Baby Flyer - Which Formula?

[Spanky]

This time it is a baby flyer that needs help! All I know right now is that it's "furry, not all pink and tiny", eyes open but not an adult (and apparently a biter). Will post more when I know more.

But for now I need to know what formula I need to be using: FV 32/40? If yes, can I use 20/50 or Esbilac (or something else) until the FV comes in?

This would be my first baby flyer, so I am going to need some (or a lot of?) coaching; unless an experienced person wants to take them?

[Milo's Mom]

I had an AWFUL experience using 32/40 on Flyers this year. I went to straight Esbilac and it's been smooth sailing ever since.
My experience with the 32/40 and flyers was so bad I did a cold turkey change...

If I were you, I'd use Esbilac.
I don't think 20/50 has enough protein for them. If you want extra fat add cream or full fat yogurt to the Eslibac. (I did not)

[BCChins]

I had an AWFUL experience using 32/40 on Flyers this year. I went to straight Esbilac and it's been smooth sailing ever since.
My experience with the 32/40 and flyers was so bad I did a cold turkey change...


Can I ask what your experience was with the FV 32/40? Thank You

[Milo's Mom]

Can I ask what your experience was with the FV 32/40? Thank You

Well, to put it bluntly, death. I talked to several highly respected flyer rehabbers and they all said use 32/40. I did that and they bloated 3 days in and died. I was reverse tubing them, pumping gas-x in like it was going out of style, and providing hydration (both oral and sub-q). I lost 7 of the 10. Only 3 were able to be pulled through and 1 still has some gastrointestinal issues occasionally.

The reverse tubing worked but only for the formula still in the stomach...once it got to the intestines I couldn't get it back out.

[Spanky]

Little one is 22 grams. Story is it was rescued from the jaws of a cat. Vet said they did not see any injuries, and nor do I but frankly it is such a little fur-ball it would be hard to see anything.

I am assuming they (need to check sex later!) need a course of Baytril? If yes, can someone confirm dosing is same for flyers as greys? (I forewarned I was going to need coaching or an experienced person that might be able to take them).

Thanks In Advance!

[Rocky1]

First, I want to acknowledge that so far everyone on this thread is MUCH more experienced than I am. Second, at the risk of sounding obvious and pointing out basics, I wanted to provide this link, http://squirrelrefuge.org/feedingtechnique.html and direct to the part about "Transitioning to Formula" which is the last topic on the page if you scroll all the way down.

My guess is that this is old news, but since it is relevant to formula and bloating, I thought I would present it anyway. This goes off of the notion that no matter how experienced, no one knows absolutely EVERYTHING.

That being said, I am not 100% positive that the information in the link is relevant to flyers and all squirrels, but suspect a similar procedure is, if this is not.

[BCChins]

Milo's Mom sent you a PM.

[Rhapsody]

I use Esbilac with Probiotics on all my squirrels.... flyers included.

[Spanky]

Milo's Mom sent you a PM.

Me? I do not have a PM from MM. :dono

[BCChins]

No I sent Milo's Mom a PM

[Spanky]

No I sent Milo's Mom a PM

O I C not... not the way I read it the first time! :grin2

[Spanky]

As this is my first baby flyer, I have been researching as time permits. I read at least once that these flyer babies need to be with other flyers if they are going to be released. If they are singletons they bound with the human caregiver and almost never leave.

I'd appreciate any feedback as my intentions would be to see this little one free in the trees one day...

And some pics! (Boy, they sure are cute! And how scary is it to feed them that first time! :eek).

[Milo's Mom]

It is best of they have other flyers. However, if he is a singleton it does not mean he cannot be released. When releasing any flyer (singles or groups) it is best to do so where there is a known established colony. When they are in the release cage members of the colony will come visit and then when the portal is open your release will go with the colony. I've witnessed singles released into colony's with my own eyes so I'm positive it can be done.

[Spanky]

It is best of they have other flyers. However, if he is a singleton it does not mean he cannot be released. When releasing any flyer (singles or groups) it is best to do so where there is a known established colony. When they are in the release cage members of the colony will come visit and then when the portal is open your release will go with the colony. I've witnessed singles released into colony's with my own eyes so I'm positive it can be done.

Thank you, that is reassuring to me! I do have flyers here, they come most every night and see what the greys may have left over. I go out when I can and feed them.

In fact I have a 3 year old flyer here now whose owners I promised I would try to release. I have not had much success, but part of that is I don't think my RC is large enough. I have been told the colder months are better for releasing flyers since they are more solitary in the warmer months but group back up into colonies in the cooler months!?! I have plan on revamping the release cage, more room for flying and more greys since I seem to be graduating form one-sies /two-sies to five-sies and more! I have never had to have a squee in the RC for more than 10 days or so. I am just waiting on my schedule and the weather to cooperate. Once that is done, I'll try once again to release the 3 year old.

Which all begs the question (perhaps?) about maybe putting these two together for release... would that be advantageous for both? Detrimental for either? :dono

[Milo's Mom]

What are the sexes?

[Spanky]

What are the sexes?

The 3 year old is Female. The baby is a boy.

[Spanky]

It's been more than 3 full days and the little one is now 24.9 grams; I did not pay attention to the tenths when she first arrived (it's very small on the display and I need glasses to read 8-) ), so I am not really sure if the 22 grams was 22.1 or even 22.9?

She arrived Thursday night, got hydration and 1 diluted feeding. Over the course of Friday she was transitioned to full strength Esbilac. She had a little bit of fluid in between those feedings and has been getting fed 5 times daily.

Should she be gaining more quickly than she is? I am considering adding yogurt to the Esbilac starting today.

[Spanky]

It's been more than 3 full days and the little one is now 24.9 grams; I did not pay attention to the tenths when she first arrived (it's very small on the display and I need glasses to read 8-) ), so I am not really sure if the 22 grams was 22.1 or even 22.9?

She arrived Thursday night, got hydration and 1 diluted feeding. Over the course of Friday she was transitioned to full strength Esbilac. She had a little bit of fluid in between those feedings and has been getting fed 5 times daily.

Should she be gaining more quickly than she is? I am considering adding yogurt to the Esbilac starting today.

Should I be treating flyers for hookworms on intake in case mom passed along or other? I am worried both about another flying and contaminating any cages.

A new little one arrived the other day, my second baby, and made me reconsider / wonder if this was necessary. I put them together a little while ago (34grams and 52grams) and so far not squabbling, though while they are sleeping close to one another they have so far ignored one another for the most part.