Sick Squirrel........Any suggestions?

[SquirrelyDad]

Hi Everyone,

I'm back and I'm needing some advice on “Rocky” and eastern gray who is sick with an upset stomach….I think?

Rocky (477g this morning) had started vomiting yesterday around (1p.m) the home made rodent block (maybe I offered too many since I was going to work) I know it was the rodent block because it was mushy he didn't eat anything after that. He drank water and thru the evening clear mucus was coming out (he drinks water from his 2 water bottles inside the cage) during the middle of the night it changed from clear to mucus w/reddish and white phlegm (about 4am). He has not vomited since but has lost his appetite a bit. He pooped and pee today since I have white cotton shirts at the bottom of the cage to monitor him. Can I continue to feed him the usual (home made rodent block, veggies, fruits) and wait to see if he eats on his own? I took away his food bowl yesterday because I was afraid he might throw up again. Any Suggestions will greatly appreciate it!!

Lillian

[CritterMom]

I know you have seen him drink but with all of the vomiting he is likely dehydrated, and the reduced appetite is a symptom of that. I would try to get some hydration into him. The following:

1 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons sugar
1 quart water

is a good choice to replace both fluids and electrolytes.

Before I feed the same blocks I think I would do some heavy duty investigation and make sure you don't have a problem there - something spoiled perhaps? It is very unusual for squirrels to vomit.

[SammysMom]

Crittermom is definitely right about what she is saying. Follow her instructions rather than just feeding him as I originally said.

[HRT4SQRLS]

I'm curious, what type of homemade blocks? Are you using the Henry's recipe? Has he had the blocks before?

[SquirrelyDad]

I know you have seen him drink but with all of the vomiting he is likely dehydrated, and the reduced appetite is a symptom of that. I would try to get some hydration into him. The following:

1 teaspoon salt
3 Tablespoons sugar
1 quart water

is a good choice to replace both fluids and electrolytes.

Before I feed the same blocks I think I would do some heavy duty investigation and make sure you don't have a problem there - something spoiled perhaps? It is very unusual for squirrels to vomit.

Thanks CritterMom,
Will force the hydration into him now. He does not take the syringe turns his head the other way. Can I put the (tsp salt, 3 sugar and water) inside the water bottles because that's the only way he drinks water?

[SquirrelyDad]

I'm curious, what type of homemade blocks? Are you using the Henry's recipe? Has he had the blocks before?

Yes, I always buy the Henry's block made, but have tried for the past 3 months doing it at home. Got the recipe on a post that Sammy's Mom posted.

This is the following ingredients:
Dry ingredients:
160 g Pure Whey Protein Isolate for adult formula
130 g finely ground nuts (pecans)
1/3 cup wheat flour (have not used)
1 tsp aluminum-free baking powder
1 package (33 g) Henry's Healthy Vita-Mins*

Wet ingredients:
1 whole egg
1 tsp vanilla or almond extract (optional)
1/2 cup water, or a little more, as needed

Once they are cooked, cut, and cooled I freeze them. I feed them frozen (1-3) during the day. Maybe I'm doing this wrong and need to stick to buying them already made?

[SquirrelyDad]

Crittermom is definitely right about what she is saying. Follow her instructions rather than just feeding him as I originally said.

Ok, will do:grouphug Thanks!!

[SammysMom]

How is Rocky feeling tonight?:grouphug

[HRT4SQRLS]

Yes, I always buy the Henry's block made, but have tried for the past 3 months doing it at home. Got the recipe on a post that Sammy's Mom posted.

This is the following ingredients:
Dry ingredients:
160 g Pure Whey Protein Isolate for adult formula
130 g finely ground nuts (pecans)
1/3 cup wheat flour (have not used)
1 tsp aluminum-free baking powder
1 package (33 g) Henry's Healthy Vita-Mins*

Wet ingredients:
1 whole egg
1 tsp vanilla or almond extract (optional)
1/2 cup water, or a little more, as needed

Once they are cooked, cut, and cooled I freeze them. I feed them frozen (1-3) during the day. Maybe I'm doing this wrong and need to stick to buying them already made?

I would confirm that recipe. I have made the HHB's a few times and that has double the protein that I use. The recipe I use calls for 80g of protein. All the other ingredients are the same. I'm not sure which version you are using. Maybe the recipe you have is the high protein version but I would check it to confirm.

[Nancy in New York]

I would confirm that recipe. I have made the HHB's a few times and that has double the protein that I use. The recipe I use calls for 80g of protein. All the other ingredients are the same. I'm not sure which version you are using. Maybe the recipe you have is the high protein version but I would check it to confirm.

This is what I found posted by Gayle as well. The 160 grams is for the growth formula blocks.


Homemade Squirrel Block Recipe
(Revised 11/01/11)
Makes approximately a 4-week supply for a 1-pound squirrel.

Preheat oven to 205 degrees Fahrenheit

Dry ingredients:
80 g Pure Whey Protein Isolate for adult formula (for growth formula, use 160 g).
130 g finely ground nuts (any kind; peanuts, pecans, or almonds work well)
1/3 cup wheat flour (optional)
1 tsp aluminum-free baking powder
1 package (33 g) Henry's Healthy Vita-Mins*

Wet ingredients:
1 whole egg
1 tsp vanilla or almond extract (optional)
1/2 cup water, or a little more, as needed (this is for growth formula only; do not add water to the adult formula unless the dough is too dry when mixed)

Instructions:
Place dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.

Add all the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix with a fork until dough sticks together. It will be fairly dry, like pie crust dough. Wearing gloves or with your bare hands (oiled), press the dough down and then start to knead it. Once the dough forms a ball, place it onto a lightly greased surface and knead a few more times until smooth and uniform in color. Roll dough out into a roll or flatten into a square, and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 1 1/2 hours. While still warm, cut into 60 pieces with a sharp knife

Allow the blocks to cool for at least 2 hours. Then place in zip-lock bags and store them in the fridge or freezer. They will keep in the fridge for several weeks. They will keep in the freezer for several months (unopened and with as much air as possible removed from the bag before sealing). Some squirrels enjoy eating them cold or frozen, but you can also put a cold block into the microwave for about 5-10 seconds to warm it up.

Feed 1-3 per day. Different squirrels will have different energy requirements.

[SquirrelyDad]

How is Rocky feeling tonight?:grouphug

Hi Gayle,
He is doing good. I pushed the hydration last night and he is himself again. Thank God.

[SquirrelyDad]

I would confirm that recipe. I have made the HHB's a few times and that has double the protein that I use. The recipe I use calls for 80g of protein. All the other ingredients are the same. I'm not sure which version you are using. Maybe the recipe you have is the high protein version but I would check it to confirm.

I think I made them with (160g) instead of the 80g of protein. I'm placing my order with Henry's today and will get them made, because I think I made it wrong and that explains why they are not eating them like they used to.:thinking