Test results - Rocky (Egg Sac Weeping)

[Duckman]

Just talked to the Entomologist and I am simply stunned by the results. Tapeworms. Thousands of Tapeworm eggs. The Dr. described it as the "Perfect Storm" and a one in a million chance of happening.

Rocky at some point, got a wound (cut or scratch) in his leg. Somehow a Tapeworm or tapeworms laid eggs inside the wound. Many many eggs were laid and because they were protected, they all continued to grow. They in turn laid more eggs inside and they just repeated the pattern. The intent is for the host to eventually be overwhelmed by the infestation, die, and a larger mammal eats the body, consuming the tapeworms, where they start the whole process again. These are not the same type of Tapeworm that your cat normally has though. These were confirmed both by visual observation of adults inside of Rocky, but also by a DNA test, performed by the Portland Zoo. Oregon State University is performing their own study as well, to confirm this.

Needless to say, I am utterly shocked and amazed and totally at a loss. RIP Rocky.

[lilidukes]

Been lurking and all I can say is wow!

[HRT4SQRLS]

See Post #29 of the original thread.
Duckman, is this the same tapeworm that I referred to in the original thread ... ??

Echinococcus multilocularis.

[stosh2010]

OMG---Thank heavens...he was not:
Alone--in the woods---confused--in pain--starving--
Instead, he was loved, professionally treated --and able to go from sleep to eternal sleep...Pain free
--------------------------------------------------------------------
It appears that it was --Wrong Place at the Wrong Time...

ROCKY--the Brave One--you were A Real TROOPER.
Your MOM.......& all of TSB.Salutes you !!

[Duckman]

See Post #29 of the original thread.
Duckman, is this the same tapeworm that I referred to in the original thread ... ??

Echinococcus multilocularis.

That wasn't the name he used, but I believe it is similar if not the same. The pockets we were thinking that had formed were actually Cysts inside the tissue and there were hundreds of them.

[island rehabber]

Horrible.....g*ddamned fleas that spread the tapes. Poor Rocky :(

[TubeDriver]

Thank you Duckman for diagnosing the horror that took Rocky from us.

Brave Rocky indeed, he must have been in a lot of pain but he was a strong, brave squirrel and he hid the pain and the illness.

:(

[HRT4SQRLS]

The other species is Echinococcus granulosus. It is very rare in this country. I have only seen 1 or 2 cases in humans in 35 years. The 'visual presentation' of the exudate was much more consistent with E. multilocularis than the E.granulosus.

The tiny cysts are called locules. E. granulosus produces VERY large cysts. E. multilocularis produces MANY tiny cysts called locules. Did the DNA confirm the ID to the species level?

[Duckman]

I just talked to him again and this is what he sent me. This is rare in this country, but not unheard of in the Pacific Northwest. Mostly common in large wildlife and this was the first time he said he had ever heard of this in anything smaller than a Bobcat.

Echinococcus granulosus (the Tapeworm name) = Echinococcosis (Cystic Hydatid Disease)

Edit - I just saw your question Leigh and yes, this was identified and confirmed by the DNA tests.

[Mountain Mama]

He was loved, professionally treated --and able to go from sleep to eternal sleep...Pain free

:grouphug

[HRT4SQRLS]

Duckman, I still think it is E.multilocularis because rodents are an intermediate host in the life cycle.

[SammysMom]

Oh Duckman...thank-you for the information albeit, horrible information. :grouphug:Love_Icon:grouphug

[HRT4SQRLS]

Here is an interesting link about Echinococcus in Idaho. Apparently it is a well established parasite in wildlife (canids ... wolves/foxes and ungulates ... sheep) in the Pacific NW. Between 2006-2008, 63 wolves were tested for Echinococcus.
62% of the wolves were infected with Echinococcus.
I would think that this case would probably be published as it is an extremely unusual presentation for this parasite and a first of its kind in a rodent for E. granulosus.

