgically removed. I wrote about it someplace on the board here, just not sure where.
Nice job everyone involved.
If you are thinking of reuniting, I would definitely give at least one loading dose of abs.

[Scooterzmom]

A rehabber friend of mine three years ago got in 5 babies that had their tails entangled. Initially the finder thought they had been tied by some kids because at the time, there was no other sensible explanation. When my friend got them, she took them to my vet. Joy, my vet said that this is so rare she has only seen it once before in all of her practice. All of the tails had to be surgically removed. I wrote about it someplace on the board here, just not sure where.
Nice job everyone involved.
If you are thinking of reuniting, I would definitely give at least one loading dose of abs.

My thoughts exactly re. the abs.

Thanks Nancy. And yes, hubby the eternal researcher curious as a cat just had to research this and he found a ton of info... I posted the bulk of it here thinking that people would surely be interested.

[Jackie in Tampa]

I would leave the tails on...
UNLESS, you see an issue with a particular tail...
if their tails move and fluff, they will use them as they are meant too...
they will work out the handicaps and most likely be fine fine fine.

also, my vet, who helps me save alot of lives, says using the rubber band method is NOT mean, it works well, and seldom ...seldom are ABs required...just saying...
we have amputated tails surgically in emergency situations...
easy on the sq... little pain and very little blood.

I have a twisted tailed sq here right now... it works so it stays...
8 miles of bad road, 8 inches of bad tail...:D
it looks exactly like your babies tails....

freaky things happen....
glad you girls are on it!!!!:thumbsup :bowdown

[island rehabber]

I've been holding my breath since this thread appeared, but kept silent because I had no intelligent thing to contribute.....WHEW. Deep in my murky brain was a memory of reading about "rat kings"; but I couldn't think of the term in order to look it up. I do know that in our rehabbers' manuals there is always caution about tree sap, and accounts of babies' tails being welded together with that. At first I hoped this is what you had here -- I knew how to deal with that. But actually fused/grown together? OMG. To everyone, and their helpful hubbies, who contributed to this miracle I can only
:bowdown:bowdown:bowdown:bowdown:bowdown

Team Canada, WOW.

[Scooterzmom]

I found out today that it was the fellow's dog who found these babies as he and his master were walking in a park. The pooch didn't hurt them or anything, he just sniffed them out and indicated to his master that he had found something.

So it looks like it's yet another part of the miracle... that his dog was not the aggressive type. :Love_Icon

To me their story is more and more amazing. I'm in awe and I only pray that the reunion can go well and each baby goes back with momma. :grouphug

[squirrelfriend]

I scanned through this thread and didn't see anything about tree sap. Anyhow, I heard about this when taking my rehabbing courses. It is usually caused by tree sap. Usually from pines. Glad to hear that they are ok.

[SammysMom]

SF, I think there might have been a brief mention of sap here somewhere. It makes sense for sure! Gosh, I was so worried along with you awesome Canadian members, but I knew it would turn out ok if they got to some of you. Too bad there aren't 7 of them...they could be named for the 7 wonders of the world.:D
Wait...what's the dog's name...? Nevermind the DOG...Mama can be the 7th if she takes them back!!!

[SammysMom]

Great Pyramid of Giza
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Statue of Zeus at Olympia
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Colossus of Rhodes
Lighthouse of Alexandria

[Squirrel Wrangler]

The phenomenon is so exceedingly rare that most references to it relegate it to folklore.
Indeed they are lucky as they would be easy prey and would certainly starve if the mother could not continue to bring food.

S.Q.

[Scooterzmom]

Great Pyramid of Giza
Hanging Gardens of Babylon
Statue of Zeus at Olympia
Temple of Artemis at Ephesus
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus
Colossus of Rhodes
Lighthouse of Alexandria

Love those!!! Mind ya, Halicarnassus would probably end up as Hali hehehe

[JLM27]

Meanwhile, . . . what cute patooties! Do you think the mom will take them back?

[iwonka]

I'm sure she will. We know exactly where the nest is.
The mother was there yesterday ... she yelled at them.
The finder will take them later today and will put them back.
Also, I think, at they age they will be able even to climb by themself.

