Questions about young squirrel!

[ClutterQueen]

Hello!

Today I was at my college campus when I noticed a commotion in the courtyard; a baby (or rather, young; bushy tail, teeth, eyes open) squirrel had run right up to a pair of boys and was clinging to their legs and following them determinedly when they tried to leave. They seemed a little freaked out by it, and the squirrel was coming dangerously close to being trampled by passing students because he continuously ran onto the shoes and legs of those walking past. He allowed me to pick him up and carry him to a less populated area of the campus, and continued to cling to me and burrow into the legs of my jeans while I called the campus to try to figure out what to do. They informed me that there was nothing they could do for him, and our nearest wildlife rehabilitator is 2 hours away. I sat with the squirrel for about 2 hours until it started getting dark, trying to see if it's mother was near, but could not locate any other squirrels near, until I brought him home with me.

I did some research about caring for young squirrels and found this forum. I got everything for the goat formula mix until I could order him the proper formula and tried to feed it to him with the appropriate syringe, but he seemed entirely uninterested in it each time I tried to feed him. It was warmed, and he didn't seem scared; in fact he seems to constantly want to be around me or my boyfriend when awake. Out of curiousity I offered him crushed up apples and broccoli stems, and he gobbled it down eagerly. He is currently sleeping mostly, but always seemed happy to wake up when I feed him. I also have alarms set to reheat the rice sock I have underneath the t-shirts he burrows in until I can get a heating pad. I've listened to him for signs of pneumonia and found none; he does make some interesting sounds though, described below. He has peed 2-3 times now, and had a bowel movement that was not runny or anything like that. Seemed "healthy".

So my questions are:

1) Is he maybe old enough to have already been weaned since he doesn't seem interested in formula at all? He has teeth, which seem fairly sharp but not to the point where it hurts when he nibbles. From pictures I think maybe he's 8-10 weeks old? (Pictures of him attatched below)

2) If he is too old for formula, what should I be feeding him? I read that veggies and fruits are more of treats and that he should eventually have rodent blocks; is this right, and if so, what brand would you reccommend? What should I avoid?

3) He seems to frequently make a sneezing noise. It's not really a sneeze but that's the closest I can come to describing it. It's not clicking, it silences when he's asleep, and it seems as if he's making the noise with his mouth. Is this normal?

4) Is there anything else I'm missing or need to know?

5) concerning water, I have it in a dish and he seems to recognize that it is water, but doesn't seem keen on drinking it. He dipped his muzzle in it once or twice; does he need a bottle for water?

I have done TONS of research since bringing him home but I want to make 100% sure that it's right since you can never be too sure!

Pictures below. I apologize for the quality; they were quickly snapped while he was nibbling on my fingers. You can kind of see the bushy tail in one, but I can take more tomorrow if needed.

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[Spanky]

:thankyou for helping this baby! This is fairly typical behavior for a young squirrel separated from mom looking for help, I am so glad you realized he needed help!

1) Is he maybe old enough to have already been weaned since he doesn't seem interested in formula at all? He has teeth, which seem fairly sharp but not to the point where it hurts when he nibbles. From pictures I think maybe he's 8-10 weeks old? (Pictures of him attached below)
Your age estimate is pretty close I think… I’d guess 8 or 9 weeks. The formula you are offering is pretty foreign to him versus mommy’s milk but keep trying. At his age he probably does not need the additional heat source as long as its “room temperature” (versus very cool / cold) but the wamr rice buddy is not a bad thing at all.


2) If he is too old for formula, what should I be feeding him? I read that veggies and fruits are more of treats and that he should eventually have rodent blocks; is this right, and if so, what brand would you recommend? What should I avoid?
Here is a link to the healthy diet chart:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels
Block now is a good idea. Avoid nuts, seeds and corn! Yes to block, veggies and fruit (in that order).


