We found a sweet little man! A few Questions...

[Christie189]

Hi everyone. I'll start by saying that we have had this little guy 2 days now. I have read and read and there is a wealth of information here. We already have Ebsilac (powdered) and right now, we are using a syringe with a longer type nipple attached. He has been eating little bits about every 3-4 hours. He is proving rather difficult to feed, but I think he is getting the hang of it. He is not suckling much, we have to drop a little bit into his mouth and wait for him to swallow. It's a long process, but worth it. The whole aspiration thing has me a wee bit nervous, but we are taking it real slow and following his lead. I looked at the age chart and he seems to be about 3-4 weeks old? His eyes are not open as of yet. And all he wants to do is sleep, I assume this is normal for this age? Does anyone know how much formula this little guy needs and how long between feedings at this age? Assuming he is about 3-4 weeks. We are stimulating his "goods" after he eats, and he has went pee/poo. It takes a little while to get him to go...

He did have fleas when we found him. We picked them all off, dropped them in a cup of water and carefully wiped him down with a bit of Adams Flea Powder that I oddly already had when we had our dog. We no longer have a dog - just an outdoors cat, who prefers it that way. I also read that is what to use on Squirrels. Or it doesn't matter?

Here is a picture to help determine:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/COFChristie/Squirrel1.jpg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/COFChristie/Squirrel2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/COFChristie/Squirrel3.jpg

We do know that he weighs 88.5 grams!

It is a boy and that wasn't hard to determine. :D

We have a HUGE mulberry tree in our backyard and my husband found him outside beneath the tree. We tried to leave him there, hoping his mama would come back for him, but no luck. He cried and cried with this "Peep-Peep" sound. It started getting dark and there was no sign of her. Sooooo, we took over and brought him inside. We tried again the next morning and several hours later, no luck. It was breaking my heart into pieces. Also, there is quite a few stray dogs and cats that frequent our neighborhood and that really worried me. We have a hamster cage (for the time being) and we took the advice of many here, we put a heating pad on one half of the cage (on low) between a fleece blanket and he seems content. I had some fluffy rodent bedding that we tucked inside of a little cozy bed that he is all curled up in. He doesn't seem sick or anything at all, which is great. He twitches a good bit but I also read that is normal for this age, something about energy and his eyes being closed? I forget some things after reading so much!

I believe I read that keeping this little guy is legal in the state of IL, with a permit. How does one go about getting a permit to have him as a pet? My husband had a pet squirrel years ago and throughly enjoyed the experience...

I hate to say that I am already attached to this little guy, but I guess maybe the middle of the night feedings can do that? :rotfl

[Momma Squirrel]

:Welcome Christie, husband and that precious little baby. I am so glad you guys have taken him in it sounds like you are doing a great job :thumbsup Just wanted to say HI and I will let the more experienced step in and help you out on the particulars. Great pictures, such a sweetheart, have you though of a name yet??

[Christie189]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome! :Love_Icon

No name as of yet. I guess we need to get to know his little character first and then go from there. I told my husband that he can name him. I am sure it will take him a few to think of one that he likes. The squirrel that he used to have was named Sammy. Can't use that one again. :shakehead

I am so worried about this little guy. But my husband tells me that I am a worrier by nature. Doesn't make caring for this wee baby easy. But he is adorable!

BTW, my name is Christie. My husband's name is Ken. :wave123

[Dancingsquirrel]

Welcome Christie and Ken! Thank you for being such careing animal lovers and a great photographer to boot!:D :thumbsup

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

:Welcome to the board and what a precious baby boy!

[TexanSquirrel]

You can't use Sammy because we already have a Sammy on here! You'll have to watch LynninIN's videos of him sometime. I personally like Reese, that way when he makes poopies they are Reese's Pieces!

:rotfl

And welcome to the board. We're thrilled to have you and the little guy. He is absolutly precious! Are you sure it's a boy though? Is his wee-wee kind of in the middle of his tummy or down between his legs?

[acorniv]

:Welcome Christie,

Your adorable little guy looks beautiful! Keep it up.

