ALL help appreciated for two baby flyers!

[Dancinkeys15]

I am trying to raise two baby flying squirrels currently, we got them last Saturday so we've had them about a week. Their eyes were closed then and are still closed currently, so I'm guessing they are between 4.5-5.5 weeks as they do have brown fur all over and looked identical to 4 week old photos I found on google.

I've been feeding them a puppy milk replacer powder called "tomlyn". It says it has 33% crude protein, 42% crude fat, .15% crude fiber, 4.0% moisture, 8.0% ash. It also contains colostrum, and DHA.

I've been diluting it 1part powder -3 parts water, and adding in a few drops of yogurt water (the water that fills the divvets of a plain yogurt container) and one drop heavy cream. I'm making about 2 Tbsp formula at a time and feeding about 1 ml per squirrel every 2-4 hours.

They seem to be doing great! Peeing and pooping at every voiding, and actively rooting when hungry.

Should I be doing anything else? I read about Eabilac and Fox Valley, but my powder seems to contain the same ratios. Should I switch?
The yogurt water I'm adding for natural probiotics and the heavy cream for a bit of added fat. The babies look so thin.

Any advice would be great! Thanks in advance.

[Dancinkeys15]

Sorry, I also forgot to ask if I should be putting any chewable items in their shoe box. I read that they need to be able to file their teeth but didn't want to change our working routine without just cause.

I also read in the forum to put a rodent block in so they can smell it... Is it too early for that?
Thanks!

[ALittleNutty]

I am trying to raise two baby flying squirrels currently, we got them last Saturday so we've had them about a week. Their eyes were closed then and are still closed currently, so I'm guessing they are between 4.5-5.5 weeks as they do have brown fur all over and looked identical to 4 week old photos I found on google.

I've been feeding them a puppy milk replacer powder called "tomlyn". It says it has 33% crude protein, 42% crude fat, .15% crude fiber, 4.0% moisture, 8.0% ash. It also contains colostrum, and DHA.

I've been diluting it 1part powder -3 parts water, and adding in a few drops of yogurt water (the water that fills the divvets of a plain yogurt container) and one drop heavy cream. I'm making about 2 Tbsp formula at a time and feeding about 1 ml per squirrel every 2-4 hours.

They seem to be doing great! Peeing and pooping at every voiding, and actively rooting when hungry.

Should I be doing anything else? I read about Eabilac and Fox Valley, but my powder seems to contain the same ratios. Should I switch?
The yogurt water I'm adding for natural probiotics and the heavy cream for a bit of added fat. The babies look so thin.

Any advice would be great! Thanks in advance.

Does the Tomlyn say mix at 3 to 1? If not I would mix it according to the directions and you can add heavy whipping cream and yogurt not just the yogurt water.

I raised my flyers on this recipe and they still get it every night even though they are a year old now.

2 Tablespoons FV 32/40 (powder)
4 Tablespoons water
1/2 Tablespoon heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon full fat and sugar yogurt

Feed this for 2-3 feedings and then increase cream to 1 Tablespoon, feed this 2-3 feedings and then increase to 1.5 Tablespoons, increase again until you are up to 2 Tablespoons cream.

Flyers need the extra fat and calories.

You can put deer antlers, a cuttle bone (bird department of pet store) a walnut sized rock for them to gnaw on.

You might also want to add a calcium block, mineral block or a salt/mineral block. They might not use these unless they feel they need them.

You need to ensure they get plenty of calcium. You can start putting the Henry's blocks in with them now. They might just shred or pee on them at first but those and the formula is all they need to eat until they are eating the blocks completely. After they are well established on blocks you can start introducing healthy greens and veggies. Fruits come next in small amounts. A very small portion of a nut can be a treat. They can also have chicken with the bones but no seasonings added, meal or wax worms dusted with calcium carbonate powder (available at Henry's) and a scrambled egg with the shell crushed and mixed it.

[farrelli]

You need a scale to weigh them to tell how much to feed and progress. They should get 5-7% of body weight each feeding. For example, a 100g sq should get 5-7ccs.

Being thin concerns me. If you want Esbilac, the one wiht probiotics is the one to get.

