My baby turns 6 weeks this Sunday...

[vera]

I have been giving Hope the goat's milk and yogurt mixture. She drinks about 5-7 1cc syringe's every 2-3 hours. I am not sure if her housing should be bigger at this point or if she needs other things in her diet. I have read that at 6 weeks she is supposed to have fruits, vegetables and rodent block. Can you buy rodent block from local pet stores? I am new to this stage and want to make sure she has everything she needs and wants.

I am going to share some pictures and video's of then to now and want to thank everyone that took the time to help me thus far! I love her and will do anything I have to for her!


http://youtu.be/5iPam7I4luU

21349421349521349621349721349821349921350021350121 3502

[vera]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZv_4fq1_PA&feature=youtu.be

[vera]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_by34SqZHs

Around the time I first got hope

[vera]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNqvTBNtq8s

This is where I still have her only difference is I don't have the sponge anymore and the house is lined with a cotton t shirt with bedding

[Rhapsody]

By the looks of your little one (missing of fur) I would say that some much needed nutrition is missing in its diet, therefore, I am going to suggest that you purchase Fox Valley and transfer it over to this formula so we can get the balance diet and vitamins your squirrel needs. And please remember that squirrels are to be feed 5-7 % of the body weight at each feeding..... I am thinking that your little one should be eating more than it is at 6 weeks old --plus with squirrels eating more at one setting you can feed every four hours.


HHB blocks can be started when they are 8 weeks old and able to stand on their own..... they will nibble on the block at first, so just start out with half a block as not to waste them. Then once they have had a few weeks learning to eat and love the taste of the HHB blocks then you can add in a few healthy vegetables at a time along with wild plants..... and over time some fruits and nuts.

Squirrels should eat three balance meals a days once they are weaned from their formula --thinks of it as Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (all before dark).


Fox Valley & HHB:
http://www.henryspets.com/

Squirrel Diet:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?39275-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels-(Revised-2-13)

[vera]

She turns six weeks old on Sunday. Her tail is quite bushy and the pictures you see are a week old she has fur on her legs and head and a thin coating of hair. You seem to be correct though I thought she should have more fur by now. I try to feed her every 2 hours because she eats different amounts each time. Sometimes she will drink 7 1cc syringes than other times may only want 4 and so on. She has a soft round belly and has a complete milk line. Is the Goat's milk/yogurt not what you should give? I was told otherwise I know Fox Valley is the best alternative which I will order today I just wasn't sure how long they stay on formula for. Do you have to order rodent blocks as well or can they be purchased at a local pet store? Sorry to ask so many questions I'm very new to all of this should I be changing her housing at all? I read on another site that she should be introduced to vegetables at six weeks but 8 weeks sounds more correct I do feel teeth now though. Does she look unhealthy too you?



By the looks of your little one (missing of fur) I would say that some much needed nutrition is missing in its diet, therefore, I am going to suggest that you purchase Fox Valley and transfer it over to this formula so we can get the balance diet and vitamins your squirrel needs. And please remember that squirrels are to be feed 5-7 % of the body weight at each feeding..... I am thinking that your little one should be eating more than it is at 6 weeks old --plus with squirrels eating more at one setting you can feed every four hours.


HHB blocks can be started when they are 8 weeks old and able to stand on their own..... they will nibble on the block at first, so just start out with half a block as not to waste them. Then once they have had a few weeks learning to eat and love the taste of the HHB blocks then you can add in a few healthy vegetables at a time along with wild plants..... and over time some fruits and nuts.

Squirrels should eat three balance meals a days once they are weaned from their formula --thinks of it as Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (all before dark).


Fox Valley & HHB:
http://www.henryspets.com/

Squirrel Diet:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?39275-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels-(Revised-2-13)

[farrelli]

Yes, this baby does not look good at all. What is her weight? What has she been eating exactly (what's the mix)? Are you feeding at least 5-7% of body weight? Is she pooping well? What's the color?

When you buy the FV, I would suggest also picking up the UltraBoost additive.

Lastly, she looks maybe a bit dehydrated too. If you gently pinch the skin between her shoulders, does it tent or immediately go back down like on the back of your hand?

[farrelli]

Some rodent blocks can be bought in pet stores, but a lot of them are crap. You'd have to let us know what you find. Kaytee Forti-Diet and Mazuri are good ones that I think you can find in Canada. In fact, somewhere here there's a thread about blocks in Canada. Search for it. The best blocks are HHBs (http://www.henryspets.com/squirrel-diet/). If you use the web to order, shipping will be a lot more than if you call. It can be expensive to ship to Canada, but on the good side, they have flat rate shipping and you could also get the FV and UB from them as well.

They should stay on formula for as long as they'd take it. They will transition to solids on their own. This baby seems to be really lacking something though. At about 6 weeks you should start putting blocks in with them. They should be their first food and should be eating them before veggies or anything else. At first, they'll just gnaw, but eventually they'll eat them.

[vera]

Yes, this baby does not look good at all. What is her weight? What has she been eating exactly (what's the mix)? Are you feeding at least 5-7% of body weight? Is she pooping well? What's the color?

When you buy the FV, I would suggest also picking up the UltraBoost additive.

Lastly, she looks maybe a bit dehydrated too. If you gently pinch the skin between her shoulders, does it tent or immediately go back down like on the back of your hand?


Really? I'm not sure of her weight to be honest I give her the mixture I got from the members on this website I don't know the exact measurements off hand at this moment as I mixed her food and froze it in ice cube trays and have not had to make it since as she hasn't eaten it all yet. I know of the pinch test and she doesn't tent at all. She poops about 3-5 times a day and pee's everytime I stimulate her which is when I feed her every two hours. The color of her poop is yellowish slightly brown. I could take a picture of it when she goes next time. She is extremely active I had no idea she didn't look well...

