Wild Squirrel Having Trouble Eating

[Fenchurch]

Hi,

There is a wild squirrel that is usually super friendly who has been acting more and more withdrawn and lethargic for the last couple of weeks, and for the last several days she appears to have been having issues eating. She can't eat even unshelled nuts (seems to just be gumming them), but keeps trying. It's heartbreaking.

I gave her a lot of avocado and peanut butter, and she ate a good bit of that today, but she really wants the nuts and is struggling, and clearly doesn't feel well. Also, after eating some peanut butter she was rubbing the sides of her face against the tree bark a lot--not sure if that was because of the pb or a clue as to what could be wrong.

Other info:

-She has a growing bald patch at the base of her tail, and her tail is looking a bit ratty now (over last several days). All of the wilds had some bad mange a couple of months back, but were treated with ivermectin, which helped a lot in most cases. This squirrel would never take the medicine though, so had a bald patch that remained at the base of her tail. I wasn't sure if it was mange, or perhaps just that fungus that people have mentioned, because her bald patch didn't look red and irritated like the mange squirrels. Not sure if the 2 issues are related.
-I've been giving out nuts dusted with calcium carbonate lately. I know MBD is unlikely in wild squirrels, but since they live in a park in the middle of a very densely populated city, and get lots of nuts, is it possible? Could this be in some way related to not enough/too much calcium?
-I can't observe any abcesses on her face or anything, but she isn't letting me get very close since she doesn't feel well.

Any ideas on what might be wrong and how I can help would be very much appreciated--really attached to all the furry wilds, but I know this one really well, and I'm horrified to see her in pain and want to help her as quickly as possible.

Thank you!!!!

[astra]

it's very difficult to say.
It could be teeth issues - she won't be able to eat well, hence the lethargy. Since she can't eat nuts - could be teeth problems. Any way at all to take a pic of her face/teeth/muzzle?

MBD is unlikely. Unless they eat nuts every day of the week, MBD is unlikely.

Without closer examination it's hard to tell...

Here is a thread - a wild sq with teeth problems was taken in http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?52981-Huge-abscess-on-neck-of-beloved-outdoor-squirrel-help-please!&p=1145320#post1145320

[Fenchurch]

I've been trying to get a pic of her face, but having problems getting close enough now. Just went to look for her again and can't find her. Ugh.

Her face looks (to me) to be normal--no odd swelling or anything (I've seen some guys with infections and things in the past) and a piece of avocado that she was gnawing on had well-defined rodent teeth marks (though maybe it was just the top or bottom ones?). Was thinking it was maybe an impaction or something like Dezzy's, but no swelling. She does get nuts every day--I've been trying to vary their diet by bringing squash, a limited bit of apple, avocado, coconut, carrots, and dusting walnuts and pecans with the calcium powder, but since at least 6-10 people feed them nuts each day, I think a big bulk of their diet is likely "junk" food.

I'm hoping I can catch her (though not sure how to catch a wild?) if she'll let me get close. She used to literally climb up my pant leg to get my attention, so I know she must be pretty bad off to be so reclusive. :(

[Spanky]

It could be teeth issues - she won't be able to eat well, hence the lethargy. Since she can't eat nuts - could be teeth problems. Any way at all to take a pic of her face/teeth/muzzle?

Pictures are always extremely helpful. If you can take a lots and lots of pictures maybe you'll be able to magnify the pictures on the computer zoom and catch some glimpses of those teeth? And there is always a chance someone might spot something in a pic that was previously unnoticed.

[Spanky]

She used to literally climb up my pant leg to get my attention, so I know she must be pretty bad off to be so reclusive. :(

Makes me wonder if she may have climbed up some unsuspecting persons pant leg and their reaction may have caused injury? :dono

[Fenchurch]

I will try! She was mostly hanging in her tree this morning, and haven't been able to find her again this afternoon, but will keep trying!

