4 NEW BABIES: AM I QUALIFIED FOR THIS!?

[TerriCompro]

I told the tree removal crew when they were cutting down trees in my neighbor's yard a couple of weeks ago, not to let any baby squirrels die, to please bring them to me if they found any. Today, my doorbell rang, and the man was there holding a moss nest of four babies. He had driven all the way over from the next town, in the rain, to bring them to me. OMG!! I thought things were leveling out for me. NINY, IR, and all my other mentors: Can I DO THIS? Should I bring them to someone more qualified!? They are smaller than Miss Click ever was, but they are not pinkies, they are gray babies, have gray peach fuzz all over them.

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[DarkLies212]

You've so got this. Everyone has to start somewhere. You got your feet wet with Miss Click. Clearly the universe thinks you're capable!!! :grin3

[stepnstone]

I told the tree removal crew when they were cutting down trees in my neighbor's yard a couple of weeks ago, not to let any baby squirrels die, to please bring them to me if they found any. Today, my doorbell rang, and the man was there holding a moss nest of four babies. He had driven all the way over from the next town, in the rain, to bring them to me. OMG!! I thought things were leveling out for me. NINY, IR, and all my other mentors: Can I DO THIS? Should I bring them to someone more qualified!? They are smaller than Miss Click ever was, but they are not pinkies, they are gray babies, have gray peach fuzz all over them.

You have done wonderful with Click but that is quite a handful for any aspiring first timer but only you are qualified to answer whether or not you can take this on.
Judging by appearance they look to be underweight, I could even say dehydrated. I would hydrate and do the intake drill with stabilizing these babies and then think about how you'd like to proceed. We can try to find help if that's what you decide is best.

[TerriCompro]

You have done wonderful with Click but that is quite a handful for any aspiring first timer but only you are qualified to answer whether or not you can take this on.
Judging by appearance they look to be underweight, I could even say dehydrated. I would hydrate and do the intake drill with stabilizing these babies and then think about how you'd like to proceed. We can try to find help if that's what you decide is best.

Pedialyte or homemade rehydrating fluid? If I use Fiji water to make it, it has electrolytes

[stepnstone]

Pedialyte or homemade rehydrating fluid? If I use Fiji water to make it, it has electrolytes
You can use either...

[HRT4SQRLS]

Oh my goodness. That is a handful! :eek

Well, hubby did want a friend for Ms. Click. :peace Maybe he can help and rotate feedings of the babies. :tilt

That was a very nice man that went to so much effort to save these babies. I just love people like that. :grin2
These babies are alive because of you. Many tree trimmers don't care at all.

[TerriCompro]

Oh my goodness. That is a handful! :eek

Well, hubby did want a friend for Ms. Click. :peace Maybe he can help and rotate feedings of the babies. :tilt

That was a very nice man that went to so much effort to save these babies. I just love people like that. :grin2
These babies are alive because of you. Many tree trimmers don't care at all.

I thanked him and told him he was so kind, and then proceeded to say "Oh, sh*t" several times, like I was completely freaked out. He said "You do know how to do this, don't ya?" Um. Yeah. sorta

So...

These "Little Rascals" are as follows:

Spanky, male. weighs 50g
Alfalfa, male. weighs 49g
Darla, female. weighs 45g
Jean Darling, female 47g

I think. They may have gotten mixed up, may have to amend that later. :gigg

[TerriCompro]

Forgot to say:

The whole family helped. Husband, son, son's girlfriend all took a baby, I held a quick class on "one drop at a time," and they were all fed rehydration fluid at the same time. Nobody aspirated (yay, o-ring syringe!), and they all seem fine right now. They look underweight, but are they just skinnier in the wild...?

[Nancy in New York]

Forgot to say:

The whole family helped. Husband, son, son's girlfriend all took a baby, I held a quick class on "one drop at a time," and they were all fed rehydration fluid at the same time. Nobody aspirated (yay, o-ring syringe!), and they all seem fine right now. They look underweight, but are they just skinnier in the wild...?

No, they sometimes come in all chubby and fat.
I suspect they have been away from Mom for longer than we may think.
Perhaps something happened to her before the tree guys even arrived. :dono

[stepnstone]

No, they sometimes come in all chubby and fat.
I suspect they have been away from Mom for longer than we may think.
Perhaps something happened to her before the tree guys even arrived. :dono
:yeahthat I had that same thought by the looks of them...

[Daisey007]

Hi Terri -

Thank you for asking the tree guys to look out for these beautiful babies by bringing them to you! Awesome! :grouphug

You can see how much their mommy loved them by how fat they are! You know, you can reunite the babies with their mother if you have a little time... and it would save you tons of work raising those babies by yourself too. Squirrels have multiple nests already built, it's just a matter of allowing her time to spot her babies (which is pretty easy since she has the vantage point from sitting way up high) and to collect them one at a time to relocate to their new home. I've actually seen mothers come for their babies two, three and four days later after the babies were kept inside and fed by humans during that time. Unlike some species, squirrels WANT their babies, and they don't care if they've been touched by people... they will look for days and days trying to find them. I'm sure the mother has been looking for them since they took them. Of course, if you decide to reunite them with their mother you have to guard them from predators while you give the mother time to get them. Seems like a wonderful day sitting outside enjoying nature for the couple of days... lol, it doesn't get any better than that! Let's us know if you decide to do that and need instructions how to.

Just a thought... :Love_Icon

Kindest regards,
Pam

[stepnstone]

Hi Terri -
Thank you for asking the tree guys to look out for these beautiful babies by bringing them to you! Awesome! :grouphug
You can see how much their mommy loved them by how fat they are! You know, you can reunite the babies with their mother if you have a little time... and it would save you tons of work raising those babies by yourself too. Squirrels have multiple nests already built, it's just a matter of allowing her time to spot her babies (which is pretty easy since she has the vantage point from sitting way up high) and to collect them one at a time to relocate to their new home. I've actually seen mothers come for their babies two, three and four days later after the babies were kept inside and fed by humans during that time. Unlike some species, squirrels WANT their babies, and they don't care if they've been touched by people... they will look for days and days trying to find them. I'm sure the mother has been looking for them since they took them. Of course, if you decide to reunite them with their mother you have to guard them from predators while you give the mother time to get them. Seems like a wonderful day sitting outside enjoying nature for the couple of days... lol, it doesn't get any better than that! Let's us know if you decide to do that and need instructions how to.
Just a thought... :Love_Icon Kindest regards, Pam


Today, my doorbell rang, and the man was there holding a moss nest of four babies. He had driven all the way over from the next town, in the rain, to bring them to me.

I don't read where "reuniting" being possible under the circumstances...

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=276222&stc=1


These "Little Rascals" are as follows:
Spanky, male. weighs 50g
Alfalfa, male. weighs 49g
Darla, female. weighs 45g
Jean Darling, female 47g




I suspect they have been away from Mom for longer than we may think.
Perhaps something happened to her before the tree guys even arrived. :dono
As suspected, I too think these babies have been alone longer then a day.
I certinally don't see how they could be seen as being "fat"? http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/hand-gestures/i-dunno-hand-gesture-smiley-emoticon.gif

[TerriCompro]

I don't read where "reuniting" being possible under the circumstances...

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=276222&stc=1



As suspected, I too think these babies have been alone longer then a day.
I certinally don't see how they could be seen as being "fat"? http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/hand-gestures/i-dunno-hand-gesture-smiley-emoticon.gif


It's not reasonable to attempt reuniting. It hurts my heart to think of that mommy looking for her babies, but I can only take the best care of them that I know how and hope for the best. I'm torn up over it, but the man said reuniting wasn't possible, and I was a little too caught off-guard to interrogate him. It was pouring rain, he was standing there, soaking wet, the babies were screeching, and he and they all smelled like chain saw gas. I will attempt to contact him today, but I have my doubts about reuniting them. Even if I reach him and he would tell me exactly where the nest was found, I can't see myself sitting in a stranger's yard in the pouring rain for days - and that's what the weather is supposed to be here this weekend, lots of heavy rain.

[TerriCompro]

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They already look a little better.

[island rehabber]

They already look a little better.

They do! This is a good age, Terri -- they have gotten plenty of mamma's milk to build up their immune systems and they are well on their way, so a little setback won't be too damaging. Now they are warm, and fed, and safe, and loved (by now, I'll bet, right? :grin2) If you had to get four babies for your Baptism by Fire here, these are perfect. :great

[TerriCompro]

The Little Rascals all lost weight. They looked better to me, but they actually each dropped a gram. Hm.

One of the girls has diarrhea, so are they all likely headed that way...?

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So precious!

[HRT4SQRLS]

Yes, precious. :grin2

In a few days, when they stabilize and everything seems OK with them you could put Miss Click with them. She would love being in a squirrel pile. :dance I would wait until they adjusted to the formula in case anyone gets the poopies. (Edit... I guess they already do. ) :(

Now we need to discuss an issue that you might encounter with these babies that you didn't encounter with Miss Click. In a group of babies like this you might have a ''sucker'. Sometimes babies just HAVE to suck something so they might find a 'little boy nipple' and go to town on it. Know what I mean! :poke If that happens you need to stop it right away. They can injure a little boy very badly doing it.

[Daisey007]

It's not reasonable to attempt reuniting. It hurts my heart to think of that mommy looking for her babies, but I can only take the best care of them that I know how and hope for the best. I'm torn up over it, but the man said reuniting wasn't possible, and I was a little too caught off-guard to interrogate him. It was pouring rain, he was standing there, soaking wet, the babies were screeching, and he and they all smelled like chain saw gas. I will attempt to contact him today, but I have my doubts about reuniting them. Even if I reach him and he would tell me exactly where the nest was found, I can't see myself sitting in a stranger's yard in the pouring rain for days - and that's what the weather is supposed to be here this weekend, lots of heavy rain.

Then I'm glad those little ones have you! :grouphug As you know 'WE' can raise some seriously healthy baby squirrels, and often giving them far more life than they would have had otherwise. Best of luck to you! :hug

[stepnstone]

The Little Rascals all lost weight. They looked better to me, but they actually each dropped a gram. Hm.
One of the girls has diarrhea, so are they all likely headed that way...?
So precious!
Not necessarily but it's not unusual with a change in "formula," I would offer
a little hydration in between feeding to keep hydrated and help flush things out.
A slight drop in weight is not all that unusual either, you just don't want it to
continue in that direction and it shouldn't.