I'm new here myself, and these folks have been a HUGE help to me and my little Miss Hickory. You are in the best hands here :thumbsup

Miss Hickory was just a little older than your guy when she was found Her eyes were open, and her ears a little more adult like, but otherwise abotu the same. She was healthy but emaciated, so had gone hungry a long while. This is her first feeding, to give you an idea of what a super eager baby looks like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubbEkSySAA8

When my son was born, I learned pediatricans rate how eagerly babies nurse. I've forgotten all the names, but the most eager are called barracudas (this is official language!) and that is what MH is. Yours might just be younger and more polite, or perhaps one of the experienced people here might have some suggestions. I know there are lots of different syringes and nipples, etc. You want to stay small ( 1 or 2 cc syringes to start) so you don't aspirate him, and never force the formula down him. Try to get to know his swallowing pattern and work in concert with him, giving him time to rest every few swallows if he needs it.

Have you been to Chris's website for squirrel supplies? They have a set of syringes and nipples you can buy to find out what works best for your guy.

Before deciding to keep him as a pet, read as much as you can about what that means. Since getting MH two weeks ago, I have met doxzens of peopel who have had them. I had NO idea they were such a common pet - or should I say ~attempted~ pet. Everyone has a story or a dozen stories to tell me about serious mischief (look at this scar! It went all the way through my finger!) or tragedy. I met one man who told me his friend raised a baby racoon and when it hit sexual maturity and got aggressive ( as virtually all wild animals do) he felt betrayed and beat it to death. Know your own limits, how well you will able to meet his needs for life ( this might not be the best pet to have around babies, for example) and what quality of life he will have with you vs out in the wild. He will miss out on the pure joy of swinging through the trees and developing a relationship with his own species. As social as they are, this is a serious consideration. Squirrels are not domesticated and as sweet and baby like as they ae now, they are just that wild later. I am already seeing it, and my baby is just 8 (?) weeks old!

If you want one as a pet, consider getting rehab certified and finding one that cannot be released to the wild due to health issues. That way everybody wins :)

Having said that, I TOTALLY relate to those maternal instincts. Mine has the temperament of my first born child, and boy is that ever bringing back memories and longings! Plus she is just so darned cute, I can hardly stand it. But because of that, I want her to have the best life she possibly can.

Oh - a word about bedding. I don't know if squirrels ever eat it, but we just lost a hamster to supposedly 'proven safe' stuffing she ingested. In that experience we learned one should never give them any loose bedding that does not dissolve easily iin water (think toilet paper).

What we use, and I HIGHLY recommend this, is a fuzzy bedroom slipper. MH LOVES them. They are very snuggly, make a great first playground, can be adjusted by eve very small squirrels for warmth ( she sleeps in it, on it and under it, depending) and the size is just right. Best of all, that critical first week, is it feels like Mom. MH's first one was silky, and she liked to run her paws through it and muzzle it looking for a nipple. She never nursed on the fur, but I used a wig brush and brushed it realy well after each washing, just to make sure. Her new one is thiick and fuzzy, like a good quality stuffed animal. It's made by Dearform and she loves the part that cups the heel - perfect for curling into and feeling that proporecptive feedback that you get form a ple of sibs :Love_Icon The other advantage is she has a cave, to call safety in. This is where her treats are taken straight off, and where she herself goes when there is a loud noise or whe wants to play hide and seek with us. You can see her playing with her slipper in the second video at the link I gave.

The third pair are frogs. Seriously - silkscreened nylon frogs - with big plastic eyes. They are not warm, so are just for play, unless she gets really hot, and wants to sleep there. I'll get soem photos because seeing a squirrel play in a big frog is pretty funnny!

So far, I've found all three pairs, brand new, at Goodwill. They are a popular Christmas gift that people do not want, and this is the season to find them. It's too warm now ( at least in Georgia~!) to find them in most other stores.
I got a seam ripper and removed the rubber sole from each slipper and pulled out the foam padding. We keep one in her box and the mate in the wash at all times. I also cut baby washcloth sized squares from a fiber fill baby blanket and she likes to pull them over the entrance to her cave when she is sleeping. This is safety instinct - when she is grown we'll give her an outdoor box with a door she can shut.

Enjoy him, and I look forward to watching I grow up:)

Laurel.

[acorniv]

You can't use Sammy because we already have a Sammy on here! You'll have to watch LynninIN's videos of him sometime. I personally like Reese, that way when he makes poopies they are Reese's Pieces!

:jump

> Are you sure it's a boy though? Is his wee-wee kind of in the middle of his >tummy or down between his legs?

