View Full Version : Behavior change- odd - Advice??
amandaleet1972
07-09-2016, 06:03 PM
My rescue squirrel is about 3, on Henry's diet, all that good stuff. About 3 weeks ago he had a night and day behavior change. For his entire life I'd open the cage in the morning and he'd jump right on me for petting and playing. Suddenly about 3 weeks ago he acts as if he doesn't know me, won't come near, won't let me pick him up without shrieking, runs away like he was a wild. I feel terrible! What gives?
He did do something similar around June of last year, but it only lasted a week or so- figured it was breeding season/hormones or something, he was back to normal in a flash. This time we're going on three weeks.
We moved into a new house in March, but I don't think it is the "stress" of that because he was fine until a few weeks ago. Also doing some remodeling- same, his behavior change started FIRST and I make sure to shelter him from any noise/commotion.
Any ideas? I feel awful, it's like my baby suddenly hates me!!!
PS-- I'd like to try some rescue remedy but is it safe with all that alcohol? How should I give it, if I just put a drop in his bottle I'm sure it will be too dilute to have an effect..
PPS-- He does NOT have a 'nut stash', and he has not once bitten me-- He just seems terrified.
island rehabber
07-09-2016, 06:56 PM
Hi amandaleet....could it be a strange smell on you all of a sudden that you don't even realize -- such as a neighbor's dog, a new skin cream, new hair product? Nail polish set one of mine off, once -- omg! Some squirrels react violently to these kinds of changes in their humans. Is it possible that the smell of paint or other renovation-type chemicals is bothering him? Just grabbing at straws, here....
Shewhosweptforest
07-09-2016, 07:05 PM
Oh that is distressing...we love them so much it hurts when they seem afraid. Sounds like you've taken in the usual considerations..nut stash, hormones, change in surroundings....another problem people have had is with change in smells...detergent you use on his bedding, you....also I've said this before...Baby is nervous when she's around me and I don't have my robe on :dono smells don't bother her...I don't wear perfume...but I buy whatever detergent is on sale :hidechair never has bothered her...but let her see me without my robe and she's standoffish. Another issue with hormones is the reaction can vary....I know some Momma's on here have gone months with their lil guys acting weird :dono I'm sure they will be able to elaborate :great
If I were you I'd just hang around his cage quietly for a little while before I take him out....speak all his favorite phrases :grin3 just try and be patient....soothe him and tell it will be ok :Love_Icon that's great he's not biting :great just hang in there...both of you :Love_Icon
SammysMom
07-09-2016, 08:08 PM
I had a very similar experience over some laundry detergent. I hope he is back to himself soon!:grouphug
amandaleet1972
07-09-2016, 10:15 PM
Hi amandaleet....could it be a strange smell on you all of a sudden that you don't even realize -- such as a neighbor's dog, a new skin cream, new hair product? Nail polish set one of mine off, once -- omg! Some squirrels react violently to these kinds of changes in their humans. Is it possible that the smell of paint or other renovation-type chemicals is bothering him? Just grabbing at straws, here....
I don't think so.. The only thing I realized is that our last house-- NO outside squirrels. Here, there are many... *I* hear them barking at early morning, HE must as well but doesn't even turn his head about it... Hmmm. IDK... Just so upset. :(
amandaleet1972
07-09-2016, 10:22 PM
ADVICE on how to use Bach's "Rescue Remedy" safely---???? Worth a try??? How should I use it?
Shewhosweptforest
07-09-2016, 10:35 PM
I haven't used it...bought some tho....I was told to rub it on their paws or ears :dono I'm not sure if that's for absorption or they will lick it :dono
Daisey007
07-09-2016, 11:40 PM
I hate to even ask this but we've all heard of it happing with other pets and even children...
But could it be that 'someone' else within the household or who visits while you're away is tormenting him in some manner either intentionally or unintentionally, directly or indirectly? Think hard...
The other thing that comes to my mind is could he be sick? I ask because I believe I noticed a behavior change in my Chewy when he got sick.
And I would NOT use any kind of a chemical on him not knowing what is wrong with him, or what it could do, or if it was even safe.
Best of luck. I know how it is to suddenly feel like something's wrong and you have no clue what it could be.
amandaleet1972
07-10-2016, 03:45 AM
Thanks.. No one else is in the house, just me. As far as being 'sick' I thought about that but he is eating fine, he does play-just not with me anymore, no eye or nose discharge. I don't have A/C and I know he is miserable with the heat but that shouldn't cause a behavior change I don't think.