[TerriCompro]

Not necessarily but it's not unusual with a change in "formula," I would offer
a little hydration in between feeding to keep hydrated and help flush things out.
A slight drop in weight is not all that unusual either, you just don't want it to
continue in that direction and it shouldn't.

Got it! :thankyou

[TerriCompro]

Then I'm glad those little ones have you! :grouphug As you know 'WE' can raise some seriously healthy baby squirrels, and often giving them far more life than they would have had otherwise. Best of luck to you! :hug

Thank you!

[TerriCompro]

Little Rascals Daily Report:

All except one gained. One male stayed the same weight. The other male gained 5g!
Both females gained and were both 47g
I am feeding 5% - strictly - and this morning was the first time they took the formula and nipple without a lot of BS. Whether they are just getting used to it or the formula is tasting better (we're to the 50/50 stage of transition to full strength), IDK, maybe a little of both.

We have an assembly line. When William is home, he takes the first one to "potty" him while I start feeding the next. In just a little over 24 hours, this has gone from a major stress hassle to a pretty smooth operation. Still time consuming, but at least we have a system. I think it's just going to get faster and smoother as we all get used to each other.

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[Nancy in New York]

Little Rascals Daily Report:

All except one gained. One male stayed the same weight. The other male gained 5g!
Both females gained and were both 47g
I am feeding 5% - strictly - and this morning was the first time they took the formula and nipple without a lot of BS. Whether they are just getting used to it or the formula is tasting better (we're to the 50/50 stage of transition to full strength), IDK, maybe a little of both.

We have an assembly line. When William is home, he takes the first one to "potty" him while I start feeding the next. In just a little over 24 hours, this has gone from a major stress hassle to a pretty smooth operation. Still time consuming, but at least we have a system. I think it's just going to get faster and smoother as we all get used to each other.

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You may have posted, though I don't recall. What formula are you feeding,
and what dilution. I'm just not clear what you mean by 50/50 stage.
Precious little souls. :Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[island rehabber]

Great update, Terri! Gaining or not losing the first day or two is awesome -- most very young babies lose a gram or two just from transitioning to formula. Good job! :clap
You're so lucky that your guy will hold and potty or feed the babies. Mine has always been terrified that he'd kill them simply by 'squeezing too hard' or something :rotfl. But he builds great nest boxes and puts up with all my rehab crap all over the house, so I'll keep him. :grin2

[TerriCompro]

You may have posted, though I don't recall. What formula are you feeding,
and what dilution. I'm just not clear what you mean by 50/50 stage.
Precious little souls. :Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

I don't think I posted it, but in the early hours, I PM'd you and IR and IR answered in part with the following:

"I always rehydrate for at least 4-5 hours after intake even if they look good. Then I start on diluted formula (3 to 1) and by the following day I have them up to full strength. If they are somewhat emaciated, you may want to start very slowly with formula and take until tomorrow night to get them up to full strength."

In a later PM, I think we decided that maybe I could rehydrate for 8 hours, and so I did.

So, I'm doing the slow transition into making the formula 2:1 (water:formula). I have formula mixed up 2:1, and formula mixed up 3:1, and I'm slowly adding more of the 2:1. I'm just doing this as slow as I can, because they started immediately with diarrhea, but all seem OK now. By the end of the day, they should be having full strength formula.

[TerriCompro]

Great update, Terri! Gaining or not losing the first day or two is awesome -- most very young babies lose a gram or two just from transitioning to formula. Good job! :clap
You're so lucky that your guy will hold and potty or feed the babies. Mine has always been terrified that he'd kill them simply by 'squeezing too hard' or something :rotfl. But he builds great nest boxes and puts up with all my rehab crap all over the house, so I'll keep him. :grin2


I understand that! William is reluctant to handle them too, but he had to step up to the plate when we got four at once, and now he sees they're not that fragile and is good at getting them to potty. He's going to be my nest builder too!

[PennyCash]

I understand that! William is reluctant to handle them too, but he had to step up to the plate when we got four at once, and now he sees they're not that fragile and is good at getting them to potty. He's going to be my nest builder too!

I love reading this! :hug
My darling hubs is a computer geek so building a nest box wouldn't go so well. He's to squeamish for the pottying but he was in there every feeding to hold the girl, see her daily changes and kiss on her while I cleaned up the box. I think that the significant others who put up with us are all great! But when their involved it's AWESOME! :serene

[HRT4SQRLS]

If I remember right, it was William that wanted more babies. Right? :grin2
Careful what you wish for! :jump

Terri, if the tree trimmer returns with more babies, we can probably help you get placement for others if you get overwhelmed. Last season, a couple people were picking up at a vets office. It didn't take long before it was getting a little overwhelming. :eek :tilt

[TerriCompro]

If I remember right, it was William that wanted more babies. Right? :grin2
Careful what you wish for! :jump

Terri, if the tree trimmer returns with more babies, we can probably help you get placement for others if you get overwhelmed. Last season, a couple people were picking up at a vets office. It didn't take long before it was getting a little overwhelming. :eek :tilt

You are remembering right! He said the day they came that he had to go play the lottery, it was a lucky day, he could feel it in his bones. LOL!

Funny Story: William had one night of hydration feedings every two hours and he hasn't recovered yet. He said "I see now why you were so tired. I only had one[I] night of it."

It's much more time consuming when he isn't here, but we're managing.

I will most definitely need help if any more babies arrive. My operation is small and primitive. I need to let that poor tree man know that I am OK and the babies are OK. When he arrived with them, I was trying to leave to get to my grandmother's house where everyone had gathered after she passed. I knew when I saw them, I wasn't going anywhere. For [I]awhile. So I think he left feeling unsure about me, what with me standing there in my night shirt saying "Oh, sh*t" over and over.

:rotfl

Question for discussion: How would you handle this? The tree man, as he left, said "OK, I'll be back in two months to get one of 'em" I said "Oh, yeah, right." and he kinda looked at me funny. I don't know if he was kidding, and I think he didn't know if I was kidding ... it was weird. I am thinking I am going to contact him through the company if I can, but how should I tell him he can't have one back in two months? William says I need to say "I raise these guys to release, not to keep as pets." but that maybe I should let him have one this time, when they're older. What say you?

[stepnstone]

Question for discussion: How would you handle this? The tree man, as he left, said "OK, I'll be back in two months to get one of 'em" I said "Oh, yeah, right." and he kinda looked at me funny. I don't know if he was kidding, and I think he didn't know if I was kidding ... it was weird. I am thinking I am going to contact him through the company if I can, but how should I tell him he can't have one back in two months? William says I need to say "I raise these guys to release, not to keep as pets." but that maybe I should let him have one this time, when they're older. What say you?
He probably was kidding as he most likely could have had his share by now but No, you should not "give him one this time."
Asserting that you raise to release is a good policy to make known, also a bit of "education" can go a long ways. Most people
do not know or understand what it even takes to raise to release let alone keep as a pet. Explaining that these are wild animals
who eventually do wild up and can become incompatible with most humans, are destructive with their need to chew as well as
the strict expensive diets required to keep one can be enough for some to not even go there. Of course the other ringer to
throw on the post (depending on your State laws) is that they are illegal to keep regardless of how they were found and heavy
fines would be imposed.
I personally would let sleeping dogs lay and not contact him through his employment, it may not fare well for him if it were known
what he was doing even if to save their lives. If he were to contact you a little harmless white lie in saying they have either been
released or turned over to another rehabber for release may be what saves a life a second time around.

[Mel1959]

:goodpost:goodpost

[TerriCompro]

He probably was kidding as he most likely could have had his share by now but No, you should not "give him one this time."
Asserting that you raise to release is a good policy to make known, also a bit of "education" can go a long ways. Most people
do not know or understand what it even takes to raise to release let alone keep as a pet. Explaining that these are wild animals
who eventually do wild up and can become incompatible with most humans, are destructive with their need to chew as well as
the strict expensive diets required to keep one can be enough for some to not even go there. Of course the other ringer to
throw on the post (depending on your State laws) is that they are illegal to keep regardless of how they were found and heavy
fines would be imposed.
I personally would let sleeping dogs lay and not contact him through his employment, it may not fare well for him if it were known
what he was doing even if to save their lives. If he were to contact you a little harmless white lie in saying they have either been
released or turned over to another rehabber for release may be what saves a life a second time around.


Great minds think alike LOL. That's EXACTLY what I was thinking. Great point that he could've had all he wanted already. But I will recontact him, to let him know that it is OK to bring me babies, I will not always go into minor freak mode. I will make up whatever lies I need to make up in case he was serious. I assumed he was kidding, but it was the strange look he gave me that gave me pause.

[TerriCompro]

All the babies are eating very well, taking 5%. Everybody gained weight or maintained except the one male with the largest gain yesterday lost a gram. Both males are 51g, one female is 48g, the other is unchanged at 47g.

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These little guys were "hugging" the split second before the shutter clicked.

Anyone else see the similarity here?
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[TerriCompro]

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Death Grip

[lennysmom]

Oh my word, that picture is total cuteness KLUNKAGE! :Love_Icon:klunk:Love_Icon

[Cesta]

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Death Grip

:Love_Icon Love Grip! :Love_Icon

Precious :klunk

[stepnstone]

All the pictures are just precious. :Love_Icon
I can see it in your words......
You are so :owned :rolf

[TerriCompro]

276354
Death Grip

It looks like he was just "hugging" my finger, but no. He was hanging on like his life depended on it. They are SO ADORABLE.

[island rehabber]

It looks like he was just "hugging" my finger, but no. He was hanging on like his life depended on it. They are SO ADORABLE.

Heh heh....and another one bites the dust (human hopelessly enthralled by squirrel magic.....:klunk:klunk:klunk)

I always say at this age, we don't hold them. They hold us. :grin2

[Nancy in New York]

It looks like he was just "hugging" my finger, but no. He was hanging on like his life depended on it. They are SO ADORABLE.

:klunk276366:klunk

[TerriCompro]

All are well this morning. Weight gain all around. No diarrhea, no pneumonia ... so far, so good.

276376
"I can do that" said No one. Ever.
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The rest of 'em.