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/wildlife/diseaseEchinococcusWolves.pdf

As interesting as this case is in terms of science, the bottom line is that Rocky was loved and he mattered. He was loved by his mama and he won the hearts of everyone in his fan club that was praying for a better outcome.
Rest in Peace sweet Rocky :Love_Icon

[Doneva]

One. In. A. Million. I'm very sad, all over again. But, in a sense, Rocky beat them at their own game. In the end, his beautiful life was taken, not in agonizing pain, nor alone, but a blessed, painless passing in the care of compassionate friends. I only wish I could have held him, even if just once. I love you, baby. :'(

[Fireweed]

Poor Rocky. :(


Here is an interesting link about Echinococcus in Idaho. Apparently it is a well established parasite in wildlife (canids ... wolves/foxes and ungulates ... sheep) in the Pacific NW. Between 2006-2008, 63 wolves were tested for Echinococcus.
62% of the wolves were infected with Echinococcus.
I would think that this case would probably be published as it is an extremely unusual presentation for this parasite and a first of its kind in a rodent for E. granulosus.

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/wildlife/diseaseEchinococcusWolves.pdf

So after reading that I'm confused as to how Rocky died of E. granulosus instead of E. multilocularis... is that possible? Would E. granulosus thrive like that in a rodent?
My other question is, why did he have them all in his leg? Don't they migrate to the abdominal cavity? And were his wounds caused by the excess hydatid cysts? Or were the cysts falling out because of wounds he had previously or got from scratching, i.e?

[Shewhosweptforest]

One. In. A. Million. I'm very sad, all over again. But, in a sense, Rocky beat them at their own game. In the end, his beautiful life was taken, not in agonizing pain, nor alone, but a blessed, painless passing in the care of compassionate friends. I only wish I could have held him, even if just once. I love you, baby. :'(

:goodpost ohhh it would truly be Heaven...to one day meet up again....Rocky, whole and fit...and in your arms:bowdown Just remember even tho you never held him...you touched his soul...believe he knew you were his friend:grouphug :Love_Icon

[Duckman]

Poor Rocky. :(


So after reading that I'm confused as to how Rocky died of E. granulosus instead of E. multilocularis... is that possible? Would E. granulosus thrive like that in a rodent?
My other question is, why did he have them all in his leg? Don't they migrate to the abdominal cavity? And were his wounds caused by the excess hydatid cysts? Or were the cysts falling out because of wounds he had previously or got from scratching, i.e?

I can't answer how it thrived in his body, but it was obvious that it did.:dono They believe that the entry was through a wound in the leg and many generations later, there were so many of them that it became severely infected and overcrowded, which cause the tissue to split, spilling out the many of the incubating eggs. As for them migrating to the abdominal cavity, they had migrated and the Dr. said that they had invaded several abdominal organs. :Cry:sad:boohoo

[lukaslolamaus]

It is shocking what these bad word parasites can do to such precious life!!!
R.I.P.sweet Rocky:Love_Icon
You were very much loved

[Doneva]

:goodpost ohhh it would truly be Heaven...to one day meet up again....Rocky, whole and fit...and in your arms:bowdown Just remember even tho you never held him...you touched his soul...believe he knew you were his friend:grouphug :Love_Icon

After I had caught him, and carefully transferred him to the cage, which I'd placed soft, comfy fleece in the bottom of, I covered the cage with a dark cloth, made the room dim, and left him for a bit, hoping to keep stress as low as possible. After my helpers left, I went to check on him. Before lifting a corner of the cover, I spoke quietly to him, telling him that's it's ok, and we're going to get help soon. He'd been accustomed to my voice, as I'd been talking to him for several months, outdoors. In the cage, as he held eye contact with me, he "spoke" to me, in what I can only describe as a "chatter." I don't know what he was saying, but it was spoken softly and kindly. I truly fell deeply in love with him in that moment, more even than I'd loved him already. I'll never forget the sound of his voice, the whispery movement of his whiskers, and the shine in his eyes. Though I never got to hold him, or even just touch him, my dearest memory of him will be that moment we had together. I hope he knew that I wanted all the best for him.

[SugarBugFerret]

I hope he knew that I wanted all the best for him.

He knew Doneva...he knew. No doubt.

[sid'smommy]

GAHHH! That's what my grandpa used to say the fish had! When we caught one that coming out of its gills he would not let me throw it back because he said it had tapeworms, and it would infect other animals. I believed him, so I did what he said... but when I was researching rockys condition, I didn't see any tapeworm like that, and I kinda chuckled at the memory of gramps telling stories (again). When I posted the story on the other thread, I said parasite instead of tapeworm, because I was pretty sure gramps had been pulling my leg. (I bet he is chuckling at me right now). Anyway... Im wondering if this is an issue in the pond adjacent to Donevas property. Maybe these biologists should get some water samples before other wildlife is affected ?? Thank you Duckman, for going above and beyond, once again!