I guess I'll try to wait it out and see if he comes around like last year, this is baffling :-(
tree bunny
07-12-2016, 10:16 AM
I am currently experiencing the same thing with my Fox squirrel. He is 4.5 years old. It was a change over night. Started 7/9/16 and today is the 12th. At first it appeared that he was not feeling well, eyes squinting and not wanting to move or staying under the covers and his fur was all puffed up. He is eating, somewhat less but doesn't turn down his favorites, pooping well plus moving, jumping well around his room when I coax him. He won't go into his outside cage either. I checked his nest and found nothing abnormal. I did have some construction work on the 9th but I noticed this change before that even started. I also have a new baby squirrel I rescued on June 19th. So if it's her smell, why just now has it affected him this way? Over these past 3 days, I've spent much time with him to observe. I'm noticing it's almost like he doesn't recognize me. He's had a concussion once before and almost died from it. This is not like that time but it does make me wonder if he could have a minor one. He is avoiding me, doesn't come when I call and won't play. He's always been very playful. Unfortunately, I no longer have my Vet who saved his life from his concussion. My Vet died 6 months after that. I have no Vet now that can treat a squirrel. I still have some Dexamethasone and decided to start him on that. I'm wondering if the baby squirrel is the real cause because she's a female. Could he be jealous? He's not acted like this with other baby squirrels I've raised. With this happening overnight, I tend to think he hurt his head or maybe did eat something bad. I have given him a couple doses of Baytril as well before changing to the Dexamethasone because now it appears behavioral. I'm so worried because I just can't figure it out.
kendradfw
07-12-2016, 10:31 AM
Squirrels are so finicky. I wore shorts for the first time in front of Sandy and she had no idea what to do with her self.
Put pants on.
Squirrel works again. :dono
Good luck, I hope you figure it out and your baby comes back around.
Lighten-Up
07-12-2016, 12:50 PM
Squirrels are so finicky. I wore shorts for the first time in front of Sandy and she had no idea what to do with her self.
Put pants on.
Squirrel works again. :dono
:laugh2
Daisey007
07-12-2016, 01:30 PM
I'm glad that you're not dismissing this change because since they can't tell us what's wrong - this is their only way of letting us know that 'something' is not right. Great job! But I would be cautious about giving any type of medication unless you're sure there's a need for it.
tree bunny
07-12-2016, 02:45 PM
I'm glad that you're not dismissing this change because since they can't tell us what's wrong - this is their only way of letting us know that 'something' is not right. Great job! But I would be cautious about giving any type of medication unless you're sure there's a need for it.
I'm starting to think he is in pain. Since he doesn't want to move much or be touched. I'm getting scolded for trying to touch him in ways to see if it hurts somewhere. Are there over the counter pain meds I can give that are acceptable? I cannot force anything orally, it has to be hidden in food. He is a very large squirrel and very powerful. I hand fed him some dried cranberries, a blackberry, and part of a plum slice. He's already eaten a grape and blueberry this morning. He won't climb down to where he normally eats so I'm putting water up high for him to reach but have yet to see him drink. He is also licking his salt lick and eating some of his manu block. He seems a bit weak and I'm thinking it's because he hurts somewhere. If he did hurt himself and is in pain, the dexamethasone should help. Does anyone know of a Vet that treats squirrels in Dallas, Texas? There is a Wildlife E.R. Vet in Grapevine but that is too far to drive and they even have so little experience with squirrels. None of my regular Vets see squirrels. I haven't checked in suburbs such as Garland, Plano, Richardson, Mesquite or Arlington.
amandaleet1972
08-06-2016, 11:33 AM
Well.. update on Dinky-- we're still remodeling, (UGH). Yes I'm sure that and the daily trips to his babysitter was a bit upsetting to him but I'm CONVINCED this is hormonal or something. Just this week, even though I can't let him out in the room yet, he is almost back to normal! In the last week or so he has really come back around. He's playing with his toys again, wrestling my hand when I put it in, not running and screaming! Yesterday and today I even reached in and took him out. He sat in my hand like always, resting his teeth on my thumb 'holding on' like they do.. I scratched and petted him and I'm convinced he's back. Thank GOODNESS!
He did the SAME thing last year but for a much shorter time. My new house has no A/C, it's been hot, she shed a bunch more than last year in the A/C. I'm now convinced it must be 'chemical', hormonal.... a combination of the shed, breeding seasons, whatever...
Still wondering if anyone else has ever run into this...
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