[TerriCompro]

Heh heh....and another one bites the dust (human hopelessly enthralled by squirrel magic.....:klunk:klunk:klunk)

I always say at this age, we don't hold them. They hold us. :grin2

...and I think I remember you saying that before, but Click did not cling like these guys do. I don't know if it's coz she didn't spend enough time scrabbling in a tree before she fell, or what, but I enjoy these little ones so much, because there are ways they're just 'different' from Click.

[redwuff]

Just beautiful!:grouphug

[TerriCompro]

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I mustache you a question ...

[island rehabber]

I mustache you a question ...

:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon :blowkiss:blowkiss

[Nancy in New York]

276395
I mustache you a question ...

Oh YOU are having WAY too much fun with them! :grin2

[TerriCompro]

Oh YOU are having WAY too much fun with them! :grin2

LOLOLOL ...guilty

My husband is ready for some clean laundry and a home-cooked meal.:shakehead

[Nancy in New York]

LOLOLOL ...guilty

My husband is ready for some clean laundry and a home-cooked meal.:shakehead

1-800-RENTAWIFE if busy call 1-800-RENTAHUBBY.
Let me double check with Rich to see if this is the correct number.:grin2

[stepnstone]

1-800-RENTAWIFE if busy call 1-800-RENTAHUBBY.
Let me double check with Rich to see if this is the correct number.:grin2

Yes please do, there are 2 too many numbers....
I tried calling, it connected too soon. I asked if it was rent a wife and some
irate dude wound up screaming obscenities at someone in the background. http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/hand-gestures/i-dunno-hand-gesture-smiley-emoticon.gif

[DarkLies212]

:rotfl Do they provide training services?

[TerriCompro]

If I were working, he'd be doing his own laundry and we'd be sharing cooking. But when I became a 'lady of leisure' (ha), I felt like those things became my"job." Then I acquired a whole buncha squirrels and a new job. The pay sucks and the opportunity for advancement is nil. Hours are long and grueling, too. Never had a job I loved so much. It's so much fun, my husband is trying to share the position with me.

[island rehabber]

If I were working, he'd be doing his own laundry and we'd be sharing cooking. But when I became a 'lady of leisure' (ha), I felt like those things became my"job." Then I acquired a whole buncha squirrels and a new job. The pay sucks and the opportunity for advancement is nil. Hours are long and grueling, too. Never had a job I loved so much. It's so much fun, my husband is trying to share the position with me.

This is such a great quote! So very true....and if hubby is evolved enough to love the fact that you are doing such meaningful work that YOU love, he's a keeper for sure. I have one too, thank God.....but I know that wildlife rehab can often be tough on relationships. Gotta have boundaries and know when to say "no more". :great

[Nancy in New York]

Hours are long and grueling, too. Never had a job I loved so much.

I just love you!
These little ones were SO
lucky to find their way into your
loving hands.
You are such a blessing to them, and to us! :hug

[HRT4SQRLS]

Then I acquired a whole buncha squirrels and a new job. The pay sucks and the opportunity for advancement is nil. Hours are long and grueling, too. .

Are you KIDDING? There are great opportunities for advancement. By next spring, you could have 20 of these precious souls. :jump :peace

[TerriCompro]

These little babies are so so so precious. They're all the time hugged onto each other or something[I]. This morning, it's the little plush toy in the box with them.

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They all gained weight, one of the males is 10g heavier than the females! They are 61g, 58g (males) and 51g (both females)

Would honey water be of benefit [I]calorie-wise for the little girls...? I don't think they're dehydrated, but then I'm not real good at determining that, either.
If you have time:
https://youtu.be/cOydD4J0YvM
Here's a quick video of the pinch test for TSB experts to help gauge if they need hydrating.

[TerriCompro]

Are you KIDDING? There are great opportunities for advancement. By next spring, you could have 20 of these precious souls. :jump :peace

You trying to give me a heart attack!?

:eek

[island rehabber]

Would honey water be of benefit calorie-wise for the little girls...? I don't think they're dehydrated, but then I'm not real good at determining that, either.
If you have time:
https://youtu.be/cOydD4J0YvM
Here's a quick video of the pinch test for TSB experts to help gauge if they need hydrating.

At their age, baby squirrels have very loose skin as it grows a bit faster than their bones, so sometimes the pinch test is not that reliable. If you feel that their energy levels or their appetites are not up to par, or their poop is really dry and scarce, then I would definitely give them some honey water in between feedings. If everything seems fine but their skin is a bit baggy, don't stress. :grin2 Weight amongst baby grey squirrels of the same age (or litter!) can vary so much that the best books on squirrels will not give an "average" weight for a particular age.

[TerriCompro]

At their age, baby squirrels have very loose skin as it grows a bit faster than their bones, so sometimes the pinch test is not that reliable. If you feel that their energy levels or their appetites are not up to par, or their poop is really dry and scarce, then I would definitely give them some honey water in between feedings. If everything seems fine but their skin is a bit baggy, don't stress. :grin2 Weight amongst baby grey squirrels of the same age (or litter!) can vary so much that the best books on squirrels will not give an "average" weight for a particular age.

I'm going to hydrate at least the little girls. I'll have to ask Will about poops because he's the Poop Whisperer these days :gigg

[Mel1959]

Terri, if you think they need some extra calories you could get som Fox Valley Ultraboost and add it to their formula. I used it with my guys and it worked great! You are doing a great job! Your babies look terrific. :grouphug

[kendradfw]

Baby squirrel piles are the cutest! :klunk

[TerriCompro]

Baby squirrel piles are the cutest! :klunk

Will calls it a Squirrel Swarm

[TerriCompro]

I can't make myself stop
276444

[island rehabber]

I can't make myself stop


Resistance is futile. :grin3

[HRT4SQRLS]

Wait a minute... I thought Miss Click was your favorite! :tap :grin2

[TerriCompro]

Wait a minute... I thought Miss Click was your favorite! :tap :grin2

Miss Click is #1.
:grin2

...and then there's Stitch who's #2; Twitch who's #3; Squeak, #4; Peep, #5 ... not necessarily in that order:gigg

[TerriCompro]

Daily Update:

4g weight gain across the board.
All are eating exactly 5%, wanting more.
Pee and Poop is good

[Nancy in New York]

Daily Update:

4g weight gain across the board.
All are eating exactly 5%, wanting more.
Pee and Poop is good

Here's an interesting thread about the 5-7% "rule of thumb".
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?53433-Let-s-Discuss-the-5-7-Formula-Rule

[Mel1959]

Hey Terri, I'm glad to hear your babies are doing so well. You can gradually bump up their feeding amounts, just watch their poo for any change. If they are consistently wanting more than the 5% then they might be going through a growth spurt. You gotta go with your gut, but continue observing. :blowkiss

[DarkLies212]

Miss Click is #1.
:grin2

...and then there's Stitch who's #2; Twitch who's #3; Squeak, #4; Peep, #5 ... not necessarily in that order:gigg

A momma's not supposed to choose favorites :eek

[TerriCompro]

A momma's not supposed to choose favorites :eek

That's why there's the disclaimer "not necessarily in that order."

Click was first, though.

[PennyCash]

I love your pictures and how happy this thread is! :hug

[TerriCompro]

Post is short today, have a lot of other things going on. Just wanted to check-in, let ya know that the babies are all doing well. Nobody has diarrhea, nobody has aspirated, nobody currently has AP, and -knock on wood- all is well. Small weight gain for the girls, boys gaining nicely.

:thumbsup

[CritterMom]

Isn't boring nice sometimes??

[TerriCompro]

Isn't boring nice sometimes??

YES!!!

[TerriCompro]

Everybody is well and gaining.

276528
Coincidentally, we'd named this one Peep (the original names just didn't stick). Woke up this morning, and both of Peep's eyes were open. They're open all the way, she was sleepy in this picture.

[Cesta]

Thank you for this sweet, sweet thread!
I LOVE reading about your babies every day.
I think I'm living vicariously through you, without the sleep loss! :grin2 I so miss having babies this season, but I think it's for the best. Next season I'm planning to be healthy and ready to go!! :w00t (Altho if you get any more you know who to call!!! H4S, you did not see this.)

You're doing an amazing, awesome job--with them, and Miss Click, and being a newbie.:eek
Isn't TSB a wonderful place? I love seeing how many of your new friends have chimed in to help with your little ones. This place is the best. :grouphug

I think you've EARNED your place as an experienced squammy! From one 'trial by fire' newbie to another, welcome to the Florida dream team!! :blowkiss And to answer that very first question, YES, you ARE qualified to do this. And believe me, no one will ever forget. You're going to have a houseful next year. :bliss Better keep some Esbilac in your freezer for those babies that are going to be pouring in!!
:serene

[TerriCompro]

Thank you for this sweet, sweet thread!
I LOVE reading about your babies every day.
I think I'm living vicariously through you, without the sleep loss! :grin2 I so miss having babies this season, but I think it's for the best. Next season I'm planning to be healthy and ready to go!! :w00t (Altho if you get any more you know who to call!!! H4S, you did not see this.)

You're doing an amazing, awesome job--with them, and Miss Click, and being a newbie.:eek
Isn't TSB a wonderful place? I love seeing how many of your new friends have chimed in to help with your little ones. This place is the best. :grouphug

I think you've EARNED your place as an experienced squammy! From one 'trial by fire' newbie to another, welcome to the Florida dream team!! :blowkiss And to answer that very first question, YES, you ARE qualified to do this. And believe me, no one will ever forget. You're going to have a houseful next year. :bliss Better keep some Esbilac in your freezer for those babies that are going to be pouring in!!
:serene

What a sweet post!!! I love TSB. I am having a sh*tty time right now, and I gotta tell ya, this made my day. Thank you so much! I intend to answer your last PM, it's just been difficult lately. I'll get to it soon, I promise.

[TerriCompro]

My first decent post in awhile. For anyone who has time...

Fabulous weight gain!

Stitch - up 9g to 82
Twitch - up 10g to 80
Squeak - up 8g to 68
Peep - up 6g to 67

I have been gradually increasing the amount I'm feeding them, because they just seem SO hungry, and they're at approx 7% now. This morning was the third feeding at 7% and so far, all is well. They still seem so hungry when they've finished, but not desperately like they were, so I'm OK with 7%.

Squeak's left eye was open when we got up this morning. Both boys' eyes are still closed.