[tap31974]

I to am worried about the other wildlife and domestic animals as well especially around doneva's home and the adjacent properties in rockys everyday route. That wound was allowing those eggs out and falling everywhere he went. I hate to even bring this up but I'm so concerned with even if people are informed and know how bad this is and how contagious it is I can see some idiot people start going on some spree killing the squirrels out of fear I 've read stories of people doing that and it's such a dilemma. I'm wondering since there are preventative treatments and treatments for the currently infected dogs cats and other domestic animals but is there a safe dosage of those over the counter treatments that can be givin to the wild squirrels if they show signs of being infected with this horrible tape worm? Or is that just a silly question and not possible.:dono

[Doneva]

I can't answer how it thrived in his body, but it was obvious that it did.:dono They believe that the entry was through a wound in the leg and many generations later, there were so many of them that it became severely infected and overcrowded, which cause the tissue to split, spilling out the many of the incubating eggs. As for them migrating to the abdominal cavity, they had migrated and the Dr. said that they had invaded several abdominal organs. :Cry:sad:boohoo
In unscientific terms, I can verify that the skin split. I saw it, more so than in either of the two photos I had posted, which were taken shortly after the egg sac oozed out onto the deck.

[TubeDriver]

When I first read that Rocky passed, part of me thought that we had all failed him. But the truth is that brave Rocky was fated for a horrible, painful death. You saved him from that fate! Instead of an agonizing, lonely death, he passed over peacefully in sleep.

Rocky will be waiting for you at the bridge!




After I had caught him, and carefully transferred him to the cage, which I'd placed soft, comfy fleece in the bottom of, I covered the cage with a dark cloth, made the room dim, and left him for a bit, hoping to keep stress as low as possible. After my helpers left, I went to check on him. Before lifting a corner of the cover, I spoke quietly to him, telling him that's it's ok, and we're going to get help soon. He'd been accustomed to my voice, as I'd been talking to him for several months, outdoors. In the cage, as he held eye contact with me, he "spoke" to me, in what I can only describe as a "chatter." I don't know what he was saying, but it was spoken softly and kindly. I truly fell deeply in love with him in that moment, more even than I'd loved him already. I'll never forget the sound of his voice, the whispery movement of his whiskers, and the shine in his eyes. Though I never got to hold him, or even just touch him, my dearest memory of him will be that moment we had together. I hope he knew that I wanted all the best for him.

[stosh2010]

He'd been accustomed to my voice, as I'd been talking to him for several months, outdoors. In the cage, as he held eye contact with me, he "spoke" to me, in what I can only describe as a "chatter." I don't know what he was saying, but it was spoken softly and kindly. I truly fell deeply in love with him in that moment, more even than I'd loved him already. I'll never forget the sound of his voice,.

Chatter...Chatter...Chatter..Cluck--Cluck--Cluck--Chatter
.(Translates: I Love you Mom, I'm confused and a little scared--but I trust you.)

[czarina]

I have a few comments.
First, thank you Duckman, for getting us this info, we were a waiting,(as patiently as we could ),for the ID of his invader.

In humans, we have hydatadid moles, which grow in the uterus. They are filled with hair and teeth. They present as a pregnancy. Quite interesting. I don't know if there is any connection to the hydatadid cysts that Rocky had. The more I read, the more confused I became. I think Leigh might be right in her diagnosis.

Regardless of which species it actually is, they have between 4 and 6 suckers, and as if that is not disgusting enough, they also have a hook to hang on with.
The e. multiocularis description of the egg sack was spot on, so I don't know which it was.

Regardless, there is no doubt in my mind that they would have migrated to his brain, causing severe headaches and confusion. So thank God you caught him Doneva, that would have been a terrible fate for him. He was able to pass with dignity.

Doneva, I know you have never had a squirrel in your house, but everyone here can tell you how smart they are. It is unbelievable, frankly, I am amazed daily by my little Churtle, and the others will tell you the same thing. They do realize we are helping them. I am sure you spoke softly to Rocky on his road trip, so he knew. And although he was frightened, he also knew he was sick, and he was treated with great kindness at the vet center. They even asked what his favorite food was. I got tears in my eyes over that! So you did him a wonderful kindness, and saved him from an excruciatingly painful and frightening death.