Yup, when I got MH the poor little thing was so emaciated her lady bits hug loose from her body and looked like what shuld be on a boy. She was Hercules Hickory for a week, because we thoguth she was male and she likes to get under her slipper and do push ups. But I kept calling her 'she', so I think I knew :tilt Finally this board helped me sort it out. Girls are rather prominent but it's down between the legs, compared to boys. The boys don't have discernable testicles until later.

Laurel

Laurel

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

Welcome to the squirrel board! He is a very cute little guy. I happen to have a fox squirrel that is the same size as your little guy. She weighed 87 grams this morning. I am feeding her 4 times a day and she can take between 5 and 6 ccs per feeding (she always wants the 6 ccs). It will probably take him a few days to get used to you feeding him, so don't worry that he doesn't suck it down very quickly. You will want to listen to his breathing and make sure there is no clicking though, because if there is he could have pneumonia (mine had it when I first got her).
As for keeping him as a pet, I would think long and hard before making that decision. A pet squirrel is a huge long term commitment as anyone on the board that has a pet squirrel can tell you. I would not recommend keeping him if he is healthy, which it looks like he is. When he grows up and matures, he will want to live a regular squirrely life in the trees.

[Gabe]

Hi and :Welcome to the squirrel board. Squirrels Rule has a good feeding schedule for you. The clicking sound that she described is a symptom of pneumonia that comes from aspirating.
Your little guy will learn to suck soon. It usually takes about 3 days to get used to the new feel of the nipple, taste of the milk, and smell of his new Mommy.:D I'm glad you found him but would like to add that they don't usually come leave the nest until the mother has been dead 3-5 days so dehydration is a concern. Also it would not hurt to check the area very carefully and see if there aren't 3 more as they generally have a litter of four. Good luck with him.

[Somebody's Mother]

welcome to the board. what an adoreable baby. sounds like you have a pretty good handle on the situation.
enjoy taking care of him and then pay attention to what he wants to do with his life. sounds funny to say that about a squirrel but it is true. i had an eastern grey inhouse for about 5 weeks. but she let me know that she wished to be wild. she now lives a 3 hour drive from me. my neighborhood was not the ideal place to release her and the rehabber put her with other babies about her age so she didn't have to venture into the wild by herself.
but there are those squirrels that are happier living with humans. i don't know how that works but it happens sometimes. so watch him for clues as to what he wants. it is adviseable that if you are going to keep him as a pet that you have him neutered. (not right away)
i currently have a flying squirrel. she loves the company of humans. she will jump out of her cage onto my shoulder and start purring. :D

[thundersquirrel]

ahhh lucky! that's probably my favorite age to get babies at.

good job on getting started! i would suggest, though, that you look up the contacts of local rehabbers. we can give you a lot of advice, but if something goes wrong all of a sudden (knock on wood) it's a comfort to have a contact already at hand.

he should start to get more eager soon. sometimes babies that we get in just won't take to a nipple. but after a couple of days, that formula starts to smell pretty good and the instinct to live kicks in. ;)

if he doesn't increase his appetite, you may want to change your feeding methods. he sounds pretty healthy, so things should go well.

:goodpost SM. the squirrel really does tell you what's what.

make sure you watch the baby closely. i don't want to scare you, but i had a baby fox squirrel his age before, and he used to sleep all the time and twitch a lot. it took a couple days, but my mother and i realized that every so often he'd cry out and stretch in a weird way. he was having seizures. i doubt that this is the case for your guy but if you see any strange behavior let us know.

good luck! :D :Welcome

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

Gabe has a good point, make sure you watch for other babies because a litter of 1 is very unusual, usually there are 3-4. Here is a picture of my little girl squirrel, her name is Zippy:

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r299/4bunnies/000_3409.jpg

I have had her for 2 weeks and a few days now and she has had her ups and downs but is doing very good now. She has been gaining about 3 grams a day and should open her eyes Friday or Saturday. Your squirrel should be doing about the same.

[Christie189]

I have to tell you - this board is an amazing support to us. Thanks so much to everyone who has taken the time to reply! He is eating better and better with each feeding. When he gets hungry, he squirms around and around his little cozy bed, suckling on anything in sight. He just ate 3cc's and he is passed out again. He is learning to suck the nipple a little more each feeding and hearing that little slurp sound is sooooo precious. :Love_Icon


Thank you for being such careing animal lovers and a great photographer to boot!


Thank you! I love, love, love my camera and take great pride in photography. I would to start a photog business in the future...


Are you sure it's a boy though?

