Flyer in need of help, Greenbrier County WV

[Nancy in New York]

I am posting this message for RedBrair, it was in the wrong section. :)
Welcome to TSB by the way!

RedBriar - Today 06:08 PM


While cutting down a hollow tree in our yard I found a baby flying squirrel. From pictures online I determined she was around 5 weeks old. I put her in my bra to get her warm and gave her the recommended water with sugar and salt. The next day I bought the recommended formula from TS and fed her with a syringe. She was not injured that I could tell. I tired unsuccessfully to get in touch with someone that could eventually get her back into the wild. There are way too many cats in my neighborhood to do it here. I go between wanting to keep her and letting a friend that has a walkin closet made into a playground for squirrels.
She has bitten all the hair off a portion of her tail and has scratched some hair off her back. I gave her a bath in baby shampoo and didn't find any fleas or lice. I put some anti itch cream on her and that seems to have helped. Anyone out there have any suggestions?

[RedBriar]

I have given Piper a tums and a deer antler as was suggested online. She has been off formula for about four days. She is eating cooked chicken, pecans, blackberries, carrots, grapes, apples, and corn. She loves to stay on my shoulder while I am doing dishes. She plays with a string like a cat as well as washes her face. She loves for me to rub her ears and pet her. She loves to hide in a sock. I have a he in a birdcage, but she gets out every night.

[RedBriar]

This is what I have been able to find for Piper to eat. I don't want to give it to ear untill some of you tell me that it is safe.

WILD HARVEST
Hamster and Gerbil
Advanced Nutrition Diet
with seeds, fruits, vegetables, and Grains

[RedBriar]

Thanks so much Nancy in New York. I have never been on a site like this. I will need a little direction.

[Bravo]

Hi RB, thanks for taking the time to care for this little one. :great A flyer can handle the following (and exhaustive) list of flyer foods. Go here: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?37700-HEALTHY-DIET-for-PET-Flying-Squirrels&highlight=flyer+diet

[stepnstone]

I am posting this message for RedBrair, it was in the wrong section. :)
Welcome to TSB by the way!

RedBriar - Today 06:08 PM

While cutting down a hollow tree in our yard I found a baby flying squirrel. From pictures online I determined she was around 5 weeks old. I put her in my bra to get her warm and gave her the recommended water with sugar and salt. The next day I bought the recommended formula from TS and fed her with a syringe. She was not injured that I could tell. I tired unsuccessfully to get in touch with someone that could eventually get her back into the wild. There are way too many cats in my neighborhood to do it here. I go between wanting to keep her and letting a friend that has a walkin closet made into a playground for squirrels.
She has bitten all the hair off a portion of her tail and has scratched some hair off her back. I gave her a bath in baby shampoo and didn't find any fleas or lice. I put some anti itch cream on her and that seems to have helped. Anyone out there have any suggestions?

:Welcometo TSB, glad to see your registration was finally worked out.

I'm hoping some flyer members will see your post and respond soon. In the meantime as far as nutrition she will need some type of rodent block such as what is on the Henry's site and I'm posting two sites for you to look over.
http://www.henryspets.com/hi-protein-blocks/
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?37700-HEALTHY-DIET-for-PET-Flying-Squirrels&highlight=flyer+diet

If you need to bathe her again original Dawn dish soap is what's recommended. If you can get a weight on her she can be dosed with Benadryl to help relieve itching. I would caution you on the use of anti itch creams without knowing what is in them and their possible reaction to it since they do groom themselves and can ingest it. Bathing is not going to get rid of mites if that is her problem. A single drop of revolution will. However I'd prefer for some flyer folks to weigh in as I am not in tune with flyers.

[Nancy in New York]

:Welcometo TSB, glad to see your registration was finally worked out.

I'm hoping some flyer members will see your post and respond soon. In the meantime as far as nutrition she will need some type of rodent block such as what is on the Henry's site and I'm posting two sites for you to look over.
http://www.henryspets.com/hi-protein-blocks/
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?37700-HEALTHY-DIET-for-PET-Flying-Squirrels&highlight=flyer+diet

If you need to bathe her again original Dawn dish soap is what's recommended. If you can get a weight on her she can be dosed with Benadryl to help relieve itching. I would caution you on the use of anti itch creams without knowing what is in them and their possible reaction to it since they do groom themselves and can ingest it. Bathing is not going to get rid of mites if that is her problem. A single drop of revolution will. However I'd prefer for some flyer folks to weigh in as I am not in tune with flyers.