And, he may make it into a vet manual, so he will live on there, as well as in our hearts.

Sadly, I am now wondering if perhaps you should burn his house? I don't know how long those things can live without

a host. I will keep reading, but perhaps some of the others know, and can offer their opinions.

Again, I am so sorry for your loss of Rocky, but I know in my heart you saved him from a terrible fate, and perhaps his passing will contribute to science and help save other animals.
This horrible infestation has a 94% mortality rate, so any information they can garner, can only help.

Sweet Doneva, hang in there, it will get better, but be prepared, once a squirrel needing help finds you, they must put our names and addresses in their book, cause more are sure to find you.

I

[HRT4SQRLS]

In regard to survival of the eggs in the environment I found a study.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2050986

Apparently, temperature is the determining factor as to how long the eggs survive outside the host. In an arid dry environment survival was up to 300 hrs. In a cooler moist environment, survival over 3 weeks was reported.

Doneva, If you decide to keep the house, I would seal it for a prolonged period so as to avoid transfer of any viable eggs.

czarina, the growths that you referred to are called teratomas. They are completely different from this parasite.

I am going to speak with an infectious disease specialist about this case and see what inside he can give. It is an extremely unusual case.

Patti :tilt

[czarina]

:thumbsup

[stosh2010]

burn his house?[/COLOR] I don't know how long those things can live without

a host. I



HRT4SQRLS wrote


Doneva, If you decide to keep the house, I would seal it for a prolonged period so as to avoid transfer of any viable eggs.


I know that Rocky's "condo" has a spiritual connection for Doneva...
Would a total soak in straight Bleach and then-- when dry-- put in a plastic bag for 3 or 4 weeks insure no life forms would survive??
Then it can be re mounted or made into the COOLEST table lamp....

[Shewhosweptforest]

After I had caught him, and carefully transferred him to the cage, which I'd placed soft, comfy fleece in the bottom of, I covered the cage with a dark cloth, made the room dim, and left him for a bit, hoping to keep stress as low as possible. After my helpers left, I went to check on him. Before lifting a corner of the cover, I spoke quietly to him, telling him that's it's ok, and we're going to get help soon. He'd been accustomed to my voice, as I'd been talking to him for several months, outdoors. In the cage, as he held eye contact with me, he "spoke" to me, in what I can only describe as a "chatter." I don't know what he was saying, but it was spoken softly and kindly. I truly fell deeply in love with him in that moment, more even than I'd loved him already. I'll never forget the sound of his voice, the whispery movement of his whiskers, and the shine in his eyes. Though I never got to hold him, or even just touch him, my dearest memory of him will be that moment we had together. I hope he knew that I wanted all the best for him.

Doneva....:Love_Icon There's your answer.....you hope he knew.....he knew :Love_Icon Your softly spoken words reached him and gave comfort....he knew help was there, and love...I'm telling you, as many here will tell you, these are very intuitive, highly intelligent creatures ....it makes me feel better, also...knowing you had that private time, that was your's and Rocky's. Thank you for sharing .....this is such a gut wrenching story.....it's good to know and feel the love in the middle of it all :grouphug Hold tight to your memory of him :Love_Icon and remember the feeling of two souls bonding in need, compassion and love :bowdown Your answer :Love_Icon

[Shewhosweptforest]

Ohhh and I would follow HRT's advice and simply seal his house for a long while.....and as far as worrying about the spreading :dono I believe the doctors said this was a highly unusual situation ....one in a million....I'd say the odds for it repeating in an unnatural host again are highly unlikely. After all, it is in the environment and you can't scrub that clean.....try not to look at your yard any differently :Love_Icon

Clean the deck and seal his house...and let nature take care of the rest....as for eggs that may have dribbled on the ground :dono I'm sure there are "nature's scrubbers" that come along (insects) that clean that all up :yuck

[Doneva]

Ohhh and I would follow HRT's advice and simply seal his house for a long while.....and as far as worrying about the spreading :dono I believe the doctors said this was a highly unusual situation ....one in a million....I'd say the odds for it repeating in an unnatural host again are highly unlikely. After all, it is in the environment and you can't scrub that clean.....try not to look at your yard any differently :Love_Icon

