Gizmo Hurt I'm done He is not being released

[firerunner]

The last two days Gizmo has ever so slowly ventured outside the fish house.

This morning he went onto the roof I was so happy, I watched him and he ran a little explored a tree after watching and encouraging him for 30 mins I went in to do some chores.

I go back out and he is back in the fish house and I look at him and he is babying that broken leg he had back in Aug,

I call him to me and he limps over and he is hurt. Not serious, but enough to make me cry. Same side as the broken leg. I was checking him and he was sorta sucking on my finger as I was checking his wound god he was lying against me like he used to do when he had the broken leg.

I cant do this. I cant release him. I am crying as I type this - he had enough pain with that broken leg as a baby, and them stupid people that made me buy him from them and they were moving his broken leg and he was crying. And now this.

Tomorrow I will run him to the vets just to have it looked at.

My questions can I get him neutered? Is it safe?

I know I know that in most cases this is NOT the right thing to do but in this case, I think it is.

[BigNibbler]

May I ask, how much major difference does being nuetered actually makes?
I have the impression it is somewhat controversial in benefits, and also dangerous.
Under the circumstances, and the pain he has suffered via others and your deep care for him, I think, maybe keeping him and loving him as he is, might be the best for both of you.
Because I know that when he is in pain, you will be in pain, and when his sad, you will be sad, and when he is confused...
Maybe others feels strongly one way or the other here and can give you better advice.

Also, if someone has neutered their squirrel and raves about it, we cannot really know how that same squirrel might have turned out without the procedure.
Just saying to evaluate the data with a critical mind.
Also, first two seasons, versus long term .
Lots to consider.

For right now, just enjoy being together and be glad that he has not had a more serious injury outside.

[Nancy in New York]

I am SO very sorry that you both are hurting. :Love_Icon:hug

[HRT4SQRLS]

Oh no! I'm so sorry that Gizmo is hurt. :( I know you must be a wreck right now.
That poor little guy. Nurse him and love him... he needs his Mama right now.
I hope it isn't rebroken.

They can be neutered. I'm not a big fan of neutering flyers because of their tendency to self mutilate,
(although another member has had excellent outcomes with several) BUT I have not heard of that problem with greys. There are mixed results as far as whether it helps with the wilding up. From what I have read, some have stated it helps, others said it made no difference. :dono I've never had it done so I really don't know.

Poor little Gizmo.

[firerunner]

I gave him a bottle of antibiotics and milk. Ya 8 months old and he took a bottle I just sat down he climbed on me I reached up offered it to him and he took it.

It looks like he might have gotten in a fight with the other squirrels the wound is on the same leg of the one he broke last year.

My Husband thinks he is just pampering that leg, back last year we KNEW it was broke, It doesnt look broke and he is using it, just pampering it. It really is funny John says He KNOW he will get loving and his butt rubbed and ears scratched all he has to do is hold up his bad leg. Which is true I know I really really spoiled loved him back 8 months ago, but he was hurt and so little.

I started the antibiotics just in case and yes tomorrow I will call the vet. In this picture you can see the fish house in which he resides. You are seeing about 1/4 to 1/3 of it so it is not a small building.

I am trying not to make any quick decisions for I am upset and Gizmo is obviously upset (sheesh he took a bottle!) But release has been definitely put off for the time being.

Anyways here is my boy taking his meds

270784

[firerunner]

PS see how he is holding that leg in the picture?

[TubeDriver]

:grouphug

[HRT4SQRLS]

I do see him holding that little arm up. Is it the front left?

I think that's a good plan for now. Don't make any decisions while you're in an emotionally charged state. I started to say that in my first post but didn't want you to think I was in any way downplaying this heartbreaking incident. I think it's a good rule of thumb for any of life's crises. Just hold off on neutering until you can make a decision not fueled by emotion. It is very possible that Gizmo will be a non-release but you have so many options there. He could live in the fish house. He could have an indoor sleeping cage. He could still ride around on your should outside to get fresh air and sunshine. More than any other squirrel, Gizmo has a lot of options. You'll figure it out. I just would hate to see him confined in the house with all those 'safe' options he has. If he ultimately is a mama's boy and lives the pampered life inside, that's fine. I don't see any problem with it. It is 100% your decision and you will make the best decision because you love him.

Just because your kid gets in a playground scuffle at school you don't pull em' outta school and homeschool em' unless they're being bullied and that's another story. :tilt A couple of my releases came home sporting notched ears and missing the top third of the ear. Darn squirrels. :rotfl

[SammysMom]

Good choice...if ever he changes his mind, I am sure you will be the first to know...
For now, neutering is likely a bit of a knee jerk reaction. As HRT said so well, take your time...

[Rexie]

Hi There, my opinion is do not neuter him. Its NOT worth the risk. If he loves his life being captive neutering wont change that. My boy is 19 months old , NOT NEUTERED. He loves his life and mom. I sure hope he never changes his mind. Gizmo will let you know, for now HE NEEDS MOMMY. Best wishes for you both. Rexies mom

[astra]

Hi There, my opinion is do not neuter him. Its NOT worth the risk. If he loves his life being captive neutering wont change that. My boy is 19 months old , NOT NEUTERED. He loves his life and mom. I sure hope he never changes his mind. Gizmo will let you know, for now HE NEEDS MOMMY. Best wishes for you both. Rexies mom

Neutering won't change his personality.
If he is a softie type and likes the indoor life, he doesn't need any fixes.
If he is a biter/A personality type - neutering won't do much to change that.
What neutering can do - is limit his options forever. If sometime down the road he decides he doesn't want to live inside, he will never have an option of living in the wild once neutered.

This is heartbreaking and as posts above suggest - it is best to wait and not make any decisions right now. :grouphug
If he enjoys living indoors as it is, he does not need neutering.

Another concern - so is it his same leg that is broken again?...
Aug was long ago, so technically, everything should have healed solid.
How has his diet been so far?... because if there have been any deficiencies in his diet, that could explain weak bones (if that is, indeed, a break on the same leg).