Need help rehabbing 3 baby squirrels

[MPatterson]

My husband and I are beginning to rehab 3 baby squirrels that were orphaned when the tree that their nest was in was cut down. We tried all the ways could find to get mama to come get them, but the temperature was dropping and it was getting dark. They are approx 3-4 weeks old as they have hair, but their eyes are not open yet, but look to be soon. They also have their bottom 2 teeth. We've been keeping them in a small box, with a warm water bottle on the one side as well as a heating pad partially under the box, but still room to get away if they feel too warm. We've been feeding them puppy formula by syringe every few hours as well as a feeding of pedalyte. We have also been stimulating them to pee/poop and they seem to be doing well. Today they have really begun to chow down/grab the syringe during feedings, so I am pleased with that. At what point to do need to start them on calcium supplements and what specifically?

[Spanky]

My husband and I are beginning to rehab 3 baby squirrels that were orphaned when the tree that their nest was in was cut down. We tried all the ways could find to get mama to come get them, but the temperature was dropping and it was getting dark. They are approx 3-4 weeks old as they have hair, but their eyes are not open yet, but look to be soon. They also have their bottom 2 teeth. We've been keeping them in a small box, with a warm water bottle on the one side as well as a heating pad partially under the box, but still room to get away if they feel too warm. We've been feeding them puppy formula by syringe every few hours as well as a feeding of pedalyte. We have also been stimulating them to pee/poop and they seem to be doing well. Today they have really begun to chow down/grab the syringe during feedings, so I am pleased with that. At what point to do need to start them on calcium supplements and what specifically?

Thank you for helping these babies :thankyou and :Welcome to TSB (where everyone loves pictures!).

If you have them on the proper formula (Esbilac Puppy Formula - the powdered kind (the liquid is not the same) or Fox Valley for squirrels) they will not need calcium supplements. You can get the Esbilac at the chain pet stores or a Tractor Supply Company store.

Their first solid food should be a high quality rodent block, preferably Henry's Healthy Block since it is the only one specifically for squirrels. They have concentrated nutrition and supplements like calcium. :thumbsup

If you avoid bad foods like nuts, seeds and corn they should not need any other supplements of calcium aside from the Henry's.

Here is a link to the healthy diet for squirrels. This shows what foods are healthy for squirrels:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

[MPatterson]

The puppy formula we bought was powder from Tractor Supply, but I'm not positive of the brand. I will look when I get home! I printed the healthy diet form earlier this morning before discovering this forum, so thanks for mentioning it. Should we continue to hydrate with pedialyte between formula feedings? If so, should we be doing the same amount as we are with formula? We haven't weighed them yet as this all happened last night, but they're 3-4cc's of formula. This morning was 4cc's as they really seemed to be into it today. Also, how long do we keep up with the formula feedings before switching them to the blocks?

[DarkLies212]

The puppy formula we bought was powder from Tractor Supply, but I'm not positive of the brand. I will look when I get home! I printed the healthy diet form earlier this morning before discovering this forum, so thanks for mentioning it. Should we continue to hydrate with pedialyte between formula feedings? If so, should we be doing the same amount as we are with formula? We haven't weighed them yet as this all happened last night, but they're 3-4cc's of formula. This morning was 4cc's as they really seemed to be into it today. Also, how long do we keep up with the formula feedings before switching them to the blocks?

Pinch the skin between their shoulder blades and see if it tents. If it does, they'll need hydration fluids (no pedialyte after 24 hours - only water flavored with honey or sugar) between formula still. Are they on full strength formula? You'll want to weigh them and then give 5-7% of their body weight to avoid any internal problems. Ex: 5% of a 145 gram baby is 7.25ccs and 7% of a 145 gram baby is 10.15ccs

When their eyes open is when I put blocks in so they can start nibbling on them. They'll wean themselves from the formula when they're ready - after they're eating blocks and veggies

Can't wait to see pictures!!

[MPatterson]

Where can I find accurate info about the soft release process?

[Spanky]

Where can I find accurate info about the soft release process?

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?41071-SOFT-RELEASE-The-How-to-Sticky&highlight=soft+release

[MPatterson]

Ok, so the puppy formula we had bought last night from Tractor Supply was not Esbilac, it was PetLac brand and I don't see the dry whey protein concentrate anywhere in the ingredients. My husband is at PetSmart as I type this buying the Esbilac one. Stuff is expensive and there is a lot of it! They look like their eyes are going to open any day now, so I'm sure they won't be needing the formula too much longer, but I want them to be healthy so Esbilac it is!