243378

Always follow proper technique - head pointed down, syringe up:

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

[Rhapsody]

Here is INFO given Mrs. Skul --our Flyer Guru :Love_Icon

__________


SOUTHERN FLYING SQUIRREL CARE

Baby flyers are a great deal more delicate than other, larger species of squirrels.* The BEST thing for the baby is to turn it over to an experienced wildlife rehabilitator in your area so it can LIVE!* Even some experienced rehabilitators have trouble raising them! If the baby was caught by a cat, you will need to tell us that immediately so we can guide you appropriately on what treatment to follow, as cat saliva has bacteria in it that will kill quickly!* ASK, ASK, ASK, ASK, ASK, Questions!!*

(All recipes and advice listed was given by Mrs Skul (flyer expert).* She is a flyer mentor and friend.* I am very appreciative that she is always so very willing to help and share her knowledge!)

--- Lets Begin:

The baby flyer MUST be warm and hydrated before you can feed it. Feeding cold can be fatal.

FIRST, warm the baby SLOWLY:* You need a plastic container and a heating pad with NO automatic shut-off feature.* Totes are sometimes used, but be sure they can get plenty of oxygen/air and secure the container so that they cannot escape.* Amazon sells many different tiny animal carriers also.* Put the heating pad under HALF of the container.* They must be able to crawl off of the heat if they get too hot.

Add layers of material to the container.* Towels are dangerous (choking hazard, nails get caught and cause breaks or snatch toe nails off), so use fleece (sweatshirt material) or knit (t-shirt material).* Use a lot because they like to burrow down into it, otherwise they feel exposed and will become very uncomfortable.* Avoid the baby catching a chill at all costs.* Since they are so very small, it only takes seconds for them to chill.* (you can enclose yourself in a bathroom with a heater on for feedings and treatment).* Anywhere without a draft that you can keep warm enough is great!

To avoid shock, keep them in a quiet and dark area where domestic pets cannot get to them, even if they escape the container!**

You will want to be sure that you hold the baby and the syringe correctly to feed.* You MUST feed VERY, VERY slowly – one drop at a time.* Aspiration pneumonia is the most difficult thing to avoid and is caused by the baby breathing in fluids (bubbles come out of their noses).*

You MUST NOT over feed a baby flyer.* 5%-7% of body weight is recommended. A digital gram (kitchen or mail) scale is a necessity.* Please feel free to ask for help!!


**Now you can hydrate.* Follow the 5%-7% feeding rule. Feed no more than 12-24 hours.
1 cup warm water – 1 tablespoon sugar – ¼ teaspoon salt (last in frig 72 hrs)

How often you will need to feed will depend upon the age, size, health and hydration level of the baby flyer.* Feedings MUST be done around the clock and feeding times range from 2 hours apart when they are tiny to 6 hours apart as they age. Average feeding time should be at least every 3 hours.

After hydrating the baby you will need to feed it something that contains the necessary nutrition to sustain them.* If the baby is not dehydrated then you can give it the temporary goat’s milk formula until you can get proper baby formula.* The heavy whipping cream is slowly increased to avoid stomach upset.* The goat’s milk formula should be the ONLY formula fed until the baby is approximately 3 weeks old.* After 3 weeks old you will need to purchase Fox Valley Day One 32/40 which is specifically made for squirrels, or the NEW Esbilac puppy replacement milk with probiotics.**

Fox Valley Products can be ordered online from: www.henryspets.com

Esbilac can be purchased at most pet stores such as Petco, Pet Supplies Plus and PetSmart.

Until old enough or formula is purchased (if using canned goat's milk) be sure to read the directions, as you have to add water for dilution before using it in the formula mixture:

Day One (1):*

1 TABLEspoon of goat’s milk
1 TEAspoon of heavy whipping cream
1 TEAspoon of full fat vanilla yogurt

Day Two (2):

1 TABLEspoon of goat’s milk
2 TEAspoons of heavy whipping cream
1 TEAspoon of full fat vanilla yogurt

Day Three (3):**

1 TABLEspoon of goat’s milk
3 TEAspoons of heavy whipping cream
1 TEAspoon of full fat vanilla yogurt

Day Four (4):

1 TABLEspoon of goat’s milk
4 TEAspoons of heavy whipping cream
1 TEAspoon of full fat vanilla yogurt

Day Five (5):

1 TABLEspoon of goat’s milk
5 TEAspoons of heavy whipping cream
1 TEAspoon of full fat vanilla yogurt

btw….. heavy cream can be found in the milk section at your local Grocery Store.
Day Six (6) - and for as long as the baby will take it:

1 TABLEspoon of goat’s milk
2 TABLEspoons of heavy whipping cream
1 TEAspoon of full fat vanilla yogurt

Once FV FORMULA is purchased:
***Note:* if you have already worked your way up with the heavy whipping cream, you can start with that amount when starting the formula!* If you have questions please ask!!

