5wk old baby squirrel lethargic

[alaynesweety]

Good morning everyone! :) My 5 week old baby squirrel is currently lethargic. He doesn't have pnuenomia, I checked his lungs and his lungs are clear, no clicking either. But a new problem has risen, he won't eat, use the potty, and his back legs aren't working (he can't climb) and he's just very weak. I called a local rehabber and she's supposed to call me back. I just don't know if I should bring him to the vet because then they'll take him away. What should we do? Any suggestions? I don't know how much he weighs but he drinks 2 1/2 3cc of formula every four hours. My mom is currently trying to give him sugar water.

[Spanky]

Good morning everyone! :) My 5 week old baby squirrel is currently lethargic. He doesn't have pnuenomia, I checked his lungs and his lungs are clear, no clicking either. But a new problem has risen, he won't eat, use the potty, and his back legs aren't working (he can't climb) and he's just very weak. I called a local rehabber and she's supposed to call me back. I just don't know if I should bring him to the vet because then they'll take him away. What should we do? Any suggestions?

If you start a thread titled "Rehabber Help Needed in New Jersey" you'll have a better chance of catching a members attention that is in your area.


I don't know how much he weighs but he drinks 2 1/2 3cc of formula every four hours. My mom is currently trying to give him sugar water.

You can try placing a small amount of molasses in his mouth. This can be absorbed even if he does not swallow and should help perk him up. You can use corn syrup, honey etc. if you have no molasses.

You really need to be able to weight him to know how much to feed, which is 5% - 7% of body weight each feeding. For example, a 100gm squirrel would be feed between 5ml - 7ml each feeding.

Now, questions... extremely important questions:
How long have you had this little one?

And what exactly and specifically have you been feeding them?

How are you keeping him warm?

[Shewhosweptforest]

Also, if you have any molasses (the best because of minerals) maple syrup or karo syrup you could rub some on his gums, tongue...a lot of times this will perk them up if they're having a drop in their blood sugar:thumbsup I would push hydration, too....like your mom is currently trying...don't get discouraged .....drops count...keep trying and make sure it doesn't get cold...really warm:thumbsup Also, I always feel if you keep them close ...I usually set them on my tummy or chest:dono it gives them support....I believe it's a mental battle with these little ones...sometimes it comes down to the will to live and not give up :Love_Icon I'm praying for you guys:please

Oh and don't take him to the vet...a lot, most will just euthanize :shakehead

[alaynesweety]

Im sorry, we're kind of freaking out. :( we've had him and his sisters from a week and a day now, we feed him esbilac 3cc. We've been waiting for a scale to come in the maul. We use a heating pad, half on half off of the box

[Spanky]

I'm sorry, we're kind of freaking out. :( we've had him and his sisters from a week and a day now

Did you give him some molasses / maple syrup?

Check his privates to make sure they are not swollen, and make sure there is not a scab at the end of his penis making it so he cannot urinate. Sometimes siblings will suckle little boys (or they will suckle themselves). Let us know what you see!

[Shewhosweptforest]

Did you give him some molasses / maple syrup?

Check his privates to make sure they are not swollen, and make sure there is not a scab at the end of his penis making it so he cannot urinate. Sometimes siblings will suckle little boys (or they will suckle themselves). Let us know what you see!

Yes, that's a good point:thumbsup Do the sisters seem ok? Have you fed them anything besides formula?

:grouphug I'm sorry you're freaking out...I know it's horrible...but remember he wouldn't even be alive if you hadn't rescued him...and you're doing more for him than a vet would at this point. You're not responsible for this...you haven't had him very long...and sometimes after a week or more...issues will develop from their initial trauma...fall from tree...injuries from predator etc. you are doing an amazing job:thumbsup Breathe :hug

[alaynesweety]

Also, if you have any molasses (the best because of minerals) maple syrup or karo syrup you could rub some on his gums, tongue...a lot of times this will perk them up if they're having a drop in their blood sugar:thumbsup I would push hydration, too....like your mom is currently trying...don't get discouraged .....drops count...keep trying and make sure it doesn't get cold...really warm:thumbsup Also, I always feel if you keep them close ...I usually set them on my tummy or chest:dono it gives them support....I believe it's a mental battle with these little ones...sometimes it comes down to the will to live and not give up :Love_Icon I'm praying for you guys:please

Oh and don't take him to the vet...a lot, most will just euthanize :shakehead
Thank you. My mom is going to try that now. We're all praying he's okay. The vet told us that they would take him and his siblings away, since we're in New Jersey.

[alaynesweety]

Did you give him some molasses / maple syrup?

Check his privates to make sure they are not swollen, and make sure there is not a scab at the end of his penis making it so he cannot urinate. Sometimes siblings will suckle little boys (or they will suckle themselves). Let us know what you see!

His bum bum is a little swollen but not too bad. He's a little more active now but I'm not sure

[Sara in NW MS]

When you say he won't use the potty, do you mean he won't poop or he won't pee (or both?)?

Maybe someone else can chime in on this... would it be okay to try soaking him up to his arm pits in a small container of warm water? If you move your fingers down his body gently, maybe that will help move things along. You won't be able to tell if he pees but you could see if he pooped.

Anyone on here have better instructions for that? I know there are other issues going on with the little guy but if he's backed up that could make him feel bad.

Can you post pics of him? Be sure to include pics of his little belly too.

[Shewhosweptforest]

When you say he won't use the potty, do you mean he won't poop or he won't pee (or both?)?

Maybe someone else can chime in on this... would it be okay to try soaking him up to his arm pits in a small container of warm water? If you move your fingers down his body gently, maybe that will help move things along. You won't be able to tell if he pees but you could see if he pooped.

Anyone on here have better instructions for that? I know there are other issues going on with the little guy but if he's backed up that could make him feel bad.

Can you post pics of him? Be sure to include pics of his little belly too.

Good advice:thumbsup
How's he doing? I'm worried about the lil bub :Love_Icon