Clean the deck and seal his house...and let nature take care of the rest....as for eggs that may have dribbled on the ground :dono I'm sure there are "nature's scrubbers" that come along (insects) that clean that all up :yuck

I'm undecided on the house. It is sad to see it there, empty. I'd like to hear what Duckman thinks...disinfect it? Seal it off? Destroy it? Is it abnormal for a squirrel to nest so closely to the ground? The house is only about 4.5 feet off the ground. Did Rocky choose that house with a purpose? When I'm sitting in "my" spot on my deck, the house is directly across the yard from me. In fact, that is how I first noticed Rocky and was able to distinguish him from all the others; his comings and goings to the birdhouse, while no other squirrel, in 15 years of that house being there, ever showed an interest in it. Rocky's determination to get in there...chewing away at a small hole in the east slope of the roof, making it big enough for him to get in...for whatever reason, he wanted in there. His bringing in nesting materials, only to replace with new, different types of materials, he really opened my eyes and piqued my curiousity. I've learned a lot from him, and I have so much more to learn about squirrels. TBS is the best place for me to learn. I want to pay homage to Rocky. This weekend, I'll do that and post in the Story of Oregon Rocky thread. Then I think I can move on to explore all the threads. I've seen some titles that make me smile. Eager to get familiar with making my way around the board, get to know members, and read about EVERYTHING!!!

[tap31974]

I'm undecided on the house. It is sad to see it there, empty. I'd like to hear what Duckman thinks...disinfect it? Seal it off? Destroy it? Is it abnormal for a squirrel to nest so closely to the ground? The house is only about 4.5 feet off the ground. Did Rocky choose that house with a purpose? When I'm sitting in "my" spot on my deck, the house is directly across the yard from me. In fact, that is how I first noticed Rocky and was able to distinguish him from all the others; his comings and goings to the birdhouse, while no other squirrel, in 15 years of that house being there, ever showed an interest in it. Rocky's determination to get in there...chewing away at a small hole in the east slope of the roof, making it big enough for him to get in...for whatever reason, he wanted in there. His bringing in nesting materials, only to replace with new, different types of materials, he really opened my eyes and piqued my curiousity. I've learned a lot from him, and I have so much more to learn about squirrels. TBS is the best place for me to learn. I want to pay homage to Rocky. This weekend, I'll do that and post in the Story of Oregon Rocky thread. Then I think I can move on to explore all the threads. I've seen some titles that make me smile. Eager to get familiar with making my way around the board, get to know members, and read about EVERYTHING!!!

That's a great Idea. I look forward to reading your post,and I know you will have many smiles, ooooo's and aaaaah's reading the different threads and seeing the cutest and funniest pictures. I have fallen in love with a few different squirrels on here and look forward to new updates and pics I know you'll do the same. I also look forward to your next story and this next one will be a wonderful one ! I just know it :Love_Icon:shine:beerchug

[Duckman]

I'm undecided on the house. It is sad to see it there, empty. I'd like to hear what Duckman thinks...disinfect it? Seal it off? Destroy it? Is it abnormal for a squirrel to nest so closely to the ground? The house is only about 4.5 feet off the ground. Did Rocky choose that house with a purpose? When I'm sitting in "my" spot on my deck, the house is directly across the yard from me. In fact, that is how I first noticed Rocky and was able to distinguish him from all the others; his comings and goings to the birdhouse, while no other squirrel, in 15 years of that house being there, ever showed an interest in it. Rocky's determination to get in there...chewing away at a small hole in the east slope of the roof, making it big enough for him to get in...for whatever reason, he wanted in there. His bringing in nesting materials, only to replace with new, different types of materials, he really opened my eyes and piqued my curiosity. I've learned a lot from him, and I have so much more to learn about squirrels. TBS is the best place for me to learn. I want to pay homage to Rocky. This weekend, I'll do that and post in the Story of Oregon Rocky thread. Then I think I can move on to explore all the threads. I've seen some titles that make me smile. Eager to get familiar with making my way around the board, get to know members, and read about EVERYTHING!!!