[Fenchurch]

Makes me wonder if she may have climbed up some unsuspecting persons pant leg and their reaction may have caused injury? :dono

I really hope not! I've actually been worried about the same thing, so I try to toss her nuts so she doesn't get too trusting. (she started doing the climbing thing on her own). It seems like it's been a slow progression though...the hair loss got worse, she seemed more reserved (I thought maybe she had babies or something and was just wary, though she didn't look pregnant), and then in the last few days she was having the issues eating.

I do love the interaction with all of them, but I try not to "train" them to come close for exactly that reason. :(

[astra]

I'm hoping I can catch her (though not sure how to catch a wild?) if she'll let me get close.

just have a plan before you catch her, e.g., have some kind of a set up for her (ie., cage etc.), gloves to handle to minimize possible bites, someone to help you take photos of her face/mouth/trouble area(s) while you are holding her.
Also, a vet visit would be the best, but...
in most states treating wildlife is illegal;
most vets won't see wildlife;
moreover, if you just bring her to a vet, the latter may end up seizing her from you and if she is deemed unreleasable due to some serious health problem, she will be euthanized.

So, if you do start looking for a vet, be very, very, very, very careful.
Do not disclose your info, do not give any specifics until you can be 100% sure (or close to being 100% sure).
Maybe, if you post your city/state, there might be a chance of having a trustworthy vet or a member who could help (again, will depend on your location).

At the very least, experienced people here could help you help her.

So, before you catch her, you need some kind of plan ready.

As for catching a wild - there are many ways to do that depending on the wild and on the person who does the catching.

If she is very slow and lethargic, perhaps, you could just cover her/wrap her in something fairly thick and put her in a carrier right away.
Also, be aware that even low and lethargic squirrels can suddenly become quick and active when they feel threatened - so be prepared for that.

But most importantly - have some kind of a plan before you catch her (if that's what you'll decide to do).

[Fenchurch]

just have a plan before you catch her, e.g., have some kind of a set up for her (ie., cage etc.), gloves to handle to minimize possible bites, someone to help you take photos of her face/mouth/trouble area(s) while you are holding her.
Also, a vet visit would be the best, but...
in most states treating wildlife is illegal;
most vets won't see wildlife;
moreover, if you just bring her to a vet, the latter may end up seizing her from you and if she is deemed unreleasable due to some serious health problem, she will be euthanized.

So, if you do start looking for a vet, be very, very, very, very careful.
Do not disclose your info, do not give any specifics until you can be 100% sure (or close to being 100% sure).
Maybe, if you post your city/state, there might be a chance of having a trustworthy vet or a member who could help (again, will depend on your location).

At the very least, experienced people here could help you help her.

So, before you catch her, you need some kind of plan ready.

As for catching a wild - there are many ways to do that depending on the wild and on the person who does the catching.

If she is very slow and lethargic, perhaps, you could just cover her/wrap her in something fairly thick and put her in a carrier right away.
Also, be aware that even low and lethargic squirrels can suddenly become quick and active when they feel threatened - so be prepared for that.

But most importantly - have some kind of a plan before you catch her (if that's what you'll decide to do).

Thank you! I do have a plan for where to take her if I can get her; there is an absolutely no-kill wildlife rehab group near me (I'm in NYC) that has helped me with injured pigeons before, and they have a vet that will see squirrels. My main problem is catching her. I tried the box-and-string trick to try to catch one with a similar problem last year. He was incredibly weak, but managed to escape when I was closing the box as fast as I could. That was horrible--I didn't see him again after that. So trying to avoid a similar problem--I know I likely have only one shot. I'm going to keep looking for her and will take pics first...if it's something that can be treated without capture that would be amazing. Really hope I can help her one way or another. Would be heartbroken if anything happened to her. She's the gentlest squirrel I've ever met. :/

[island rehabber]

Thank you! I do have a plan for where to take her if I can get her; there is an absolutely no-kill wildlife rehab group near me (I'm in NYC) that has helped me with injured pigeons before, and they have a vet that will see squirrels. . :/

Sounds like the Wild Bird Fund, and Dr Pilny (aka St Anthony :grin2). IF so, your squirrel will be in the best of hands. :great

[Fenchurch]

Sounds like the Wild Bird Fund, and Dr Pilny (aka St Anthony :grin2). IF so, your squirrel will be in the best of hands. :great

Awesome :) Yep, it is them! It is another org that works with them, but I know that's where they take their birds, so guessing that squirrels too! So glad to know they are great!

