Squirrel missing large patches of fur in very cold climate. (Quebec, Canada)

[SquirrelMontreal]

We feed squirrels daily in our backyard, peanuts and walnuts. There's about a dozen or so that come regularly, and we're able to identify them individually.

However, there's one squirrel whose missing large patches of fur on each side of his/her body. I'm afraid for him/her, since the temperature is extremely cold here, -18 celcius/-1 Fahrenheit, I hope he/she doesn't get frostbite. Do you think he/she will be alright? It's not the first time I've witnessed this, but the last time was in the fall, which wasn't as bad since the temperature was manageable.

Is the cause likely from mites/mange?

I ordered some Ivermectin (after doing research). As soon as it gets here I will dab a very small amount onto a walnut, as directed by Chris from Squirrels and More. I hope this works. I will also be careful, since I don't want a healthy squirrel mistakenly eating the medicated walnut.

Is the loss of fur due to the scratching from mites/parasites, or is there another possible explanation? I can't get close to him/her, since they're a very timid character, so I can't really tell what the cause may be. Am I doing the right thing by giving them Ivermectin? What else could I do?

[Scooterzmom]

We feed squirrels daily in our backyard, peanuts and walnuts. There's about a dozen or so that come regularly, and we're able to identify them individually.

However, there's one squirrel whose missing large patches of fur on each side of his/her body. I'm afraid for him/her, since the temperature is extremely cold here, -18 celcius/-1 Fahrenheit, I hope he/she doesn't get frostbite. Do you think he/she will be alright? It's not the first time I've witnessed this, but the last time was in the fall, which wasn't as bad since the temperature was manageable.

Is the cause likely from mites/mange?

I ordered some Ivermectin (after doing research). As soon as it gets here I will dab a very small amount onto a walnut, as directed by Chris from Squirrels and More. I hope this works. I will also be careful, since I don't want a healthy squirrel mistakenly eating the medicated walnut.

Is the loss of fur due to the scratching from mites/parasites, or is there another possible explanation? I can't get close to him/her, since they're a very timid character, so I can't really tell what the cause may be. Am I doing the right thing by giving them Ivermectin? What else could I do?


Is there any way you can post a picture, so we can judge this better?

One of our friends is leaving some Polyfill outside and some of the squirrels have been gathering it, stuffing their nests with it. You might want to try that to lend the poor sweetie a hand. I would also offer some avocado to the little one, it's nourishing and the natural avocado oil helps a bit. Some echinacea in some drinking water can also help boost the immune system.

Are you in Montreal itself or outside the city?

[farrelli]

Yes, Ivermectin is the way to go. A dab the size of and UNCOOKED grain of rice, once a week, for three weeks, but no sooner than one week between doses. Put it on the groves of a pecan and Spackle over with peanut butter. Never misses.

If it's too cold, he might not survive. You would have to make the call on survivability and frostbite, but he may need to be captured. Traps are available at placed like Canadian Tire. If you can't take care of him or need help we have a few members in and around Montreal who may be able to do so. I think they just helped someone about a month ago with this same issue (trapping because of mange and the cold).

If you don't know about polyfill, here's a cute little thread about it:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...3396-Poly-Fill

[monkey girl]

Is there any way you can post a picture, so we can judge this better?

One of our friends is leaving some Polyfill outside and some of the squirrels have been gathering it, stuffing their nests with it. You might want to try that to lend the poor sweetie a hand. I would also offer some avocado to the little one, it's nourishing and the natural avocado oil helps a bit. Some echinacea in some drinking water can also help boost the immune system.

Are you in Montreal itself or outside the city?

I would be cautious about using Ivermectin. It is mating season, and if this is a female squirrel, I wonder what harm it would do. I'm no expert though, and someone correct me if I'm wrong. This is just my opinion.

[TubeDriver]

I would be cautious about using Ivermectin. It is mating season, and if this is a female squirrel, I wonder what harm it would do. I'm no expert though, and someone correct me if I'm wrong. This is just my opinion.

The safety of Ivermectin during pregnancy is not known, but there gave been studies which did not find any negative findings. It is a judgment call but I would treat the squirrel if you can, she probably cant survive this harsh winter with Mange.

[Saverywood]

:Welcome Thanks for caring :Love_Icon enough to try to help.
Just providing good food & fresh water is a big help for them,
keep up the good work! :thumbsup

PS...brrrr...that is very cold.

[SquirrelMontreal]

Is there any way you can post a picture, so we can judge this better?

One of our friends is leaving some Polyfill outside and some of the squirrels have been gathering it, stuffing their nests with it. You might want to try that to lend the poor sweetie a hand. I would also offer some avocado to the little one, it's nourishing and the natural avocado oil helps a bit. Some echinacea in some drinking water can also help boost the immune system.

Are you in Montreal itself or outside the city?

I'm in the West Island, Pierrefonds.

Where can I buy Polyfill? I'll try the avocado, hopefully they accept it. I'll try the echinacea in the water like you proposed too.

I'll try and get a picture tomorrow. I don't think he/she will be returning today, they usually eat early in the morning and then head back to their home.

[farrelli]

Polyfill is the stuff they use to fill pillows, comforters, etc. so you can find it at any craft or fabric store. They probably even sell it at Walmart and the like.

[SquirrelMontreal]

Yes, Ivermectin is the way to go. A dab the size of and UNCOOKED grain of rice, once a week, for three weeks, but no sooner than one week between doses. Put it on the groves of a pecan and Spackle over with peanut butter. Never misses.

If it's too cold, he might not survive. You would have to make the call on survivability and frostbite, but he may need to be captured. Traps are available at placed like Canadian Tire. If you can't take care of him or need help we have a few members in and around Montreal who may be able to do so. I think they just helped someone about a month ago with this same issue (trapping because of mange and the cold).

If you don't know about polyfill, here's a cute little thread about it:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...3396-Poly-Fill

The lady from Chris' Squirrels and More, was kind enough to send me Ivermectin horse paste. She said I should only do it once, and then a second time, 10 days later, only if they need it. I did noticed that there's two types of Ivermectins, one at 1% and another at 1.87%. I'll definitely put it on a walnut, and then cover it with peanut butter, it'll definitely work.

Well, I only noticed him/her yesterday, and my mom said she noticed him about a week before, so he/she has survived this long. But it looks severe, considering the climate outside is very cold. From what I can recall, there was no red around the skin. I would definitely need help trapping him/her, I've never trapped a squirrel before and have no experience. Anyway, it would also be good for me to get into contact, this way I could learn about how to care for my local Squirrels.

Is it possible it's a skin fungus, and his hair will grow back soon, rather than mange? Are their specifics I should be looking for? Anyway, I'll try and get a few good pics up soon, and this way more experienced eyes can be the judge.

[farrelli]

We here almost always recommend the three doses, but maybe this works too. If it's the paste instead of the gel, I think that it may need to be mixed - all squirted out and mixed in a cup.

Looking forward to the pics. I can't really make the call because I'm not there.

[Scooterzmom]

I answered your PM and left you our phone numbers, SquirrelM. :) Welcome to the canadian squirrel world. :Welcome

Both Iwonka and I have some Ivermectin but you live closer to her - quite close actually, check your PM.