Doneva, I think in your heart, you already have the answer, on what to do with his house. There are many ideas on what to do if you feel you want to keep it, but Rocky will always be with you regardless of what is in your yard. As for how close it is to the ground, Rocky must have had a reason for that specific house, because very few squirrels will nest that low to the ground, where many predators can get to them easily. I think because he knew you were around, he might have thought you were a good bet for keeping the majority of the predators away, which would tell me that he did trust you. The one thing I hope you can take comfort in though, is what has been said many times. He didn't die a horrible death, alone, under a bush. These horrible worm will not find another host from him. He passed knowing love, caring, and compassion. It would have ended quite bad for him, had you not intervened in his final days. We couldn't stop the processes that were happening, but we did change the quality of his passing.

[Milo's Mom]

Doneva, I think in your heart, you already have the answer, on what to do with his house. There are many ideas on what to do if you feel you want to keep it, but Rocky will always be with you regardless of what is in your yard. As for how close it is to the ground, Rocky must have had a reason for that specific house, because very few squirrels will nest that low to the ground, where many predators can get to them easily. I think because he knew you were around, he might have thought you were a good bet for keeping the majority of the predators away, which would tell me that he did trust you. The one thing I hope you can take comfort in though, is what has been said many times. He didn't die a horrible death, alone, under a bush. These horrible worm will not find another host from him. He passed knowing love, caring, and compassion. It would have ended quite bad for him, had you not intervened in his final days. We couldn't stop the processes that were happening, but we did change the quality of his passing.


:goodpost :bowdown :grouphug

[Doneva]

Doneva, I think in your heart, you already have the answer, on what to do with his house. There are many ideas on what to do if you feel you want to keep it, but Rocky will always be with you regardless of what is in your yard. As for how close it is to the ground, Rocky must have had a reason for that specific house, because very few squirrels will nest that low to the ground, where many predators can get to them easily. I think because he knew you were around, he might have thought you were a good bet for keeping the majority of the predators away, which would tell me that he did trust you. The one thing I hope you can take comfort in though, is what has been said many times. He didn't die a horrible death, alone, under a bush. These horrible worm will not find another host from him. He passed knowing love, caring, and compassion. It would have ended quite bad for him, had you not intervened in his final days. We couldn't stop the processes that were happening, but we did change the quality of his passing.

This is what I think I needed to hear. My heart, at this moment, tells me to leave the house there. We never know when another squirrel might need help, and maybe the birdhouse will serve as a place of respite for one. I hope to never see another sick squirrel again -meaning I hope not one is ever sick again- but if another should come to me, I now know where to seek the help he/she and I will need. Thank you, Duckman :Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[tap31974]

Doneva, I think in your heart, you already have the answer, on what to do with his house. There are many ideas on what to do if you feel you want to keep it, but Rocky will always be with you regardless of what is in your yard. As for how close it is to the ground, Rocky must have had a reason for that specific house, because very few squirrels will nest that low to the ground, where many predators can get to them easily. I think because he knew you were around, he might have thought you were a good bet for keeping the majority of the predators away, which would tell me that he did trust you. The one thing I hope you can take comfort in though, is what has been said many times. He didn't die a horrible death, alone, under a bush. These horrible worm will not find another host from him. He passed knowing love, caring, and compassion. It would have ended quite bad for him, had you not intervened in his final days. We couldn't stop the processes that were happening, but we did change the quality of his passing.

:Love_Icon. :highfive. :bow. Couldn't be said better ! ! !

[squirrelfriend]

So sorry to hear that rocky didn't make it. Poor little guy. I'm glad you were able to diagnose it

[TubeDriver]

This is what I think I needed to hear. My heart, at this moment, tells me to leave the house there. We never know when another squirrel might need help, and maybe the birdhouse will serve as a place of respite for one. I hope to never see another sick squirrel again -meaning I hope not one is ever sick again- but if another should come to me, I now know where to seek the help he/she and I will need. Thank you, Duckman :Love_Icon:Love_Icon

I think that is a good plan. Boil some water in a tea kettle and then pour it into the house. You could seal the house with a plastic bag and some tape for a month or so. That will insure that any eggs die out and then you can remove the bag and perhaps another critter will decide to use the house!:thumbsup

[Rianna]

Throwing this in regarding washing his house and then sealing it in a plastic bag. Make sure it's completely dry so the wood won't start deteriorating and mold and mildew won't form.

