1-2 wk and 2-3 wk old squirrels

[smurfangel182]

Last week i took in 3 baby squirrels they are roughly 1-2 weeks old. Today a friend brought me 3 more that are roughly 2-3 weeks old. Are these ok to put together in one nesting area? The newer ones that are older in age are about 2 maybe 3 times as big as the small ones.

Also one of the newer ones had Tuff Stuff foam on him. Its that foam insulation that gets super hard. Anyone know a good safe way to get this off him? A few toes are stuck together and he has it all over one of his arms. Thanks for any advice!

[SammysMom]

How much do they each weigh? I mean the average of each age group. Use oil to remove that hardened foam. Put it on and gently rub it in.

[Spanky]

How much do they each weigh? I mean the average of each age group. Use oil to remove that hardened foam. Put it on and gently rub it in.

Canola, olive, vegetable, peanut or the like... but not motor oil! :grin3

[DarkLies212]

As for the foam, try rubbing it with veggie oil to loosen the bonds with the skin. We just had someone on here who had an adult who was covered in this stuff - anyone remember how she got it all out?

You'll be able to put them together, but I'll let those more experienced guide you as to the best method.

we need pictures!


EDIT: I guess I had my window open too long before I responded :grin3

[smurfangel182]

My scale was broken and had to order another one. Waiting for it to get here. And not 100% sure how to load photos on here. The older ones do have a little fur and the younger ones only have a small amount of fuzz on their noses. The photo with the leaves is the older ones inly photo i have right now and the one with the hearts is the younger ones.

[smurfangel182]

Better photo of the older guys

[SammysMom]

I put them all together! They will be so happy to have each other...:Love_Icon

[Nancy in New York]

Are you hydrating in between feedings?
The older ones look quite "wrinkly" to me.

Have you done little squirrels before?
What formula are you feeding?

Here's a link to a great squirrel guide that tells
you everything you will need to know.

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?51708-4skwerlz-Baby-Squirrel-Care

Feel free to ask any and all questions.

Thank you for helping these little ones. :hug

[smurfangel182]

Theres a local rehabilitator i was talking to but i hate bugging her so much so joined here. I feed every 2 hours. I use esbilac puppy formula. I make fresh every morning. 1 part powder 2 parts water and i added a little heavy whipping cream and a tiny bit of all natural yogurt (read that on here). And i read not to give pedialyte too much and get them on just water in between.

The two smaller/younger dark color ones a friend of mine got tuesday. The mother was cut by a chainsaw sadly. I licked them up thursday and couldnt find an available rehabilitator or rescue that would take them. Friday i picked up the little pink one. Those three are from the same litter. Just didnt find the pink one until then.

The three smaller ones the same friend was working another location and the owner there was trying to smash the nsst and kill them. She tried to talk her out of it but she wouldnt listen. So she took them and called me.

They are my first squirrels. Beens reading as much as i can about them to be able to care for them better. I work from home so its easier for me to keep them than her. I went and bought a small plastic cage with the lids with holes in and have the smaller ones in there now and others in a small box. Both are half on and half a heating pad on low.

[smurfangel182]

Oh and the small ones i feed roughly 1cc per feeding. Not sure what to give the bigger ones im assuming just a lil bit more. Again my scale i had didnt work so i had to order a new one. Right now i use i a 3 cc syringe but only fill til 1cc. Also have 1 cc syringes ordered and some nipples to try to make it better for them.

[smurfangel182]

Fyi the olive oil worked like magic! No more tuff stuff on that lil guy. Thank u.

And even with the size difference you guys think itd be safe to put them all in together?

[smurfangel182]

All of them together

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

I usually keep them apart for 4-5 days to make sure no one is sick before mixing them, but they are an OK size to mix. The two that you've had for the longest look a little skinny to me. It'd be very helpful to get a scale that weighs in grams to track their progress. They should be gaining 1-2 grams every day! I feed my baby squirrels differently than most, so I will not make any recommendations on feeding because most do recommend every 2 hours and if you're doing that around the clock, they are getting enough to eat. Are you actually feeding them 12 times a day? Or do you take a break overnight? Or start counting 2 hours after the feeding? About how many times per day do you feed?