[vera]

Really? I'm not sure of her weight to be honest I give her the mixture I got from the members on this website I don't know the exact measurements off hand at this moment as I mixed her food and froze it in ice cube trays and have not had to make it since as she hasn't eaten it all yet. I know of the pinch test and she doesn't tent at all. She poops about 3-5 times a day and pee's everytime I stimulate her which is when I feed her every two hours. The color of her poop is yellowish slightly brown. I could take a picture of it when she goes next time. She is extremely active I had no idea she didn't look well...

I believe I was told 1 cup goats milk to 1/3 cup yogurt..I could try to find the thread it was quite some time ago though.

[Rhapsody]

While you can get other squirrel blocks that are at your local pet store they do not compare to the nutrition that is in the HHB blocks --it only takes 2 HHB to get the total daily nutrition needed for one squirrel, where it will take 5-10 of the other blocks to get the same nutritional value per squirrel. At six weeks old I still would not feed her but every 3 hours at the most..... as we do not want to cause bloat. Do you know how much your squirrel weighs at this point? --its over all size and lack of fur tells me that she is not as healthy as she should be, but we can work on that by getting her on the right diet --Fox Valley, HHB, and healthy food from the link I gave you.

Here is a pic of a 4 week old I am presently taking care, he has bot flies atm, but other than that he is healthy and has lots of fur.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e116/Rhapsody_1/003_zps80a0e1dc.jpg[/URL

[vera]

Some rodent blocks can be bought in pet stores, but a lot of them are crap. You'd have to let us know what you find. Kaytee Forti-Diet and Mazuri are good ones that I think you can find in Canada. In fact, somewhere here there's a thread about blocks in Canada. Search for it. The best blocks are HHBs (http://www.henryspets.com/squirrel-diet/). If you use the web to order, shipping will be a lot more than if you call. It can be expensive to ship to Canada, but on the good side, they have flat rate shipping and you could also get the FV and UB from them as well.

They should stay on formula for as long as they'd take it. They will transition to solids on their own. This baby seems to be really lacking something though. At about 6 weeks you should start putting blocks in with them. They should be their first food and should be eating them before veggies or anything else. At first, they'll just gnaw, but eventually they'll eat them.

I feel horrible I thought she was doing well... :( I will go this weekend and take pictures of the rodent block my pet store has. I thought she goats milk mixture gave her what she needed....wow glad I came back on here.

[Rhapsody]

I believe I was told 1 cup goats milk to 1/3 cup yogurt..I could try to find the thread it was quite some time ago though.Here is the GM recipe...... you are to feed it with just yogurt the first two weeks, but then you should of added in the heavy cream after that.


Homemade GM Recipe
1 cup Goats Milk * (if can - dilute)
1/3 cup Full Fat Vanilla Yogurt
1/3 cup Heavy Cream


(lasts 72 hours in frig)
*

[farrelli]

The recipe is:

3 parts goat’s milk
1 part heavy whipping cream
1 part vanilla yogurt

Normally squirrels thrive on this but yours looks VERY unhealthy and underdeveolped. It hurts to even look at the pictures. If I were you, I would throw away what you have and make a new batch. Like NOW.

You also need to buy a kitchen scale. They can be gotten at Shoppers, Canadian Tire, even a lot of grocery stores. They're common and run maybe $20. Daily weigh ins at the same time (like in the morning, before eating) is the best way to keep track of health. You'll know if you're going forward or backward and if she's the right weight for age. It will also tell you how much you should feed (5-7% of body weight, maybe more).

Also, you feed every two hours? At six weeks? That's too often. She should probably be getting more, less often. There just seems to be a lot wrong here. Do you want us to see if someone more experienced can take her? Where are you?

[vera]

Wow Hope doesn't have nearly as much fur as this squirrel. Her tail looks the same and the feet are the same fur wise. But not a complete full coat....what do you think the problem is? I only feed her as much as she will take I haven't had issues with bloat she is much bigger now I will get my husband to take a picture or video tonight and post it. Is there anything I can do for her right now? I think it's best I order the fox valley and the rodent blocks A.S.A.P I don't mind paying more if it means it will be beneficial. Could I possibly be wrong on the age? But still yours is 4 wks and much more fur....I'm so sad :(


While you can get other squirrel blocks that are at your local pet store they do not compare to the nutrition that is in the HHB blocks --it only takes 2 HHB to get the total daily nutrition needed for one squirrel, where it will take 5-10 of the other blocks to get the same nutritional value per squirrel. At six weeks old I still would not feed her but every 3 hours at the most..... as we do not want to cause bloat. Do you know how much your squirrel weighs at this point? --its over all size and lack of fur tells me that she is not as healthy as she should be, but we can work on that by getting her on the right diet --Fox Valley, HHB, and healthy food from the link I gave you.

Here is a pic of a 4 wk old I am presently taking care, he has bot flies atm, but other than that he is healthy and has lots of fur.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e116/Rhapsody_1/003_zps80a0e1dc.jpg[/URL

[vera]

Well that could be the problem I don't have heavy cream in her formula! I was told the same as what you just said than I was told she wouldn't need the cream at all as other people's babies were fine without it! Do they sell this heavy cream at the grocery store I don't have a car but I will tonight.



Here is the GM recipe...... you are to feed it with just yogurt the first two weeks, but then you should of added in the heavy cream after that.