I will alert HRT4SQRLS to this thread.
Oh and Citter Mom has a flyer too, so she will
also know the diet. :thumbsup

[CritterMom]

The suggestion of the Henry's Pets food is very important. Flyers have really dramatically different nutritional needs than hamsters and guinea pigs, so their food won't do.

Can you photograph the area she is messing with so we can see what it looks like?

[HRT4SQRLS]

:wave123 RedBriar

:Welcome to TheSquirrelBoard and the wacky world of being owned by a flyer. :serene

You've already received good advice from other members. I agree with CritterMom that it's a big NO on the gerbil and hampster food.

What type of formula are you using? Many rehabbers are using the Esbilac puppy formula with probiotics and prebiotics but most flyer people are still using FoxValley 32/40. I would offer it as long as your baby will take it. I have one that will be turning 5 years old this year that still loves his FoxValley in a tiny bowl. :grin2 You could try yogurt. I buy the Stoneyfield YoBaby yogurts (vanilla) because they are full fat yogurts. It's about the only full fat yogurt out there.

Flyers have higher protein requirements than other squirrels. They are omnivores. They eat plants and meat. In the wild they eat bugs and worms. In captivity we feed mealworms and WaxWorms. The chicken you're using is good also. I buy PureBites dehydrated chicken breast. It is a dog treat that is very high in protein.

The flyer diet has a large list of healthy vegetables. My boys seem to like the hard squashes like butternut and acorn squash. Of course, they ALL love avocado. We limit seeds because they have a very off balance calcium to phosphorus ratio. The best foods have a ratio of 2:1 calcium: phosphorus. Nuts are limited also because they too have a bad ratio. Unfortunately, the foods that they love (nuts, seeds,corn) are unhealthy. They can have some but they must be limited as treats.

You need to replace the cage. I'm sure the bars are spaced too far apart. The bar spacing should be no larger than 1/2 inch.
Be very careful with the baby getting out. They can get in so much trouble. The first place they go is to the bathroom. They are drawn to the water and they can drown in the toilet. It's the number one cause of death in the home. I will post a pic of a toilet ladder. Yes, seriously. I have them. :jump:peace

[HRT4SQRLS]

This is a toilet ladder. :grin2

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This is a sample food plate for my flyers. Of course, it's WAY more than they eat. We waste a lot of food around here. Two important things on the plate is the Henry's Healthy Block and mushrooms. They get vitamin D from mushrooms. They also get a pinch of dry 'real' oatmeal and a pinch of granola and their dry or cooked chicken. They also get meal worm or WaxWorms. Yes, their food costs more than mine. :tilt I do see a few seeds on the plate. Occasionally, I give them a few seeds out of the squash as a treat.

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[Bravo]

Posting these for RB

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[Mommaluvy]

Any possiblity of cat attack?

It may have been the picture but i thought i saw bloody crusty nearer to the tail end of the larger balding spot.

[RedBriar]

The suggestion of the Henry's Pets food is very important. Flyers have really dramatically different nutritional needs than hamsters and guinea pigs, so their food won't do.

Can you photograph the area she is messing with so we can see what it looks like?

I have pictures, but don't know how to upload, I am using an iPad if that makes a difference. Greg will be posting them for me.

[RedBriar]

No cat attack. I think she was stunned when the tree fell, she was just sitting there. She started scratching and biting herself, I couldn't find any reason for it. It is getting worse. She is mainly doing it when I am not holding her. Right now she is asleep in the crook of my arm.

[RedBriar]

I love the ladder idea. 😀
I gave Piper yogurt, she will,only lick it off my finger.
She loves avocado.

[stepnstone]

It is a possibility she does have mites and needs to be treated for it but
first concern seeing those pictures she looks to be very dehydrated to me

[RedBriar]

Lost my last post. I leave water out for Piper, she drinks about 8 seconds when she drinks. When I have her out, I offer her water, she does not always drink it. Should I make more of the water with sugar and salt? Also, what should I do about mites? I have looked her over very well and can't see anything on her body.

[CritterMom]

Are you feeding her formula? What kind? Give her the rehydration solution with the salt and sugar, warmed, by syringe, just like you would the normal formula feedings. Tomorrow when you make the rehydration fluid for the day, leave the salt out and use just sugar and water, but continue to give her "water feedings" in between formula feedings.

