New Squirrel Mom has a question

[KKATT5]

First of all... Thank you for having this forum and web page. It is a life saver. Literally!

I have had my gray baby squirrel (Rocky, named after the squirrel in Bull Winkle and Rocky cartoon) for a week now. He seems to be growing, eating, potty well. My questions are...1. how much should he weigh at 2 or 3 weeks, right now he weighs 42.1 grams (I believe he is 3 weeks)? He is eating Esbilac powder form with cream. I use the P-lyte when needed 2. And not sure why his tail and bottom of his back looks dry, I'm guessing maybe he is dehydrated, but I do the skin pinch and all seems ok there. I do use the warm water to encourage his potty. Is that drying his skin out? What should I be doing or not doing? 3. I have to be gone from the house for about 6 hrs. I can take him with me, but need some information on travel suggestion about eating, staying warm, and potty issues. I will be in a car driving. I would appreciate all the information I can get. Thanks. Kkatt5

[Spanky]

First of all... Thank you for having this forum and web page. It is a life saver. Literally!

I have had my gray baby squirrel (Rocky, named after the squirrel in Bull Winkle and Rocky cartoon) for a week now. He seems to be growing, eating, potty well. My questions are...1. how much should he weigh at 2 or 3 weeks, right now he weighs 42.1 grams (I believe he is 3 weeks)?

So his eyes are not open yet? Squirrels come in all sizes and FL squirrels tend to be smaller (they tend to be larger the further north you go) but I would say that weight is about right for 3 weeks, but others will weigh in.


He is eating Esbilac powder form with cream. I use the P-lyte when needed

The p-lyte should be given in between feedings, and not with the feedings (just conforming).


2. And not sure why his tail and bottom of his back looks dry, I'm guessing maybe he is dehydrated, but I do the skin pinch and all seems ok there. I do use the warm water to encourage his potty. Is that drying his skin out? What should I be doing or not doing?

When you say using water, do you mean submerging his hind end into the water? If yes, I would say that could very well be drying the little guy out.



3. I have to be gone from the house for about 6 hrs. I can take him with me, but need some information on travel suggestion about eating, staying warm, and potty issues. I will be in a car driving. I would appreciate all the information I can get. Thanks. Kkatt5

Are you planning to cross state lines? Squirrels are okay in FL but not other states, so if you are crossing into another state obey all the laws (e.g. no speeding!).. you do not want to be pulled over and have your squirrel confiscated.

It's not a good idea to remove them from their travel cage when in the car as a squirrel on the loose and driving is not a good mix. If you have to feed do not do it while driving. Keep the cage covered and dark so they do not get too anxious and If they are covered and you do get pulled over outside of FL, just say its a pet rat.

[KKATT5]

I will try to attach a picture of Rocky.

Also, I leave this Wed. for my 6 hr drive to Orlando airport. Will need suggestions on how to keep Rocky warm and feed him successful on the road.

[KKATT5]

No crossing of state lines, staying in FL. I posted a picture of Rocky. He just started getting some hair on his tail.

I do feed P-Lyte about an hour after I feed him his regular formula. But only if needed.

I only wipe him to potty. I have not had to dunk yet. Hopefully I won't have to.

I will not feed him or let him out to run around seeing that he does not do that anyway, but wanted to know what I could do about keeping him warm since I will not have his heating pad and heated bottles only last so long. Is it ok to have the formula at room temperature for the time away from a frig or any heating devices for his feeding times.

Thanks for your replies.

[Spanky]

I will not feed him or let him out to run around seeing that he does not do that anyway, but wanted to know what I could do about keeping him warm since I will not have his heating pad and heated bottles only last so long.

Unsure if you can get them in FL but those chemical hand warmers ("HotHands") would be an option for providing warm.


Is it ok to have the formula at room temperature for the time away from a frig or any heating devices for his feeding times.

Since you are probably feeding about every 3 hours, maybe arrange the schedule so he is fed just before leaving, once on the road then again when you get home / arrive? I'd keep the formula on ice in a cooler then stop at a fast food place like McD's and go inside and get a cup or two of hot water to warm the formula. If the rest room only has cold water, get a cup of hot water (like for tea) at the counter?

[KKATT5]

Awesome ideas, thanks. I'm not sure if I can find the hand warmers or socks here in FL especially now when it is so hot... lol

I was planning on stopping at McD's for the hot water.

Here is another picture of my boy all snuggled in his new bed.