Homemade GM Recipe
1 cup Goats Milk * (if can - dilute)
1/3 cup Full Fat Vanilla Yogurt
1/3 cup Heavy Cream


(lasts 72 hours in frig)
*

[Rhapsody]

Wow Hope doesn't have nearly as much fur as this squirrel. Her tail looks the same and the feet are the same fur wise. But not a complete full coat....what do you think the problem is? (One of things I see if that your GM recipe is missing the "Heavy Cream" and that gives them the added fat they need. We cant have healthy babies if we dont have the correct formula. And the second issue here is that you dont know how much your squirrel weighs, and that is very important as squirrels are feed by their body weight...... fed 5-7% of body weight. At six weeks old she should be eating at least 7 cc every 4 hours. (skipping the night feeding) --keeping the formula warm so they will drink it. Do you still have her on a heating pad? --if not I would place one back in her container so she can stay warm.


P.S.
Heavy Cream is found in the Milk Section (small carton)

[farrelli]

It's probably the diet. You need the right formula, the right amounts, and the right timing. It just seems all wrong. You need to get the scale and the right formula. You also need to feed on the right schedule. Every two hours is far too much. That's like a pinkie schedule. The food may not be getting enough time to digest.

[farrelli]

Any chance you're near TO? We have someone in Mississauga who's returning home next week who would probably take her.

[Rhapsody]

Could I possibly be wrong on the age? ....I'm so sad :(Even if you were off by two weeks your squirrel should still have fur on it from head to toe. When a squirrel has fur missing we
generally look toward diet first as the reason..... unless there are obvious signs of bits, skin rash or other ailments.

[vera]

Well I have been doing the best I can with the information I have been provided for her. There are times I will go three hours but she has never had a bloat issue or eating issue. I live in Ontario Canada Mississauga. I have called Toronto wildlife that said she was to young and would put her down which was not an option for me I believe she deserves to live. I also called 6 squirrel rehabbers that said due to the storms we had (they were overloaded) and her age that they couldn't take her. So I had no choice up until this point to do what I thought was right. Money is not an issue I can acquire all of the things needed by this weekend. It must be because there is no whipping cream in the formula that is a huge issue because other than that she is very alert uses the bathroom frequently and is very active.

[vera]

Yes I will be buying the gm, yogurt and heavy cream tonight and making a new batch for her to have. She has been drinking 7cc's but I noticed mainly in the morning I am assuming that is because I feed her up until 1 am and than at 7 am. I thank you for giving me the advice I need I want to do right by her! I will be getting a scale as well and updating her information for you guys to see so you can give me more information on her status. I have always had the heating pad on half of her house. Wow....I truly thought she was doing well but I'm definitely no expert and this is my first experience in anything like this situation.



One of things I see if that your GM recipe is missing the "Heavy Cream" and that gives them the added fat they need. We cant have healthy babies if we dont have the correct formula. And the second issue here is that you dont know how much your squirrel weighs, and that is very important as squirrels are feed by their body weight...... fed 5-7% of body weight. At six weeks old she should be eating at least 7 cc every 4 hours. (skipping the night feeding) --keeping the formula warm so they will drink it. Do you still have her on a heating pad? --if not I would place one back in her container so she can stay warm.


P.S.
Heavy Cream is found in the Milk Section (small carton)

[Rhapsody]

I understand...... and if you are wanting to finish raising her we can help you through this difficult stage. Some times it just takes a little more TLC to get some squirrels off to a good start. So you get the heavy cream and add it to the GM mix, start feeding her 5cc (to start) every 5 hours --then lets work her up to 7 cc every 5 hours with in a few days.... never letting her go more than 6 hours with out formula.

Once you get some quality squirrel blocks from the pet store (since you are in Canada) we can start them out in the AM when she is at her hungriest, and then following rest of the day with her formula...... and in a few weeks time we will add vegetables. Please feel free to PM me any time with any questions. ----> Can you get "Harlan Teklad Rodent Blocks #2014" up in Canada?

[vera]

Thank you I appreciate that I know this sounds ridiculous but I love her and I'm in tears because I thought she was okay. I won't be able to get the ingredients until tonight when my husband comes home. I will have to give her what I have here until then. So you suggest once I make the new mixture to introduce it to her ever 5 hours with 5cc's? I feel horrible just horrible....:( I have had her since she was around 1-4 days old and I want her to make it.....desperately. I will be able to get the rodent blocks on saturday as my husband is a truck driver and comes in late during the week the store will be closed. Thank you for saying I can pm you means a lot



I understand...... and if you are wanting to finish raising her we can help you through this difficult stage. Some times it just takes a little more TLC to get some squirrels off to a good start. So you get the heavy cream and add it to the GM mix, start feeding her 5cc (to start) every 5 hours --then lets work her up to 7 cc every 5 hours with in a few days.... never letting her go more than 6 hours with out formula.

Once you get some quality squirrel blocks from the pet store (since you are in Canada) we can start them out in the AM when she is at her hungriest, and then following rest of the day with her formula...... and in a few weeks time we will add vegetables. Please feel free to PM me any time with any questions.

[vera]

Just so everyone knows the video of me petting her in her sweet spot I like to call it is the most recent visual of her for you to see. I believe its the last video I posted. I am going to look and see if it is available here the rodent block.


I understand...... and if you are wanting to finish raising her we can help you through this difficult stage. Some times it just takes a little more TLC to get some squirrels off to a good start. So you get the heavy cream and add it to the GM mix, start feeding her 5cc (to start) every 5 hours --then lets work her up to 7 cc every 5 hours with in a few days.... never letting her go more than 6 hours with out formula.

Once you get some quality squirrel blocks from the pet store (since you are in Canada) we can start them out in the AM when she is at her hungriest, and then following rest of the day with her formula...... and in a few weeks time we will add vegetables. Please feel free to PM me any time with any questions. ----> Can you get "Harlan Teklad Rodent Blocks #2014" up in Canada?

