Rescued a flyer

[wb_carpenter]

I already made an intro thread here http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?48241-Wes-from-N-FL(flier)&p=1053595#post1053595

But since I had more specific questions I decided to put this in the right section.

Short version.

Rescued little guy from a cat.
He's on antibiotics.
Very green at this.
Going to keep him.

Hes about 5 weeks
~22grams(underweight)
Eating 32/40 formula mixed with some yogurt 1-1.5cc per 3hrs and magic nipple

A few questions...

Is he too young for the flyer block or hard foods?
What age should I stop massaging him for him to poop(seems to be going on his own now)?
Is it okay to give him cold formula?
The yogurt is organic and full fat but says whole milk on the front. I thought I read not to give them cows milk but don't know of any other type of yogurt.
I'm cage shopping and willing to spend a pretty penny for something nice. Anyone have any recommendation for websites and can it be too big? I was thinking 4'Wx3'Dx6'H. Estimate on cost? I'd like to stay under $300.


And finally some pictures

When I found him he was feisty. Understandably after being chased around the yard and toyed with by a murderous cat.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x188/xxturbowesxx/IMG_0598.jpg (http://s181.photobucket.com/user/xxturbowesxx/media/IMG_0598.jpg.html)
Warmed up to me quickly.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x188/xxturbowesxx/IMG_5532.jpg (http://s181.photobucket.com/user/xxturbowesxx/media/IMG_5532.jpg.html)
His favorite spot.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x188/xxturbowesxx/IMG_5534.jpg (http://s181.photobucket.com/user/xxturbowesxx/media/IMG_5534.jpg.html)


May get some flak for this but they have to get to know each other as well. My dog is VERY well trained and actually likes the little guy(he isn't scared of her either). Dog is very gentle around him. This pic was from the first introduction.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x188/xxturbowesxx/IMG_5550.jpg (http://s181.photobucket.com/user/xxturbowesxx/media/IMG_5550.jpg.html)

[HRT4SQRLS]

A few questions...

Is he too young for the flyer block or hard foods?
He can have a tiny piece of block but he probably won't eat it yet. He will probably waste it. A tiny piece will get him used to the smell and taste. He will nibble it and play with it and pee on it. :grin2

What age should I stop massaging him for him to poop(seems to be going on his own now)?
I doubt he needs stimulating now BUT I probably would for a few days to make sure he is going. He just started the FoxValley 32/40, right? Sometimes the small ones have difficulty digesting it so I would watch him closely to make sure go doesn't get constipated or bloated. We don't want that.

Is it okay to give him cold formula?
No, warm that babies formula. :peace

The yogurt is organic and full fat but says whole milk on the front. I thought I read not to give them cows milk but don't know of any other type of yogurt.
Cow milk is not poisonous to squirrels, it just doesn't have the needed nutrients. A baby raised on cow milk OR scalded cow milk will not thrive. The milk in yogurt is fine. You just can't raise them on cow milk.

I'm cage shopping and willing to spend a pretty penny for something nice. Anyone have any recommendation for websites and can it be too big? I was thinking 4'Wx3'Dx6'H. Estimate on cost? I'd like to stay under $300.
I have CritterNation doubles for my flyers. One nice thing about them is that you can add on units if you want it larger. There are many options for cages. The things you need to consider is: horizontal bars are better than vertical bars because they are easier to climb. You want bar spacing at 1/2 inch or less. Large bar spaces are dangerous for tiny flyers. I'm sure others will sound in about different cages. When you buy the cage, you can buy all sorts of cage gear from Milo's mom. I know you're just getting prepared for the future (planning ahead) but your little one is too small for a cage now. He still needs the bin with the heating pad. He has some catching up to do. :thumbsup


Oh yes, you're gonna get some flack about the dog. :nono That is super dangerous. We have seen some tragedies with dogs and squirrels so yes, it's a bad idea. Lecture over. :peace

One more thing, your baby is precious. :) Is it a boy or girl? Do you have a name yet?

[farrelli]

THe enzymes in yogurt make the milk safe.

Cold is bad. A sqs body temp is 102F and generally like formula about the same.

Tree sqs start block around 8 weeks, so many a bit early.

You will get better results creating threads about flyers in the flyer forum, as that is where those guys hang out:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?93-General-Flying-Squirrel-Discussion

[wb_carpenter]

Oh yes, you're gonna get some flack about the dog. :nono That is super dangerous. We have seen some tragedies with dogs and squirrels so yes, it's a bad idea. Lecture over. :peace

One more thing, your baby is precious. :) Is it a boy or girl? Do you have a name yet?

Thanks for the info and I'll move this into the Flyer forum(wasn't easy to find).

is the risk with parasites or something?

The odds of THIS dog lashing out or hurting the guy is 0. I can place a steak on her nose for minutes and if I tell her no its ingrained in her DNA. She also has never hurt any animal(7 years old) and has been around small rodents, lizards, kittens, etc.

That was very supervised and introductions will be as such for a long time. That being said I'd bet 100 grand she wouldn't hurt him.

That being said it could lead a newbie to think "thats cool I wan't that with my dog" and may paint an irresponsible picture. I am unable to edit the original post for some reason or i'd omit that picture from the thread. If a mod sees this feel welcome to delete it.

[wb_carpenter]

He is a boy and doesn't have a name... Yet.

We are working on it but the Misses is out of town for the weekend.

[pixiepoo]

I think that your dog looks very tolerant and I have a similar picture of one of my babies with my big dog. I would just note that big doggy feet can be a bit of a hazard with flyers. If my flyer gets near my dog and he is standing, I immediately tell him to "stay!" So he won't move his feet and accidentally hurt my babies. I trust my dog 100% with my guys but I would never leave then unsupervised ;)

The whole milk yogurt is fine for mixing with the formula :) technically your little one should be plenty large enough to generate heat on it's own...but it won't hurt allowing him to stay on a heated area. I let mine stay on the heat until they choose to move off of it. The formula, however, should always be warm. It helps with digestion if it is already warmed and they seem to just overall do better with warm formula :)

Very cute! Looks like you are doing a great job!

[wb_carpenter]

I think that your dog looks very tolerant and I have a similar picture of one of my babies with my big dog. I would just note that big doggy feet can be a bit of a hazard with flyers. If my flyer gets near my dog and he is standing, I immediately tell him to "stay!" So he won't move his feet and accidentally hurt my babies. I trust my dog 100% with my guys but I would never leave then unsupervised ;)

The whole milk yogurt is fine for mixing with the formula :) technically your little one should be plenty large enough to generate heat on it's own...but it won't hurt allowing him to stay on a heated area. I let mine stay on the heat until they choose to move off of it. The formula, however, should always be warm. It helps with digestion if it is already warmed and they seem to just overall do better with warm formula :)

Very cute! Looks like you are doing a great job!

Unsupervised is not an option.. If it is in the future so be it but that's a long way away and a big if..


So heat the formula in the microwave for a couple seconds testing it on my hand?