[RedBriar]

I am not giving Piper any formula, I had read online they didn't need it after 6-7 weeks. I did make the water with sugar and salt tonight. She had about 2 1/2 cc, then wouldn't take more when she is done, she is done. I will go buy more formula tomorrow if you think it will help. Thanks so much for your help Critter Mom. What do you think her diet should be for the next month?

[RedBriar]

Is it possible that Piper thinks I am her mom? She eats better if I am holding her, she drinks if I give it to her, she doesn't scratch when she is either in my pocket, laying on me or sitting on my shoulder. I am afraid to let her sleep on me as I move a lot, and I have three dogs that already sleep with me. I really want to do what is best for her. Also what about the mites? Can you see them? Are they tiny enough that I wouldn't see them? Will a bath in dawn kill them? I am really worried about her. Has anyone else had this problem?

[stepnstone]

Is it possible that Piper thinks I am her mom? She eats better if I am holding her, she drinks if I give it to her, she doesn't scratch when she is either in my pocket, laying on me or sitting on my shoulder. I am afraid to let her sleep on me as I move a lot, and I have three dogs that already sleep with me. I really want to do what is best for her. Also what about the mites? Can you see them? Are they tiny enough that I wouldn't see them? Will a bath in dawn kill them? I am really worried about her. Has anyone else had this problem?

You are her provider, caretaker and protector. You nurture her and she feels safe with you, you are mom to her...
I would not let her sleep with you for the very reasons you mentioned, there have been unfortunate accidents.
Mites are microscopic, your not going to see them unless looking under a microscope and no, dawn will not kill them. Yours is not an isolated problem, we see this all the time. If you can get hold of some Revolution for puppies & kittens, 1 drop between the shoulders is all that's needed. Fleas, mites, mange mites, it can take care of it all. The problem getting revolution is it's RX but it can be purchased on line without script from Joe's pet meds. http://www.joespetmeds.com/

[Annabelle's papa]

I am not giving Piper any formula, I had read online they didn't need it after 6-7 weeks. I did make the water with sugar and salt tonight. She had about 2 1/2 cc, then wouldn't take more when she is done, she is done. I will go buy more formula tomorrow if you think it will help. Thanks so much for your help Critter Mom. What do you think her diet should be for the next month?


Is it possible that Piper thinks I am her mom? She eats better if I am holding her, she drinks if I give it to her, she doesn't scratch when she is either in my pocket, laying on me or sitting on my shoulder. I am afraid to let her sleep on me as I move a lot, and I have three dogs that already sleep with me. I really want to do what is best for her. Also what about the mites? Can you see them? Are they tiny enough that I wouldn't see them? Will a bath in dawn kill them? I am really worried about her. Has anyone else had this problem?

:)Hi RedBriar, and :Welcome to The Squirrel Board. I see you're in WV, our Daughter in law has Family in Beckley and Parkersburg, Beautiful State indeed.:thumbsup

:)You have already received the best available advice and recommendations, I'm assuming the original formula you purchased was the canned liquid or you wouldn't need to purchase some more so soon. I'm also not sure which site mentioned that formula was no longer needed after just 6-7 weeks, but formula should be fed to your Lil' One for as long as she will take it from a syringe. And flyer's will continue drinking some from a shallow dish as they get older, and should be offered formula their entire life.

At Piper's age you should also introduce a High Protein food block made especially for Flyer's , and these blocks if ordered today could arrive to you as soon as Saturday;http://www.henryspets.com/hi-protein-blocks/

Additional formula can also be purchased from this same site;http://www.henryspets.com/fox-valley-day-one-formula-32-40/

It is nearly impossible to provide a nutritious diet for Lil' Piper without using these flyer blocks along with the healthy foods you are already feeding, although the nuts and seeds should be limited, per the Healthy diet chart I believe you have already been studying; http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

Flying squirrels and tree squirrels need a diet rich in calcium or they 'Will' develop MBD, (metabolic bone disease) think osteoporosis in humans, their bones will weaken and become prone to breaking. This condition is extremely painful and will lead to paralysis and eventually Death.:sadness http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?32122-MBD-Treatment

As mentioned Piper does look upon you as a mother or 'parent' figure, because she is totally dependent on you to provide for her everything she needs and is unable to get on her own.:)

[Annabelle's papa]