[Rhapsody]

I will have to give her what I have here until then.
So you suggest once I make the new mixture to introduce it to her ever 5 hours with 5cc's? Yes, if you feed her 5cc every 5 hours then she will be hungry when you come back to feed her again, therefore, she will be willing to eat another 5cc for you. Then in 2-3 days (if not sooner) try and slowly increase the amount she is eating until we get her up to 7cc at each feeding every 5 hours. In time she will get up to where she will be eating 15 cc 2-3x a day with a bowl full of vegetables and wild plants...... its all a process.

[farrelli]

As stated, Henry's are the best blocks but here's a thread dealing with getting blocks in Canada:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?41946-I-need-a-source-for-rat-block-in-Canada&highlight=canada

And another which also deals with it later on in the thread:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?41946-I-need-a-source-for-rat-block-in-Canada&highlight=canada

[farrelli]

Also, the yogurt should be full fat. Greek yogurt is often low fat by nature, so using that can be a mistake. Squirrels have pretty high fat requirements.

[vera]

Makes sense thank you you have no idea what this means too me. As far as her not having the fur she should could this be due to the lack of heavy cream in her diet? or another health issue?


Yes, if you feed her 5cc every 5 hours then she will be hungry when you come back to feed her again, therefore, she will be willing to eat another 5cc for you. Then in 2-3 days (if not sooner) try and slowly increase the amount she is eating until we get her up to 7cc at each feeding every 5 hours. In time she will get up to where she will be eating 15 cc 2-3x a day with a bowl full of vegetables and wild plants...... its all a process.

[vera]

Thank you for going to the trouble to find this I will defiantly be reading this


As stated, Henry's are the best blocks but here's a thread dealing with getting blocks in Canada:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?41946-I-need-a-source-for-rat-block-in-Canada&highlight=canada

And another which also deals with it later on in the thread:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?41946-I-need-a-source-for-rat-block-in-Canada&highlight=canada

[Rhapsody]

Also, the yogurt should be full fat.Honestly, I never say "full fat" any more --as I have yet to locate full fat yogurt in the stores in the seven years I have been rehabbing squirrels. :grin3

[Rhapsody]

As far as her not having the fur she should could this be due to the lack of heavy cream in her diet? or another health issue?There is always the possibility of other health issue, but 99.9% of the time --its DIET!!

[farrelli]

Would you prefer the term "regular"? It seems that if you don't specify a lot of people with get fat free, Greek, etc.

Oh, btw, one with fat AND probiotics would be even better.

[vera]

Okay that's good to know. I bought her natural vanilla yogurt....is it not supposed to have vanilla because that's what I was told to give her. What yogurt do you guys find the best?


Also, the yogurt should be full fat. Greek yogurt is often low fat by nature, so using that can be a mistake. Squirrels have pretty high fat requirements.

[Rhapsody]

What yogurt do you guys find the best?Many people use Dannon --I buy Yoplait (french vanilla).

[farrelli]

Vanilla is fine. The brand doesn't matter. Just compare the fat content and get one that looks good. With probiotics is a plus.

[SammysMom]

Okay, there are a couple of things. The GM is all that you should freeze. You don't freeze the yogurt in it. So you thaw the GM and then add the yogurt and heavy cream to the formula. Are you heating the formula in a microwave? That can kill some of the nutrition in the formula also.
You want to put the formula in a small bowl in a large bowl of very hot water to heat it up. You really do need to get an accurate weight on her also. She needs to be eating 5 - 7% at each feeding. She could likely go longer between feedings if she were eating the correct amount. I am NOT trying to be harsh, but I just want you to have all of the information needed to make her grow properly. :grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[vera]

Okay so high fat content and probiotics with vanilla. I froze everything I didn't know the yogurt wasn't supposed to be frozen! yikes thank god you guys are online! I normally take the syringes and a boiling cup of hot water and place them in and test on my wrist leaving them maybe for 7 seconds. Her formula is always warm. I don't think your being harsh at all I want/need all the help I can get. I just fed her she drank 7 syringes and pee'd. Okay well I am much more at peace knowing all of this and being able to correct it. I called my neighbor she has a very old grams scale I put her on and she was two notches before 200 grams so I'm assuming that's 180? (never been good at math) The pictures I posted is when she opened her eyes for the first time so maybe you guys can give me a better prediction on how old and what type of squirrel she is. she has black hair on her nose and brown on her feet and legs with a white and grey tail.


Okay, there are a couple of things. The GM is all that you should freeze. You don't freeze the yogurt in it. So you thaw the GM and then add the yogurt and heavy cream to the formula. Are you heating the formula in a microwave? That can kill some of the nutrition in the formula also.
You want to put the formula in a small bowl in a large bowl of very hot water to heat it up. You really do need to get an accurate weight on her also. She needs to be eating 5 - 7% at each feeding. She could likely go longer between feedings if she were eating the correct amount. I am NOT trying to be harsh, but I just want you to have all of the information needed to make her grow properly. :grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[farrelli]

If she is 180g, she should be getting 9-13CCs per feeding.

Also, you need to be using proper feeding technique to avoid aspiration. If you ever hear clicking, you need to tell us. Here's a link to a video showing how to do it:

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

[vera]

I'm sad and happy at the same time. Sad to know she wasn't getting what she should but happy to know I can fix these issues easily.

[Rhapsody]

I called my neighbor she has a very old grams scale I put her on and she was two notches before 200 grams so I'm assuming that's 180?The old scales go in 20's or 30's (depending on how many lines are in between) --so she weighs some where between 160 to 180 and should be eating at least 8cc every 5 hours..... but lets start out with the 5cc as talked about before and work our way up to the 8cc .... to any where to 12 cc per each feeding feeding. (OK)?