[Fenchurch]

Ok, I got some pictures. I zoomed in as much as possible. It looks like her bottom teeth might be ok, but not seeing any top teeth.

I also think I noticed that her nipples might be swollen? She is eating avocado and peanut butter in these pics, and can open her mouth fully, but she can't eat even unshelled nuts (just gums them and gets frustrated).

Thank you!!!27124427124527124627124727124827124927125027 1251271252271253

[Fenchurch]

I also took some video of her eating--I don't see anything strange about it, but I have never rehabbed/owned one so thought it might be helpful:

https://youtu.be/ctqo7t6sK_k

https://youtu.be/tQHDlurzb7k

https://youtu.be/9tpFLV1m0QU

Thanks!

[Nancy in New York]

I hope that others will chime in here.
I wonder if this is a nursing mama.
Typically we see little "swirl" marks around the nipples, which
I'm not sure I'm seeing.
Before you trap, you need to make sure she is NOT nursing babies.

In the second video, at ~ the 25 second mark I can see a nipple protrusion. :dono
I'm not even sure it seems like she is having difficulty eating, she looks fine to me.
Not sure I would be too anxious to trap her now. JMO

https://nmognoni.smugmug.com/photos/i-rLRFtRs/0/O/i-rLRFtRs.jpg

[Fenchurch]

I didn't notice the swollen nipples until I zoomed in too! I think she might also have babies because she has been very territorial in recent weeks as well.

She's just def having some kind of issue because she can't eat anything that isn't soft. She was really hungry and weak 2-3 days ago, but I've been giving her peanut butter, coconut water (fresh) and avocado and she seems more chipper. She keeps trying nuts but no luck with those.

I will definitely not trap her in case she has a nest, and will keep bringing her soft food instead. Is the coconut, peanut butter, and avocado ok to keep feeding, if that's all she's getting? Are there any other soft foods that I should offer? She used to eat butternut squash, but is having issues with that too now.

Thank you!!!

[Nancy in New York]

I didn't notice the swollen nipples until I zoomed in too! I think she might also have babies because she has been very territorial in recent weeks as well.

She's just def having some kind of issue because she can't eat anything that isn't soft. She was really hungry and weak 2-3 days ago, but I've been giving her peanut butter, coconut water (fresh) and avocado and she seems more chipper. She keeps trying nuts but no luck with those.

I will definitely not trap her in case she has a nest, and will keep bringing her soft food instead. Is the coconut, peanut butter, and avocado ok to keep feeding, if that's all she's getting? Are there any other soft foods that I should offer? She used to eat butternut squash, but is having issues with that too now.

Thank you!!!

If she loves the butternut squash, you could boil up some for her to make it soft.
I would do it in chunks and perhaps she could eat those.
I wouldn't give peanut butter.
Not sure about the coconut water either, it's not something she would typically drink.
Do you have any sort of squirrel block? You can mash that up in a food processor with some pecans, dry fox valley formula and
enough organic applesause in to make it sticky and roll into little balls. I put them in my freezer and
serve frozen or take a few out the night before and serve at room temp.

They stay together better frozen.

You could also contact Leigh and order a bag of SOFT picky blocks.
She is very accommodating.

http://www.henryspets.com/

[Fenchurch]

Thank you! I will order some today. Which of the fox valley formulas should I get? It looks like there are a few on the site. Sorry for so many questions--I really appreciate all the help!

[island rehabber]

You'll want the Day One formula for Squirrels -- 20/50. A one lb bag should last you awhile for making the little balls that Nancy suggested :great

[Fenchurch]

You'll want the Day One formula for Squirrels -- 20/50. A one lb bag should last you awhile for making the little balls that Nancy suggested :great

Awesome, thank you!!