Stitch is the big boy, came in as the biggest, has been the biggest all along, except for a couple of days, when Twitch has beat him by a gram, maybe. He eats like a madman. He smacks and slurps and jerks his head from side to side. They are SO HARD to tell apart, but I always know I've got the right one when he starts feeding. Does anyone have recommendations for telling them apart? I did have their nose markings differentiated, but they've changed, become more blurred, and that's not working for me at all. They are so similar, and they won't hold still for close inspection, so I can't seem to find any distinguishing characteristics. When they're the same weight, it doesn't matter, but when one is several grams heavier (getting a greater amount of formula), I really like to make sure I have the right one without constant weighing. So far, I've put colored magic marker on the tufts of their tails, but it wears off so quickly, that's not really working, either.

When I got Click, she never made a sound. Not one peep. Until she started clicking, she was silent. When I got these rascals, they were screaming the most piercing wail I've ever heard. I'd never heard that sound before, and that was another reason the tree man wasn't sure about me. I realize it must be a common distress call, but I just hadn't heard it. They would wail like that for the first few days we had them, but now they no longer make that sound either. All you had to do to quiet them was put your lips on their llittle heads, just a kiss was all it took.

Ah, 10:00 again. Time to make the donuts.

[Cesta]

Paint their toenails! :grin3
Just make sure you write down who is which color. Of course this is easier if you have teen girls, but it's worth the small expense. :hug

[Cesta]

Paint their toenails! :grin3
Just make sure you write down who is which color. Of course this is easier if you have teen girls, but it's worth the small expense. :hug

I've also heard of others who use colored Sharpies to make dots on their white tummies. That might last longer than the colored tails.

[Cesta]

I've also heard of others who use colored Sharpies to make dots on their white tummies. That might last longer than the colored tails.

Ugh, sorry, I can type faster than I can think!
With 2 boys and 2 girls you only need a color for one of each. So you have plain boy, blue boy. Plain girl, purple girl.
Hope that's helpful!

[TerriCompro]

Ugh, sorry, I can type faster than I can think!
With 2 boys and 2 girls you only need a color for one of each. So you have plain boy, blue boy. Plain girl, purple girl.
Hope that's helpful!

BRILLIANT! THANK YOU!!!

Husband chimes in as I type this "How ya gonna keep 'em still til it dries?" Oh, yeaahhhh.

Maybe the Sharpie idea is best...?

[TerriCompro]

Babies all had at least 5g weight gain. Stitch's eyes still not open. Not even crackage! Everybody else is wide awake. And Peep is one remarkably beautiful squirrel. I think her eyes are wide-set, and it makes her especially cute.

[TerriCompro]

These babies are all gaining weight, and now all have open eyes. All the potty elements are good.:grin2 Good lookin' buncha squirrels.

276675

[HRT4SQRLS]

That's a GREAT looking bunch of squirrels. :grin2

[Nancy in New York]

What a pile of cuteness.:klunk
Who would have thought July 4th :fireworks
when you joined this board, that you would
be posting about 4 MORE babies. :dono
You are doing beautifully. :bowdown

[Ekorre]

Those babies are SO sweet! :Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[TerriCompro]

What a pile of cuteness.:klunk
Who would have thought July 4th :fireworks
when you joined this board, that you would
be posting about 4 MORE babies. :dono
You are doing beautifully. :bowdown

Thank you Thank you Thank you. For everything. All of it!

Is squirrel season almost over...? LOLOL

I adore these little guys (and gals), I really do. But I am also really ready for my life to normalize. It should start to level off when they're all on a five hour feeding schedule, but even then ... FIVE SQUIRRELS!!! How do you people do it?

:laugh2

[HRT4SQRLS]

Is squirrel season almost over...? LOLOL

Not in Florida ... it ain't over yet! :rotfl

[TerriCompro]

Not in Florida ... it ain't over yet! :rotfl

Accchhhhhhh :eek I'm sending any new ones to you.:laugh

:klunk

[PennyCash]

They are simply to precious! :Love_Icon
FYI Your life will never be the "normal" of before squirrels. Your one of us now

[TerriCompro]

They are simply to precious! :Love_Icon
FYI Your life will never be the "normal" of before squirrels. Your one of us now

Oh, noooooooo!!!

Hah! Seriously, I couldn't be in better company.

[Mel1959]

Your babies look fantastic! A squirrel pile of super-cuteness! Great job! :grouphug

[HRT4SQRLS]

Accchhhhhhh :eek I'm sending any new ones to you.:laugh

:klunk
It's OK... Mel said she would take them. :hidechair :hidechair :highfive :grin2

[TerriCompro]

The babies are all well and gaining. They are standing on all fours a little, getting more mobile.
276739
I'm exhausted, you guys. I bit off more than I could chew I think, but we're coming into the home stretch. I see that the intense feeding will be lessening soon, so I'm not giving up, just keeping my eyes on the prize (that being five healthy, beautiful squirrels), will put one foot in front of the other and keep on keepin' on. My, what a jam-packed, run-on sentence of cliches! Hah!

I bow down to all you squammies. This is hard work!

I just love these little guys, and the age they are now is just The Best. They are sweet and cuddly, adorable with the big eyes. I know it's just a matter of weeks before they're all glitchy and twitchy, toenails and tails, so I'm REALLY enjoying this stage.

[TerriCompro]

It's OK... Mel said she would take them. :hidechair :hidechair :highfive :grin2

Ha ha! OK, Mel. I know where you live.

[TerriCompro]

The babies are getting too big for the Nursery Box, and I'm thinking of putting them in the interim cage with Miss Click. They're getting active and mobile and that box is pretty small.

This morning, after pottying, my girl Squeak nibbled a little on my finger. I gave her a tiny shard off of Miss Click's block. This little darling grabbed it with her adorable little "hands" and nibbled for a long time. I couldn't tell that she'd actually eaten that much when she was finished, but she gave it a heck of a try.
276794
Squeak Eats Her First Block

No one else stays awake long enough to try giving them block, but Squeak is well on her way to eating a healthy diet. They are SO precious, so cute.

I made a squirrel duvet cover this morning. I put one of the small microfiber cloths that I've been using for them (but grabs toenails real bad) inside a tiny travel pillowcase with a zipper. Nice. LOL It's a nicer weight than the pillowcase alone, but not as bad to get caught in the toenails.

[ALittleNutty]

I've had luck with mixing different ages that are fairly close together. Just watch them close to make sure they are all getting along. Miss Click will probably enjoy the company and they do so much better being released in a group.

[TerriCompro]

Everybody is doing well. A little scare yesterday, when Stitch climbed out of the box and fell to the floor. Heart attack! But he seems OK. His appetite is good, behavior the same. I'll never turn my back without placing the lid back on. I didn't know he was that mobile, yet.

Usually, after I feed, I put them right back in the box, and they are sleeping. Today, I kept them out for awhile, so when I moved them, they woke and were looking for something. I gave them each a piece of block. Entertainment galore! They were actually fighting over it. And squirrel spats at this age are adorable . I had no idea.

276847

[redwuff]

Yup, you are amazing. Great job!:grouphug

Trysh

[Mel1959]

Ha ha! OK, Mel. I know where you live.

Yes you do, Terri. I offered my name to the tree trimming guys and no one brought me anything. :( You must have said the magic word for him to show up on your doorstep with 4 beautiful babies. I think you have done an amazing job with them, and you were very brave to take them all on. Nothing like jumping in with BOTH feet!
You rock! :hug

[TerriCompro]

Yes you do, Terri. I offered my name to the tree trimming guys and no one brought me anything. :( You must have said the magic word for him to show up on your doorstep with 4 beautiful babies. I think you have done an amazing job with them, and you were very brave to take them all on. Nothing like jumping in with BOTH feet!
You rock! :hug

Was it brave? Or was it completely insane? I'm not really sure. :klunk:laugh2

The babies are so adorable, so lovable, and so dang cute, I couldn't possibly give them up now, but I probably should have on day 1. Live and learn.

TIME FOR BED! If I go right now, I can get a whopping six hours -- which would be a recent record.

[ALittleNutty]

Was it brave? Or was it completely insane? I'm not really sure. :klunk:laugh2

The babies are so adorable, so lovable, and so dang cute, I couldn't possibly give them up now, but I probably should have on day 1. Live and learn.

TIME FOR BED! If I go right now, I can get a whopping six hours -- which would be a recent record.

I hear ya! Sleep is a rare commodity in this house right now. I think I could fall asleep washing dishes. Going to try and get some :sleep before that :alarm goes off again.

[TerriCompro]

Just received the following text from my cousin:

"Hey, Terri
Found a lil tiny pink baby squirrel in yard, wondered if you would want it? Mom fed it with a dropper last night, it's still alive, tried leaving it back outside but mama squirrel didn't come down from tree to get it"

Spoke to my cousin, they've tried a few times to reunite, but they don't have long amounts of time to sit and watch, so unless mama squirrel comes down soon, I'll be meeting her to take the pinkie. I'm maxed out. Gonna have to find another squammy for this one.

Someone said that once word gets out, they will find me. I had no idea how true that was gonna be!

I'm posting this in both of my threads, hoping someone nearby is up to the task.

[Nancy in New York]

Just received the following text from my cousin:

"Hey, Terri
Found a lil tiny pink baby squirrel in yard, wondered if you would want it? Mom fed it with a dropper last night, it's still alive, tried leaving it back outside but mama squirrel didn't come down from tree to get it"

Spoke to my cousin, they've tried a few times to reunite, but they don't have long amounts of time to sit and watch, so unless mama squirrel comes down soon, I'll be meeting her to take the pinkie. I'm maxed out. Gonna have to find another squammy for this one.

Someone said that once word gets out, they will find me. I had no idea how true that was gonna be!

I'm posting this in both of my threads, hoping someone nearby is up to the task.

Just tell her to keep the baby warm, and NOT in the sun.
He/she needs to be watched very closely.
Good luck finding someone.
Perhaps you could get the little one, and then look for someone after. :dono
:glomp

[TerriCompro]

I'm on my way to pick it up. She can't watch the baby to reunite. So sad. Please, somebody! Anybody...?

What should my take-in protocol be? They've been giving it watered-down powerade since last night. Does that change my approach?

[Chickenlegs]

Where are you in relationship to Baltimore? Is this Powerade as in the soft drink? Urk!

[TerriCompro]

Where are you in relationship to Baltimore? Is this Powerade as in the soft drink? Urk!