Day One (1):

1 TABLEspoon of Fox Valley Day One 32/40 (or Esbilac if that’s what you decide to use)
1 TEAspoon of heavy whipping cream
2 TABLEspoons of water
1 TEAspoon of full fat vanilla yogurt

Day Two (2):

1 TABLEspoon of Fox Valley Day One 32/40 (or Esbilac if that’s what you decide to use)
2 TEAspoons of heavy whipping cream
2 TABLEspoons of water
1 TEAspoon of full fat vanilla yogurt

Day Three (3):

1 TABLEspoon of Fox Valley Day One 32/40 (or Esbilac if that’s what you decide to use)
3 TEAspoons of heavy whipping cream
2 TABLEspoons of water
1 TEAspoon of full fat vanilla yogurt

Day Four (4):

1 TABLEspoon of Fox Valley Day One 32/40 (or Esbilac if that’s what you decide to use)
4 TEAspoons of heavy whipping cream
2 TABLEspoons of water
1 TEAspoon of full fat vanilla yogurt

Day Five (5):

1 TABLEspoon of Fox Valley Day One 32/40 (or Esbilac if that’s what you decide to use)
5 TEAspoons of heavy whipping cream
2 TABLEspoons of water
1 TEAspoon of full fat vanilla yogurt

Day Six (6) and for as long as they will take it:

1 TABLEspoon of Fox Valley Day One 32/40 (or Esbilac if that’s what you decide to use)
2 TABLEspoons of heavy whipping cream
2 TABLEspoons of water
1 TEAspoon of full fat vanilla yogurt

[Dancinkeys15]

Ok, I'm ordering Fox Valley 32/40 right now! And I will go and find some goat's milk tomorrow.

Since I posted yesterday the girl has begun having runny poops. The boy is continuing to have hard stool, and quite a bit, but the girl concerns me. She's no longer eating quite her usual 1ml feed. Her brother is having no problems at all.

I did hydrate for the first 24 hours (Thanks to this forum!) by using warm water mixed with a dab of honey and pinch of salt, and then began to slowly add in this Tomlyn milk replacer. She did also at first have trouble peeing. Her bladder would stay full and it took some special time and attention to get her to pee regularly. Now she's peeing just fine and her poops have become runny. =( It seems like her digestive system is more finnicky than her brother's.

They are being kept warm by a Sunbeam no auto-shutoff warmer under their box with some cloth diapers as liners. they are being fed every 2 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night.

I will try and get some goats milk tomorrow, and will also begin adding in plain yogurt to their milk. I make my own yogurt, so it's just plain. Should I add honey in? I had hesitated to add yogurt in case the lactose somehow affected them. But reading on here it's not a bad idea to add it in.

I will also look up wildlife rehabbers in the Savannah/Hinesville area tomorrow.

Thanks!

[farrelli]

The bacteria in yogurt break down much of the lactose.

The honey is not necessary, but won;t hurt them

The sun lamp is unusual for flyers, as they are nocturnal. Most get their vitamin D from either blocks or things like mushrooms.

Don;t know of this Tomlyn formula but we generally avoid unknowns because so many of them cause digestive issues just like the one you document.

[Dancinkeys15]

Finally found goats milk! Starting the above recommended food tonight and have ordered FV32/40 which should arrive Wednesday.

Belle is still a bit lethargic, BUT she had a solid poop ball!!!!! Her tummy is looking less bloated and she's not passing as much gas when she is voided.

Pinocchio is still doing well. The higher fat diet has them feeling full much faster. I hope I didn't give them too much 'milk' too fast as their diet until now has been very watery Tomlyn. Both seem full by half a ml.


I'm still concerned about Belle; is there a treatment for bloat? Should I water down the goats milk heavy cream mixture to get them used to it?

Also: on the topic of calcium and vitamin D and rodent balls should I put hose in the shoebox now? Or still too early?

[Nancy in New York]

I am moving your thread to the emergency section. Hopefully some flyer people will be on and see it there! :grouphug
I am going to add flyer to the title too. :)

[HRT4SQRLS]

OK, a few questions.
(1) About the goat milk that you got... Is it fresh in the dairy section or is it canned. If it is fresh it can be used as it. If it is canned it must be diluted 1:1 with water. The canned is concentrated.

