What is the next best step for this squirrel?

[Br@ndon]

Two days ago I found a young eastern grey squirrel while walking my dog. I think it may be 5 weeks old after looking at some photos. It really tired and weak. I could tell because it wasn't very effective at running away. Then it took a quick defensive nibble when I grabbed it but then curled up against my palm in a ball to get some warmth and sleep. A warm place to sleep was more important than getting away.

For now made a nesting box out of a shoe box with some cloths inside. The show box sits in a larger box. There is a small dish of water and solid food available at all times. This OK for a few days but not long term.

After some reading I made a rehydration solution and picked up esbilac, goats milk, rodent blocks and unsalted & shelled sunflower seeds. It drank and slept most of the first day. By the second day it was far more energetic and going to the bathroom often, usually right after eating or drinking something. All waste appears healthy, clear urine and solid pellets. It won't touch the seeds but it will nibble on the blocks between liquid feedings.

I did find a wildlife rehab but it's a ways off and they have really limited drop off hours. I can make it work but it may be another week.

I realize it needs a helping hand still but it's not a helpless newborn and appears to be doing well. They grow fast and pretty soon the box won't cut it. Since I can't rush off to the wildlife rehab center, is there anything wrong with putting it outside in my yard at this point?

If that's a viable thing to do, I was thinking I could provide shelter and food out there. Like adding a nesting box to a tree. Place a water bottle and some food near by. Bring out another bottle with liquid nutrition a few times a day for another month or so.

[farrelli]

Putting it outside would be a death sentence. How long can you take care of him? Fall babies spend the winter with mom.

Where are you exactly? Perhaps we can find someone for you to give him to. Or we can tell you how to raise him yourself if not.

[kastillo]

Do not put it outside, at only 5 weeks old, it still needs regular formula feedings for at least another 7 weeks. If you already have the formula, it should be eating it at least 3-4 times a day, if not more, every 5 hours.

Please please do not put this baby out on it's own.

Do you have a gram scale to weigh it?
How long did you hydrate?
Are you using a syringe to feed?
Does it have a heating pad?
You are going to need something better than a box for sure, you got any pet carriers? That would work better for about 2 or 3 more weeks as it grows?

How long have you had it?

edit: I see you have had it 2 days, the first day should have been offering only rehydrating solution, next day start formula.
This baby doesn't even have it's back teeth yet so solids don't offer much nutritional value, it must have regular formula feedings.

[kastillo]

Only solids you want to put in with it now is rodent blocks, must learn to like those, sunflower seeds not the best thing for them.
Blocks should be 80% of diet along with healthy veggies, please see the nutrition forum.

Regular formula feedings and blocks only for now.

Do you have a picture?/

[farrelli]

Here's a link to proper feeding technique which is really important to avoid aspiration pneumonia. If you ever hear clicking, we need to know right away:

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

Also, it 's a very good idea to put his container half on a heating pad set on low so that he can stay warm but get off if too hot. At this age, they have a hard time keeping warm.

[Br@ndon]

Only solids you want to put in with it now is rodent blocks, must learn to like those, sunflower seeds not the best thing for them.
Blocks should be 80% of diet along with healthy veggies, please see the nutrition forum.

Regular formula feedings and blocks only for now.

Do you have a picture?/

Yes. It's taken to the blocks pretty well. It will nibble on one between feedings.

Here is a picture. It's not the best. I'll try to grab another one next time it wakes up. It seems to have all the colors and markings of an adult. The fur is really thick except for a few areas near lower abdomen and the back legs, the place where the legs meet the stomach when it sits or curls up.



Do you have a gram scale to weigh it?

93 grams as of yesterday.



How long did you hydrate?


Almost a full day. I followed advice from another source, before I ran into this forum. The advice told me to slowly start introducing liquid formula after the third drink.



Are you using a syringe to feed?