During one of the feedings this evening, one of them doesn't seem to eat nearly as much as the others. Should we let them stop when they want to stop, or try to encourage them to keep eating? I don't want to force it down their throat, but I also want to make sure they're getting what they need.

[Spanky]

Ok, so the puppy formula we had bought last night from Tractor Supply was not Esbilac, it was PetLac brand and I don't see the dry whey protein concentrate anywhere in the ingredients. My husband is at PetSmart as I type this buying the Esbilac one. Stuff is expensive and there is a lot of it! They look like their eyes are going to open any day now, so I'm sure they won't be needing the formula too much longer, but I want them to be healthy so Esbilac it is!

During one of the feedings this evening, one of them doesn't seem to eat nearly as much as the others. Should we let them stop when they want to stop, or try to encourage them to keep eating?

No worries, they will be eating formula for weeks and weeks after their eyes open... with luck right up until they are released! You really want them to eat the formula for as long as they will eat it... we often go out of our way to get them to continue to eat the Esbilac. It really is the absolute best thing they can eat for as long as they will eat it! So no, keep feeding them the Esbilac for as long as they will eat it.. and then some!!!

Sorry, I know it is a bit more expensive but it is "The Right Stuff". Thank you for "going the extra mile (and dollar(s)!!!)".

[MPatterson]

I've become a bit obsessed with making sure we're doing all the right things. My husband fed them during the day and got them to poop, and poop quite a bit actually! Then tonight while we were feeding them, I wrap them up in a washcloth to make sure they're warm and to also help have a good hold of them, and 2 of them peed on their own on the washcloth while eating. I'm a proud squirrel mama! LOL I know we need to keep stimulating them to go, but I was pleased that they're beginning to go on their own.

As far as the Henry's Squirrel Blocks, I see the one is an adult formula for 5 months and older. I'm assuming we should get the Hi Protein blocks for baby squirrels and flying squirrels?

[Mel1959]

Hi there, good job and thanks for taking in these babies. :w00t I have two brothers that I took in when they were about 5 wks old, their eyes were open and fully furred. They are now about 10 wks old and I still give them formula at least 3 times a day. By the time they are this age and weight they take quite a bit of formula at each feeding. They have been getting the Henry's hi protein blocks for a couple of weeks and got their first taste of arugula, cabbage and Brussels sprouts today. My point is that they will, and should, continue on the formula for weeks. My guys won't be released till they are at least 14 wks old.

[Spanky]

I've become a bit obsessed with making sure we're doing all the right things.

You have squirrel fever... you'll find most of the members here at TSB share your affliction!!! :rotfl


My husband fed them during the day and got them to poop, and poop quite a bit actually! Then tonight while we were feeding them, I wrap them up in a washcloth to make sure they're warm and to also help have a good hold of them, and 2 of them peed on their own on the washcloth while eating. I'm a proud squirrel mama! LOL I know we need to keep stimulating them to go, but I was pleased that they're beginning to go on their own.

We discourage the use of towels and terry cloth type material, especially in the bin / cages, as it catches in these little ones nails and can cause injury. Fleece, flannel and "t-shirt" material (in that order) are preferred (now you know who it is that is buying up all those fleece "scraps" at the local Joann's/Micheal's/etc.). And this is one of the few places that celebrates a healthy poop!!!!
:poop :poop :poop:poop :poop :poop :poop :poop :poop

As far as the Henry's Squirrel Blocks, I see the one is an adult formula for 5 months and older. I'm assuming we should get the Hi Protein blocks for baby squirrels and flying squirrels?

Correct! :thumbsup

[MPatterson]

I'm assuming there is no cause for concern, but our babies fluctuate on how much they eat. One feeding they'll eat 4 cc's, other times we're lucky to get 2 1/2-3 cc's. Our hardest feeding seems to be in the middle of the night- they would rather just stay snuggled up together and sleep! Any tips here? We've been doing bedtime feeding around 10-10:30 then again around 2am, and 6:45-7am. They seem to eat well about every other feeding. I will add that they are pooping and peeing like champs, so that makes me wonder if we should be spacing out feedings more? We haven't been able to weigh them yet (hoping to get a scale today- so any place or type you can reccommend is good). We think they're 3-4 weeks old, but for some reason I can't get pics to upload on here.