3) He seems to frequently make a sneezing noise. It's not really a sneeze but that's the closest I can come to describing it. It's not clicking, it silences when he's asleep, and it seems as if he's making the noise with his mouth. Is this normal?
They make all kinds of noises so it’s hard to know without seeing maybe a video. Not clicking is good!


4) Is there anything else I'm missing or need to know?
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?24133-THINKING-OF-RAISING-THAT-BABY-YOURSELF
If you’d like us to try to find someone to help with this baby and eventually releasing him, if you can provide your general location we can see if we can find someone to help.


5) concerning water, I have it in a dish and he seems to recognize that it is water, but doesn't seem keen on drinking it. He dipped his muzzle in it once or twice; does he need a bottle for water?
Keep the dish of water available and juicy veggies like watermelon, apples and such can help if you suspect he is dehydrated.

:Welcome to TSB and ask all the questions you want!

[stepnstone]

Glad you intervened.... :thumbsup


Hello!
Today I was at my college campus when I noticed a commotion in the courtyard; a baby (or rather, young; bushy tail, teeth, eyes open) squirrel had run right up to a pair of boys and was clinging to their legs and following them determinedly when they tried to leave. They seemed a little freaked out by it, and the squirrel was coming dangerously close to being trampled by passing students because he continuously ran onto the shoes and legs of those walking past. He allowed me to pick him up and carry him to a less populated area of the campus, and continued to cling to me and burrow into the legs of my jeans while I called the campus to try to figure out what to do. They informed me that there was nothing they could do for him, and our nearest wildlife rehabilitator is 2 hours away. I sat with the squirrel for about 2 hours until it started getting dark, trying to see if it's mother was near, but could not locate any other squirrels near, until I brought him home with me.

Babies often seek out humans and crawl up legs to seek comfort when they have been orphaned.

I did some research about caring for young squirrels and found this forum. I got everything for the goat formula mix until I could order him the proper formula and tried to feed it to him with the appropriate syringe, but he seemed entirely uninterested in it each time I tried to feed him. It was warmed, and he didn't seem scared; in fact he seems to constantly want to be around me or my boyfriend when awake. Out of curiousity I offered him crushed up apples and broccoli stems, and he gobbled it down eagerly. He is currently sleeping mostly, but always seemed happy to wake up when I feed him. I also have alarms set to reheat the rice sock I have underneath the t-shirts he burrows in until I can get a heating pad. I've listened to him for signs of pneumonia and found none; he does make some interesting sounds though, described below. He has peed 2-3 times now, and had a bowel movement that was not runny or anything like that. Seemed "healthy".

So my questions are:

1) Is he maybe old enough to have already been weaned since he doesn't seem interested in formula at all? He has teeth, which seem fairly sharp but not to the point where it hurts when he nibbles. From pictures I think maybe he's 8-10 weeks old? (Pictures of him attatched below)
He would still be nursing if mom was around...
The syringe is foreign to him, I personally would convince him
to still take formula. He needs it...
Formula recommendation is Esbilac puppy with the pro and pre biotics. Found in most pet supplies as well as other stores.

2) If he is too old for formula, what should I be feeding him? I read that veggies and fruits are more of treats and that he should eventually have rodent blocks; is this right, and if so, what brand would you reccommend? What should I avoid?
My personal recommendation is Henry' Healthy Blocks. (HHB"S They are made specifically for a squirrels daily nutritional requirements.
http://www.henryspets.com/
A good quality Rodent block should be the first solid food baby is introduced to and eating well before other foods are introduced.

3) He seems to frequently make a sneezing noise. It's not really a sneeze but that's the closest I can come to describing it. It's not clicking, it silences when he's asleep, and it seems as if he's making the noise with his mouth. Is this normal?
Baby grunts and noises are pretty normal...

4) Is there anything else I'm missing or need to know?