Yes, although it's happy to lick up any drops or try to lick up any drops that fall and make a play for the dish if it's near by. It actually does a great job holding the syringe to it's mouth while I ease the liquid out.



Does it have a heating pad?


No, but I have in insulated hot water bottle that will keep warm overnight when filled with hot water. It's capable of keeping the sleeping area at a just right temperature.



You are going to need something better than a box for sure, you got any pet carriers? That would work better for about 2 or 3 more weeks as it grows?


I don't, but I could build a cage this weekend. Something larger, so it can climb and explore, with a nest box hung inside.

I'd prefer to get it to the rehab center, I just have to make the time to get out there.

I'm capable of taking care of it, I just don't want to turn it into a pet. That's why I asked about the possibility of giving it an area outdoors. Tossing it outside isn't something I'm considering, but giving it a more natural habitat where it can learn is something I can make happen if that's a viable or preferred option. I could pen in an area so predators can't get at it. I live in a densely populated area. I think the only animals it might need protection from are other squirrels, cats and hawks. My yard is small and it's easy to create a secure spot. I have electricity out there as well so heat is a possible until it's big enough to heat a nest with its own body heat. Again, this is something I could make happen if it's a good thing to do, not something I've decided to do.

[Nancy in New York]

Where are you located? Perhaps we have a member near you that could help out with this little one.

[Anne]

One thing-get rid of the terrycloth towels! Toe nails get caught in the loops and you will have a squirrel who breaks a leg-that could mean it will never be releasable but needs care,food, and housing for the rest of it's life.
The sooner you can find the time the better, he needs to go to a center where he can get the correct care.

[farrelli]

Raising him outside is totally unnecessary, so you don't have to put yourself out.

before you had him over to anyone, make absolutely sure they won't euthanize. Many places are full or will find another reason to put a squirrel down.

[CrazySquirrelLady]

esibilac BAD. go to www.henryspets.com and buy some Fox Valley Formula for him online. use temporary goat's milk formula to feed him for now. it is a recipe in the squirrel nutrition section. Esibilac causes diarrhea and that is a death sentence for babies.

good luck and THANK YOU for helping this poor baby. Stick around post pics and we will help all we can.

[Nancy in New York]

esibilac BAD. go to www.henryspets.com and buy some Fox Valley Formula for him online. use temporary goat's milk formula to feed him for now. it is a recipe in the squirrel nutrition section. Esibilac causes diarrhea and that is a death sentence for babies.

good luck and THANK YOU for helping this poor baby. Stick around post pics and we will help all we can.

If the Esbilac is the new one with probiotics, it actually is improved, and works great on all the littles.
Who would have thought!

[sid'smommy]

there are lots of members here, probably some close to you.... can you give us a state, approximate area you live?

[Br@ndon]

Sorry for the slow reply. I've been busy with work. Though I work from home so it's easy for me to keep an eye on the new guest.

I'm in Somerville, MA.

OK, so now we're nearly 72 hours into my new guest's visit. I think it's a she. I'll take a better look at the next feeding. She's(?) far more energetic and stronger now. She sits tall and can lift her tail up. Her tail was droopy the first day. So she's definitely in better shape.

Her weakened state made me thing she was a little younger, but after a second look at some photos, she's older than 5 weeks. She looks like the 6 - 8 week old squirrel in this document when she's at her most active and alert state.

http://www.northcountrywildcare.org/animalcare/squirrelsheet.pdf

I put her back on the scale and she was 120 grams, not 93. I really do think she weighs more than 120g because she doesn't look skinny. I'm having a hard time getting a reading with cloths draped over it and her moving around. My scale has a 12 pound tare, so at the next feeding I can weigh her nest box, zero it out then put her back in. That should get an accurate reading. She could also just naturally be a small sized squirrel.

[farrelli]

Any chance we could get some pics?