[astra]

Are there any other soft foods that I should offer?
banana (peeled), apples (peeled and cored), grapes (peeled and cored - cut in half and remove the stringy thing in the center), blueberries, raspberries, orange/tangerine/clementine flesh (remove the thin skin on it), kiwi (peeled), sweet potato (raw or cooked, peeled), watermelon, mango flesh (peeled) --> some people do not peel grapes or oranges, but some do. In your case it is better to peel/remove core since she is having some kind of difficulties eating.
THere have been situations when sqs choked on grape peel and the stringy thing in the center. So, again - since she is experiencing some difficulties, it's better to be safe and peel/remove all those risky parts.

You could also try something like this: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?53415-Looking-for-nutritious-but-delicious-foods

In your pics her teeth seem ok... maybe, she injured her jaw...
I have here one wild who cannot crack hazelnuts and even some walnuts. She can crack some walnuts, but not others. Very strange. She seems to be normal overall.
Maybe, there is some kind of condition/situation among sqs that we are unaware of.
Hopefully, it will be temporary

Some wilds will check out peeled cucumbers and Belgian endive, but it's rare

[lennysmom]

If she loves the butternut squash, you could boil up some for her to make it soft.
I would do it in chunks and perhaps she could eat those.
I wouldn't give peanut butter.
Not sure about the coconut water either, it's not something she would typically drink.
Do you have any sort of squirrel block? You can mash that up in a food processor with some pecans, dry fox valley formula and
enough organic applesause in to make it sticky and roll into little balls. I put them in my freezer and
serve frozen or take a few out the night before and serve at room temp.

They stay together better frozen.

You could also contact Leigh and order a bag of SOFT picky blocks.
She is very accommodating.

http://www.henryspets.com/


I'm glad you suggested the balls or soft blocks Nancy because I would think if she is nursing or about to give birth, her body could defiantly use the extra nutrition, especially if she can't eat solid foods right now.

Fenchurch, this sweet mama squirrel is very blessed to have you as a friend!:hug
Praying this girl heals quickly!:Love_Icon

[Fenchurch]

banana (peeled), apples (peeled and cored), grapes (peeled and cored - cut in half and remove the stringy thing in the center), blueberries, raspberries, orange/tangerine/clementine flesh (remove the thin skin on it), kiwi (peeled), sweet potato (raw or cooked, peeled), watermelon, mango flesh (peeled) --> some people do not peel grapes or oranges, but some do. In your case it is better to peel/remove core since she is having some kind of difficulties eating.
THere have been situations when sqs choked on grape peel and the stringy thing in the center. So, again - since she is experiencing some difficulties, it's better to be safe and peel/remove all those risky parts.

You could also try something like this: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?53415-Looking-for-nutritious-but-delicious-foods

In your pics her teeth seem ok... maybe, she injured her jaw...
I have here one wild who cannot crack hazelnuts and even some walnuts. She can crack some walnuts, but not others. Very strange. She seems to be normal overall.
Maybe, there is some kind of condition/situation among sqs that we are unaware of.
Hopefully, it will be temporary

Some wilds will check out peeled cucumbers and Belgian endive, but it's rare

Thank you! I'll mix it up with some of these things along with the boo balls! It is bizarre--she LOVED nuts, usually would only take them in shell, favs were pecans and hazelnuts, and now she can't even eat totally nuts out of the shell, even when I break them into little bits for her.

The jaw thing is a good point--I couldn't see her top teeth at all, but the bottom teeth seemed ok. Maybe something happened to the top ones or her jaw when she was in her territorial mode? Hopefully she'll get better soon. Will keep close tabs on her (and watch/listen for babies). Thanks again!

[lennysmom]

Oh, and I forgot to mention that perhaps you could even try giving her yogurt for extra calcium until the blocks and Fox Valley come in. Lenny always liked the yobaby vanilla yogurt.
I just remember when there was a nursing mama squirrel hanging around my workplace, she would come and lick the concrete - it was dry with no residue of any kind on it and for the life of me I could not figure out why she was doing that! Finally it occurred to me that the concrete was made with a limestone mixture which contained traces of calcium and her body must have been deficient in it. I'm thinking nursing may deplete their bodies of calcium somewhat. I started leaving little pieces of Tums out on the sidewalk - she eagerly took them and stopped licking the concrete.