If the poop gets to mushy - you are feeding to much, back off the amount at each feeding to the 5% amount.

[vera]

Okay sounds good too me. She does drink at the very least 8 cc every 5 hours because depending if I go 2-3 hours between feedings (this is what I was doing before I was informed) she drinks that amount. Her poop has always been solid so I guess that's a good sign and she goes quite frequently. What is a normal weight for a squirrel at her age is she at least at a normal weight?


The old scales go in 20's or 30's (depending on how many lines are in between) --so she weighs some where between 160 to 180 and should be eating at least 8cc every 5 hours..... but lets start out with the 5cc as talked about before and work our way up to the 8cc .... to any where to 12 cc per each feeding feeding. (OK)?

If the poop gets to mushy - you are feeding to much, back off the amount at each feeding to the 5% amount.

[Rhapsody]

What is a normal weight for a squirrel at her age is she at least at a normal weight?Normal weight for her being 6 weeks old should between 150 & 250 grams, so weight wise she is fine, we just need to improve her diet. :thumbsup

[ohwiseone]

Don't beat yourself up too much there. You were doing what you thought was best for your precious baby. Now you know different and are going to fix the problem... so no more yelling at yourself. :grin3

Hopefully changing her diet to a proper one will fix her coat and she will thrive.

Now my questions are...
1. How many notches are between the 100 and 200 gms on the scale??
2. How long ago did her eyes open??
3. She looks very weak in the pics as she's not up and walking. She looks like she's still crawling. Is that true or are the pictures deceiving us??

You are getting great advice on here so I won't add to it as I totally agree with what they are saying and you are receptive to it so no sense in Beating a dead horse. :deadhorse

She is def not getting enough fat in her diet as her little head is all shrunken in so adding some fat in the formula and some ultra boost in the FV formula will fix that.

[vera]

Thank you again she has been a fighter since the beginning and I'm sure all well be great with her very soon thanks to all the help and hopefully if anyone else doesn't know by reading this it can help someone


Normal weight for her being 6 weeks old should between 150 & 250 grams, so weight wise she is fine, we just need to improve her diet. :thumbsup

[MJS]

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO CHECK YOUR PET STORE FOR NUTRICAL...CONTAINS VITAMINS AND CALORIES...IT'S A GEL, COMES IN A TUBE, TOOTHPASTE SIZE. SQUIRRELS LIKE IT...TASTES GOOD TO THEM AND PACKS A GREAT VITAMIN PUNCH. JUST A PEA SIZED DAB DAILY. SHE'LL LICK IT RIGHT OFF YOU FINGER. :thumbsup

[vera]

1) Going up to check after I send this message
2) Approx a week to a week and a half ago
3) The pictures were taken after I fed her so she tends to be very sleepy after I feed her.

When I take her out of her house and have her in my hands she is very active trying to climb from my hands so I let her climb from my hands up my chest to my shoulder (with my hand there making sure she doesn't fall). Honestly even when I feed her she is very strong she has a great latch and she takes both her paws and grabs the syringe I use to feed her with her head slightly tilted down because I was told how easily they aspirate but now she likes to take her back legs and stand on my chest and be stretched out up my hand almost standing. I have put her down to see if she will walk but when I put her down she does move around but its almost like she is scared once she is back in my hands she goes crazy. Her tail also wags not sure what that means but I do give her lots of love its very cute I don't know if you watched the last video but she will actually move her arm so I can get right under her chin and shoulder to scratch and thumps her back foot like thumper! I will be honest I am upset only because I want her to be at her best and I am in charge of that...but like you said I have the right tips and will be doing them exactly as I have been told


Don't beat yourself up too much there. You were doing what you thought was best for your precious baby. Now you know different and are going to fix the problem... so no more yelling at yourself. :grin3

Hopefully changing her diet to a proper one will fix her coat and she will thrive.

Now my questions are...
1. How many notches are between the 100 and 200 gms on the scale??
2. How long ago did her eyes open??
3. She looks very weak in the pics as she's not up and walking. She looks like she's still crawling. Is that true or are the pictures deceiving us??

You are getting great advice on here so I won't add to it as I totally agree with what they are saying and you are receptive to it so no sense in Beating a dead horse. :deadhorse

She is def not getting enough fat in her diet as her little head is all shrunken in so adding some fat in the formula and some ultra boost in the FV formula will fix that.

[vera]

Excellent this is why this place is so great everyone has different yet equally amazing tips

:)

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO CHECK YOUR PET STORE FOR NUTRICAL...CONTAINS VITAMINS AND CALORIES...IT'S A GEL, COMES IN A TUBE, TOOTHPASTE SIZE. SQUIRRELS LIKE IT...TASTES GOOD TO THEM AND PACKS A GREAT VITAMIN PUNCH. JUST A PEA SIZED DAB DAILY. SHE'LL LICK IT RIGHT OFF YOU FINGER. :thumbsup

[Starfish]

Here is the GM recipe...... you are to feed it with just yogurt the first two weeks, but then you should of added in the heavy cream after that.


Homemade GM Recipe
1 cup Goats Milk * (if can - dilute)
1/3 cup Full Fat Vanilla Yogurt
1/3 cup Heavy Cream


(lasts 72 hours in frig)
*

Don't feel bad you're learning . Let us help you get back on track.

The only thing you should be freezing is the goat's milk in 1-cup portions. Not the entire formula. You'll kill the probiotics in yogurt if you do.


As for blocks, I have yet to find Kaytee Forti-Diet in stores in Canada(only for ferrets, not what we want.