[farrelli]

Will the finder closely monitor them to make sure that they do go back?

[Fireweed]

Will the finder closely monitory them to make sure that they do go back?
Yes, I'm wondering the same thing. And also monitor to make sure mama doesn't kick one or more out for some reason over the next couple days, at least...

[iwonka]

Will the finder closely monitor them to make sure that they do go back?


Yes, I'm wondering the same thing. And also monitor to make sure mama doesn't kick one or more out for some reason over the next couple days, at least...


I'm sure he will. He spent many hours yesterday to save them... thank you God people like this still exist ... :bowdown

And thank you for Manon for taking care of them in her home in the meantime. :grouphug

... and thank you for Scooterzmom, the best "Press Attaché" in the world !!! :bowdown :D ... and best friend :Love_Icon

[Fireweed]

I'm sure he will. He spent many hours yesterday to save them... thank you God people like this still exist ... :bowdown

:thumbsup Everyone involved, including the dog, have been amazing. Thanks to all and many of these: :bowdown

[Scooterzmom]

Iwonka already set up a mother-kids reunion last week. She managed to convince the old lady/owner of the yard to take the babies back and watch over them so the mom could take them back... the lady was not at all sure at first, finally yielded (Iwonka's a darn good sales lady :rofl) and did watch over them even if she was not too convinced it would work... but then yes, the mama came back and took her 2 babies home. The old lady called Iwonka back, all excited, all emotional and saying she was so happy she had a chance to witness that :flash3

So there ya go... another convert to squirreldom thanks to my buddy Iwonka :jump

We'll just keep praying that mother Nature helps this mama and her little ones. Keep sending positive vibes, folks... they work so well as we all witnessed so often on TSB.

[farrelli]

Btw, was that you, Iwonka, in the photos? Very stylish! Whenever I'm in an airport and a well dressed woman with stylish eyewear comes up to me for information (happens a lot for some reason), I know that they're from Quebec before they even open their mouth.

[SammysMom]

This thread scared me last night and today it brings tears of joy... You Canadians ROCK!!! (even the dogs...lol):Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[Scooterzmom]

Btw, was that you, Iwonka, in the photos? Very stylish! Whenever I'm in an airport and a well dressed woman with stylish eyewear comes up to me for information (happens a lot for some reason), I know that they're from Quebec before they even open their mouth.

Actually Iwonka looks more like a movie star... I mean really! And yes, she does have very stylish sunglasses - doesn't wear glasses otherwise. :)

[Charley Chuckles]

Ditto's to what SM siad...I am doing cartwheels /well not really or we would have another emergency :tilt I am just so happy...I just love good news :thumbsup :jump :wahoo :alright.gif

[iwonka]

Btw, was that you, Iwonka, in the photos? Very stylish! Whenever I'm in an airport and a well dressed woman with stylish eyewear comes up to me for information (happens a lot for some reason), I know that they're from Quebec before they even open their mouth.

No, it's Manon. I will tell her!

[iwonka]

The babies are under the tree now.

The weather is not very good now :thinking ...

[Garden71]

This thread scared me last night and today it brings tears of joy... You Canadians ROCK!!! (even the dogs...lol):Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon
:goodpost :goodpost :bowdown
Hope mama comes back...:Love_Icon

[Unikorngrrl]

AWESOME news!!! Good job guys!!! :Love_Icon :Love_Icon

[SammysMom]

Any sign of Mama anywhere in the area?:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Scooterzmom]

I'm sitting on needles and pins... waiting for the good news.... and praying. :grouphug
I trust they are sheltered from the rain... The way this fellow cared for them last night I would think he did make sure of that.

[Fireweed]

I sure hope mama returns and takes them in... the waiting is already killing me. :poke

[SammysMom]

:Love_Icon praying:Love_Icon praying :Love_Icon praying:Love_Icon

[SammysMom]

Any news?