I read a bit of that doc and you can forget about the weaning. They should take formula for as long as they want. Rodent blocks should be introduced about 7-8 weeks. Here's what virtually everyone here would get in your place. A bag will last a month or more.

http://www.henryspets.com/squirrel-blocks-growth-formula/

So, are you using the new Esbilac with probiotics? If it's the regular old stuff, you should switch off of it to Fox Valley, and in the meantime use our goat's milk formula. You can get fresh GM in lots of grocery stores, and if you can't find it, Trader Joes sells it canned.

Btw, I'm in Brookline.

[kastillo]

For a baby this furred, bottle brush tail, 93-120 is still underweight, especially for the grays yall have up there.
Probably been without mom for a long time.
Thanks for taking care of her.

[Br@ndon]

Here is a better photo.

215932

I got accurate weight reading for this feeding by weighing the nesting box with her inside and then then outside of it. 119 grams.

I've read various opinions and suggestions on formulas. I learned about Fox Valley and also Esbilac mixed with either yogurt, heavy cream, goat milk or goat milk yogurt. I've been feeding her Esbilac with probiotics and goat milk plus Kaytee rodent blocks. I had to go with what was available to me the day I found her.

I'll get the best stuff if I decide to keep her past next week. I know it's better if she can be at a place with other squirrels.

I've conflicting information about which formulas to go with, which things to add if any. The feeding amounts. When to introduce solid food and which solid foods. So assuming she's been on her own for a while, eating and drinking what she can, and already eating blocks...should I remove them or continue giving her something to chew on?

Is it normal for her to be sleeping most of the time at this age? Is that a behavior to build back all the weight she lost after getting separated? She loves sleeping but gets excited then she sees the syringe. She practically lunges at the syringe and puts a kung-fu death grip on it and keeps that grip on after it's emptied out. Chows down, goes to the bathroom and back to sleep. Sometimes all of that before I get her out of my hand. She'll wake up now and then, leave the nest, scurry around a bit then go to the bathroom or to grab a block and nibble for a few minutes.

[sdreamcatcher]

Oh wow she is gorgeous! What a cutie :). With mine I gave formula until they refused (you want them to wean themselves, not cut them off formula). If she eats blocks too that's great. I used either fox valley or the goat's milk formula (or a combo of the two). I offered both salad greens and wild greens from my organic yard. For now I think though the usual course is formula and blocks adding other stuff later when they are well established on the blocks.

[Anne]

Squirrels should be given a minimum of 5 to 7 percent of their body weight at each feeding. She appears to be under weight so more would be better at this time. Leave the blocks for her to nibble. And yes, baby squirrels do sleep a lot, especially ones that are alone with no playmates. The new Esbilac with probiotics should be fine, she won't need the yogurt with it (yogurt is used for its probiotics) but I would add the cream to beef her up. You are doing a good job with her and for her.

[Duckman]

Here is a better photo.


I've read various opinions and suggestions on formulas. I learned about Fox Valley and also Esbilac mixed with either yogurt, heavy cream, goat milk or goat milk yogurt. I've been feeding her Esbilac with probiotics and goat milk plus Kaytee rodent blocks. I had to go with what was available to me the day I found her.

I'll get the best stuff if I decide to keep her past next week. I know it's better if she can be at a place with other squirrels.

I've conflicting information about which formulas to go with, which things to add if any. The feeding amounts. When to introduce solid food and which solid foods. So assuming she's been on her own for a while, eating and drinking what she can, and already eating blocks...should I remove them or continue giving her something to chew on?

Is it normal for her to be sleeping most of the time at this age? Is that a behavior to build back all the weight she lost after getting separated? She loves sleeping but gets excited then she sees the syringe. She practically lunges at the syringe and puts a kung-fu death grip on it and keeps that grip on after it's emptied out. Chows down, goes to the bathroom and back to sleep. Sometimes all of that before I get her out of my hand. She'll wake up now and then, leave the nest, scurry around a bit then go to the bathroom or to grab a block and nibble for a few minutes.