I am pretty sure. :D Here is a picture of his goods:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/COFChristie/BoyGoods.jpg

Oh, squirrelsrule&bunniestoo, that is a precious little one. Makes me want to kiss her! Thanks for the advice, I'll be sure to keep track of her weight.

I looked ALL over the place for more little ones. I didn't see any, hear any or anything. I've looked for the past 2 days now, all around the tree. Nothing. I hope that if there is more, they are OK. :dono

With all that said, I will be on the lookout for a rehabber in our area, just in case. I like having that extra reassurance in case something does happen. We understand the long term commitment to keeping him as a pet. We are going to follow his lead and take it one day at a time and see how things go. The decision will become clearer and clearer as each day passes, I am sure. :)

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Sounds like this little guy has a smart Mom & Dad, and they are doing a wonderful job with him.:thumbsup

[Momma Squirrel]

Zippy is looking just great :thumbsup Christie I think that is a BOY :bowdown

[Christie189]

Sounds like this little guy has a smart Mom & Dad, and they are doing a wonderful job with him. :thumbsup

Thanks so much. That is nice to hear. I've never done this before, so it is good to hear that we are doing the right thing(s). I love this place already.

:wott

We got a BOY!

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

That is definetely a boy all right. He is looking very healthy! Sounds like you are doing a great job, glad he is sucking the milk better. He will work his way up to the full feeding, just give him time. Then he will be a little piggy like Zippy has become and will keep drinking and drinking until he looks like he will explode. When they get like that you have to watch that you don't overfeed them, because they will drink more than they should! I have a chart that I can PM you with how much to feed at each weight if you would like it. For now I would go with 5-6 cc four times a day as the target amount.

[Abacat]

:wave123 Christie and Ken ...What a handsome little boy. :D
Glad to see pics of your baby, (we love pictures.) Just wanted to say welcome.

[Christie189]

I'd love the chart. That'd come in really handy if you wouldn't mind! He has been eating anything from 1-4cc each feeding with about 3 hours between each feeding.

I was going to ask. I read (here, or somewhere, I can't recall now) that I should be mixing his formula 3 parts water, 1 part powder until he gets used to the switch. Is that much to diluted for this age? Should I go with 2 parts water, 1 part powder instead? We weren't sure what to do. Just been using the little teaspoon scoop that came in the powder. I mix his formula up as he is ready to eat. Getting it to temp is rather tricky, but we manage!

Thanks, Abacat. I'll be sure to share tons. I love pics! :multi

I am sure he will have a name soon!

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

How long has he been taking the formula diluted now?

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

If he has been on the three to one since you got him 2 days ago, then yes he is ready to switch to two parts water to 1 part powder. I usually keep them on 4:1 for 1 day then switch to 3:1 for one day then switch to 2:1 and stay there, you never want to go to 1:1, it is too much for him and he will get bloated.
Sounds like he is doing good. Once he starts sucking down the milk good and you can get the maximum amount into him (5-6 ccs) you only have to feed him 4 times a day. Just keep an eye on his weight as long as he is gaining, he is doing good, if he is remaining the same weight that is ok for the first few days, but if he is losing then you need to increase the amount per feeding or the number of feedings. Good luck with him and yes, we all love pictures, so keep them coming!

[acorniv]

I thought of something else (aren't I the expert after 2 weeks?). Your nose will let you know if he is getting diarrhea. He should be virtually odorless, but if he starts smelling like a bat cave then his tummy is hurting. He may simply have eaten too much or too fast, or other problems, in which case I know you will ask.

I started really noticing the odor when mine got the runs, and it has a strong chalky odor - like they are spilling calcium. That can't be good, given how much they need.

Mine will not eat near what is recommended - she seems to have a small or sensitive tummy.

laurel

[Christie189]

He has been taking the diluted formula since we found him. After we found him, we checked to see if he was dehydrated and he didn't seem it at all. We did the skin pinch test and all seemed well. So we went ahead and fed him the 3:1 and that is all he has had so far. Next feeding I will start the 2:1 and see how he does. He just ate 3:1 at 7:30pm and he had 3 ccs. He seems to not be much interested after that amount, or a little over. He falls back asleep and stops suckling/rooting. Lazy little boy. He seems to eat small amounts at a time which means he is hungry every 2-3 hours. That is OK, I don't mind feeding the little sweetie. It is indeed one of my favorite times. His little whines and suckles. Awwwwww! :Love_Icon I just follow his lead!