I would caution you that if this is the first time you've raised squirrels, 6 is a high number to start on. I found when starting out that I had a hard time monitoring the progress of so many and picking up on when they weren't doing as well.

[smurfangel182]

I only took them all cause there was no one else to take them. Over night i feed once then every two hrs during the day. 2 hr counter starts when i start to feed. The first two i have been worried about. They actually fell out of a tall tree. I keep a close eye on them.

[smurfangel182]

Got my scale today. The younger group weighs between 25 and 28 grams and the older group weighs between 50 and 53 grams.

[DarkLies212]

Don't forget, 5-7% of each's body weigh per feeding :thumbsup

Thank you for doing what you can for these precious ones! You're a brave one to take on 6! :eek

[SammysMom]

Smaller ones 1.5cc - 1.75cc per feeding
Larger ones 2.5cc - 3.5cc

To figure how much to feed multiply their weight by .05 for 5% and by .07 for 7%. As they grow, increase the amount you are giving accordingly. They are beautiful, but definitely need more formula than they have had.

[smurfangel182]

Yea now that i have a scale itll be much easier. I also got my miracle nipples yesterday and it helps ALOT. The little ones wiggled around alot before and now they dont stop until i make them.

[smurfangel182]

Also for when they start getting bigger what size cage should i get to fit all 6 while still inside?

[smurfangel182]

Also heres an updated pic. They are gaining just very slowly. Trying to up their feedings a little bit to get more in them. Im a super heavy sleeper but trying to wake up more often throughout the night to feed too. Still have no idea how big of an inside cage ill need when they are big enough. Thinking of a large ferret cage?

So heres my Pile O'Squirrels

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[SammysMom]

I love the Critter Nation cage that I have. Not the Ferret Nation, because the bar spacing is 1" and you really need 1/2" spacing. Also, you can find great cages at http://www.martinscages.com/

[SammysMom]

That is one hell of a cute "pile"!!!:Love_Icon

[smurfangel182]

I love the Critter Nation cage that I have. Not the Ferret Nation, because the bar spacing is 1" and you really need 1/2" spacing. Also, you can find great cages at http://www.martinscages.com/



How big do u think it would need to be for 6 of them though? I know nothing can really be too big but what about too small for this number of them? We have Saber (say-ba), Romeo, Sandy, Lucy, Tuff and Elvis.

[SammysMom]

A critter nation would work, or one of the 60" tall martin cages. Just be sure to not get 1 x 2 bar openings. They get too much junk through them and make one hell of a mess!
The CN is good, but the doors are really large and escapes are frequent around here...:shakehead
i really like the Martins cages.

[smurfangel182]

Another question. All the babies are soing good. All but one is over 30grams. Sandy the skinniest/smallest of them is still sitting at 28. Shes gained 4 grams over 5 days but she is still super skinny. I can see her ribs and should blades etc. Her bother Romeo is sitting at 34 grams and gaining good but i can still kind of see his ribs too. Saber their sister is 31 but looks like a chubber. I finally got my fox valley formula in the mail today and started that one them asap. Before this i was giving them the puppy formula with heavy whipping cream added. Should i still add that in the fox valley until the gain a little more fat?

[DarkLies212]

I finally got my fox valley formula in the mail today and started that one them asap.

Don't make the sudden transition to FV - transition them slowly. 1/3 FV/Esbilac for a few feedings; 1/2 FV/Esbilac for a few feedings; 3/1 for a few feedings, then full strength FV. OR you can keep the mixture at 50/50 each - many babies seem do to really well on this mixture.

[smurfangel182]

Got it. Should i still be adding the heavy whipping cream for the extra calories?

[DarkLies212]

Got it. Should i still be adding the heavy whipping cream for the extra calories?

You can! :thumbsup Same as before though...any indication their systems aren't taking it well, cut back to how you were before and try again when they feel better

[SammysMom]

If you are using FV20/50 with the Esbilac, you don't need the additional cream. That's what is so good about the 20/50...the extra fat. :thumbsup

[smurfangel182]

If you are using FV20/50 with the Esbilac, you don't need the additional cream. That's what is so good about the 20/50...the extra fat. :thumbsup


I bought the 32/40 Cause it said it was for babies under 5 weeks old. Was going to get the 20/50 next paycheck.

