Squirrel grief

[dirgedoll]

Hello.
I am not sure what do to here.
In September, my female flying squirrel Skyler passed away.
Her brother Griffin isn't handling this very well.
His personality has completely changed.
He is sad and won't come to me like he used to.

I am having a really hard time finding him a new friend because most of the breeders are out of babies atm.

I have decided to get my bonding pouch out again, and try to get him to sleep around my neck during the day to help him feel comfortable.
He used to like to come out and play, but just seems sad and mopey.

I have gotten him lots of his favorite treats. His appetite is very hearty.
He hasn't lost any weight.

Have any of you had experience with this, and how did you help make this process easier for the other one left behind?
It breaks my heart seeing him like this.

[CritterMom]

Aw. Poor Griffin.

I actually think your idea of re-bonding is an excellent idea - he needs someone right now - he wants Skyler back but he can't have her, so perhaps you will be second best? Because that is something you will need to consider when getting another flyer - the very real possibility that Griffin will not like him/her AT ALL. Sometimes we don't give them the credit they are due - they are highly emotionally evolved little creatures. Griffin misses SKYLER and there is no guarantee that he will even accept a "replacement" - they were together a lot longer than most human couples are!!

I would do everything you can to try to re-bond with him. Then regardless of when or if you get a new baby, and how they get along, he will be YOUR special buddy.

[lovesmice]

Although I do not have any experience with survivors of Flyers passing, I do with mice and you are right that these animals can and do grieve. What you are doing with favorites treats is spot on as is your idea to get out the bonding pouch. Hold your Griffin as much as possible. It will comfort you both. I would also get him new accessories to distract him and give him more free range time if it is allowed. (Not sure how Flyer parents handle that. All I have to do for the mice is cover the couch and put out toys.) Distraction really is the key to help him through this as is your company.

I am sorry for your loss of Skyler. You can be sure she is grateful you are helping her brother through this sad time.

[dirgedoll]

Thank you both for your suggestions.
Since I am home all the time, I can let him out as much as possible.
Skyler was not caged, she slept on my bed in a blanket, and went on the opposite corner in the litter box when she had to go to the bathroom.
She slept in my pockets, the hood of my hoodie when i wore it, in my shirt sleeves.
My house is completely squirrel proof, and if I am out a lot, I had a really nice cage to let her nap in.

I got Griffin in the pouch today and he is fast asleep, has been all day.
He ran but as soon as I held him, and petted his head he began to relax, so I absolutely know that re-bonding with him, and pampering him and getting new things for him is the answer.
It is very true about the other squirrel. My luck he would hate her or vice versa lol

They are indeed sensitive little creatures, and very perceptive to emotion.
I will keep you posted as to how this works.

[dirgedoll]

Rebonding is indeed the answer.
We had our first playdate since Skyler passed away.
I am going to continue the bonding because I think it makes us both feel better.
I'm sure a new friend will come when the time is right.
In the meantime, he is perky and playful.

[farrelli]

Glad to hear it.

[lovesmice]

What happy news that Griffin is re-bonding with you. It is also very good to hear that he has been "perky and playful". Thank you for taking the time to update this thread.

[pixiepoo]

This is sort of morbid sounding but did you let him see her body? I know that with most animals, they fare better if they are allowed to see that their buddy has passed and was not just ripped away from them. :( so sad and I'm sorry for your loss. The second wave of babies should be starting so maybe a breeder will have some soon!

[lovesmice]

It was mentioned when a rodent passes the companion will "...fare better if they are allowed to see that their buddy has passed and was not just ripped away from them." Please do not think you did anything wrong if you removed Skyler's body immediately after she passed because there is no right or wrong way to handle this; just the individual's way. I certainly would not think of it as "ripping the body away" from the survivor either. The remains decompose quickly so it is not very healthy to leave it in the cage. Also, rodents are very clean animals and they will often bury the body of a deceased companion rather than leaving it in the nest. If this is not possible they might cannibalize it as a means to dispose of it. (Mothers are known to cannibalize a baby for a variety of reasons in which rarely will she kill the baby prior just to kill.) Anyway, my point is you should do whatever makes you comfortable. Neither way is "better" nor is one way "right" and the other way "wrong". Personally I prefer to remove the rodent that passed away as soon as possible as well as clean the cage and all accessories, but that is not to say the other person on here is incorrect because she kept the body in the cage for a while.