:) Hi again RedBriar, you will also need an inexpensive electronic digital scale to keep a close eye on Lil' Piper's weight, below is an image of one you can get in the house ware dept of Walmart for only 15.00. If you need a new syringe, the red syringes below are available from the pharmacy counter of Walgreens, they are available free of charge if you mention that you have a kitten you are trying to feed. Here is a link to a temporary goats milk formula you should make and begin feeding Lil' Piper until you receive some better food from Henry's.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?29904-TEMPORARY-Goat-s-Milk-Formula***



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[HRT4SQRLS]

I am not giving Piper any formula, I had read online they didn't need it after 6-7 weeks. I did make the water with sugar and salt tonight. She had about 2 1/2 cc, then wouldn't take more when she is done, she is done. I will go buy more formula tomorrow if you think it will help. Thanks so much for your help Critter Mom. What do you think her diet should be for the next month?

RedBriar,
PLEASE, get some formula for Piper. From the pic, her overall condition looks compromised. She does NOT look like a typical flyer. I have a near 5 year old that drinks formula out of a bowl. She really does need the 'extras' to get her health back on track. The formula will help. :thumbsup

[CritterMom]

OK. I am glad I asked that question.

I have to tell you that I don't think she has mites. I think you are seeing issues caused by malnutrition because of the no formula thing. I hope you didn't read that HERE anywhere.

I would treat this as life threatening. Please do this:

Annabelle's Papa gave you a link to some blocks: http://www.henryspets.com/hi-protein-blocks/. You need to order those, but you need other stuff from the site. The best formula for flying squirrels is Fox Valley 32/40: http://www.henryspets.com/fox-valley-day-one-formula-32-40/. Get a bag of that. You need feeding supplies too - you cannot rely on this baby just drinking from a dish. Buy a few syringes: http://www.henryspets.com/miracle-o-ring-slip-tip-syringes/ (you want the 1cc size) and some nipples too: http://www.henryspets.com/silicone-mothering-nipples/

You really need to order this stuff NOW to get it coming fast. There is a place where you can put comments when you place your order - if you give a link to this thread in that field I am sure Henry's owner will ship ASAP.

But this baby cannot be without the nutrition she needs until that formula comes in. Go to the grocery or drug store and buy a bottle of Ensure, the meal replacement shakes. Try to get vanilla if you can. If you do not have a 1cc syringe to feed with, stop at the drug store and go back to the pharmacy and tell them you are trying to handfeed a newborn kitten and desperately need a 1cc syringe - they will usually give you a cheap one that will do until your order comes in.

I would start by diluting the Ensure 50/50 with water. Warm it up to 100 - 105 degrees and offer it to her by syringe. Keep an eye on her poops as the Ensure has a lot of sugar in it and that can cause loose poops. If they remain normal, reduce the amount of water you are adding to it until you are feeding full strength. Hopefully you will have your other supplies shortly after that.

If that baby was mine I would do all of those things THIS MORNNG...

[RedBriar]

Thank so much guys, I will be hunting stores with food this morning. I did make her take the sugar water last night three times, and again this morning. I did notice after feeding her avocado, her poop is lighter and loose. I will order what I can't find this morning. She does seem to be feeling better this morning. I am horrified that she is dehydrated. I have offered her plenty of food and water. When I was giving her formula or water, when she was done, she would fight to get down. No it wasn't here that I read about how long to give formula. The site I read that on also said that squirrels would never become pets, and had no feelings. I found that to be untrue very fast.

[Bravo]

The site I read that on also said that squirrels would never become pets, and had no feelings.

Squirrels as pets is a delicate subject and I think decisions sometimes need to be made for specific situations. As a rule TSB promotes returning squirrels in good health back to the wild where they came from. One squirrel is a large commitment. Their teeth never stop growing, so they need things to chew. Constantly. They need to be confined to a specific area, whether a room (if that's an option) or an oversized cage that will allow a tree-climbing animal enough space to climb and jump. Meanwhile, they will nibble and bite- as wild animals, that's how they communicate- and their claws are sharp.

I believe all animals with a degree of sentience have the capacity to feel and experience emotions. Any number of members here will agree. :)

[CritterMom]

The only things you will be able to find locally are the Ensure and syringes. The rest will need to be ordered.