I am in Central Florida. Yes, I assume Powerade, Gatorade's competitor. This thing is SO tiny. About half the size Miss Click was when we found her!276875

[TerriCompro]

The little rascals are so cute. They're at such a fun, great stage. They can see, are very mobile, but they're still really little. They're scrappy little boogers. They're always getting into little skirmishes, especially over block. It cracks us up when they fuss at each other in the squealy little growly thing they do.

[Nancy in New York]

The little rascals are so cute. They're at such a fun, great stage. They can see, are very mobile, but they're still really little. They're scrappy little boogers. They're always getting into little skirmishes, especially over block. It cracks us up when they fuss at each other in the squealy little growly thing they do.

I'm so glad you're enjoying these little ones.
Aren't they just the best? :w00t
:Love_Icon:hug:Love_Icon

[TerriCompro]

I'm so glad you're enjoying these little ones.
Aren't they just the best? :w00t
:Love_Icon:hug:Love_Icon

The Best!

[TerriCompro]

The 4 Rascals are all well and frisky. They're chewing sticks, eating block, peeing all over each other, climbing the bars of the cage like champs ... they're gonna be a handful.

I peeled back the sofa cushions where they all like to hide and sleep, and the 4 rascals were lined up in the crack, looking like a pan of cooked biscuits (you know how the biscuits swell and cook joined-together?) and then there was Click, lying on her back across the top of them spread eagle. Wasn't fast enough to get a picture. You can take my word, IT WAS ADORABLE.
:serene

[Nancy in New York]

The 4 Rascals are all well and frisky. They're chewing sticks, eating block, peeing all over each other, climbing the bars of the cage like champs ... they're gonna be a handful.

I peeled back the sofa cushions where they all like to hide and sleep, and the 4 rascals were lined up in the crack, looking like a pan of cooked biscuits (you know how the biscuits swell and cook joined-together?) and then there was Click, lying on her back across the top of them spread eagle. Wasn't fast enough to get a picture. You can take my word, IT WAS ADORABLE.
:serene

I bet that was adorable.
They get out of the cage time?
That crack doesn't lead to the springs below does it?
You know how they love to burrow in anything. :)
Can you imagine hubby if you have to cut squirrels out of the sofa. :tap :tilt :poke

[TerriCompro]

I have a large throw tucked in tight to the creases so they can burrow, but not very far. I can see them trying to get deeper, trying to find an "in" to the deeper crevices. Foiled again!

[TerriCompro]

I bet that was adorable.
They get out of the cage time?
That crack doesn't lead to the springs below does it?
You know how they love to burrow in anything. :)
Can you imagine hubby if you have to cut squirrels out of the sofa. :tap :tilt :poke


YOU JINXED ME!

All this time, and not one lost squirrel. Then this morning, about 15 minutes after telling William what you said about cutting them out of the sofa, Squeak was lost in the sofa bed. EEEK! William knocked over a large metal candle holder and it made a crash. Squeak startled and scuttled over the top of the couch onto the back. When he tried to fish her from the back, she scurried down under and up inside. He tried to find her with a flashlight by just laying on the floor. All of sudden, he started wailing "OH, NO. OH, NO. OH, NO." I was still feeding the boys, sitting on the other couch, saying 'WHAT IS IT!? WHAT!? WHAT!!!?" There was a small cat toy mouse that was just under the edge of the couch, looking like a crushed squirrel. It was squirrel colored and not moving. I thought he was going to have a conniption. When he finally got that cat toy out and realized what it was, I thought he might cry with relief. As soon as I finished feeding the other two, I went to help. He was afraid that she would be squished by the moving metal springs and hinges if we pulled the bed out, so we had to bungee cord the bed into the frame and turn the couch on its side. We couldn't see her or hear her. There were so many places up inside that we couldn't reach. He finally found her under a flap of some kind of upholstery liner. He put her back in the cage and said "never again. They have to stay in the cage. Only one out at a time." Later he said "I'm mad at her." LOL

I think she would've come out eventually, when she got hungry if not before.

[ALittleNutty]

:laugh2 So glad you found her but finding the "deceased" cat toy is hysterical. We've all had those moments with these little stinkers. My flyers are the worst at causing me to nearly have a heart attack. Now I am formulating a plan for a very flyer safe room for them during our never-ending house remodeling project.

[TerriCompro]

These four are almost more than we can manage - even with two of us! :gigg

They are so cute, and getting to be so fun - but really a handful! I wish Miss Click wasn't so mean to them. It just further complicates the issue. We usually can't just let them all out to play, it has to be in shifts because we can't keep up with four little ones unless we are both able to sit and watch, and Click has to be in her cage, regardless. :sniff

[TerriCompro]

The four babies are in a really wild phase right now, but I think Click got pretty wild for awhile, too, if I remember right, and she's a gentle little lady now (most of the time), so I'm hoping they'll calm down some.

I ran a high fever for four days, and it was so rough getting all these little boogers fed, but the worst is behind me finally, and I'm hoping everything will settle down now.

William has now fallen to The Bug, and is on the couch, in the throes of fever and snottage. It's a MAN COLD, you know!

https://youtu.be/VbmbMSrsZVQ

:laugh2

[cava]

:rofl4

[TerriCompro]

All four of the hellions are alive and well, despite me wanting to ring their necks sometimes. We are torn to ribbons, head to toe, both my husband and me. He sprayed on some cologne this morning, and enjoyed a delightful stinging all over his neck and shoulders. I'm gonna get out those nail clippers, I swear!

We still have trouble telling them apart, so for quick reference, I'm still keeping Sharpie dots on their bellies. I recognize Squeak, because she is so much smaller than everyone else. And if you have a minute to look, you can tell who's who without the dots, but it's just easier to tell at a glance with the marks.

They play fight a lot, lots of squeaking going on all the time. THEY ARE ADORABLE!

Just had to relocate their cage, because they have been peeing while hanging on the back bars, and I had the cage pushed up to the front of the entertainment center in my living room. So there was some congealed pee when I finally moved it to clean under and behind it. DOH! I was not happy when I discovered that all over my ash furniture.

277719
They're all so cute, but it's like a squirrel tornado when they're awake, so I haven't gotten any pictures in quite awhile.

[TerriCompro]

The babies are still getting fed with formula every five hours (6:30, 11:30, 4:30, 9:30). They seem to want those feedings, still. It was at this age that Click began to lose interest in formula, I think. I switched to her three times a day around 7-8 weeks. I wish the four babies would start losing interest! ...just a little! LOL These guys seem starved to death at each feeding. Two of the babies are getting exactly 7%. One is getting is slightly less, building up to 7%, because he gets an upset tummy really easily. Squeak is at 7.5%, because she's so much smaller and wasn't gaining like the rest. She's gaining at about the same rate as the others (approx 5-8g per day +-) now, at 7.5% She seems to need that extra, because she wasn't gaining at the same rate until I increased it.

They are eating block like little champs. I think I'll start offering veggies soon. The largest one of the four, Stitch, got into Click's open cage a couple of days ago and nommed on the avocado that Click wasn't interested in. I don't know if he actually ate any of it, but he chipped it into little pieces, so I looks like I'll have avocado eater after all.

277737
She always sleeps with her head hanging out of the cube

277738
Had a little catnap, ready for some more chewing

[DarkLies212]

:klunk

[TerriCompro]

The babies are now losing interest in formula, so I guess it's time to back them off to three times a day. I've just let them set the pace: since they were still ravenous every five hours, I continued feeding them every five hours. But for several days, most of them have not shown as much interest. They're eating block and veggies now, though I have a hard time telling who is eating what, with all four of them in one cage.

I made little hammocks out of bandanas in their cage and enjoy watching them sitting in the hammock, munching.

Blurry of course:
277821
Twitch

[Mel1959]

Very cute! I'm glad they're beginning to think about weaning. Lol. I continued to give my boys formula in a bowl for a long time after they were eating block and veggies. But, beware, as they lap the formula out of the bowl the formula spray drops go all over anything close to the outside of the cage. :eek Dried FV is hard to get off sliding glass doors and the floor! :tap

[HRT4SQRLS]

I'm just catching up on the gang. They sure are rambunctious little devils (and stinky and messy) aren't they! :grin2 l hang a fleece drape across the top and over the back of the cage to keep pee off of the wall and floor. :shakehead

I have 4 this weekend and I'm really enjoying them. The youngest is 5 weeks. Eyes opened yesterday. She's the cat caught pinkie that I received. I'm hoping to release this batch along with their brothers (3) before winter. A GREAT friend has mostly been raising them but I get weekend visitation. :grin2 The plans are to release here.

[Mel1959]

I'm just catching up on the gang. They sure are rambunctious little devils (and stinky and messy) aren't they! :grin2 l hang a fleece drape across the top and over the back of the cage to keep pee off of the wall and floor. :shakehead

I have 4 this weekend and I'm really enjoying them. The youngest is 5 weeks. Eyes opened yesterday. She's the cat caught pinkie that I received. I'm hoping to release this batch along with their brothers (3) before winter. A GREAT friend has mostly been raising them but I get weekend visitation. :grin2 The plans are to release here.

That's awesome, Patti! I know those little ones are keeping you busy. Yes, something draped over the cage is very helpful. :grin3

[cava]

Those bandanna hammocks are super cute. I did crocheted chemo caps like that but I might like your idea better!

[TerriCompro]

Very cute! I'm glad they're beginning to think about weaning. Lol. I continued to give my boys formula in a bowl for a long time after they were eating block and veggies. But, beware, as they lap the formula out of the bowl the formula spray drops go all over anything close to the outside of the cage. :eek Dried FV is hard to get off sliding glass doors and the floor! :tap

I keep forgetting about putting it in a dish. I'll try to remember that as another method.

[TerriCompro]

I'm just catching up on the gang. They sure are rambunctious little devils (and stinky and messy) aren't they! :grin2 l hang a fleece drape across the top and over the back of the cage to keep pee off of the wall and floor. :shakehead

I have 4 this weekend and I'm really enjoying them. The youngest is 5 weeks. Eyes opened yesterday. She's the cat caught pinkie that I received. I'm hoping to release this batch along with their brothers (3) before winter. A GREAT friend has mostly been raising them but I get weekend visitation. :grin2 The plans are to release here.

I discovered that little tidbit the hard way, about covering the cage to contain the pee (see earlier post) :gigg Yes, they are stinky, and MESSY. I just keep the vacuum out, ready to go, right by the cages, because I need it at least twice a day! I'm trying really hard to keep the smell under control.