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

The bad thing about the 20/50 is that it has significantly less protein. I'm glad that you got the 32/40 and that's what I use for squirrels all the way til weaning. I actually prefer esbilac over fox valley, though, and have been using that for my guys.

Sometimes it takes them a week or so to get gaining weight. In the first week my guys went from 27, 30, 31 grams to 35 grams each, but then the following week they went from 35 each to 56, 59, and 61 grams! So, they should be taking off in weight.

[smurfangel182]

Yea i think ill keep them 50/50 on the puppy and fox valley formula. They are starting to gain more weight and my vet gave me a personal boost. Had to take Sandy in about her toenails. And she gave me meds for her but said they all look good and im doing great. They are all over 30 grams finally. And realized today the small ones, sandy saber and romeo ive had 12 days now. And then lucy elvis and tuff ive had a week.

[KarmaKay]

You'll need as big of a cage as money allows. You'll also need to do what's called a soft release as they get older. I had a large parrot cage for one. Where are you located? Maybe we could find someone who would be willing to meet you and pick them up. 6 is a huge number the first time and they are very delicate little creatures. You have plenty of great advice on here though and reach out with any questions? Thank you for taking them in and doing your best :blowkiss

Thanks,
Karma

[smurfangel182]

I actually have 9 now. They are all doing good and gaining like the should. Been getting help on here, from my vet and a local rehabber that was just too full herself. I already have one cage and im picking up two more tomorrow from a family friend. The main ones i was worried about are doing much better now.

[smurfangel182]

When can and cant you put litters together. I have 3 groups. 3 each. The first two group i got i put together and they are doing good. I have another group ive had about 5 days now. Doing really good but im just not sure if they are too big. All of them range from 44 grams to 118. Two from the newest group have their eyes open and one from the middle sized group is starting to open (should be fully open tomorrow). Should i just leave these as two different groups?

270905270906

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

9 squirrels are going to need at least a 6' by 7' by 8' tall cage outside. You'll need to build a cage if you intend to rehab a lot of squirrels. If you raise just 1-2 you can get away with a smaller cage that you move outside for prerelease, but you have a lot of squirrels!

[smurfangel182]

9 squirrels are going to need at least a 6' by 7' by 8' tall cage outside. You'll need to build a cage if you intend to rehab a lot of squirrels. If you raise just 1-2 you can get away with a smaller cage that you move outside for prerelease, but you have a lot of squirrels!

Yes i know. There was not an available reahbber to take them. Everyone was full. I just wanted to know if i should put them all together or not because there is a big size difference between the biggest group and smallest.

[smurfangel182]

No one really answered my question.... just said i have alot of squirrels lol. I have an old dog pen im fixing up and completely redoing as a release cage. Taking everything down and replacing with 1/2 hardware cloth. I have the inside cages planned out. Already have a couple different sizes.

My question is can all these guys and gals be put together or should i keep them apart due to size difference? Im trying to avoid calling my vet justfor this one question. They are helthy and doing good. Gaining like they should. My newest group (the biggest) has two with open eyes. My middle group has one with open and another starting to open (should be fully open tomorrow). When i weighed them this morning the weights are as followed... Saber 49g, Sandy 45g (she is missing two nails on front right paw), Romeo 53g, Lucy 92g, Tuff 94g (eyes open), Elvis 88g (eyes should be open tomorrow), Nelly 120g (eyes open), Buster 118g and Chester 93g (eyes open). Saber, Sandy and Romeo are from the same litter. 2 girls 1 boy. Lucy, Tuff and Elvis same litter, 1 girl 2 boys. And Nelly Buster and Chester same litter 1 girl 2 boys.

I do the math everymorning for how much they eat. All get at least .05 none get more than .07. Big group of 3 eat every 4 hours. Two smaller groups eat every 2 to 3 hours (usually 2 1/2 hrs). All go over night about 8 1/2 hours without. I make 50/50 foxvalley and esbilac with heavy whipping cream and all natural yogurt. I am getting my permit for rehabilitation.