(2) About the shoe box ... I would definitely get a plastic tote like a Sterilite or Rubbermaid bin. I would start with a small one. I would drill holes in it for air. There was an autocorrect error on your question about the shoebox ... 'Hose' in box. Did you mean 'holes' in box? YES, the box must have holes in it.

(3) Because the little girl had runny poop, I would probably start the Goat milk/yogurt formula without the heavy cream for a few feedings and then add it if the poops remain firm. The cream is rich so it might be too much to start.

(4) What type of syringe are you using to feed with? For these tiny ones you need a 1cc O-ring syringe. Be VERY careful about aspirating with formula. Have they inhaled formula/bubbled out nose? If so I would suspect aspiration pneumonia in the girl. Do you hear clicking when she breaths? In one so tiny, I doubt it would be audible.

(5) Don't worry about supplements like calcium or Vit D now. They will get everything they need from the formula at this point. By the way, flyer always get the FoxValley 32/40 even as adults if they will take it. It has increased protein (32) that flyers need. When they are older, they get protein from mealworms, WaxWorms, cooked chicken or eggs. That is also for later ... not now.

(6) Bloat can be treated by floating in warm water up to the arm pits. I would massage the tummy gently. If you do this she MUST be kept warm while drying.

(7) I wouldn't give block until their eyes open.


I'm sure I'll think of a few other things. I post if I think about them.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Baby flyers eyes open between Day 25-28 so your babies are probably slightly younger than 4 weeks. The usual weight for a 4 week old is around 20-24grams. At 20g the correct amount of formula would be 1.0-1.4cc.
At 24g the correct amount of formula would be 1.2-1.7cc.

You really need a scale that weighs in grams to know their weight to determine the amount of formula to give.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Goat milk won't stay fresh for very long so I would aliquot the goat milk into small portions and freeze it.
A few options are an ice cube tray (if anyone even has those anymore) :tilt small Glad containers, small Tupperware container or even ZipLoc bags.
I would thaw them as I need them. The FoxValley will probably be there before you need the frozen portions. The Goat Milk will last about 48-72 hrs before it starts to go bad.

[Dancinkeys15]

Belle still isnt improving. She is not interested in eating. Her breathing sounds like popping, but I cant tell if its her breathing or her teeth chattering!
She looks like she might be in dire straights. I'm trying a warm water bath now in case its bloat.
Would any wildlife rescue places be open on Sundays? I'm near Savannah GA and unfamiliar with how those things work.

Thanks.

[HRT4SQRLS]

If you hear 'popping' with each breath and with the lethargy and lack of appetite, I think she has aspiration pneumonia.

Do you have any antibiotics? What kind? You only need one pill. Do you have Ciprofloxacin?

Why do you think she's bloated? Is her tummy swollen and hard?

[Dancinkeys15]

She is in bed with her brother. I will try to feed again in another 3 hours. I'm going to water down some goat milk (although it's fresh from the dairy section) and see if I can entice her to at least get some liquids down.
Will update then.
Thanks again!

[Dancinkeys15]

No, her tummy is no swollen and hard, although it seemed to be a little swollen yesterday when she was pooping runny yellow.

And no, unfortunately, I only have the kids pink antibiotic that my son was prescribed 2 weeks ago. It's called Amoxicillin 400mg/5ml. I don't believe I have any pill antibiotic.

[Dancinkeys15]

Just so you know what exact antibiotic I have it is the pink liquid 400mg/5ml

[Dancinkeys15]

ACK! The more I read the more pneumonia sounds like the culprit. Can you please tell me ASAP if I should use the Amox? and how much? She looks like she's not doing so good at all. I'm worried she won't last the night.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Yes, the Amoxicillin will work. Let me see if I can get dosing for you.
I guess you don't have a weight correct? A weight would be helpful for proper dosing.

[Dancinkeys15]

I'm sorry, I don't have a scale. I could maybe weight her tomorrow. She is the size of a tiny field mouse. Very small.

[pixiepoo]

The sun lamp is unusual for flyers, as they are nocturnal. Most get their vitamin D from either blocks or things like mushrooms.

Just wanted to mention that the vitamin D provided in the diet is not the same as the one from sunlight and works in a different way. I have a UV lamp for my flyers and greys who are inside. :)

In reference to the girl having diarrhea, could you possibly be overfeeding? Can you post photos?

[farrelli]

Was this dose given? Pneumonia takes them down very quickly. There is no time to waste.