5) concerning water, I have it in a dish and he seems to recognize that it is water, but doesn't seem keen on drinking it. He dipped his muzzle in it once or twice; does he need a bottle for water?
Some members do use water bottles, some dish or both.
As I said he would and should still be nursing, not ready to drink on his own yet. It's important to get fluids into him, they can dehydrate rather quickly.

I have done TONS of research since bringing him home but I want to make 100% sure that it's right since you can never be too sure!
Research is good, our forums are packed with information. Ask any and all questions that come to mind...

Pictures below. I apologize for the quality; they were quickly snapped while he was nibbling on my fingers. You can kind of see the bushy tail in one, but I can take more tomorrow if needed.
Can you take a picture with sitting him down so we can get the "overall" appearance?

[Rocky1]

Q-tips/feeding syringe/clean quality paintbrush
Offering a wet q-tip (with water) and putting the wet q-tip up to the baby's lips, might result in the baby drinking from the q-tip.

Position of body and head when feeding/hydrating
Just make sure that ANY TIME you feed or rehydrate the baby it's in an upright position, meaning head up, tail down (in other words as if standing up human style, spine perpendicular to the floor). Alternatively, it's okay for the squirrel to be standing up squirrel style. Position is important.

Feeding/hydrating can be tricky: Err on the side of having it run out onto the table or floor rather than getting it in lungs NEVER SHOVE ANYTHING INTO A BABY'S MOUTH, let the baby determine what he/she puts in the mouth and how far. Just touching something to the baby's lips should give it the option of eating/drinking or rejecting. And along those lines, be very patient and slow when feeding/hydrating, drop (as in water drop), swallow, drop, swallow.... It's better that the baby gets a little less at a very slow pace, than for anything to be rushed. If feeling impatient, just stop and start again later. Youtube has mostly good videos and a couple really bad ones. If you use youtube, just make sure that what I said here applies whether feeding with a q-tip, 1cc feeding syringe, quality clean paintbrush, or something else.

As mentioned above, if you want help finding a rehabber provide your general location (ex. I am "near Boston" or in "eastern Massachusetts"). Someone on here may be able to give you a name and number to call.

Also feel free go, or have someone go, to the location where the squirrel was found in the daytime and see if a mother squirrel is looking around for a baby. Listen for what sounds like a raspy bird calling. If so, make sure the baby is warm and if possible put him/her in a container with some fleece/flannel/t-shirts and watch from a distance, as mom might come and get the baby. You can only do this if there aren't predators around or people scaring off mom. Early mornings may work best (on the squirrel's end). Squirrels are mostly active early am, and just before sundown, never/very rarely at night. If no mom, take the baby back home, re-warm the baby if necessary, offer a wet q-tip or better, etc.

Disclaimer: I am not a rehabber. Rehabbers are allowed to fine tune/agree/disagree with what I said here.

[Rocky1]

PS - The apples were a GREAT IDEA. I believe that the squirrel got nutrients and some hydration from that. Good job, OP!

Rehabbers - How important is it that OP uses a feeding syringe to rehydrate? Are they tricky to use? Do you have tips/advice on how to use? Can fruit alone suffice for hydration?

If time is scarce, I would personally NOT prioritize looking for mother squirrel over taking care of the baby and finding a rehabber. If you seek help from friends, try to ensure that they are animal friendly non-hunters before sharing the idea of listening for a "raspy bird" which makes squirrels easy to find and potentially vulnerable.

If you can find a heating pad to put on LOW beneath half of the squirrel's plastic box partially filled with fleece/flannel/t-shirts, all of this too would be IDEAL (congratulations on a job well done, and the rice buddy which is a great idea but one that may not last overnight). As an fyi - as you may have also read, squirrels also overheat if it's a hot summer where you are. Just making sure you know that as you are doing a great job and deserve great results.

[stepnstone]

Q-tips/feeding syringe/clean quality paintbrush
Offering a wet q-tip (with water) and putting the wet q-tip up to the baby's lips, might result in the baby drinking from the q-tip.