[RedBriar]

I bought the Esbilac this morning and fed Piper with syringe that has a catheter on the end (the type you use for starting an IV. That is what I used from the beginning, it is just not working very smoothly. I tried several,places around here to get another with no luck. I did have to make Piper take the formula, she didn't take much. Then I put it in a bowl and she did lap some up. I will try every couple of hours to get her to drink either the formula or the water mixture. I could not find the other things, so I am getting ready to order some. I patted her back and tail last night with betadine diluted with distiller water. It seems to have helped. I sure hope this works as she is such a sweetheart.

[CritterMom]

Oh, the Esbilac is even better than Ensure. I wish you didn't have to also buy the Fox Valley, but the Esbilac is only good as a temporary food for a flyer. They need more fat and more protein than our other squirrels do.

[RedBriar]

I just placed my order at Henryspets. I ordered al three nipple types, a bag of high protein blocks, and the recommended formula. I have not seen Piper scratching today. Hopefully she is on her way to being healthy. I will send a pic to Greg of the cage I have fixed for her., hopefully he will post them for me. I need you to be straight with me if you think it is OK. Another thing I thought of last night was the sock I gave her to sleep in. It possibly has wool in it. I took it away yesterday.

[Bravo]

Latest pics... 258080258081

[CritterMom]

Um...If those cage bars are more than 1/2 inch apart that little thing will be out of that cage faster than you can form that thought! 1/2 inch - nothing more than that - honest!

Are you handy with tools at all? Very nice cages can be made with wood and wire hardware cloth that you can customize to fit your home.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Hi RedBriar,
Thanks for being so attentive to Piper's needs. I can tell that she has already won your heart. :Love_Icon Flyer's do that. :tilt

I wanted to comment on the info you found on the 'other' site about formula and squirrels as pets and having no feelings. I think we've already covered the misinformation about the formula. :shakehead

I, personally do agree that MOST grey squirrels are not pet material. When they reach a certain age, most will begin to wild up and make it quite obvious to their adopted mom that they prefer the trees to the lavish life that we give them inside our homes. They want to GO and be squirrels in the trees.
Flyers are completely different from grey squirrels. They are colony dwellers and live in large bonded groups like a family. Grey squirrels are not like that. Flyers have the ability to bond very tightly with human family. A bonded flyer wants to be with their human. Of course, the younger they are when you get them the more bonded they will be but it is possible to bond with an adult flyer. It just takes more effort.
I'm sure Piper has already shown you some of her personality. :tilt

You asked for opinions on the cage so here ya go. I don't have a reference for the bar spacing but it does look a bit large to me. The bar spacing for a flyer should be no larger than 1/2 inch.
I am including the pic with red arrows. The area that is highlighted is a concern to me. It looks like what we call panel caging. That is where the walls are individual panels and are attached together. The problem with this type of cage is that they can lose toes if their feet slide down to pinch points. One of my flyers is missing a couple toes on his front paws caused by pinch points on a cage. I'm not sure your cage has this but it's something for you to be aware of.

You've done a nice job accessorizing Piper's cage. :grin2
I don't know if we've discussed this but we don't use towels because of the loops that can get caught on their tiny claws. We use fleece instead. I have some dark fleece draped over the top of each of my flyers cages. This gives them some dark private space in the top of the cage. It makes them feel more secure. I hang the cubes from the top of the cage so they like to sit on top of the cube in the dark. :tilt

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[RedBriar]

You are right, Piper slips right out when she wants. I put her in a drawer beside my bed at night. If I don't find a good place for Piper to play, I will be giving her to my friend that has a great place. I am sure she can't be rehabbed because she is not afraid of my dogs. I do want her to be where everyone is, not stuck in a room away from everything. I think I can make a larger cage, if not, I have people that can do it for me. She is happiest when she is on me, especially under my shirt. She will turn a dozen times to get situated in my hands to nap.

[HRT4SQRLS]

. She is happiest when she is on me, especially under my shirt. She will turn a dozen times to get situated in my hands to nap.

:serene

[RedBriar]

You are right, the spacing is too wide. I had no idea they could get their feet caught. I welcome suggestions. I had read that flyers need trees and dirt. I trimmed a treetop to fit in the cage. I have seen her chewing on the bark a couple times. I also read she would need some dirt to play in. Is that true? I gave her some acorns with wormholes, she couldn't break them, is she too young? I have a deer antler in her cage, she has nibbled it a few times, but she does like the tums.