I will be sure to keep an eye on his weight. I plan on weighing him tomorrow morning! :smoken

Gosh, what would I do without this amazing place? :wahoo

[Buddy'sMom]

:Welcome He's adorable! And it sounds like you are doing great!

[thundersquirrel]

is there a nest in the tree you were searching around? have you seen any dead squirrels nearby lately? it's possible that he just fell out of the nest or something. though, you know, always keep an eye out. ;)

his tummy should be like a slightly deflated balloon when you (gently) push on it after feeding. there should be tension, but it should give to a slight push.

oh, and uh, i'm starting to think he's a boy. :D

[LynninIN]

:Welcome Christie189. Your baby boy is beautiful and has a very quick learner for a mommy. You are doing a great job.:thumbsup

[acorniv]

Isn't 3 cc's good for this age? My 8 (approx) weeker has to have missed a meal to take 8 cc's now, and that is pushing it. When we found her 2 weeks ago, at about a week older than yours, she could only take maybe 2 at a feeding. She feeds 5 times a day, now, and I think it will be a while until she can do fewer because her little tummy is full on less than most her age get. She does get a little solid food though. The first two nights we had her, I got up every 3 hours to feed her, because she was emaciated and could not take much at one feeding. My family brought her home all excited and I took one look, and thought - this does not look good, but we've made it this far :thumbsup

Island Rehabber told me they should feel like a day old balloon around the middle after a meal. Maternal instinct tells me this is a much better measure than the number of cc's, because individuals will vary as to what their capacity is.

What does your little boy *feel* like? Is his tummy nice and round, but not hard, and does that roundness go away by next feeding?

You have mentioned how much he sleeps several times. How much does a baby this age normally sleep? I know with kittens they basically only sleep and eat until their eyes open, so that would be normal. Maternal instinct ( again) tells me that nature would not have blind animals romping around 20 feet up in a tree. Sleeping seems totally appropriate to me, but then I am new to squirreldom.

Laurel

[acorniv]

oh, and uh, i'm starting to think he's a boy. :D

Ya think? :D That little guy confirmed definitively that mine is a girl! Great photo Christie, Would you let it be archived so puzzled parents can figure out what they've got?

HEY! Do any of you have squirrels that look at the photos on the computer? Mine always looks at my screen, and seems to want to get up there, but I never thought she might be reacting to your photos of other squirrels! Today she discovered mirrors though, and woofed with :Love_Icon excitement

Laurel

[TexanSquirrel]

Yep, it's a boy, and a handsome one at that! *muah!*

[Bell & Noah]

:Welcome Christie189, he is so cute.

[Christie189]

5:00 am feed and I am so tired. He is eating like a champ! Takes those 2 front feet and holds the syringe. Boy, he is feisty when I attempt to pull away. With all his little whines, grunts and groans. He knows what he wants! :D

All done now. Time to hit the pillow again. :wahoo

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

I think 3 cc is good for a start and if you want to feed him every 3 hours, than that is the amount he should take. If you want to feed every 6 hours (4 times a day) like I do than you should try to get him to take 5-6 cc. It is personal preference. I have to work from 6:00 AM- 2:30 PM so mine has to go a while without eating. It is just easier for me to feed her just 4 times a day and since she can hold the 5-6 cc (I am sure yours can too) then it works out best for me. It is up to you, 3 cc every 3 hours or 6 cc every 6 hours, I don't think it makes any difference. Keep up the good work, sounds like you have done your homework! Oh, and sorry, I forgot to send you the amount that he can hold at different weights, I will send it this afternoon after work.

[island rehabber]

Christie you're getting good, sound advice here and you're doing great. Just two little things to remember:
although baby squirrels sleep a LOT before their eyes open, they are still squirmy and active sometimes, especially while crawling around trying to find their siblings or their mom. Safe inside a squirrel's nest there isn't much room for them to crawl around in, but we tend to keep them in larger spaces. So ALWAYS keep a lid on the container he's in, so your baby can't blindly wander off. It happens a lot, and babies get hurt that way. :nono

Also, although foxers and greys are similar in their development, they're not exactly the same and greys will eat less and weigh less than a foxer. So use any charts that refer to baby foxers as a 'general suggestion'....foxers can weigh twice as much as greys once they're full grown, so we're not talking about exact numbers here. :)

Keep up the great work! :thumbsup

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

The chart I have suggessts feeding amount based on weights, so it should be good for both foxers and greys right? I used it with my black squirrels and they did great! It sounds like he is eating the right amount too, you are doing great with the little guy, Christie!