259836

[Delo729]

Target sells these travel heating pads?

http://www.target.com/p/trillium-12-volt-heated-travel-pad/-/A-11052542

Amazon sells the same ones for less if you have time to order one.

[Mommaluvy]

I have also used 7 - 10 hour hand warmers to supply heat. Usually in the hunting section of a wal mart or a store like that. Something like this

http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/S-14297B/Protective-Clothing-and-Personal-Safety/HotHands-Hand-Warmers-Bulk-Pack?pricode=WY759&gadtype=pla&id=S-14297B&gclid=CjwKEAjw2cOsBRD3xNbRp5eQxzYSJADZGYbz6BqZfakC mJLvAbdjG_bvP7jzO013PzxOMvV3o1I-kxoCLr3w_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

But now I am eyeballing that swaaaweeeeet travel pad that someone posted.

But the good news is the hand warmers enable me to put the whole container in my big squirrel purse.. and be cord free :P I have to travel weekly an if I have some that have to eat every 2-3 hours .. then they must go with me.

[crazy4squirrels]

Rice buddy and when you stop at a Circle K or gas station wrap in a paper towel and heat in microwave. I have done that a few times

[KKATT5]

Update on Rocky...Thank you all for the good ideas about keeping Rocky warm. We made the trip and he did fabulous. We used the rice sock since in FL we could not find the hand warmers. He now weighs 119.6 grams and eating 6ml of formula. I am searching for a list of how much to feed him. I saw one in the forum when I was browsing, but now I do not remember where it is. I am wondering does he need the calcium and such now? He has not opened his eyes yet and I feel his upper and bottom teeth now. I did notice that his poop has turned a darker color...is that normal? Also, is it normal to not poop every time after he eats? I ordered his cage and baby block, formula from Henry's. I am not sure if he will nibble on it since his eyes are still closed. I know so many questions...but I know I will get the answers from all of you.

Here is an updated picture of him...he is so adorable. He loves to sleep on his back...too cute.260412260413

[Nancy in New York]

Update on Rocky...Thank you all for the good ideas about keeping Rocky warm. We made the trip and he did fabulous. We used the rice sock since in FL we could not find the hand warmers. He now weighs 119.6 grams and eating 6ml of formula. I am searching for a list of how much to feed him. I saw one in the forum when I was browsing, but now I do not remember where it is. I am wondering does he need the calcium and such now? He has not opened his eyes yet and I feel his upper and bottom teeth now. I did notice that his poop has turned a darker color...is that normal? Also, is it normal to not poop every time after he eats? I ordered his cage and baby block, formula from Henry's. I am not sure if he will nibble on it since his eyes are still closed. I know so many questions...but I know I will get the answers from all of you.

Here is an updated picture of him...he is so adorable. He loves to sleep on his back...too cute.260412260413

Sorry didn't read the whole thread.
What formula are you feeding.
The rule of thumb is to feed 5-7% of their body weight, and since the eyes are still closed, do so every 4 hours round the clock. If he still seems terribly hungry, increase it a little at a time even if it goes a little bit above the 7% of his body weight.
Now is probably the most vital time for them to have calcium/formula, while they are growing and the bones are developing. NEVER wean a squirrel off of the formula. Even if they stop taking the syringe, offer a bowl of it. To start, just skim the bottom of the bowl with warmed formula and then when he's done gradually add more until he gets the hang of eating from a bowl. BUT that will be weeks down the line. Calcium is the key to a healthy squirrel, so make sure you know what to feed him when he starts eating solids. If you start off with ALL the good stuff, and no "junk" (or in small moderation) you will have a healthy baby/adult!

By the way.......................Rocky is ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:klunk

OK I just saw where you are feeding the Esbilac. Is this the powdered puppy Esbilac? Does this have the probiotics? If you are unsure, what is the 3rd ingredient?

[KKATT5]

Here is an update on Rocky.

His eyes are open, so that tells me he is at least 5 weeks old. He is growing so fast, he is now 145.7 oz and now on the Fox Valley Formula 20/50. I also got him the rodent blocks for babies. It does say wait till he is 8 weeks old to start. Is there anything I can give him to chew on? Play toys?

260732

[Spanky]

You can put tree branches in his cage to chew on and play with; the healthy squirrel diet also lists "safe" trees.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

You can also give him little "stuffie" toys for play... cat / dog / bird toys. Make sure there is nothing to choke on like buttons, beads, bling.

Your Rocky is adorable!