[Chickenlegs]

Did I miss something? What was finally done to their poor tails--I saw the pix and even tho seperated were they treated? Cleaned? I gotta go back and reread. This was amazing and the finder certainly earned his sainthood suspenders--as did Iwonka et al. Now for a happy reunion of the whole family. Sigh. Amazing save :Love_Icon

[Pip]

Update on babies: 3 were found wandering around on the ground and near the tree where their nest is but no mamma in sight! They seem not to want to go back to the nest.

Manon went to check on them today and found them just wandering around and so she thought best to try and catch them but was not able to as they ran away. They also run away whenever the person who originally found them appears!

She was there for well over an hour observing and trying to asses their condition and situation and trying to catch them. She had to go home to feed her babies but will be back later and she would like to know tinfoil if she should catch them or just observe them! Please advise the best next course of action! tinfoil

:thankyou

[CritterMom]

Update on babies: 3 were found wandering around on the ground and near the tree where their nest is but no mamma in sight! They seem not to want to go back to the nest.

Manon went to check on them today and found them just wandering around and so she thought best to try and catch them but was not able to as they ran away. They also run away whenever the person who originally found them appears!

She was there for well over an hour observing and trying to asses their condition and situation and trying to catch them. She had to go home to feed her babies but will be back later and she would like to know tinfoil if she should catch them or just observe them! Please advise the best next course of action! tinfoil

:thankyou


Those babies are far too young to be on their own and have been through so much. Round em up!

[island rehabber]

Those babies are far too young to be on their own and have been through so much. Round em up!

:goodpost I agree

[iwonka]

Those babies are far too young to be on their own and have been through so much. Round em up!

Any idea how? :poke

[farrelli]

Can she get a humane trap? Or perhaps just hang out with treats and a pillowcase? Maybe at the end of the day they'll be hungry and maybe recognize a syringe (of they got some feedings from one)?

[Chickenlegs]

I'd go with a net. It'll be scary for em but a humane trap is likely to be just as scary as they're babies. Might not even go for bait. If you can tag team the little guys you should be able to get them all at once but going solo to round up three very fast little squirrels could be durn near impossible. The nets for catching chickens would be perfect but the stuff they make bridal veils out of (illusion) could be used too. Sure hope you can get those babies back.

[Fireweed]

I'd personally try a hav-a-hart first because you don't have to be near them (obviously they are running from people) and can sit far enough away so they can't see you but you can see them. And if they are hungry they would be interested in the bait. Have something to put them in immediately after you trap one. You could at least get one of them this way.
Then if that fails, try approaching with a net--as long as they can't get too tangled in it-- or even a large blanket (not *too* heavy). I hope there's two of you or more. I hope they will come to the smell of formula and you can just scoop 'em up farrelli style, though. :D

[Nancy in New York]

Those babies are far too young to be on their own and have been through so much. Round em up!

OMG they have come through so much.
These poor babies.
Round em up is right. :shakehead
I wished she hadn't left them..........:shakehead

[Nancy in New York]

The babies are under the tree now.

The weather is not very good now :thinking ...


Does anyone know what the rush was?
This is really just heartbreaking now.
Did the finder stay with them when they were released?
There are only three now.....this is killing me, it's so sad.:Cry

[newsquirrelmommy]

:Love_IconPraying for these little ones:Love_Icon

[iwonka]

Does anyone know what the rush was?
This is really just heartbreaking now.
Did the finder stay with them when they were released?
There are only three now.....this is killing me, it's so sad.:Cry


Yes.. Marc, the finder was there for 2 hrs. It's difficult to "control" 6 seven weeks old babys... He put the box on the grass and they just ran away ... on two different trees. :dono

Manon has found the net and she will go with her husband to try to catch the babies. By the way, she saw the 4'th one.
The weather is not to bad here..

[Scooterzmom]

The babies (the 4 who stuck together) apparently have found refuge in a big branch near their nest tree. The nest appears damaged which may have occurred when they fell - or be the reason they fell? - and could be why the mom was not there. The night is not going to be too cold and Manon will go again tomorrow with nets and her husband to try and corral them. She'll also bring some food to try and attract them.

Showing them a syringe is no use... all these babies had was pedialyte from the syringe - remember? They were dehydrated.