As a temporary solution, you can get Living World Extrusion for Hamsters in about any pet store. But not enough protein. Temporary.

I would push for a bad of HHBs for not to get you started. However, they don't come cheap... Shipping to Canada. Alternatively, ask someone on board to explain powder.

2nd best blocks and a lot closer are the Teklad 2018 blocks from chinchilla.ca. Located in Brampton, ON. They ship quickly... And price is comparable to the Extrusion when you break it down 10lbs should have you set for a while. Lots more protein than Extrusion.

Honestly, Hope could use HHB

[ohwiseone]

ok guys correct me if I am wrong but don't the eyes open at 5 weeks?? So sweet baby Hope may be older than we think?? So like closer to 6 -6.5 weeks?? Also at that age shouldn't she be walking around more and not so much lying still when put on the ground?? My girls just turned 5 weeks (eyes opened today) and they are holy terrors!! LOL they are all over the place for about 5 min til they wear out and fall over for a nap. Isn't squirrel love grand??

Anyway I love when you scratch the neck and the arm moves to let you get in there. One of my girls thumps her foot like yours too!! I love it. Give that sweet baby a kiss for me right on the top of her head where it's sweetest. *muah*

[ohwiseone]

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?42124-Meet-Aspen-and-Oakley-(AKA-Oak)

Here is the link to my girls if you wanted to look at them. They are a little small I think at only 70 gms this morning. The last 3 pics were of them as their eyes opened. Just for comparison of coats with your baby Hope.

[vera]

There are four notches



Don't beat yourself up too much there. You were doing what you thought was best for your precious baby. Now you know different and are going to fix the problem... so no more yelling at yourself. :grin3

Hopefully changing her diet to a proper one will fix her coat and she will thrive.

Now my questions are...
1. How many notches are between the 100 and 200 gms on the scale??
2. How long ago did her eyes open??
3. She looks very weak in the pics as she's not up and walking. She looks like she's still crawling. Is that true or are the pictures deceiving us??

You are getting great advice on here so I won't add to it as I totally agree with what they are saying and you are receptive to it so no sense in Beating a dead horse. :deadhorse

She is def not getting enough fat in her diet as her little head is all shrunken in so adding some fat in the formula and some ultra boost in the FV formula will fix that.

[Rhapsody]

ok guys correct me if I am wrong but don't the eyes open at 5 weeks?? The average is 4 weeks old, even though some wait until 5 or 6 weeks.

[Rhapsody]

There are four notchesThen she weighs 160 grams (with each notch being 20 grams) and you said she was 2 notches before the 200 grams mark.

[vera]

I could go to Brampton on Saturday or Sunday and grab her the blocks that's not a problem I'm so happy they are close! As for the formula if you freeze only the goats milk how do you get the yogurt and cream in the proper amounts I was told to use ice cube trays...is there anyway someone could tell me exactly what they do step by step? I know it sounds silly but the more information and details the better for me.

Don't feel bad you're learning . Let us help you get back on track.

The only thing you should be freezing is the goat's milk in 1-cup portions. Not the entire formula. You'll kill the probiotics in yogurt if you do.


As for blocks, I have yet to find Kaytee Forti-Diet in stores in Canada(only for ferrets, not what we want.

As a temporary solution, you can get Living World Extrusion for Hamsters in about any pet store. But not enough protein. Temporary.

I would push for a bad of HHBs for not to get you started. However, they don't come cheap... Shipping to Canada. Alternatively, ask someone on board to explain powder.

2nd best blocks and a lot closer are the Teklad 2018 blocks from chinchilla.ca. Located in Brampton, ON. They ship quickly... And price is comparable to the Extrusion when you break it down 10lbs should have you set for a while. Lots more protein than Extrusion.

Honestly, Hope could use HHB

[ohwiseone]

ok so if there are 4 notches and Hope is 2 less than 200 then she weighs about 150 gms. Obviously getting a more up to date one will be better but at least we are starting with something. LOL so every 5 hrs 5-7% of her body weight. 7 1/2- 10 1/2 cc every 5 hrs) As she grows that amt will change so adjust the amt as she grows. (take her weight in gms and multiply by 0.05 thats 5% and then take her weight and multiply by 0.07 and thats 7%) Its not the total amt we are only concerned with... its the fact that feeding too often can cause issues like diarrhea, bloat, malabsorption, among other things. I know you haven't had those issues but it doesn't mean that you won't eventually. And diarrhea can dehydrate a little one very quickly. We want to keep Hope as healthy as we can while she gets stronger. :strong and healthier. Definitely keep her on the heating pad for now since she doesn't have much of a coat to keep her warm. While you feed her keep her wrapped in a soft fleece or t shirt then back to the heating pad. Cold babies can't digest and she will chill quickly. Keep loving her like you are and she will be tearing up your house in no time at all :grin2

[vera]

Well her eyes aren't fully open they aren't big and round yet they just started the process. The pictures you see of her when she was young she was maybe 2-3 days in to being with me. She is extremely active but when I put her down she does move around quite a bit but not as crazy as she is when she is on me she tries climbing up and down my clothing and when feeding she wants to stand on her hind legs and stretch out. When I went too check on the notches on the scale I took her out and she was walking but she isn't the best I honestly think she is scared otherwise she wouldn't be able to walk and climb on me no? I gave her a kiss for you as well


ok guys correct me if I am wrong but don't the eyes open at 5 weeks?? So sweet baby Hope may be older than we think?? So like closer to 6 -6.5 weeks?? Also at that age shouldn't she be walking around more and not so much lying still when put on the ground?? My girls just turned 5 weeks (eyes opened today) and they are holy terrors!! LOL they are all over the place for about 5 min til they wear out and fall over for a nap. Isn't squirrel love grand??