[HRT4SQRLS]

I think the boiling water is a good idea. PLEASE be careful. We don't want to hear any ER horror stories. I would also do the same to the feeding platform

Yes, I'm afraid of mold also. I would probable just get some thin scrape wood to cover the openings for now and at a later date remove them. I'm sure with all those modifications that Rocky made it would still have some air circulation to prevent mold growth. For now you just need to discourage critters from going in.

[Doneva]

I think the boiling water is a good idea. PLEASE be careful. We don't want to hear any ER horror stories. I would also do the same to the feeding platform

Yes, I'm afraid of mold also. I would probable just get some thin scrape wood to cover the openings for now and at a later date remove them. I'm sure with all those modifications that Rocky made it would still have some air circulation to prevent mold growth. For now you just need to discourage critters from going in.

Well, on my drive to work just now, I started to think along an entirely different line. I've been googling images of squirrel boxes. Now I'm thinking...maybe take down the birdhouse and replace with a new squirrel box. As I learned from Duckman, it's unusual for a squirrel to chose to nest so near the ground. So if I replace the house with a new nest box, and another squirrel needs to be nearer to the ground, for whatever reason, as Rocky did, there will be a clean, parasite-free place to move into. Try as I might, each time I go to the backyard and see the birdhouse and remember that it was Rocky's home (or one of his homes), it still hurts a bit to see it empty. I even still hope to see his bushy tail sticking out of the hole in the roof, before I remember that he's not there any more. I think it's time to start anew. It's an idea that I'm building on.

[czarina]

Just wondering. There is no telling how long Rocky was infected. Perhaps his instincts told him that " something is wrong ", and that is why he moved into the birdhouse, realising that his trusty friend, Doneva, would provide safety and food, for when he was unable to provide for himself.

I think it is most likely that a young mother bird will be the next to take advantage of the close to ground house, now that the top is open, so it is really important to either get it closed off or drenched with boiling water asap, as young anything don't always exhibit the safest behaviour, but are more opportunistic.

If you do decide to put up a squirrel box,( which I hope you do :grin3), it really is best to place it much higher, to assure occupancy. Check here, as you will find good advice on which are the safest boxes to use. You don't want a pesky possum or raccoon being able to reach in and grab baby squirrels out, and have them for a snack. :eek. Sadly, it does happen, but we can help advise you on safer boxes.

Hoping things are " okay " with you, and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[Doneva]

Just wondering. There is no telling how long Rocky was infected. Perhaps his instincts told him that " something is wrong ", and that is why he moved into the birdhouse, realising that his trusty friend, Doneva, would provide safety and food, for when he was unable to provide for himself.

I think it is most likely that a young mother bird will be the next to take advantage of the close to ground house, now that the top is open, so it is really important to either get it closed off or drenched with boiling water asap, as young anything don't always exhibit the safest behaviour, but are more opportunistic.

If you do decide to put up a squirrel box,( which I hope you do :grin3), it really is best to place it much higher, to assure occupancy. Check here, as you will find good advice on which are the safest boxes to use. You don't want a pesky possum or raccoon being able to reach in and grab baby squirrels out, and have them for a snack. :eek. Sadly, it does happen, but we can help advise you on safer boxes.

Hoping things are " okay " with you, and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

Great advice! And...I'm still in the learning process...probably always will be. Yes, I'm feeling much better. I had a few lonely days recently, as the yard seemed to be abandoned by the other "regulars." But as I was sitting on the deck in the early evening yesterday, suddenly there was a soft "crash" and rustle of leaves on a branch of the nearest cherry tree. And there she was...SALLY! She always makes a grand entrance. Just BAM! and there she is! She had me laughing, with her carefree, daring personality. She's a risk-taker, and it looks like she has lots of fun doing so! She will get unbelievably close to me. I tell her what a crazy girl she is. Her mischievous look says "Yeah, I know!" Yes, things are getting better. :thankyou

[Nancy in New York]

Great advice! And...I'm still in the learning process...probably always will be. Yes, I'm feeling much better. I had a few lonely days recently, as the yard seemed to be abandoned by the other "regulars." But as I was sitting on the deck in the early evening yesterday, suddenly there was a soft "crash" and rustle of leaves on a branch of the nearest cherry tree. And there she was...SALLY! She always makes a grand entrance. Just BAM! and there she is! She had me laughing, with her carefree, daring personality. She's a risk-taker, and it looks like she has lots of fun doing so! She will get unbelievably close to me. I tell her what a crazy girl she is. Her mischievous look says "Yeah, I know!" Yes, things are getting better. :thankyou

How long did you know Rocky, and was his home always the bird house?