I rehabbed for 2 years using Esbilac Goats Milk and heavy cream without a single problem, before I switched to Fox Valley. As long as the Esbilac isn't the only thing used, you should be ok. I don't expose mine to Squirrel Block (rodent block) until mine are at 8 weeks. I have had too many young try to switch to Squirrel Block too early and they end up spending more time with me due to them being underweight, but not eating formula.

My babies that are 6-8 weeks old spend about 23 hours a day sleeping, and about 1 hour (broken into many tiny blocks) playing and exploring. Especially when they come in, they spend more time sleeping (I believe this is because of the shock of being ripped away from their families, and the trauma of seeing the whole world alone. It's pretty scary as an adult human, imagine it as a tiny baby squirrel). She should start coming out of her shell and spending more time awake, in the next few days/weeks. She looks pretty healthy though, and I think you are on the right track. Being in MA, you are completely on the other side of the US from me, but I am sure there are members that are close to you. Bless you for taking this little girl into your care. That is what got me hooked 4 years ago. I had one come to my door step an when I reached down, she just crawled into my hands and curled up. Since then, I have cared for many many little babies in the spring and fall. Even if you don't become a rehabber, she will always be a part of you and you will be a much better person for the experience. :)

[farrelli]

The new Esbilac with probiotics is good, but the reason the other Esbilac(s) are bad is that it was reformulated some time ago. It used to be the go-to formula, and that is why you see so many recommendations for it on the web, but that's old information. There is a way to prepare it so that it's safe, but it involves some kind of mixing at high temperatures and letting it sit for several hours or something. Here's a link about the change:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?29903-Do-NOT-USE-ESBILAC!-**TEMPORARY-Goat-s-Milk-Formula***

[Duckman]

The new Esbilac with probiotics is good, but the reason the other Esbilac(s) are bad is that it was reformulated some time ago. It used to be the go-to formula, and that is why you see so many recommendations for it on the web, but that's old information. There is a way to prepare it so that it's safe, but it involves some kind of mixing at high temperatures and letting it sit for several hours or something. Here's a link about the change:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?29903-Do-NOT-USE-ESBILAC!-**TEMPORARY-Goat-s-Milk-Formula***

I see what the problem is. I have never used Esbilac formula, just Esbilac Goats Milk with heavy whipping cream. My formula (not sure what everyone thinks of the mixture, but my babies have always thrived although I only use Fox Valley without the heavy cream for the last two years) is 1 part Goats Milk and 1 part Heavy Whipping Cream. I never had one get too fat using the 5-7% rule on the goats milk formula. In a pinch though, in case I were to ever run out of FV, I don't think I would hesitate to go back to the Goats Milk formula. I will add the yogurt though, as I never knew about the probiotics, but it does make good sense!

[sid'smommy]

This baby looks a little "spikey" ... You should offer some water in between feedings, just to be sure she isnt dehydrated. :tilt

[Br@ndon]

She's drinking regularly from the water dish. I did try your suggestion though. I put water in the syringe at meal time. She took a little and realized it was just water and walked off. I think she's getting enough water though. She goes to the bathroom regularly. A lot comes out. I hear her drinking from the water dish now and then too.

I upped the feeding like some suggested and now she has stopped eating the blocks. Based on the advice of others and what I've read, she should just be starting to explore solids. If doesn't get hungry between feedings then she won't anything but formula, correct? I know she's under weight, but she also looks like she has a small frame. So I might be overfeeding her. My mother in law has a 6 pound cat. It's 8 years old. It's "underweight" for a cat that age, but it's only the size of a large kitten so its weight is right for its size.

I'm going to start building a cage tomorrow morning. My idea is to actually build two cages. One inside and one outside, connected by a wire-framed tube with the tube running through my window. Good idea, bad idea? My thoughts are I can put some of the things she needs outside, so she can get to know the world better, but give her 24/7 access to a safe place. Then I can move her outside in the spring.