Injured front paw

[Signsofautumn]

Hi, about a week ago, I noticed a young male gray squirrels paw was injured. It's swollen, no blood so far. He has been hopping around okay, but I can tell he is starting to slow down a little and is starting to stay over to the side of my yard and not interact a lot with his buddies. I'm hoping he's taking a break from the running playing, but afraid it may be cause he can't keep up. All 5 of my squirrels are well behaved and get along, even the injured one is treated well by others. Is there a way I can help him? I'm afraid trapping him and bringing him to the vet could make it worse. I am giving him unshelled seeds and peanuts and fresh water, so he doesn't have to work as hard. I haven't witnessed him in trees yet, just ground. I look at night to make sure he isn't still grounded and he is no where to be found. I'm keeping his food and water where he stays. Under some trees and shelter from the hawk. Should I make a wooden open box in, case he needs to hide under it? Should I try to get antibiotics and give them to him? I'm sorry for all the questions. I'm new to all this. It's my first real house with a big yard, where I can feed and watch all the wildlife. Thank you, Maryann Farrell

[ALittleNutty]

Not sure what to do but at least the others aren't picking on him. I sure hope he has a safe place to sleep away from predators. At least he is eating the food you put out so if meds are needed you will probably be able to treat him. Can you get some pictures and post them?

Others will be in soon with more ideas.

[farrelli]

How swollen? Pics can help a lot. Is he using it well? Front?

[Signsofautumn]

How swollen? Pics can help a lot. Is he using it well? Front?

Hi, I am not sure how to add the pictures from this area of the thread. I'm new here and horrible with computers. This morning, (8-26-14)the injured paw guy, actually put his paw down and he used it a little. It looks worse than ever since the swelling went down. The swollen was there for a week and then suddenly it was gone this morning. I didn't see him, but once yesterday. Maybe he was resting. I'm starting to think I need to let it be. I don't want to make things worse. He's eating, drinking and carefully going up the trees. I do tend to listen for the hawk all day. I'm a stay at home mom, so I'm here. I feed the blue jays plenty as well and they always warn all the squirrels. The blue jays also chase out the hawk daily. Thank you for your help. I hope the pictures came through. Maryann Farrell

[Signsofautumn]

How swollen? Pics can help a lot. Is he using it well? Front?hi, more pictures. Thank you

[farrelli]

Can't tell much from the pics about whether it's badly injured, but if it's not mangles or anything, just keep an eye on it. Sqs tend to heal very quickly.

[Signsofautumn]

Hi, I wanted to let everyone know. My injured left paw squirrel appeared today and is using his paw for the most part:). He had a close call with a red tail hawk. I was in my back yard when the hawk landed on my shed and tried grabbing the squirrel from the fence post, but I grabbed a rake and scared the hawk off . My injured paw squirrel was hanging on with his three good paws. He did pretty well hanging on with his good paws:). He was smart and listened when I yelled for him to stay down until I chased the hawk. He took two acorns and ran off a few minutes ago.