Anyway I love when you scratch the neck and the arm moves to let you get in there. One of my girls thumps her foot like yours too!! I love it. Give that sweet baby a kiss for me right on the top of her head where it's sweetest. *muah*

[ohwiseone]

my girls love to stretch out too... its adorable. I perch them on their tummies on my leg while I feed just so any extra formula can leak out of their mouths and not into the lungs. that way they can stretch and I keep the proper position for them. Its a win-win situation. it also leaves one of my hands free to love on them while they are semistill... LOL

[vera]

Oh I see...well now at least I have a proper calculation I can go off of...that way there isn't stress wondering if I'm giving her enough or too much....as for keeping her wrapped up I did but recently she won't have it...I wrap her and she gets her arms out and climbs out and acts as if she hates it and I'm scared to hold her against her will as I don't know if I could hurt her internally or externally. When I did find her she was on the pavement in direct sunlight could this have anything to do with her skin or fur?


ok so if there are 4 notches and Hope is 2 less than 200 then she weighs about 150 gms. Obviously getting a more up to date one will be better but at least we are starting with something. LOL so every 5 hrs 5-7% of her body weight. 7 1/2- 10 1/2 cc every 5 hrs) As she grows that amt will change so adjust the amt as she grows. (take her weight in gms and multiply by 0.05 thats 5% and then take her weight and multiply by 0.07 and thats 7%) Its not the total amt we are only concerned with... its the fact that feeding too often can cause issues like diarrhea, bloat, malabsorption, among other things. I know you haven't had those issues but it doesn't mean that you won't eventually. And diarrhea can dehydrate a little one very quickly. We want to keep Hope as healthy as we can while she gets stronger. :strong and healthier. Definitely keep her on the heating pad for now since she doesn't have much of a coat to keep her warm. While you feed her keep her wrapped in a soft fleece or t shirt then back to the heating pad. Cold babies can't digest and she will chill quickly. Keep loving her like you are and she will be tearing up your house in no time at all :grin2

[ohwiseone]

Then she weighs 160 grams (with each notch being 20 grams) and you said she was 2 notches before the 200 grams mark.

duh!!! face plant. I am thinking a total of 4 notches with 100 being the first and 200 being the 4th... see its a good thing we have all these brains thinking on this baby.

[vera]

I'm going to try that position. I think once I get everything straightened out and post videos to keep everyone updated its better than pictures I would think.

my girls love to stretch out too... its adorable. I perch them on their tummies on my leg while I feed just so any extra formula can leak out of their mouths and not into the lungs. that way they can stretch and I keep the proper position for them. Its a win-win situation. it also leaves one of my hands free to love on them while they are semistill... LOL

[ohwiseone]

As far as I know the pavement and sunlight shouldn't have harmed her long term. My girls hate being wrapped up but I put them on my leg and as they settle down to eat I just lay the blanket across them. That way they are covered and still in the proper position. The things we have to do for them to keep them healthy. LOL

[vera]

As far as I know the pavement and sunlight shouldn't have harmed her long term. My girls hate being wrapped up but I put them on my leg and as they settle down to eat I just lay the blanket across them. That way they are covered and still in the proper position. The things we have to do for them to keep them healthy. LOL

So worth it though I wonder how long it will take to get her on track..hmm well anyway as long as it needs to I guess just want results NOW lol but that's wishful thinking

[Starfish]

I could go to Brampton on Saturday or Sunday and grab her the blocks that's not a problem I'm so happy they are close! As for the formula if you freeze only the goats milk how do you get the yogurt and cream in the proper amounts I was told to use ice cube trays...is there anyway someone could tell me exactly what they do step by step? I know it sounds silly but the more information and details the better for me.

Ok, so, for the store. Check their website or call them first. I don't know if they are online only or not. I do know it's a small family-run business.

for the goat's milk, measure in 1-cup portions and pour into individual ziploc bags. That way it's frozen pre-measured. Do this the second you open the goat's milk container. It takes a day (almost a full 24 hours) to thaw in the fridge (put the baggy in a clean bowl or glass to that as it can leak). Then measure your other two ingredients and mix in.

If ever you are in a hurry to thaw faster because you need it 'now!', you could try putting the bag of goat's milk in a second (thicker) ziploc bac and let it sit in ice cold water for 30 minutes.... may thaw enough to mix with other ingredients in a jar. I recommend the one-day fridge method when you can though.

Note: one little personal-sized portion of Activia is 1/3 of a cup.

Have you been using full-fat yogurt WITH probiotics.

On that note, you likely have another 6 weeks of formula feedings (or more?...?) ; especially given her current size. Consider the price the goat's milk costs you (it ain't cheap) and the hastle of freezing thawing, measuring, and the cleaning of the souring milk on the cage (eventually I had to feed out of a bowl as they were eating my syringes and two were sloppy eaters) and the amount of the ingredients you go through. Order the Fox Valley. Even with shipping it won't hurt your wallet that much more than the Goat's Milk formula and it will make your life easier.

[vera]

Yes I agree with that I just want the right thing until the fox valley arrives. How old are the babies when they can drink it out of a dish?


Ok, so, for the store. Check their website or call them first. I don't know if they are online only or not. I do know it's a small family-run business.

for the goat's milk, measure in 1-cup portions and pour into individual ziploc bags. That way it's frozen pre-measured. Do this the second you open the goat's milk container. It takes a day (almost a full 24 hours) to thaw in the fridge (put the baggy in a clean bowl or glass to that as it can leak). Then measure your other two ingredients and mix in.