[island rehabber]

The chart I have suggessts feeding amount based on weights, so it should be good for both foxers and greys right? !

Yup -- sounds perfect. :)

[Twirly Squirly Squirrel]

:Welcome Christie, and :Welcome to that adorable baby boy! Good luck with him, he sure is a cutie! And sr&btoo, you've got yourself a cute little girly girl there! Kisses to both!

[thundersquirrel]

although baby squirrels sleep a LOT before their eyes open, they are still squirmy and active sometimes, especially while crawling around trying to find their siblings or their mom. Safe inside a squirrel's nest there isn't much room for them to crawl around in, but we tend to keep them in larger spaces. So ALWAYS keep a lid on the container he's in, so your baby can't blindly wander off. It happens a lot, and babies get hurt that way. :nono



i'll add to what IR said with a suggestion. have you ever heard of a rice buddy? just fill a sock with dry rice, tie it off, and microwave it for 30-45 seconds. if it's very hot you can wrap it in a towel, but don't burn the rice. :) babies that are alone really appreciate a rice buddy to snuggle with. it feels like they're not alone. ;)

[acorniv]

i'll add to what IR said with a suggestion. have you ever heard of a rice buddy? just fill a sock with dry rice, tie it off, and microwave it for 30-45 seconds. if it's very hot you can wrap it in a towel, but don't burn the rice. :) babies that are alone really appreciate a rice buddy to snuggle with. it feels like they're not alone. ;)

And a mirror! what we really need is for someone to invent furry mylar cloth
so everytime he looks at his rice buddy, he sees a familiar face!

I want to add to what IR said abut their boxes having more space than their nests. Mine has a box that is really only big enough for her slipper (had an apartlment like that myself once) but it has clear sides and lid. She has evidently been feeling very exposed, to the point where she has been sleeping and eating fitfully. We are outfitting her new big girl cage with privacy boxes, and meanwhile, keeping a towel over her clear one. Just one more thing I wish I'd known before this penny from heaven dropped in my lap!

Congrats on your big little eater :thumbsup

Laurel

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

Yes, a rice buddy sound like a good idea for the little guy. Either that or a stuffed animal or something else to cuddle up with. My little girl has a beanie baby wolf (teeny beany baby) and she loves it, she always curls up right next to it or under it or on top of it. He doesn't need a mirror yet since he can't see, but that is a good idea for the future. You also don't have to worry about him feeling exposed yet either (until his eyes open at least), as long as he is snuggled up under a baby blanket near a rice sack or beany baby he should feel nice and safe.

[Christie189]

He is curled up next to his rice buddy right now. I made it yesterday afternoon, and he really likes it. When I first put it into his cage and it's nice and warm, he curls up next to it and starts rooting. Doesn't matter that he has/had just eaten. :D He still roots. Probably all the warmth and comfort.

I was going to ask. How much should a wee little one at this age be poo'ing? I stimulate his "goods" after each meal. He pees A LOT. But he hasn't poo'ed since yesterday evening around 5:00 pm. I tried and tried in the middle of the night and this morning. He did poo a lot before 5:00 pm yesterday, about 4 times throughout the day.

On another note, I went back outside this morning and looked for more babies. No sign of any. I see the nest way high up in the tree, but I haven't seen ANY squirrel action around the tree at all. I've even thrown a few unsalted peanuts around the base of the tree yesterday afternoon. No takers, not even this morning. It's so odd how we found this little guy at the base of the tree, all alone and there is no sign of life out there now. It baffles us, but I am sure stranger things have happened.

He is really getting the hang of feeding time! I think the new formula smell and taste is wearing on him. The minute I take him out and put the nipple to his mouth, his little hands start going crazy. I started the 2:1 last night and that is where I really seen his appetite increase, plus he seems to be a bit spunkier towards eating now. Coincidence? Or he just likes the taste a bit better now?

Thanks again everyone! :smoken

[Gabe]

"Got milk?"

As a rule it takes wildlife 3 days to make the adjustment to the new formula, smell and feel of the nipple. I would be happy with one poo per day. Were they extremely tiny dry little pellets yesterday? He could still be working out being a little dehydrated. Give it time, he will poo soon enough for you. Then we will be hearing how he is pooing on your shoulder, down your back, on your lap....:D

[Christie189]

Thanks, Gabe. His poo is tiny, dark little pellets. He just went poo after his last feeding so I think all is well! Ah, poo all over. Not sure I'm ready for that. :D

[TexanSquirrel]

What a face!