I wish like crazy that they were a little easier to monitor. I'm afraid it'll be time to release these little boogers before I get their "safe" room done. I enjoy them, but I can't get full enjoyment, because I can only let one out at a time - and barely keep up with that one!

Patti, do you think I'll be able to release this batch of four before winter? They are at least 8 weeks old right now. I hate to end up releasing Miss Click, but having to keep these monsters LOL.

Also, my information says they can have sweet potato, carrots, and squash in limited amounts. Sweet potato and carrot are hugely favored, so what IS a "limited amount?" Once a week, once a day...?

[HRT4SQRLS]

You might try a small dish of vanilla yogurt also. Susie LOVED yogurt.
Yogurt was her 'squirrel crack'. She even ate it outside after release. :grin2

Walmart sells some tiny tea light candle holders. They have a small and medium size. The medium one is about 3-4 inches across. It has VERY thick glass and is very heavy. They make awesome bowls for baby squirrels because they don't tip over. I use the small ones for my flyers formula bowls. The tiny ones hold about a tablespoon of formula. :tilt

[HRT4SQRLS]

I discovered that little tidbit the hard way, about covering the cage to contain the pee (see earlier post) :gigg Yes, they are stinky, and MESSY. I just keep the vacuum out, ready to go, right by the cages, because I need it at least twice a day! I'm trying really hard to keep the smell under control.

I wish like crazy that they were a little easier to monitor. I'm afraid it'll be time to release these little boogers before I get their "safe" room done. I enjoy them, but I can't get full enjoyment, because I can only let one out at a time - and barely keep up with that one!

Patti, do you think I'll be able to release this batch of four before winter? They are at least 8 weeks old right now. I hate to end up releasing Miss Click, but having to keep these monsters LOL.

Also, my information says they can have sweet potato, carrots, and squash in limited amounts. Sweet potato and carrot are hugely favored, so what IS a "limited amount?" Once a week, once a day...?

I do think you can release these before winter. I love releasing on Thanksgiving day. Yours will be 4+ months old by then. IF you want to wait until this time in December they will be 5 months old.... Plenty old enough to release. If I had to choose, I would release the 4 and hold Click until spring. I'm just afraid she will tie up the release cage and then she might even run the babies off when you release them. She is spoiled you know. :tap :grin2

They can have the sweet potato and carrots several times a week. As long as they are eating healthy, and I know they are, I don't get too hysterical over things like that.

[TerriCompro]

You might try a small dish of vanilla yogurt also. Susie LOVED yogurt.
Yogurt was her 'squirrel crack'. She even ate it outside after release. :grin2

Walmart sells some tiny tea light candle holders. They have a small and medium size. The medium one is about 3-4 inches across. It has VERY thick glass and is very heavy. They make awesome bowls for baby squirrels because they don't tip over. I use the small ones for my flyers formula bowls. The tiny ones hold about a tablespoon of formula. :tilt

I have a feeling she's going to love yogurt, but I was afraid it would upset her tummy, and didn't know if there was a method to introducing it when it isn't in the formula. Is that considered a "treat" that she can only have occasionally?

That is GREAT idea about the tealights. I think I already have a couple of them.:w00t

[TerriCompro]

I do think you can release these before winter. I love releasing on Thanksgiving day. Yours will be 4+ months old by then. IF you want to wait until this time in December they will be 5 months old.... Plenty old enough to release. If I had to choose, I would release the 4 and hold Click until spring. I'm just afraid she will tie up the release cage and then she might even run the babies off when you release them. She is spoiled you know. :tap :grin2

They can have the sweet potato and carrots several times a week. As long as they are eating healthy, and I know they are, I don't get too hysterical over things like that.

Click SPOILED!? Whatever gave you that idea!?
:laugh2

[TerriCompro]

The Fab Four are transitioning to the trees. They've been spending partial days outside when the weather is nice. They are so horrible, I couldn't wait for them to go. But now that they're almost outta here, I feel a little bit sad about letting them go! Husband is real sad about it, but then, he gets to leave and go to work every day. LOL

He had them out of their cage while he worked on putting on an additional door, and they chewed the CRAP out of my Ikea drop-front desk, I mean BAD, and I was very very upset. I know they aren't at fault, he is, but I'm still really upset about the whole thing. So much destruction by these guys, it's really unbelievable. Not one stick of furniture in my home made it unscathed. They are impossible to manage because they are very wild and seem so very ready to go. We're trying to do everything the right way (I mean not rush it), but I am really ready for them to leave. I think getting sick as bad as I did at the time I did made a bad situation. In hindsight, I should've found another home for them, but I had no idea how sick I was going to get, and how long I was going to be sick.

Anyway, we're in transition mode with them, in the phase of the cage being rolled in and out right now. Husband has built ramps, made extra doors on the cage so I can feed easier without risk of escape while they're out. I will feel torn when they finally go. They're so dang cute, and they're awesome little squirrels, but they are AWFUL house pets so there's no doubt they are GOING.

[island rehabber]

The Fab Four are transitioning to the trees. They've been spending partial days outside when the weather is nice. They are so horrible, I couldn't wait for them to go. But now that they're almost outta here, I feel a little bit sad about letting them go! Husband is real sad about it, but then, he gets to leave and go to work every day. LOL

He had them out of their cage while he worked on putting on an additional door, and they chewed the CRAP out of my Ikea drop-front desk, I mean BAD, and I was very very upset. I know they aren't at fault, he is, but I'm still really upset about the whole thing. So much destruction by these guys, it's really unbelievable. Not one stick of furniture in my home made it unscathed. They are impossible to manage because they are very wild and seem so very ready to go. We're trying to do everything the right way (I mean not rush it), but I am really ready for them to leave. I think getting sick as bad as I did at the time I did made a bad situation. In hindsight, I should've found another home for them, but I had no idea how sick I was going to get, and how long I was going to be sick.

Anyway, we're in transition mode with them, in the phase of the cage being rolled in and out right now. Husband has built ramps, made extra doors on the cage so I can feed easier without risk of escape while they're out. I will feel torn when they finally go. They're so dang cute, and they're awesome little squirrels, but they are AWFUL house pets so there's no doubt they are GOING.

Ohhhhhh yeah......I know exactly how you feel and this is why I even detest overwintering.....HATE IT!! Avoid it at all possible costs...... and I don't give my squirrels out-of-cage time, either (except Owena, who doesn't chew anything outside her cage).
Years ago my BF nearly left me when a pre-released squirrel I had running around "for exercise" darted into the bedroom and chewed the main cord off of his brand-new Roland keyboard. OMG. :hissyfit:frustratedx:madd:bash:headbang:bricks
Yah..unless you have "extra" rooms that can be all theirs, they make awful house pets. :grin3

[TerriCompro]

I wish I had known I could skip out-of-cage time and not be a bad person. :gigg

Coz I really hate it.

... and I mean HATE IT.

[TerriCompro]

Nest boxes are on-order, and I am so eager to get this show on the road!!! They should be here Thursday. Would you think me unkind if I bolt 'em to a tree and pack The Babbies up all on that same day!? Yeah, I guess so. NM.

:laugh2

[island rehabber]

I wish I had known I could skip out-of-cage time and not be a bad person. :gigg

Coz I really hate it.

... and I mean HATE IT.

Don't let the Cowgirls intimidate you.
I use the term "Cowgirls", LOVINGLY, for those rehabbers and squirrel-moms and dads who are somehow immune to the fear and trepidation that comes with free-roaming squirrels. They brag about the huge, bleeding chunks taken out of their bodies when they try to get their little darlings BACK in the cage at night. They manage to stay married/in a relationship even though the free-roamers have destroyed everything their human loved one ever treasured in his/her life. Cowgirls don't mind......but this city chick, like you, HATES IT. :grin3

[cava]

I think I'm becoming a cowgirl. But man, it hurts!

[TerriCompro]

Don't let the Cowgirls intimidate you.
I use the term "Cowgirls", LOVINGLY, for those rehabbers and squirrel-moms and dads who are somehow immune to the fear and trepidation that comes with free-roaming squirrels. They brag about the huge, bleeding chunks taken out of their bodies when they try to get their little darlings BACK in the cage at night. They manage to stay married/in a relationship even though the free-roamers have destroyed everything their human loved one ever treasured in his/her life. Cowgirls don't mind......but this city chick, like you, HATES IT. :grin3


THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! So glad I'm not alone in this.



I think I'm becoming a cowgirl. But man, it hurts!

Yes, it does hurt. I am a web of razor scratches and my fingers are covered with bites in various stages of healing. I've got it the worst, because I'm here all day and the primary caretaker. But they've bit everyone in the family at least twice and husband has face, neck and arm scratches too. Click is my sweetheart (so far). She nibbles gently, but no gushing blood or even broken skin from a Click bite (yet?). I handled her so much more than The Fab Four, because I wasn't sick as a dog during her formative weeks.



We stopped wheeling the cage in last night. It stayed on the front porch overnight. It's under roof, but not screened-in. I'm so conflicted about it, because I want to do it all right, all according to expert advice, but I'm at the end of my rope with this group. They have to go. I have a small house, not one square foot of extra space, and it has been a huge disruption that has turned terribly unsatisfying. I adore them and despise them in alternate turns.

So we're going full steam ahead with this release.

[cava]

Terri, it's not like you're releasing a singleton, or two for that matter. They are four and can buddy up in a number of ways (or not) to make it work. Don't feel terrible. You'd feel worse if you kept them all winter and ended up strangling one (or all) of them. :grin2

[TerriCompro]

Terri, it's not like you're releasing a singleton, or two for that matter. They are four and can buddy up in a number of ways (or not) to make it work. Don't feel terrible. You'd feel worse if you kept them all winter and ended up strangling one (or all) of them. :grin2

LOL! Good Point! Better four live squirrels out early and than four neck-snapped ones leaving in teeny tiny pine boxes.

:gigg

[TerriCompro]

Oh, my goodness, you guys, these babies are so happy to be in the trees! I can't TELL you how adorable they are now that they are free. They have been loose since Sunday. Three of them come home every night, one stays out (a male), but comes home as soon as it's light to have some breakfast. Just precious. We have such a happy feeling about them. They come home throughout the day to nap or say hello if I'm outside. We're so happy with how it's going. They're doing great. I'm happy they didn't take off and disappear forever. They were being so mean and wild while they were in captivity, that I half expected they'd leave and never look back. The thought of going through this with Miss Click though is not a happy thought. She is so bonded to us. It will be hard to go through this process with her.

