Refuses syringe Woodchuck

[nkkritters]

Yesterday I got a call and helped a girl locate baby woodchucks whose mom had been killed 4-5 days prior. She saw one sitting by the side of the road so we looked for others and found 3 On arrival one had a runny nose. A few hours later she found another one. I gave all some hydration and later formula. I heard one breathing really hard. I lost that one today. Shortly after arriving home from getting meds for the sick one the girl called back AND FOUND ANOTHER ONE. I tried giving it some hydration and he absolutely would not take it and pushed the syringe away. You could tell he had been eating vegetation, as there were pieces in his mouth. He also took a piece of apple. He is 2 ounces bigger than the others. They are approx. 6 weeks. They weigh 8.5-10oz. My question, should I try to force him to drink formula or try other ways, in a dish? The others are drinking from a syringe. They suck it so hard it is really hard to hold back. I am so afraid they will aspirate. They are eating some rodent block...

[Shewhosweptforest]

Wow...:grin3 We have had members with woodchucks....groundhogs :dono I believe they are the same thing. I think Pappy had one ....anyways...I don't think I would force him...I'd try the dish and see how he does:great And some fresh veggies...and I think you can get some Timothy grass to feed them....definitely need pics :grin3

I'm sorry you lost the one :sadness who knows what happened after momma was gone :shakehead at least she passed in a safe, warm place :Love_Icon

[Shewhosweptforest]

Here's one thread
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?43510-Snickers-the-Woodchuck

Here's Pappy's :grin3
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?40993-George-the-baby-groundhog&highlight=Woodchuck

[lilidukes]

In order to get them to eat you have to cover the eyes
and still manage to control the syringe. They suck
very hard.

[nkkritters]

Thanks for all the help. Yes, covering the eyes for the other ones helped, but not this independent one. I offered him one of those toddler squeeze foods, with blueberry, sweet potato, and Greek yogurt on a spoon over a dish. He devoured it. As he gobbled it, I streamed in some formula. I feel good he has a full tummy. They get fresh greens and veggies too. I have a pasture right near my house so they get all kinds of grasses. I have raised many squirrels and chippies, but this is a first for me. I thought I was done for a while as my grays are in the pre-release cage, but nooooo. Here are a couple pics. I do feel badly about the other one but I think he had pneumonia when he came in. I just hope these 4 continue to do well. 273510273511

[nkkritters]

I am glad to say the late comer is drinking great now from the syringe!! It took a little work/coaxing, but then all went well.

[island rehabber]

good job bringing him around!:clap