[Christie189]

I just wanted to double check, this little man is a grey squirrel, right? I could be wrong...

[island rehabber]

He sure looks like a little grey to me.....if he were a foxer those cute paws would be orange. :)

[Christie189]

Thank you! I was 95% sure, as that is all we've seen around our yard and neighborhood. I've been on the hunt for more siblings but no luck. I've searched our backyard at least 20 times now, at all hours of the day/evening. I hope that mama is somewhere taking care of them, and not dead. That'd make me so sad. I still haven't seen a sign of mama squirrel either. That has me worried, as I am sure she would be around somewhere, since we found him in our backyard. Very weird.

This little man is doing well. Eating great and really getting the hang of feeding time. He is so frantic when he loses his nipple. He starts bobbing his head all over the place, sniffing and his cute little paws start flopping all over the place. It's hilarious. All it takes now is one little smell of his milk and he is ready to eat!

I'll share some more pictures this evening. I've gotten some cute ones! :D

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

Sounds like he is doing great! I can't wait to see the pictures of him. I am sure they are very cute!

[drakkonia]

On another note, I went back outside this morning and looked for more babies. No sign of any. I see the nest way high up in the tree, but I haven't seen ANY squirrel action around the tree at all. I've even thrown a few unsalted peanuts around the base of the tree yesterday afternoon. No takers, not even this morning. It's so odd how we found this little guy at the base of the tree, all alone and there is no sign of life out there now. It baffles us, but I am sure stranger things have happened.



Do you think that something could've brought your little guy into your yard, and that's why you don't see any other squirrels? You said you have a cat, right? Maybe that nest you see is abandoned. I have a wild mommy in the woods behind me with babies around three weeks of age, and she has only been leaving the nest once a day in the late afternoon. And when she comes out she is HUNGRY and usually comes straight to my back door for food.

[Christie189]

Squirrelsrule&bunniestoo, may I ask your name? :D You've been so helpful and I just love those little sweeties in your sig!

[Christie189]

We must have posted at the same time! :rotfl


Do you think that something could've brought your little guy into your yard, and that's why you don't see any other squirrels? You said you have a cat, right?

That could very well be the case. But he didn't look at all like he had been attacked by a cat, or any other animal for that matter. He is as healthy as can be. We do have a cat, he is outside 90% of the time and I've never seen him attack a squirrel or anything else in our yard. He sits and watches them from time to time. And there has been times when we've had at least 10-12 wilds hanging around the base of the tree, eating the goodies I leave out. Our cat (Pinky) has never showed aggression towards them. We've tried and tried to make him a strictly indoors cat and he wanted NO part of it.

There is a nest in the tree in our backyard, but no squirrel action. I can see the nest from our kitchen window and I've been watching like crazy. Nothing. We are real close with our neighbors next door and I've checked out there yard as well, no luck. They only have 2 trees and no nests there. It puzzles us, but at least I found the little sweetie before anything happened. I can't help but think there is more, somewhere, maybe even in that nest in the tree out back. I've been tempted to have my husband pull out the BIG ladder and see if he can get up there. There isn't much for climbing because when we had the terrible ice storms (2 of them) this past winter, it really wrecked havoc on our trees/property. Not sure if we should do that or not... Worth a thought though. I'd hate to think they are up there starving when I could provide warm milk and a warm bed, with a little comfort. I'd think if mama squirrel was around, I'd see her running up and down the tree from time to time, but we haven't. :( I don't even think that our ladder is tall enough. It's rather high up there! Which leads me to believe that if this little guy had fallen, he would have certainly had injuries? I don't know, I am still rather new to this.

[drakkonia]

I've been tempted to have my husband pull out the BIG ladder and see if he can get up there. (

This sounds like something I would do! :rofl4 Or I should say, make my husband do.

[Christie189]

I sure as heck won't be doing it. I'd break a leg or two in the process. :D Me + Trees don't mix. HA!

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

My name is Lynn. Glad I could be of some help to you with the little guy.
It is surprising how far they can fall without getting hurt! All of my squirrels except last years litter of pinkies fell from the tree and none of them had a scratch on them (well Zippy's tail has something wrong with it but it isn't from the fall).
How much does your little guy weigh today?