[Nancy in New York]

I'm assuming there is no cause for concern, but our babies fluctuate on how much they eat. One feeding they'll eat 4 cc's, other times we're lucky to get 2 1/2-3 cc's. Our hardest feeding seems to be in the middle of the night- they would rather just stay snuggled up together and sleep! Any tips here? We've been doing bedtime feeding around 10-10:30 then again around 2am, and 6:45-7am. They seem to eat well about every other feeding. I will add that they are pooping and peeing like champs, so that makes me wonder if we should be spacing out feedings more? We haven't been able to weigh them yet (hoping to get a scale today- so any place or type you can reccommend is good). We think they're 3-4 weeks old, but for some reason I can't get pics to upload on here.

I will send you a pm with my email and I will post the pictures for you if you want.
Make sure in the title it references squirrels.

[Nancy in New York]

First I will post the pictures, the I will give you a few suggestions in another post.
They are adorable! :klunk:klunk:klunk

https://nmognoni.smugmug.com/photos/i-rBmCtkB/0/X2/i-rBmCtkB-X2.jpg

https://nmognoni.smugmug.com/photos/i-sqnQ2kp/0/X2/i-sqnQ2kp-X2.jpg

https://nmognoni.smugmug.com/photos/i-5Ls29Jv/0/L/i-5Ls29Jv-L.jpg

https://nmognoni.smugmug.com/photos/i-CSrN7dq/0/L/i-CSrN7dq-L.jpg

[Nancy in New York]

First off, can you get them into something like a plastic container with lots of holes drilled in it.
Cardboard can be very drying for them.
Go to this link which will show another link in blue, click that on, and this will tell you ALL you need to know
about Baby Squirrel Care, it's 6 pages long so look for the NEXT button at the top.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?51708-4skwerlz-Baby-Squirrel-Care
They need something like fleece or flannel so that their little toe nails don't get caught in the little loops
of towels or micro cloths.
My guess is that they are ~ 3 weeks.
Are you feeding Powdered Puppy Esbilac?
I need to reread your thread.
Do you have a weight on them?
Also a 1 cc syringe is what is recommended at this age, and do you have nipples?
It makes feeding so much easier.
They are adorable, are these your first squirrels?

[MPatterson]

Yes, these are our firsts. We didn't see any other choice, but to rehab them- their nest was in a tree that was cut down on a construction job that my husband was on. He tried everything he could find online to reunite with the mom, with no luck. :(

Yes I know about the fleece now and plan to do that tonight when I get home. Unfortunately I hadn't come across this board the first night we had them and there is a lot of contradicting information out there on what you should put them in, ect. They're starting to get pretty mobile for not having open eyes yet, so I've been brain storming on what to put them in when they're able to climb and move around better.

Initially the puppy formula wasn't Esbilac (another website said to avoid that one), but we went out and bought that yesterday and that's what they're on now. I also plan to buy Henry's Hi Protein blocks soon to start having in there with them to nibble when they're eyes open and they're ready. Also plan to continue with the formula for as long as they'll take it.

We do have a bottle and nipples, but they haven't done as well with that. It either comes out too fast, or too slow and they get dis-interested. The syringe pictured was the first night and all that we had to work with at the time. Everyday I learn something new and we're out purchasing more stuff, lol. My husband is planning to get a scale tonight so that we can get a weight on them.

You think 3 weeks? We were thinking more like 4. They have white hair on their belly's, have bottom teeth and their eyes appear to be close to opening.

[Nancy in New York]

Yes, these are our firsts. We didn't see any other choice, but to rehab them- their nest was in a tree that was cut down on a construction job that my husband was on. He tried everything he could find online to reunite with the mom, with no luck. :(

Yes I know about the fleece now and plan to do that tonight when I get home. Unfortunately I hadn't come across this board the first night we had them and there is a lot of contradicting information out there on what you should put them in, ect. They're starting to get pretty mobile for not having open eyes yet, so I've been brain storming on what to put them in when they're able to climb and move around better.

Initially the puppy formula wasn't Esbilac (another website said to avoid that one), but we went out and bought that yesterday and that's what they're on now. I also plan to buy Henry's Hi Protein blocks soon to start having in there with them to nibble when they're eyes open and they're ready. Also plan to continue with the formula for as long as they'll take it.

We do have a bottle and nipples, but they haven't done as well with that. It either comes out too fast, or too slow and they get dis-interested. The syringe pictured was the first night and all that we had to work with at the time. Everyday I learn something new and we're out purchasing more stuff, lol. My husband is planning to get a scale tonight so that we can get a weight on them.