[Bushwacker]

I have been reading this thread and all I can add to this is " ALL OF YOU ARE AWESOME INDIVIDUALS AND YOU MAKE THIS WORLD A BETTER PLACE ."

GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU

[Mel1959]

I agree! :grouphug

[Fenchurch]

Thanks everyone! Tasty food from HHP is on the way (they were SO helpful!)

I was away today, so a friend stopped by and gave her walnuts that he had pressed through a garlic press mixed with some calcium powder (she refused the yogurt and fruits and veggies :tap) She ate a ton of the walnut-calcium mix though.

He reported that she seemed about the same today, but maybe even with a bit more energy. She still doesn't want solids, but I think all of the good foods you suggested have perked her up and gotten her some much needed calories.

If she does have a malocclusion on her uppers, is there anything I should be watching for/does it progress rapidly? Trying to just walk that line of making sure she's ok since we don't want to capture in case she has a batch of kiddos. And is there a period of time (or time of year) that her babies should be grown/out of the next that would be a "safe" time to catch her and get her to the vet to get checked out? Or are they just in breeding mode non-stop once warmer weather comes?

Thanks!!!

[Fenchurch]

Hi all,

Just wanted to stop by with a quick update in case anyone was interested!

Murdoch (her name) has been getting boo balls, ground peans, avocado, and watermelon several times a day, and keeping her weight on/strength up. She wasn't quite her old self, but she seemed to be doing ok. Then yesterday she picked up a pecan piece and managed to eat it! I didn't want to get my hopes up too much, but today I gave her a nut in the shell, and after some chomping she managed to crack it open and chow down. It still took her a while to crack and eat it, but I'm going to take it as a good sign! Fur loss is also still there, but hopefully eating solids is good news!

Thanks again for everyone's help, advice and concern. Fingers crossed that she is on the road to recovery!

[Nancy in New York]

Hi all,

Just wanted to stop by with a quick update in case anyone was interested!

Murdoch (her name) has been getting boo balls, ground peans, avocado, and watermelon several times a day, and keeping her weight on/strength up. She wasn't quite her old self, but she seemed to be doing ok. Then yesterday she picked up a pecan piece and managed to eat it! I didn't want to get my hopes up too much, but today I gave her a nut in the shell, and after some chomping she managed to crack it open and chow down. It still took her a while to crack and eat it, but I'm going to take it as a good sign! Fur loss is also still there, but hopefully eating solids is good news!

Thanks again for everyone's help, advice and concern. Fingers crossed that she is on the road to recovery!

Fantastic update!:w00t
Thank you SO MUCH for coming back and letting us know how your little buddy is doing! :blowkiss

[Fenchurch]

Hi there,

I hate to say that problems are back with my wild friend--she started eating solid food again, and seemed to have perked up for about a month. Her fur and tail never bounced back, but I was happy she was eating.

About a week and a half ago she stopped taking solid foods again (she'll take solid nuts, but can't crack the ones in their shells, and even struggles to eat the ones that have been shelled). She won't eat boo balls, so I've been grinding up different nuts (hazelnuts, pecans, and walnuts) and mixing the ground nuts with a bit of calcium powder; she gobbles that up as fast as she can until she is chased off by other squirrels or off-leash dogs. She also has been happy to take watermelon and sometimes she'll take a little avocado.

She's losing a ton of weight, her fur and tail are scraggly, and I just can't figure out what's wrong with her. I got a (slow motion) video of her eating a piece of watermelon today while she was sitting in her tree, and it looks like maybe there is a dental issue? I can't tell if maybe it looks like she has only one bottom tooth? I was hoping maybe someone with more experience watching squirrels noshing up close could let me know if this looks normal?

https://youtu.be/s4ro_iExAnk

and here's a screen shot of the possible single tooth:
273259

Other wrinkle--I caught an injured pigeon in the same park about 2 weeks ago, and brought her to a rehab clinic; the pigeon was suffering from severe lead poisoning (she's getting awesome treatment and they think she's going to be ok). Could lead poisoning cause similar issues in squirrels?

Thanks again!!