[HRT4SQRLS]

NO acorns. Here's the deal with acorns... acorns are moist inside and can grow fungus. Fungi can produce aflatoxins which are deadly. Acorns on the ground this time of year are definitely not safe because they have been on the ground since fall. Most acorns on the ground now would be moldy.

Flyers LOVE branches but make sure they are from 'safe' trees. We have a list.

I know there are some that use dirt in the flyer cage but I don't myself. It is very messy. I had fleece pads made that fit the bottom of the cage. They are several layers thick and they cushion the floor and absorb urine. Some use bedding like CareFresh in the bottom but that's expensive and it's also messy.

Antler are great as are the Tums. :thumbsup

[pixiepoo]

Hi there! :) she is such a cutie! I can tell how much you care about her and she is very lucky that you found her. :)

Does she by chance move her hind end normally? With my rehabs I've noticed that when they tend to overgroom/chew, it is often linked to pain, incomplete diet or stress. Everyone is giving great advice about her diet and if she likes vanilla yogurt, that is also a good source of calcium for her (I mix it into the formula). I will keep my fingers crossed that it is an easy fix for your sweet Piper (love the name btw!). :blowkiss

[Annabelle's papa]

You are right, the spacing is too wide. I had no idea they could get their feet caught. I welcome suggestions. I had read that flyers need trees and dirt. I trimmed a treetop to fit in the cage. I have seen her chewing on the bark a couple times. I also read she would need some dirt to play in. Is that true? I gave her some acorns with wormholes, she couldn't break them, is she too young? I have a deer antler in her cage, she has nibbled it a few times, but she does like the tums.

:)Hi RedBriar, here is an image of a single branch held to the wall in a corner with one screw, a few inexpensive stuffies add a bit of interest.:thumbsup

As mentioned, dirt can be 'dirty' and even if you purchase special organic soil you really don't know what you're getting. We use a wide shallow pan of plain (no clumping, no deodorizing, no nothing) clay cat litter for our Lil' One to occasionally play and dig around.:dance



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[RedBriar]

When Piper started grooming herself, it led to licking and scratching. We did not see her til we were cleaning up the branches, she was just sitting and seemed to be stunned, I didn't see anything wrong with her, so when she started licking and biting herself, I wondered if she had hurt her back and she was feeling pain or numbness. She is getting so fast now that I don't think that was the case. I think she was dehydrated. She is doing better since I made her drink the water mix, and formula. As for yogurt, she loves it, if I give it to her on my finger. Pretty sure I am not gonna give her dirt, but the clay seems like a good choice.

[RedBriar]

The acorns that I gave Piper were ones I brought inside last fall for crafts so they are not moldy. They are dry, are they safe? It is no problem because she didn't seem to like them. I put Viva paper towels in her cage, the new ones are strong and really soft. Easy to clean the cage, it also has a drawer to pull out to clean up the bottom. I am gonna make a hammock for the top, she gets under the unstuffed animals to hide. I love the branch on the wall, is that a pool noodle I see attached?

[pixiepoo]

I am so glad she is improving :) she will look so nice when all of her hair comes back in. I can imagine she isn't the most graceful ar gliding with a tail hair missing (Granted, mine were never graceful at that age, even with fully furred tails!).
:grin3

As for ther acorns, I wouldn't give them to her. They may be shriveled up since they are from last year.

[Annabelle's papa]

:)Good Morning RedBriar, I hope Lil' Piper is doing better today, the (plain) cat litter is a clean alternative, and the clay itself is something Piper might 'munch' a little of, if her tummy becomes upset. And yes that particular branch does have a short piece of pool noodle on it, but it wasn't really necessary, ( just experimenting):tilt

The acorns just aren't worth the risk, neither are chestnuts for the same reason, too many other options available and Flyers shouldn't ingest even a small amount of something toxic. CritterMom posted this link for me last Nov www.nativenuts.com and they sell 'Shagbark Hickory nuts', very small and hard shelled, absolutely perfect for Lil' Piper to keep her teeth worn down. Unfortunately they don't have anything in stock until Fall, if you order a few pounds from them they can be stored in the freezer all year.:thumbsup

Another item we find works really well for our Annabelle is a pet net stuffed animal storage device, you shouldn't put it up very high for Piper until she is much older, but they are worth having;

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Dreambaby-Toy-Hammock-and-Toy-Chain/15599948



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[RedBriar]

Mornin Annabelles Papa,
Piper is doing much better today. When I pick her up in the morning, she "purrs" without sound, like someone else had said. She had formula, yogurt, and avocado. Not much avocado because she wanted yogurt. She licks it off my finger. She is pretty insistent in getting what she wants. Very strong and wiggly. When I put her in her cage, I try to put her on a top branch, but she won't go. She likes to sleep under the unstuffs. I have formula and sugar water in there for her now as well as a tums, which she took to bed with her. She does sleep a lot, is that normal?