If ever you are in a hurry to thaw faster because you need it 'now!', you could try putting the bag of goat's milk in a second (thicker) ziploc bac and let it sit in ice cold water for 30 minutes.... may thaw enough to mix with other ingredients in a jar. I recommend the one-day fridge method when you can though.

Note: one little personal-sized portion of Activia is 1/3 of a cup.

Have you been using full-fat yogurt WITH probiotics.

On that note, you likely have another 6 weeks of formula feedings (or more?...?) ; especially given her current size. Consider the price the goat's milk costs you (it ain't cheap) and the hastle of freezing thawing, measuring, and the cleaning of the souring milk on the cage (eventually I had to feed out of a bowl as they were eating my syringes and two were sloppy eaters) and the amount of the ingredients you go through. Order the Fox Valley. Even with shipping it won't hurt your wallet that much more than the Goat's Milk formula and it will make your life easier.

[Starfish]

Yes I agree with that I just want the right thing until the fox valley arrives. How old are the babies when they can drink it out of a dish?

When they litterally chew aparte the syringe ends. lol

Start looking for extremely shallow dishes; like sauce dishes. I'll post pics of mine

[Rhapsody]

I usually start introducing my babies to drinking out of shallow bowl at 8 weeks..... but watch out it can get messy.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e116/Rhapsody_1/RSCN1602_zpsabed366d.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rhapsody_1/media/RSCN1602_zpsabed366d.jpg.html)

[vera]

Okay well I'm on the website to order the rehab supplies I so far have in the cart: nipples to put on the syringes, 1 bag fox valley day one formula 20/50, squirrel blocks growth formula, fox valley ultra boost is there anything else I need? and am I getting enough to last a while?

[vera]

I usually start introducing my babies to drinking out of shallow bowl at 8 weeks..... but watch out it can get messy.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e116/Rhapsody_1/RSCN1602_zpsabed366d.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rhapsody_1/media/RSCN1602_zpsabed366d.jpg.html)

what beautiful squirrels!

[Rhapsody]

Okay well I'm on the website to order the rehab supplies I so far have in the cart:
nipples to put on the syringes, 1 bag fox valley day one formula 20/50, squirrel blocks growth formula, fox valley ultra boost is there anything else I need? do you have different size syringes? 3cc & 5cc syringes

[Starfish]

do you have different size syringes? 3cc & 5cc syringes

yes, order some with the fox valley... The ones they sell are really good quality.

ORDER lots. And order nipples. You've been marked. There likely will be other little ones eventually.

[vera]

do you have different size syringes? 3cc & 5cc syringes

No I'm going to ask the pharmacy that's where I got my 1 cc

[vera]

okay so I need to get 3cc and 5cc syringes?


yes, order some with the fox valley... The ones they sell are really good quality.

ORDER lots. And order nipples. You've been marked. There likely will be other little ones eventually.

[Starfish]

okay so I need to get 3cc and 5cc syringes?

yes.

Although, I skipped from 3 to 10.

You want to avoid having to refill or switch syringes too often; very fristrating for the wee one.

That said be sure to hold on to the plunger as those little guys can create major suction. Don't want Hope to inhale and get pneumonia. Especially new syringes.

[vera]

I ordered the other stuff but I can order some syringes too it said 3-7 days so the new way I ill be doing the gm mixture should suffice right?


okay so I need to get 3cc and 5cc syringes?

[vera]

Good thing you told me that


yes.

Although, I skipped from 3 to 10.

You want to avoid having to refill or switch syringes too often; very fristrating for the wee one.

That said be sure to hold on to the plunger as those little guys can create major suction. Don't want Hope to inhale and get pneumonia. Especially new syringes.

[Starfish]

213545213546213547

Here is a pic of the sauce bowls I used. Tried to demonstrate height with other stuff. They were extremely shallow; meant for dunking food in soya sauce

[Starfish]

I ordered the other stuff but I can order some syringes too it said 3-7 days so the new way I ill be doing the gm mixture should suffice right?

Yes, it will do the trick in the meantime. Just don't freeze the yogurt or cream.

Get the Teklad blocks.

3-7 *business* days and keep in mind customs..... Yay! (It took my order about 1.5 weeks)

[Nancy in New York]

I usually start introducing my babies to drinking out of shallow bowl at 8 weeks..... but watch out it can get messy.

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e116/Rhapsody_1/RSCN1602_zpsabed366d.jpg (http://s38.photobucket.com/user/Rhapsody_1/media/RSCN1602_zpsabed366d.jpg.html)

OMG this is just adorable........don't you love this age?

[MJS]

THAT COULD BE ONE OF THE FUNNIEST SQUIRREL PICS I HAVE EVER SEEN!!! :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl

[Rhapsody]

THAT COULD BE ONE OF THE FUNNIEST SQUIRREL PICS I HAVE EVER SEEN!!! :rotfl :rotfl :rotflThat one particular squirrel loved to dive into the bowl with its entire body...... where as its two siblings preferred to remain clean and eat with their mouth only --no body needed. :grin3

[Starfish]

That one particular squirrel loved to dive into the bowl with its entire body...... where as its two siblings preferred to remain clean and eat with their mouth only --no body needed. :grin3

I hear you.... Same thing with my guys. Funny swimming.

[MJS]

That one particular squirrel loved to dive into the bowl with its entire body...... where as its two siblings preferred to remain clean and eat with their mouth only --no body needed. :grin3

:grin2 VENUS AND SERENA ARE DISTRAUGHT :eek IF THEY GET ANY ON THEM AT ALL...ANYWHERE!!! (SORRY ABOUT THE THREAD JACK)

[ohwiseone]

Just checking in and wondering how your little one is doing?? Did you get the FV formula delivered yet?? I think about this little one all the time and wonder how everything is. :grin3