You think 3 weeks? We were thinking more like 4. They have white hair on their belly's, have bottom teeth and their eyes appear to be close to opening.

I meant to say 3-4 weeks, I think you are close with your estimate!
http://www.squirrelsandmore.com/how-to-determine-the-age-of-a-baby-squirrel?___store=default
You are doing great. Thank you for helping these little ones.
When you get the scale feed them according to their weight.
The "rule of thumb" is 5-7% of their body weight, so this chart below shows the amounts for each percentage,
for their weight.

I will try to find a link to a great starter cage and post it here.

We always hear about the contradicting info.
The beauty of this board is that it evolves when we learn.
Esbilac used to be the go to formula, then it wasn't, now it is again.
BUT Fox Valley 20/50 is also a great formula for eyes opened babies.
Many rehabbers do a 50/50 mix of that and puppy esbilac!
Do these little ones have names?

https://nmognoni.smugmug.com/Feeding-Chart/i-JsmjnNr/0/X2/001-X2.jpg

[Nancy in New York]

Here's a great first cage and the bar spacing is perfect.
The metal bottom is great as they LOVE to chew, so they can't destroy this bottom. :)
Then after a few weeks they will go into a larger one.

http://www.wayfair.com/Ware-Manufacturing-Chew-Proof-Guinea-Pig-Cage-661-WFG1599.html

[MPatterson]

Thank you and thanks for all your help! We really are becoming attached to them! No names yet, but I was thinking I wanted to name one of them "Scrat" from the squirrel on Ice Age :) I have to look again because I don't remember what their genders are.

My husband has a construction business and has been taking them with him everyday, where he can keep their heating pad plugged in his truck and feed and check on them throughout the day. Since we're supposed to be pretty toasty here in NC tomorrow, I think I may try to sneak them into my office (I work in a law firm) so I can care for them and be sure they're not getting too warm. They're pretty quiet, so I don't think anyone would even know they were there unless I said something.

As far as a cage, my mom used to have a love bird and then it passed away. She did mention I could use the cage, but I'll have to check out the setup. If it's cleaned well,and there isn't anything for them to chew up, do you see any issue with this? It's tall, so would be great for them to climb/swing.

[MPatterson]

Ok, we got them weighed tonight! I'm feeling good about what they ate at the 8:15 feeding. We were hoping to get by without a feeding overnight, but due to the timing I don't think they'll be able to go all night. Let me know what you think!

Baby #1: 87g- ate 5 1/2cc's
Baby #2: 69g- (Smallest and hardest one to get to eat) ate 4cc's
Baby #3: 90g- (Our piggie- we didn't have to touch the plunger on syringe, she was sucking it down on her own)- ate 6 1/2 cc's

Everyone pooped and pee'd after dinner and are now currently snuggled together in their new fleece blanket inside container with air holes. :)

[Mel1959]

:great:great

[lennysmom]

Sounds like your little ones are on the right track now. :thumbsup They are quite cute too!:Love_Icon Just wanted to add to be careful when they are sucking down the formula too rapidly from the syringe as they can easily aspirate and that can cause pneumonia, which can be lethal in these little ones. I usually hold the bottom of the syringe so I can control the flow for my "piggies" :grin2

[MPatterson]

Noticed the skin tenting some on our smallest baby today- I have them at work with me today and our afternoon feeding got messed up so will try as soon as I get home and I'm sure at that point they'll chow down. I'll try the water/honey or water/sugar too then, but how much of each? I do have pedialyte, but we're not supposed to use that anymore at this point, correct?

[Saverywood]

Hello there!

Just wanted to let you know that you are about 30-40 minutes away from a great group
of Wildlife Rehabbers in Raleigh, NC :grin2

www.wildlifewelfare.org (http://www.wildlifewelfare.org)

I am certain they will help you in any way they can. :Love_Icon

[MPatterson]

Hello there!

Just wanted to let you know that you are about 30-40 minutes away from a great group
of Wildlife Rehabbers in Raleigh, NC :grin2

www.wildlifewelfare.org (http://www.wildlifewelfare.org)

I am certain they will help you in any way they can. :Love_Icon

Ah! I have contacted this group of rehabbers and low and behold they're doing a training tonight! I expressed my interest in becoming a rehabber, but not wanting to separate from our babies at this point and it sounds like they're more than happy to teach us how to rehab our 3 little ones! It will be such a peace of mind knowing that there is someone close by to help us raise them, answer questions and reassure me that we're doing this all right!