[Annabelle's papa]

Mornin Annabelles Papa,
Piper is doing much better today. When I pick her up in the morning, she "purrs" without sound, like someone else had said. She had formula, yogurt, and avocado. Not much avocado because she wanted yogurt. She licks it off my finger. She is pretty insistent in getting what she wants. Very strong and wiggly. When I put her in her cage, I try to put her on a top branch, but she won't go. She likes to sleep under the unstuffs. I have formula and sugar water in there for her now as well as a tums, which she took to bed with her. She does sleep a lot, is that normal?

:) Hi RedBriar, yes when they are young sleeping is their priority, and even when Ms. Piper is older she will sleep more than she stay's awake. :tilt When they are still small it's best to keep them low, even when She begins to leap or glide you have to limit the heights they have access to until they are about 5 or 6 months old.:thumbsup

And the avocado is very good for them, especially for adding weight, but did you see in the healthy diet chart that the pit or skin of an avocado is toxic, only the soft meat part is safe.:great

[Bravo]

:yeahthat Good to read the latest, RB. Would add - if you're not already aware- that flying squirrels are nocturnal, and Piper's hours may start to change as time goes on. Others here could comment further. Hoping you start seeing her fur growing in.

[RedBriar]

I only give her the meat of the avocado, I have to hold it for her., as well as feed her yogurt off my finger. She is getting spoiled already. I read they were nocturnal. I hear her chewing on the antler some at night. When I move an unstuff in the morning, she looks at me with half open eyes, still sleepy, then crawls up my arm to go get breakfast. She does have her own personality, and I love it.

[CritterMom]

Early morning is my favorite time with my flyer - he isn't quite as wired as he is when he first gets up in the early evening, and we have some fun play times then. Of course I am an early bird.

[imgodsgirl07]

So glad to hear piper is doing better..

[RedBriar]

It is amazing just how fast flyers are. Piper has been up around two hours. After she had supper, she has been running around and climbing the curtains and playing on the metal headboard. She is now in her drawer getting ready for bed. I always put food in there at night as well as day in case she gets hungry. Is it possible to eat too much yogurt? That is the first thing she goes for, and won't eat much else if she gets it first. I try to give her other things first, but she is always looking for it.

[RedBriar]

Annabelles papa, I read that you have family in beckley and Parkersburg. Would they be part of the Hayes family?

[HRT4SQRLS]

I only give her the meat of the avocado, I have to hold it for her., as well as feed her yogurt off my finger. She is getting spoiled already. I read they were nocturnal. I hear her chewing on the antler some at night. When I move an unstuff in the morning, she looks at me with half open eyes, still sleepy, then crawls up my arm to go get breakfast. She does have her own personality, and I love it.

I doubt she's chewing on the antler. She probably eating your furniture. :peace :jump

I could hear one of my boys in the night stand. I knew he was shredding a phone book and I thought, that's OK ... who uses those anyway ... until I discovered he was eating the wood also.
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By the way, drawers in furniture aren't secure. They can exit out the back of the drawer. There are a lot of hazards in the home ... electric cords, toilets, etc. If there is a hazard to be found, a flyer will find it. :tilt

[RedBriar]

I knew the drawers are not secure, she hasn't found the way out yet. It is a very slim area for her to get out the top. When I put her to bed, it is after she has played pretty hard. She goes directly under the toys and goes to sleep. I check on her a lot during the night. When I lift up a toy she is under, she lifts up her head, sniffs me and goes back to sleep. So far no furniture has been chewed. I am used to that. I raised a rabbit about thirty years ago. It slept with my poodle and ate her food. It did chew a lot of things. I also have puppy teeth marks on some furniture from teething. It goes with the territory. I imagine it will be fun when she discovers the toilet paper roll.

[imgodsgirl07]

This is so funny...This is definitely the sign of "the squirrel magic" critter Mom " talks about...she has already fell in love with little piper. They're easy to fall in love with..to cute..she had a rebuttal to everything lol...keep loving..They're perfect little creatures.