So.... does anyone think itll be safe to put them all together or should i leave them separate?

Edit: ive hand raised animals before these are just my first squirrels.

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

My concern is that you will take too many squirrels, get overwhelmed and burnt out. It happens so often. I understand that there is no one to take these little tykes. There are so many wild babies in need and so few rehabbers. It is super important to know your limits, though. You do the animals no good if you are stretched too thin and don't have time to care for them AND rest, work, do things you enjoy.

Like I said before, I keep new guys separate at least a few days to make sure they are healthy. I wouldn't put 9 squirrels together at this point because they are likely in a small cage like an aquarium or something. I'd wait until they get to a climbing cage in a few weeks and the little tykes have grown some. The bigger the group, the more likely you are to have males getting sucked on. The smaller males would be prime targets for that, so better to wait until they are all up and about and at least eating a little bit of solid food. If the goal is to move them to a large prerelease cage, then they should get to know eachother so they'll be friends, but you can do that easily by just allowing them to be together while you feed them or for 1-2 hours during the day in one groups cage. It's best to switch up the caging where they visit so one group isn't always invading the other groups living space. As long as they're friends, though, once they are bigger, I'd put them all into a climbing cage together. So, when the little ones are about 8 weeks old is when I'd combine them permanently.

[Mel1959]

:goodpost

[smurfangel182]

My concern is that you will take too many squirrels, get overwhelmed and burnt out. It happens so often. I understand that there is no one to take these little tykes. There are so many wild babies in need and so few rehabbers. It is super important to know your limits, though. You do the animals no good if you are stretched too thin and don't have time to care for them AND rest, work, do things you enjoy.

Like I said before, I keep new guys separate at least a few days to make sure they are healthy. I wouldn't put 9 squirrels together at this point because they are likely in a small cage like an aquarium or something. I'd wait until they get to a climbing cage in a few weeks and the little tykes have grown some. The bigger the group, the more likely you are to have males getting sucked on. The smaller males would be prime targets for that, so better to wait until they are all up and about and at least eating a little bit of solid food. If the goal is to move them to a large prerelease cage, then they should get to know eachother so they'll be friends, but you can do that easily by just allowing them to be together while you feed them or for 1-2 hours during the day in one groups cage. It's best to switch up the caging where they visit so one group isn't always invading the other groups living space. As long as they're friends, though, once they are bigger, I'd put them all into a climbing cage together. So, when the little ones are about 8 weeks old is when I'd combine them permanently.

Thank you. I rarely do anything so this is kind of for me. Plus with no rehabbers available i couldnt just let any of them die. One from this new group already died from a cat while they were waiting to see if the mom would come back. Thats why she grabbed them too. And the no available rehabber in the area is why i decided to get my permit to actually do this legally.

I was worried if i let them get too old separate they would fight later and i wouldnt be able to put them all together in the release cage because they will all be ready for release close to the same time. I do the feedings myself because i dont want them ised to anyone else. Dont want them to get used to people as much as possible. Not everyone out there likes squirrels so i want them to stay clear of people once released. Im going to order or make my own prerelease cage and if i order one it will be the biggest i can find. I have two spare bedrooms in my house one with no bed at all and that whole room will be set aside for them. There is one local rehabber i found she helps me here and there and i have friends that boughr me anything i needed so we're all doing good so far. But thank u for the concern. I wouldnt let anything happen to these little guys.

[smurfangel182]

Just adding update photos of my 9 babies. (3 different groups 3 each). I know every loves photos.

Edit: those are two different cages with two different groups. And babies on the red fleece are still in a home made incubator.

[smurfangel182]

Just another update. As ive said before new to squirrels but lovvve them. I ended up putting my biggest and medium groups together a couple days ago. And things couldnt be better. My meduim group is up and moving around alot more. Alot more playful with their new brothers and sister. And all 6 of them are eatting their blocks :) going too add veggies little at a time in a few days once they get th= hang of the blocks (they nipple throughout the day). And my littlest group is doing good too. Two have open eyes 1 still not yet. Gaining like they should. Starting to get more active now that their eyes are open.