[Doneva]

How long did you know Rocky, and was his home always the bird house?

Rocky was one of my regulars, but I didn't get to know him until he moved into the birdhouse, sometime in May. Before then, I had always been a "casual observer" of all the squirrels in my backyard. The population fluctuates through-out the year, thinning out in summer. This weekend, I'm going to write up a little background on Rocky. He wasn't always sick (at least not visibly), and I'd like to have him remembered for more than being a sick little guy who lost the battle.

[Nancy in New York]

Rocky was one of my regulars, but I didn't get to know him until he moved into the birdhouse, sometime in May. Before then, I had always been a "casual observer" of all the squirrels in my backyard. The population fluctuates through-out the year, thinning out in summer. This weekend, I'm going to write up a little background on Rocky. He wasn't always sick (at least not visibly), and I'd like to have him remembered for more than being a sick little guy who lost the battle.

Honestly, I don't think that ANYONE would remember Rocky as "a sick little guy who lost the battle", quite the contrary.
The fight and determination to live with what he had growing inside of him, is something the likes of which I have NEVER seen.
This case will make history, and there is nobody that will ever think of Rocky as anything other than a courageous warrior who NEVER gave up.

[island rehabber]

Honestly, I don't think that ANYONE would remember Rocky as "a sick little guy who lost the battle", quite the contrary.
The fight and determination to live with what he had growing inside of him, is something the likes of which I have NEVER seen.
This case will make history, and there is nobody that will ever think of Rocky as anything other than a courageous warrior who NEVER gave up.

:bowdown:goodpost

[Milo's Mom]

Honestly, I don't think that ANYONE would remember Rocky as "a sick little guy who lost the battle", quite the contrary.
The fight and determination to live with what he had growing inside of him, is something the likes of which I have NEVER seen.
This case will make history, and there is nobody that will ever think of Rocky as anything other than a courageous warrior who NEVER gave up.

:yeahthat to a T

[Mommaluvy]

JCheck here, as you will find good advice on which are the safest boxes to use. You don't want a pesky possum or raccoon being able to reach in and grab baby squirrels out, and have them for a snack. :eek. Sadly, it does happen, but we can help advise you on safer boxes.

Hoping things are " okay " with you, and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon


Yes.. yes it does. I had a tree removed last year and some baby grackles or something .. maybe cow birds were in it. I had the cutters leave most of the base there so that I could nail up an oatmeal container so the parents could finish raising them. Neat to watch mom and dad feed them. ANyhow it worked like a CHARM.. and the parents came right back for them. For three days they did great..

Then one morning.. I looked out the window.. and saw the oatmeal lid removed.. went out side and blood was all over the white lid. Parents were NO where to be seen.. I suspect some coon ate them. :boohoo

[Doneva]

Yes.. yes it does. I had a tree removed last year and some baby grackles or something .. maybe cow birds were in it. I had the cutters leave most of the base there so that I could nail up an oatmeal container so the parents could finish raising them. Neat to watch mom and dad feed them. ANyhow it worked like a CHARM.. and the parents came right back for them. For three days they did great..

Then one morning.. I looked out the window.. and saw the oatmeal lid removed.. went out side and blood was all over the white lid. Parents were NO where to be seen.. I suspect some coon ate them. :boohoo
Oh no! So sad. And you had set it up perfectly for mom and dad. :( I do occasionally have raccoons come into the yard at night. They come for the apples all over the ground. I try to keep up with removing them, but it's continual.

[Doneva]

Honestly, I don't think that ANYONE would remember Rocky as "a sick little guy who lost the battle", quite the contrary.
The fight and determination to live with what he had growing inside of him, is something the likes of which I have NEVER seen.
This case will make history, and there is nobody that will ever think of Rocky as anything other than a courageous warrior who NEVER gave up.

True...he definitely did have fight and determination. And courage.

[Mommaluvy]

True...he definitely did have fight and determination. And courage.

He was a fighter.. and I believe he was brave and knew to trust you for help. I will never think of him as sick.