Ozark Alabama HELP, What do I do?!?! dire need of answers

[AprilXD]

I've had my baby squirrel (Herbert) since he was four weeks old and now he is about seven weeks old. She has been doing well until last night. I went in to get her to feed her and found her lying there convulsing on the floor of her cage. She wouldn't drink any of the puppy milk that I'm told is the best thing to feed her and she was limp and cold even though I had her under a heating pad so I looked it up and saw that it may be hypoglycemia (sugar deprivation) so I gave her a little bit of honey on my finger and that perked her up. I then gave her a little Gatorade because that is what the sight I was on said would help. Today she is so much better, but I am really worried because she has really dark diarrhea. I am starting to think that I was selfish to keep her instead of taking her to a rehabilitation clinic, but I love her so much. I cried all night last night and I start to cry every time I think of losing her by taking her to a rehabilitation clinic. I just don't know what to do. I don't want her to die just because I didn't give her the best care possible..

[HRT4SQRLS]

OK first question .... What do you mean by 'under the heating pad'?

Second ... no more Gatorade!
Third ... what type of formula? Be specific!

[AprilXD]

She felt very cold so I held her between me and a heating pad with her head above it. I bought Pedialyte because I heard it was better than Gatorade and I gave her a little bit today. I had the Esbalic Milk Replacer for puppies.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Yes, Pedialyte is better than Gatorade.

Does she have a heating pad on low under half the container? ... all the time.
How long has she had diarrhea?
Does the Esbilac formula say with probiotics and prebiotics?

[HRT4SQRLS]

April, your thread has been moved to the Emergency Thread. Look for it there! :thumbsup

[AprilXD]

Yes, I have the heating pad so that it covers about half of her cage floor and it is on low always. I just noticed the diarrhea this afternoon. I think I may have, in my relief to have her eating again, overfed her a bit last night and that may be the cause, but I want to be sure. I'm really worried. I don't know. I ran out of the one I was using this morning and this afternoon I bought petag milk replacer plus powder because that was all that the store had. I can't find anywhere on the can where it says probiotics or prebiotics though..

[HRT4SQRLS]

This is what the can looks like for the correct Esbilac formula. The other Esbilac formulas are not recommended. Is this what you have?
231520

[AprilXD]

No, mine basically looks like the grocery store brand of that, but it does say a good source of prebiotics and probiotics on the front (just found that)

[HRT4SQRLS]

One other concern ... you mentioned dark diarrhea. Could you describe the color. Was it black? What color was the poop before this incident?

Was this baby injured when it was found 3 weeks ago ... like head injury?

[Nancy in New York]

April, your thread has been moved to the Emergency Thread. Look for it there! :thumbsup

HRT4SQRLS, when I move a thread, I always send the new link to the finder/poster.
Thanks for thinking of that though! :grouphug

[AprilXD]

231521
it looks like this. and it was very dark brown, but not quite black. before now it was light brown, almost yellowish in color

[AprilXD]

I don't know if she has any head trauma. I found her in the middle of the road in a subdivision in Florida while on vacation. she seemed fine then. Her eyes weren't even open yet. but she was crawling around already.

[HRT4SQRLS]

April, that formula is not going to work. Some of the Esbilac products are harmful to baby squirrels. Can you get the other formula? For now I would give your baby Pedialyte feedings to clean out his GI tract.

We have a temporary formula made of goats milk, heavy cream and yogurt that can be used until the proper formula is obtained. Let me go copy the recipe. brb

I don't like the sounds of the dark poop. Formula poop is usually yellowish / gold color.

[HRT4SQRLS]

April, The large Pet supply retailers like Petsmart and PetSuperMarket have the Esbilac puppy formula with probiotics.


Temporary Formula for Infant Squirrels – The Goat’s Milk Formula

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

Formula will last 48 hours in refrigerator.

Goat’s Milk
This can be purchased at natural food stores such as Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, and at most health food stores that sell groceries. It is a product for humans. Do not substitute commercial formula made for baby goats or other livestock sold at feed stores.

Goat’s milk is available fresh in a carton; evaporated in a can; and as a powdered milk. If you purchase either the evaporated or powdered versions, please blend them with water according to the package directions before using to make the formula.

Heavy Whipping Cream
This is found in small cartons in the grocery store near the coffee creamers and half and half. Regular heavy cream may be substituted if it is unavailable, but the heavy whipping cream has the highest fat content, and is preferred.

Yogurt
Yogurt has beneficial bacteria in it that soothes and settles digestion. Full fat yogurt is best, and a good choice that is very widely available is Stoneyfield Yobaby yogurt. However if it is unavailable, a low fat vanilla yogurt may be substituted. Avoid those that have artificial sweeteners in them. Vanilla and banana are both popular flavors, and the sweet taste of the yogurt helps to convince the baby to accept it.


*It is recommended that when just starting to feed a new baby that the first feedings be made without the heavy whipping cream. This will give their digestive systems a chance to acclimate from mama’s milk to our substitute without the harder-to-digest whipping cream. Once they accept the formula and are eliminating properly, the whipping cream can be gradually added in.