[TerriCompro]

They have already either commandeered an old drey or built one. I'm not sure. Husband spotted them last night, top of a tree, adding stems and leaves. I thought he was all wet. I got out the binoculars (he has laser vision for distance, I am very nearsighted), and yes indeed, the four of them -the FOUR of them- were working on it together. I didn't expect this. I thought they'd use the Release Cage a little longer, then go separate ways, hoped maybe the girls would utilize the nest boxes, at least for awhile. They are very friendly still and came when called this morning, but they didn't come home to the RC last night. They worked on the new pad right up til dark. It rained for hours overnight, but they stayed in their drey. There are two that I call the siamese twins because they are so "together" at all times that sometimes they look conjoined (Stitch and Peep, the larger male and one of the females -the two that are the friendliest with us). I was wondering what would happen with the two of them, but really believed the other two would each go their own way. Would this be unusual for the Fab 4 to move into their first place all together? Wonderful if so, just not what I thought would happen.

[TerriCompro]

Holy cow. This story is going so well. The F4 are in the trees, they are active and happy and already seem to have their own drey. They come several times a day (at this early writing), to say hello, get some nuts or boo balls or whatever, and they are SO FRIENDLY. They are still given veggies (which they largely ignore). I would never in a million years have predicted this. They seemed awful to the core, just biding time til they could make their escape, and I expected a full-on exodus when they were freed. It's so amazing how friendly they are. Even if it only lasts a little while, which I expect, I didn't imagine it would be like this even for a day, much less a solid week. We would love to parlay this into a permanent arrangement, but I know that's not likely. We are enjoying the outside crew SO MUCH. What a surprise. I thought I would just be relieved to see them GO and that's what they would do: just GO. Wish I had video of the adorable-ness.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Fantastic Terri... yours is a story that most of us HOPE will happen with our releases. :dance
Yeah, Yeah, I know 'official' rehabbers want them to wild up and be scared/leery of people but frankly, I like having friendly squirrels in my yard. Of course, location is a big part of the equation. If you live in a densely populated subdivision with tiny lots a too friendly squirrel can be a problem if they approach neighbors. Invariable that will lead to 'issues'.

BUT! The bonus of this is that you get to enjoy their life from afar and your house and furniture stay intact. :poke
Isn't that great that they're working together on a drey! It is quite possible that they could stay together until spring. In the winter they will share each other's body heat in the nest. They might even move into a nest box. In the spring, things will be different. Their blooming hormones will kick in and they will no longer be siblings but competitors for the territory. At that time it is likely that you won't see them all. Some will disperse. That's natures way. Mama will cry but they will be enjoying the life that God intended. That is what rehabbing is all about and the cycle will begin again. You did a great job with your babies. :grin2

Susie has been in my yard for about 3 years. She will still get on my shoulder. She will just stroll right in the house if the garage door is open and I'm in and out. She will also come when her name is called...if she wants to. :grin2 Many times I will be outside working on a project and a furry rodent will suddenly appear to 'help'. Scares the crap outta me every time she does it. :tilt

[TerriCompro]

Fantastic Terri... yours is a story that most of us HOPE will happen with our releases. :dance
Yeah, Yeah, I know 'official' rehabbers want them to wild up and be scared/leery of people but frankly, I like having friendly squirrels in my yard. Of course, location is a big part of the equation. If you live in a densely populated subdivision with tiny lots a too friendly squirrel can be a problem if they approach neighbors. Invariable that will lead to 'issues'.

BUT! The bonus of this is that you get to enjoy their life from afar and your house and furniture stay intact. :poke
Isn't that great that they're working together on a drey! It is quite possible that they could stay together until spring. In the winter they will share each other's body heat in the nest. They might even move into a nest box. In the spring, things will be different. Their blooming hormones will kick in and they will no longer be siblings but competitors for the territory. At that time it is likely that you won't see them all. Some will disperse. That's natures way. Mama will cry but they will be enjoying the life that God intended. That is what rehabbing is all about and the cycle will begin again. You did a great job with your babies. :grin2

Susie has been in my yard for about 3 years. She will still get on my shoulder. She will just stroll right in the house if the garage door is open and I'm in and out. She will also come when her name is called...if she wants to. :grin2 Many times I will be outside working on a project and a furry rodent will suddenly appear to 'help'. Scares the crap outta me every time she does it. :tilt

I live in a really old subdivision. Low traffic, larger lots than newer subs. I have three very old oaks at my back property line. Lots of squirrels live back there. The trees all touch each other and touch other trees in the neighbor's yard, but so far, they're staying close to home. Just today, they foraged in the grass for the first time. They've been afraid to get very far from the RC (which is right under the trees), but they're getting braver every day and finally ventured out into the sunnier, grassier area. I am thrilled and surprised how great they're doing and how much I don't despise them anymore LOL.

Meanwhile, poor Miss Click is pacing in her cage, dying to get the heck outta here. I hope the Fab 4 relinquish their hold on the RC soon. I'm thinking I'll start feeding outside the RC so that they won't be as interested in it. They hang out and play in it when they come down to visit, but are not sleeping in it or otherwise using it all.

[TerriCompro]

Hi, everybody. I'm two weeks in on this release, and it's going well. I think really well. Three of the four still come when we call them, the fourth will drop in when we aren't there, or will come nearby, but not approach us. But this being my first release, I'm not sure how things are supposed to be progressing. I hope someone with more experience has some time to chime in.

They eat very little of the veggies. This one or that one may eat a piece of a snow pea or a chunk of butternut squash or a piece of cauliflower, but it's so little that I'm wondering why I'm taking the time to chop the veg every day. Maybe I'm just offering way too much, I don't know. I take out three different veggies each feeding. Usually a lettuce and two other. I have more veg in my fridge than at any other time ever in my life. I try to offer something different at each feeding, constantly rotating. I've been mixing up yogurt in formula (approx half and half), and most days they eat all of that over the course of the day. I've gathered acorns from other types of oak trees, and they seem to like the brought-in acorns best (of course). We offer nuts in the evening and a small dish of black oil sunflower seeds which they gobble up. A couple of times a week, I offer a fruit like apple or pear.

They've lost a lot of weight, which is probably normal, since they are running the tree tops all day and not sitting in a cage. They live in the oak trees at the back of my lot.

I've been researching nutrition for squirrels (not finding a whole lot of information, really), and some sources (including a post on this forum) have said that wild squirrels do not have issues with nutrition, that they find and eat what they need, which leads me to believe that I can stop worrying about MBD -- because they aren't eating the nutrious foods I'm bringing them, anyway. But somewhere, many weeks ago, I read that MBD IS a huge problems for wild squirrels, but I can't find where I read it to clarify (that I'm not remembering wrong), so I'm just confused.

They won't touch block anymore, very little is eaten off the Boo balls, they barely pick at the veggies (Peep likes cauliflower and will eat some of that, Twitch likes butternut squash and will eat some of that...). As of today, I didn't take out any Boo balls or block, because it's being wasted. Of the nutritious foods I supply, they mostly want those acorns. I know they love nuts and seeds and those need to be limited, but I am offering a small amount every day.

So my questions are: Is all of this sounding normal to you? Am I doing/not doing something I shouldn't/should do? Are the acorns sufficient to nourish them? They run down every morning as if they are so happy I'm bringing them food, and they pick a little, have some yogurt mixture, but don't seem to really like anything I'm offering.

[Ekorre]

Hi, everybody. I'm two weeks in on this release, and it's going well. I think really well. Three of the four still come when we call them, the fourth will drop in when we aren't there, or will come nearby, but not approach us. But this being my first release, I'm not sure how things are supposed to be progressing. I hope someone with more experience has some time to chime in.

They eat very little of the veggies. This one or that one may eat a piece of a snow pea or a chunk of butternut squash or a piece of cauliflower, but it's so little that I'm wondering why I'm taking the time to chop the veg every day. Maybe I'm just offering way too much, I don't know. I take out three different veggies each feeding. Usually a lettuce and two other. I have more veg in my fridge than at any other time ever in my life. I try to offer something different at each feeding, constantly rotating. I've been mixing up yogurt in formula (approx half and half), and most days they eat all of that over the course of the day. I've gathered acorns from other types of oak trees, and they seem to like the brought-in acorns best (of course). We offer nuts in the evening and a small dish of black oil sunflower seeds which they gobble up. A couple of times a week, I offer a fruit like apple or pear.

They've lost a lot of weight, which is probably normal, since they are running the tree tops all day and not sitting in a cage. They live in the oak trees at the back of my lot.

I've been researching nutrition for squirrels (not finding a whole lot of information, really), and some sources (including a post on this forum) have said that wild squirrels do not have issues with nutrition, that they find and eat what they need, which leads me to believe that I can stop worrying about MBD -- because they aren't eating the nutrious foods I'm bringing them, anyway. But somewhere, many weeks ago, I read that MBD IS a huge problems for wild squirrels, but I can't find where I read it to clarify (that I'm not remembering wrong), so I'm just confused.

They won't touch block anymore, very little is eaten off the Boo balls, they barely pick at the veggies (Peep likes cauliflower and will eat some of that, Twitch likes butternut squash and will eat some of that...). As of today, I didn't take out any Boo balls or block, because it's being wasted. Of the nutritious foods I supply, they mostly want those acorns. I know they love nuts and seeds and those need to be limited, but I am offering a small amount every day.

So my questions are: Is all of this sounding normal to you? Am I doing/not doing something I shouldn't/should do? Are the acorns sufficient to nourish them? They run down every morning as if they are so happy I'm bringing them food, and they pick a little, have some yogurt mixture, but don't seem to really like anything I'm offering.


I don't have any answers for you (and I have similar questions about wild squirrels and MBD). Just wanted to say that I've been following this thread from the very beginning and have been amazed by the commitment, time, love, and energy you've invested in the squirrels you've taken on. :thumbsup :bowdown :woot

I've learned a lot from reading your thread and am always happy to see your updates (about Miss Click as well). Those squirrels are so lucky to have you! :Love_Icon :serene

[DarkLies212]

In my experience, releases won't eat any type of veggie from me for whatever reason. :tap Most still come to get their blocks on the feeder, though they won't come near me.

