Switched over to FV

[firerunner]

So my FV arrived Friday (i think, nite time feedings have my days a little messed up) and I slowly began to switch them over. Today they are on all FV!! Ya

But I do have a concern

When the two squirrels came to us a week ago (pinkies) Dale was ALOT smaller the Chipette and still is. He has gained weight (they both have) but he is noticeably smaller.

Should I be concerned? He is eating 1 CC each feeding (every three hours) Chipette is eating about 1.5 CC. He weighs 20 grams (15 when we got him a week ago) She weighs 27 grams (20 when we got her a week ago)

They both are voiding and everything is fine there.

Should I feed him more oftern (like every 2 hours) or do you think this is ok?

[Starfish]

He has gained weight; that's good. It does take time.

You could Try to get 1.4 into him (7% of weight). Considering you are feeding every three hours, you also don't want to overdo it. ... Un digested food is also bad....

Consider the 7% but stay the course until further feedback is received

[Starfish]

For now, middle ground. Try to get him to take 1.2

[Starfish]

Actually, FV is supposed to be fuller than GM formula. If you can get him to take .1 or .2 more great; if not, you'll likely still see improvement

[firerunner]

The bigger one Chipette man oh man she latches onto the nipple and suckles away I have to go SLOW with her or she will eat everything in mins (and be the one to aspirate cause she wants to eat so fast!)

Dale the little one..takes me 30 mins to get 1 cc down him..come about .8 cc he wants to curl up and sleep and he doesn't seem to latch on and suck as well. I do have those miracle nipples coming (tomorrow or wednesday I hope) So maybe that will help him suck a little more.

I will keep going the way I am but when I compare the two He worries me..:( there is a noticeable difference.

I started using fleece with them, when I feed I hold then in a fleece cloth rather then my hands, Dale seems to like it alot (well they both do) and when they are done and after doing their business I hold them and pet their little heads with the fleece cloth..they fall right to sleep is so cute

will let you know how the feeding with him goes when the new nipples arrives maybe he will like that better.

thanks!!

[farrelli]

Have you tried rubbing a little molasses on his gums to stimulate appetite? You might also try ordering UltraBoost from the same place you got FV. It often helps these failure to thrive guys.

[firerunner]

Have you tried rubbing a little molasses on his gums to stimulate appetite? You might also try ordering UltraBoost from the same place you got FV. It often helps these failure to thrive guys.

I just ordered the Ultraboost! Thank you

I will have to get to the store to buy some molasses but I so want these guys to live so I will try anything.

its almost like he doesn't know HOW to suck and then he tires himself out trying to eat and then goes to sleep.

Can I wiggle the nipple in his mouth like you would do a real life baby to get them to eat or will that cause a problem?

thanks!
starla

[farrelli]

You can wiggle it, as long as you follow proper technique, head down, syringe up, and slow:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?36777-PROPER-FEEDING-TECHNIQUE!!

Also, some feed better depending on potty. Some nee to go before, some after, some in the middle (feed a bit until they're petering out, potty, then they'll take a bit more). They're all different.