[AprilXD]

Thank you so much for the warning!! I had not fed it to her yet because I didn't know if it was safe. I'm so glad I checked here first. I know, her poop has me really worried, but it has stopped now. please let me know if you find out anything that could be causing this. thank you so much for all the help!!

[Nancy in New York]

I suspect that HRT4SQRLS was concerned about internal injuries.
Dark blood could occur due to the presence of digested blood in the intestines,
or to internal bleeding that has passed into the intestine.

[knp1498]

Thank you so much for the warning!! I had not fed it to her yet because I didn't know if it was safe. I'm so glad I checked here first. I know, her poop has me really worried, but it has stopped now. please let me know if you find out anything that could be causing this. thank you so much for all the help!!

Hi April, I live in Ozark too , tractor supply store has the puppy milk replacer in the powder that you need. Try them when you can.

[AprilXD]

Hi April, I leave in Ozark too , tractor supply store has the puppy milk replacer in the powder that you need. Try them we you can.

Oh my goodness thank you so much!! I was afraid I would have to go all the way to Dothan and get it from petsmart!! You're a lifesaver!!

[AprilXD]

I suspect that HRT4SQRLS was concerned about internal injuries.
Dark blood could occur due to the presence of digested blood in the intestines,
or to internal bleeding that has passed into the intestine.

Do you think that is a possibility??

[knp1498]

Oh my goodness thank you so much!! I was afraid I would have to go all the way to Dothan and get it from petsmart!! You're a lifesaver!!

I think they close at 8. Your welcome and good luck , I'll be keeping up on her status.

[Unikorngrrl]

April, I'm a rehabber in Montgomery, AL. I can meet you or come to you if you would like. I have a house full of babies, 39 to be exact and they live freely in big open rooms. If the concern is survival, I can more than likely make sure that happens here with lots of love. I have another baby about that age and another coming in soon from a wonderful lady that has decided to do what is best for the little squirrel girl though it's breaking her heart. Sometimes in these situations we have to do what is best for the little baby. I put 12 of mine out for release yesterday, and I know it is best for them, but I've been crying my eyes out all day long. I don't want them to go, but they're going to be happier that way... I'm here if you need me!! :Love_Icon

[AprilXD]

I think they close at 8. Your welcome and good luck , I'll be keeping up on her status.

OK I fed her the last of the one I had around seven, but she usually doesn't eat at night so I think she'll be okay until the morning when I can go get her some. do you know what time tractor supply opens?

[knp1498]

OK I fed her the last of the one I had around seven, but she usually doesn't eat at night so I think she'll be okay until the morning when I can go get her some. do you know what time tractor supply opens?

8am - 8pm

[AprilXD]

April, I'm a rehabber in Montgomery, AL. I can meet you or come to you if you would like. I have a house full of babies, 39 to be exact and they live freely in big open rooms. If the concern is survival, I can more than likely make sure that happens here with lots of love. I have another baby about that age and another coming in soon from a wonderful lady that has decided to do what is best for the little squirrel girl though it's breaking her heart. Sometimes in these situations we have to do what is best for the little baby. I put 12 of mine out for release yesterday, and I know it is best for them, but I've been crying my eyes out all day long. I don't want them to go, but they're going to be happier that way... I'm here if you need me!! :Love_Icon

I think that would be amazing!! Is there any way I can come visit her if she goes to live with you? I have just fallen madly in love with this baby girl and I want her to be somewhere she is loved and taken care of by a professional who can do a better job than I can even though it is so hard to admit that I may not be the best caretaker for her.

[Unikorngrrl]

Honey, I have an open door policy. You can literally come and go as you please, as can anyone else that needs or wants to!! You can call everyday, we can Skype or whatever video chat you want, and I can text you regular pics. Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and helps your sweet heart!!

[Nancy in New York]

OMG Unikorngrrl..................what a fantastic offer to take this baby!
You are my other hero of the day today, sorry Rocky beat you to it today. :grin2
I like the open door policy, I'll be there at 9:00 am, have the coffee on! :grouphug

[grampyngramy]

]Honey, I have an open door policy. You can literally come and go as you please, as can anyone else that needs or wants to!! You can call everyday, we can Skype or whatever video chat you want, and I can text you regular pics. Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and helps your sweet heart!![/QUOTE]

:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup:thumbsup

[AprilXD]

Honey, I have an open door policy. You can literally come and go as you please, as can anyone else that needs or wants to!! You can call everyday, we can Skype or whatever video chat you want, and I can text you regular pics. Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and helps your sweet heart!!

