How to tell babies apart

[Idgiebidgy]

I've never had this problem before because I was only helping 1 baby squirrel (years and years ago), but now there are 3 and there are 2 boys who just look so similar.

Just curious.

[island rehabber]

I will sometimes put a dot of lipstick or eye shadow on the top of one head, between the ears, where they are less likely to rub it off. You'll have to re-apply, of course, but it's safer. Sometimes you can find a particular difference if you look -- such as one may have white paws and the other brown. Unfortunately, coloration differences change every couple of weeks so that can mess you up, too :grin2

[pappy1264]

I paint back toenails (waiting for it to dry completely). Again, that does have to be redone, but it lasts for a bit and usually by then you can figure out markings or something you can tell them apart by.

[Nancy in New York]

Since you have 2 boys, feed one of the boys first and then the other, save the girl for last.

[ALittleNutty]

I know some use a tiny dot from a colored Sharpie marker. When I have more than two squirrels I will transition from one bin to another each feeding.

[Squirreleesi]

White out on their nails. Its fast drying and lasts a week or so before you have to reapply (and its bright so you can tell them apart even when your eyes haven't woken up yet)

[Idgiebidgy]

I was putting a dot on the back of one's head but they rubbed it off so quickly from just moving around each other. I like the idea of painting their toes, I think it's cute.

I did notice the one boy (Jakabok) has a darker stripe on his nose than the other (Gomez).

Thank you for the answers (:

[pappy1264]

Its not just for feeding. It is for knowing who is who for keeping check on their weights.

[Garden71]

So what do you do for 5 boys?????
We just got 3 yesterday and another 2 today.
For now the easiest way is to use 2 cages one for the ones we fed and the other for the ones that are waiting.
Any better ideas?:thinking:thinking

[ALittleNutty]

A black Sharpie marker would last longer than a regular marker. Maybe put 1 dot on one, 2 dots, etc.. on their heads, of course this is good with pinkies but as their fur grows in you might have to mark them on their bellies. It will wear off eventually and once they start chewing I think it would be safer than something they could chew and ingest. Another thought I just had is temporary tattoos like the kids love. Those things last a while. :grin2

[Mommaluvy]

I use a dot of nail polish at the base of the tail.

I found sharpies wore off fast.

[Daisey007]

A dot of acrylic craft paint on top of head works well, and it's non toxic. I had 11 at one time!