I can agree with most that was said but not this....
This method is for baby mice/rats but personally can't see it bode well with a squirrel not to mention
you'll never get a proper let alone an adequate amount of fluids into a juvie squirrel that way.

Do you have a nipple for your syringe?
If you do and put a light coat of sweet like honey on the end, it might be just what he needs
to get a jump start on suckling.

[ClutterQueen]

First off I apologize for taking so long to reply! Things have been busy and all of my time has been devoted to homework, work, and this little guy - who we call Bandit. :)

I do have a nipple for his syringe and finally got him to drink, although he always seems reluctant and only drinks a little before refusing more - usually about a tablespoon. I also think he is "teething" (I know squirrels teeth grow pretty much nonstop but I wasn't sure of the word for it) because he seemed very agitated one day, chewing on the bars of his cage as well as anything else he could reach, and nipping fingers. I immediately went to the pet store and got him one of the wood chews which seemed to fix his agitation. Since he's still not wanting to drink a whole lot of formula I put him some rodent blocks in his cage (the Oxbow ones) and he seems to like to gnaw on those as well. I make sure to still offer him formula regularly though.

He is doing well, sleeping through the night and contentedly playing in his cage until we get him out. I do have a question about him though. He likes to lick, a LOT, and I'm wondering if it's normal? At first I thought it was him trying to suckle, but after closer observation it's just licking. He'll cling to my hand and lick my fingers until I try to "take" them from him, and usually he makes a noise that sounds agitated when I do. Is there a specific reason he's doing this or does he just enjoy it? :rotfl

And more pictures!
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[kcassidy]

Some of my babies love to lick my arms especially after I've been outside working with the horses or doing anything that makes me really sweaty :)

Does anyone else think there is something "Off" with the side of his face (squirrels left side). Is he still sneezing a lot?

You are right, squirrels incisors grow throughout their entire life, you need to get him a bone to chew on, I use deer antlers that I've found out in the forest, if you don't have that option, you can buy deer antler pieces from Henry's at www.henryspets.com and thats where you get the HHB's as well. You should be introducing solid foods but not nuts yet. You have to teach him to eat the healthy food before giving him the desserts :)

I'm so glad you saved him, aren't squirrels awesome??

[Spanky]

Does anyone else think there is something "Off" with the side of his face (squirrels left side).

Yes... I wonder if he is chewing at the cage bars? If yes, try to put more things to play with in the cage (like little "stuffie" toys.. but noting with beans or buttons, etc. to choke on).

[ClutterQueen]

For the left side of his face if you guys mean the black "scabby" looking areas around his whiskers, he had those when I originally found him. The pictures are from a day or two after bringing him home and I think they were injuries from either falling or something else, because the first day he seemed to enjoy trying to take flying leaps off of everything if I wasn't extremely careful! So I'm thinking he either jumped or fell out of the tree to get those. We have cats around the campus but I didn't see any near him so I don't think they did it. It was like a scrape.

He has wood chews and a little stuffed animal skin (one that came with replaceable squeakers so I just took them out altogether and have him the toy) that he chews on and plays with.

He's asleep at the moment but when he wakes up I'll take some more pictures of him.

He isn't making the sneezy noise anymore, I looked it up and read that it could have been him asking for food/milk but I'm not sure how accurate that is. He is very energetic now and seems to favor playing alone in his cage than getting out and roaming. I still take him out to make sure he gets a little more room and have a question about his behavior. He seems to think now that touching = playing, and any time I pet him he'll take off running around his cage. It doesn't seem like he's fearful of me at all, or irritated by my touch, but he's definitely no longer begging to get out and cuddle up with me like he used to. He doesn't like to be away from his cage now either when originally he couldn't stand to be in it. Maybe it's just that he's more comfortable now? I understand he is not a pet to be cuddled and stroked all the time, and is still a wild animal, but I just want to make sure him acting so energetic and independent so suddenly is normal. :)