That would be truly fantastic. Thank you so much

[Unikorngrrl]

OMG Unikorngirl..................what a fantastic offer to take this baby!
You are my other hero of the day today, sorry Rocky beat you to it today. :grin2
I like the open door policy, I'll be there at 9:00 am, have the coffee on! :grouphug

ROFL, that open door policy comes with a "make yourself at home" clause. You make your own d@mn coffee!!! :crazy Bring it NiNY, I gots a spare room for ya, 2 now that my releasables are out!! :Love_Icon

[Unikorngrrl]

I sent you my info via PM April. Lemme know! ;) Selflessness is a wonderful quality! Thank you for taking the little one in and getting it this far. Many don't bother. You should continue to spend time on TSB learning! The boards can always use help, even if just temporary foster help or advising! You'd be a wonderful asset to the squirrel world with more knowledge!! XO

[TubeDriver]

:thumbsup

[lilidukes]

ROFL, that open door policy comes with a "make yourself at home" clause. You make your own d@mn coffee!!! :crazy Bring it NiNY, I gots a spare room for ya, 2 now that my releasables are out!! :Love_Icon

:grin3:grin3:grin3:grin3:grin3

NINY you can stop by and visit us on your way!!! :thumbsup

[Nancy in New York]

:grin3:grin3:grin3:grin3:grin3

NINY you can stop by and visit us on your way!!! :thumbsup

Perfect, will you make me coffee, or is it self serve too? :poke:rolf:poke

[lilidukes]

Perfect, will you make me coffee, or is it self serve too? :poke:rolf:poke

I'll be kind enough to fix the first pot and show you where
everything is then your on your own. :grin3

[SammysMom]

I love TSB! Uni, you are really awesome! April, you giving this baby to Uni is the best gift you can give her. You are showing that you love her enough to get her the help she needs. I only wish that I lived closer so I could go visit Uni's wonderful world of critters!!!:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[Nancy in New York]

I'll be kind enough to fix the first pot and show you where
everything is then your on your own. :grin3

Perfect, that's all I need is direction.
I don't even know where Uni keeps her cups! :eek

[Unikorngrrl]

April's parents are giving her grief about "abandoning" the little squirrel. You guys can arm her with info and legitament reasons to tell her parents!!

[Unikorngrrl]

Perfect, that's all I need is direction.
I don't even know where Uni keeps her cups! :eek

The cups are over the coffee maker! Cream and sugar sit beside it :poke:poke

[AprilXD]

Okay, I have to go to bed tonight. Thank you everyone for all of your help and encouragement!! I will keep you posted on what happens. Whether I give my sweet Herbert to Uni who is absolutely the most awesome person ever!! But who lives awfully far away for me to see my baby girl. Or if I approve the Rehaber in Ozark so I can go see my baby as often as possible. Either way I'm so thankful for all of the help!!

[SammysMom]

I will just say that it doesn't get better than Uni for loving these babies.

[Nancy in New York]

April's parents are giving her grief about "abandoning" the little squirrel. You guys can arm her with info and legitament reasons to tell her parents!!
Abandoning? OMG you have an open door policy, she can go anytime to see him!
Don't they know how much little squirrels need buddies to bond with?
This breaks my heart. He could have serious issues, those should be reason
enough to get him into experienced hands.


There are rehabbers close to myself that I wouldn't let raise a cockroach. I would rather
drive 500 miles to get anything I love into the best possible hands. Is the rehabber you're referring to
from the board?
Very few rehabbers actually want visits from finders, so I sure hope the one near you
has no problem with you visiting. I know that Uni would welcome it, and encourage you to come.
Why don't you go over first (to the rehabber near you) without Herbert, and check her place out. :thinking

[Unikorngrrl]

The MOST important thing is that the little guy gets to someone that can help him! Just be sure that whomever he goes to knows enough to evaluate and treat the little guy!!

You also may need to understand that greys don't normally stay friendly. They really don't make very good "pets" for most people. Chances are that even if he survives that you very likely won't be able to handle him sooner than later. That's not 100% b/c I seem to imprint on mine terribly, but in general that's how it goes... You're not rehoming a puppy that would have loved you forever, you're rehoming a wild animal that's likely going to prefer you NOT touch it soon...

[island rehabber]

I was SO hoping Uni would be available and near enough to help........:thankyou Uni :):):)

April, you couldn't have a better offer for your little guy! :thumbsup

[SammysMom]

April, please read your own first post and the title you posted. This is a critical situation and you don't want to have your baby die because you didn't get help. The formula is only one issue. Darkstool is very serious and he needs an experienced rehabber's help. Please really think about what is best for him. We all know you love him. The best way to show him is by getting him help.:grouphug

[Anne]

April-I have a suggestion that will help your heart and quiet down family members. If you are an hour or less drive from Uni, please volunteer to help and to learn from Uni. There is a lot of work that goes with animal rescue and help is always appreciated and always in short supply. Just by being there and observing you will learn so much and I am sure Uni will happily teach you many techniques. Good caring, loving people are always needed.

[AprilXD]

I have found a rescue in Ozark where I can take her and volunteer so I will still be able to spend time while knowing she is safe and healthy and in good hands. Thank you everyone for the love and help!! I am so thankful.

[Madamelipstick]

Happy happy happy, so glad to hear this story. What a wonderful out come. I wish I had a rehab close to me, I would be very excited to do this. Again so happy to hear of a win win situation.:jump:bowdown:jump:multi:jump