At that age it's REALLY hard to try and catch them. As it was explained to me, they just exploded from the box as soon as the finder opened the cover. I don't see what else could've been done. You want the mom to see them, you can't keep the box closed, you'd put them in a closed cage, same thing, you do have to open it if the idea is for the mom to take them back.

On a positive note, at least they do et some solids, they can chew and forage for food. There are lots of buds around, some mushrooms too... things to eat for them. I know, they should still be taking milk but we ARE doing the best with what we have.

With 6 of them running in all directions, you would need 6 people to even try to keep up with them. Unfortunately we don't have 6 people who can spend a whole day in the park to watch each baby :(

Finder also said he'd be there tomorrow morning until he has to go to work.


I pray we can have better luck tomorrow. :grouphug
They've been through a lot, they are fighters, and where they had no chance at all at least they've been given one now. Not idea by any means... but we can only hope and keep on doing our best.

[Chickenlegs]

And like you said--now they have a chance!

[CrazySquirrelLady]

poor lil fellers! poor tails.

I hope all goes good for them. I bet they will come to you tomorrow for sure! :D

thanks for helping them get untangled ya'll! Imagine how happy they were to get free i bet they were wild to go play! poor lil babies, hope the night is kind to them tonite. god bless them and keep them safe.

[Scooterzmom]

CSL: The temps are going to remain warm enough for them not to fear freezing, should stay at least in the 50's overnight.

Their tails were not cut, they were checked out, tended to, and there were no visible wounds necessitating cutting. One had a bit of a raw spot on it and that was treated with Neosporin and all babies were given a dose of ABs before being taken back for reunion.

Manon left them some food, and water today. We are going to try and capture them again, yes, and if we do we will be putting them in a release cage and provide them with food, water, some formula in a bowl (hoping they will take it, and if not we'll try Ensure).

We are not giving up on these babies. Not by any means :peace

[Scooterzmom]

:bump

[Nancy in New York]

In the future if a reuniting with mama is tried, the best way to do so, would be to contain them in a cage of some sort where if the mama is around she can hear them or smell them. Especially when dealing with 6 little ones, it's almost common sense that they will all take off in different directions.
If mom starts acting frantic and tries getting to them, THEN open the cage. Believe me, if mama knows those are her babies, she is NOT going to go far. We know what mama squirrels are capable of if it involves her babies.
I wished that she asked for suggestions before just putting them out.:shakehead

[iwonka]

My fault :hidechair ... I do not know why I did not think about that. :hurt :Cry

Lack of experience :hissyfit :bash

[Nancy in New York]

My fault :hidechair ... I do not know why I did not think about that. :hurt :Cry

Lack of experience :hissyfit :bash


iwonka I'm sorry, I thought the finder just took it upon herself to release like this. That's why I posted that I wished she had asked for suggestions on trying to reunite.
We all learn from experience.
Heck......I won't even go into some of my first experiences with squirrels.:shakehead

[astra]

In the future if a reuniting with mama is tried, the best way to do so, would be to contain them in a cage of some sort where if the mama is around she can hear them or smell them.:shakehead
... or it is also often suggested to make sure the box is tall enough for the babies not to climb out

[Nancy in New York]

... or it is also often suggested to make sure the box is tall enough for the babies not to climb out

Yes, excellent point astra!:thumbsup

[CrazySquirrelLady]

any updates? been checking all day long.

[Nancy in New York]

Any news? 204176

[iwonka]

Manon goes to the park every day and not see them for 2 days now. We hope that the mother found them and took them. :dono

[Kikiboo]

Praying for the little ones.
I've just been through the thread... How awful, fascinating and (hopefully, depending on where the little guys are now) heartwarming this tale is.

Good information... The history of squirrel-kings is new to me. As for details on the amputation... Invaluable.

This is why this board is SO important to just READ... So much info for us rehabbers north of the 49th, where we have little access to anything, especially help from the government. :/

:thankyou everyone... :thumbsup good work.

You, and the 'wonders' are in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully they shall prevail, just as the traditional 'wonders of the world' have.

:grouphug
:Love_Icon