I've always heard that wilds can't get MBD because they have the ability to eat whatever they want whenever they want. I'm curious to read what you read about the possibility of it happening in the wild when you find the info.

[lennysmom]

There are so many sources of nutrition out in the wild for squirrels. None of my releases will ever eat veggies and many won't even take HHBs anymore, except perhaps in the winter when natural food is more scarce. I have never had one get MBD though. I think the only time that could be a real issue in the wild is for lactating mama squirrels as that depletes their bodies of calcium over time. They learn what to eat by watching the wild squirrels. The loosing a little weight and not wanting healthy foods once released all sounds totally normal to me - they are so blessed to have an attentive squammy, even after release! All that being said, congratulations on a successful release!:dance I hope they will stay close and continue to visit.:Love_Icon

[TerriCompro]

In my experience, releases won't eat any type of veggie from me for whatever reason. :tap Most still come to get their blocks on the feeder, though they won't come near me.

I've always heard that wilds can't get MBD because they have the ability to eat whatever they want whenever they want. I'm curious to read what you read about the possibility of it happening in the wild when you find the info.

I'm not even sure I didn't misunderstand what I read, so I just decided to disregard that.

[TerriCompro]

I don't have any answers for you (and I have similar questions about wild squirrels and MBD). Just wanted to say that I've been following this thread from the very beginning and have been amazed by the commitment, time, love, and energy you've invested in the squirrels you've taken on. :thumbsup :bowdown :woot

I've learned a lot from reading your thread and am always happy to see your updates (about Miss Click as well). Those squirrels are so lucky to have you! :Love_Icon :serene

It's been awhile since I checked the thread, but I released Click today, and am feeling very sad, logged on to share the news. Thank you so much for this comment. It really made my day.:serene

[TerriCompro]

There are so many sources of nutrition out in the wild for squirrels. None of my releases will ever eat veggies and many won't even take HHBs anymore, except perhaps in the winter when natural food is more scarce. I have never had one get MBD though. I think the only time that could be a real issue in the wild is for lactating mama squirrels as that depletes their bodies of calcium over time. They learn what to eat by watching the wild squirrels. The loosing a little weight and not wanting healthy foods once released all sounds totally normal to me - they are so blessed to have an attentive squammy, even after release! All that being said, congratulations on a successful release!:dance I hope they will stay close and continue to visit.:Love_Icon

Thank you - and thank everyone - for your comments and answers. I was so happy to see that someone had posted on my thread. My grandfather died in April, Grandmother in August, and now my stepfather is in the ICU this morning in serious condition. And I released Miss Click this morning too. It's been a tough year and this particular day is especially so. Thanks for all your help and good wishes and prayers.

My little rascals are doing pretty well out there. Two of them still come daily, interact with us less and less each day though. The male still wants his formula/yoghurt mixture every day. Such a little baby. Ironically, he's the one who was the meanest in captivity: the one that bit me SO HARD and was such a butt hole, and he's the one who is still the friendliest and stays the closest.

[lennysmom]

Oh Terri, I'm so sorry to hear about the recent losses in your family and now your stepfather in ICU.:grouphug:grouphug I will remember him in my prayers.:Love_Icon Glad to hear your releases are still doing well out there.:) So, you still have a release that takes formula? Wow, that is odd. How old is he? At least it's good for him nutritionally. I hope sweet Click will do great in the trees.:Love_Icon

[Mel1959]

Terri, I'm sorry to hear about your step father. I hope things get better for you and your family.

Wow, you released Miss Click! I know exactly what you're going through. I'm sure she's thrilled to be in the trees, but it's so hard on mom and dad! :sniff:sniff. How long was she in the release cage? My guys still hang around the yard. One continues to allow me to hold him...the other, not so much! We go out several times a day and give them blocks, veggies and nuts. That's probably why they stay so close!:gigg. I hope your guys all do well, especially Miss Click. :grouphug

[TerriCompro]

Oh Terri, I'm so sorry to hear about the recent losses in your family and now your stepfather in ICU.:grouphug:grouphug I will remember him in my prayers.:Love_Icon Glad to hear your releases are still doing well out there.:) So, you still have a release that takes formula? Wow, that is odd. How old is he? At least it's good for him nutritionally. I hope sweet Click will do great in the trees.:Love_Icon

Thank you.

Best guess is that group is around 16 weeks now. Just that one boy likes it and runs down the tree for it. The one day I didn't bring it was the first day he literally ran down the tree and came straight to the bowl (that was from the day before), and I knew I'd messed up. I make sure I have it prepared when I go out in the morning (just around sunrise), especially now, since he's the only one that consistently comes in the morning anymore. Probably once he's over the yoghurt/formula, he will stop coming too. They're all still around, I can see them every day, foraging, and they don't run when I walk outside like the wild ones do.

I enjoy them more than I ever thought I would. When they lived in my house, I literally sobbed to my husband a couple of different times that I just wanted them GONE. They were just really horrible inside.

[TerriCompro]

Terri, I'm sorry to hear about your step father. I hope things get better for you and your family.

Wow, you released Miss Click! I know exactly what you're going through. I'm sure she's thrilled to be in the trees, but it's so hard on mom and dad! :sniff:sniff. How long was she in the release cage? My guys still hang around the yard. One continues to allow me to hold him...the other, not so much! We go out several times a day and give them blocks, veggies and nuts. That's probably why they stay so close!:gigg. I hope your guys all do well, especially Miss Click. :grouphug

She was only in the release cage a couple of days. But she did get conditioned for awhile by spending hours and then half-days outside in her cage. I can't tell you how ready she was to go. She's huge compared to the other squirrels, she's a big ole grown-up girl. We just had a small light rain, and she went back to her cage to her nestbox. I keep a close eye on her, because I felt so conflicted about letting her out so soon. But it was heartbreaking watching her scramble around that cage all day. I had a good cry when we opened the cage, but then she seemed so HAPPY, so READY, I feel better. She's already come back for some petting and holding and I gave her some of my "special" acorns (all of which she buried), and then she ran back up the tree.

[stepnstone]

I had a good cry when we opened the cage, but then she seemed so HAPPY, so READY, I feel better. She's already come back for some petting and holding and I gave her some of my "special" acorns (all of which she buried), and then she ran back up the tree.
:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

[cava]

It seems 2016 is just a BAD year. I hope everyone is ok, and you too.

I love reading your thread.. You've been ahead of me regarding baby milestones. It wasn't until mine turned into unpredictable aholes (whom I still love) that I could appreciate your enthusiasm about releasing your four.

I'll bet Click is much harder but it's worth it seeing her running free.

[TerriCompro]

It seems 2016 is just a BAD year. I hope everyone is ok, and you too.

I love reading your thread.. You've been ahead of me regarding baby milestones. It wasn't until mine turned into unpredictable aholes (whom I still love) that I could appreciate your enthusiasm about releasing your four.

I'll bet Click is much harder but it's worth it seeing her running free.

I just said this morning that 2016 will live in infamy in my mind as The Worst Year Ever. Deaths in the family and sickness. I was sick for ten weeks and am still not totally recovered. Stepfather is stable, being kept sedated with about 8 different bags of fluid and meds running into him. The nurse says he is "doing really good," so he may live to fight another day. He's lost so much weight over the last year. He's about 6'2" and weighs about 110 pounds. It's just awful. He's a like a skeleton. :sniff I keep thinking of my poor mother, who lost her own father, mother, and now probably her husband this year. Rough.

Anyway ... It was probably not the best day to release Click, as I spent much more time at the hospital than I expected to, but what's done is done. Husband checked on her mid afternoon, and she was doing great. I think the Fab 4 are adapted well enough they didn't miss me, but this being Click's first day ... I am a little worried about that little screw-up, but I think we'll all survive it in the end... at least I hope we will.

[TerriCompro]

* * *
How cute are these little fatties?

280741

[Ekorre]

* * *
How cute are these little fatties?

280741

:klunk Adorable! :klunk :great

[Ekorre]

She was only in the release cage a couple of days. But she did get conditioned for awhile by spending hours and then half-days outside in her cage. I can't tell you how ready she was to go. She's huge compared to the other squirrels, she's a big ole grown-up girl. We just had a small light rain, and she went back to her cage to her nestbox. I keep a close eye on her, because I felt so conflicted about letting her out so soon. But it was heartbreaking watching her scramble around that cage all day. I had a good cry when we opened the cage, but then she seemed so HAPPY, so READY, I feel better. She's already come back for some petting and holding and I gave her some of my "special" acorns (all of which she buried), and then she ran back up the tree.

I can imagine how conflicted you must have felt - wanting what's best for her, yet feeling so terribly sad to see her go. She's your baby! :hug

I'm sorry 2016 has been (and continues to be) such a rough year. This has been an awful year for me as well, so I can relate. Sending you hugs from the UK! :grouphug :hug :grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

* * *
How cute are these little fatties?



VERY CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!!:klunk

[TerriCompro]

My Fab 4 are in the wind, don't come back like they did (to be expected, I know), but the two I don't see anymore I'm worried about. I guess I've read too many posts about dead releases, spent too much time crying over the laptop (husband forbids me reading these sad posts now, but I still found myself doing it a few days ago), and so now I'm worried about them. There are two that we have regular sighting of, they are around all throughout the day and will allow us to touch them sometimes. But one of the males has taken off and one of the females had disappeared immediately - although there would be an occasional sighting of her at first, but none in weeks. We are flabbergasted that Twitch is still around. He was so horrible - SOOOOOOOO horrible - when we had them indoors, we just KNEW he would hit the ground running and never look back. But he's still the most interested in interacting with us, the most interested in what we're bringing to eat. And to my utter surprise, Click is around, I can handle her if I can get her to come, but she's VERY aloof. I never expected her to immediately distance herself. She's so stuck up. LOL.

[TerriCompro]

I can imagine how conflicted you must have felt - wanting what's best for her, yet feeling so terribly sad to see her go. She's your baby! :hug

I'm sorry 2016 has been (and continues to be) such a rough year. This has been an awful year for me as well, so I can relate. Sending you hugs from the UK! :grouphug :hug :grouphug

Hoping 2017 is better for us both!:blowkiss

[Mel1959]

Those two are definitely cuties. :Love_Icon. I love watching Peeps and Nibbs wrestle and play. They still do it some....when they're not busy stashing nuts for our VERY cold winter here in Florida!! :laugh2:laugh2