First time rehabbing squirrels, have some questions regarding age/diet

[Bthewolf]

Hello! I've been caring for 3 baby squirrels for about a week and a half now and I had some questions. I originally though they were around 3 weeks old but 2 of the 3 opened their eyes yesterday afternoon so now I'm thinking they are much closer to 5 weeks. The third and largest baby has not even cracked her eye open yet. She came from the same nest (we believe) and the other 2 so I know they should all be the about the same age. Should I worry about her yet or could she just be slow to open? She eats just as well and the other two and has been gaining several grams a day. How much should they weigh around this age? All are over 100g as of this morning. Since the two boys have opened their eyes, should I begin introducing more solid foods? I've been putting mazuri rat blocks in with them and the one seems to enjoy nibbling on them occasionally. At what age can they stop using a heating pad?
Any answers would be super helpful, all the rehabbers I called have said they were full and I couldn't just leave them to die but I only have what a quick Google search can give me to use as care instructions so I worry that I'm not doing enough or giving them what they need to thrive

[Bthewolf]

Here is a picture of them from today

[ALittleNutty]

Hello! I've been caring for 3 baby squirrels for about a week and a half now and I had some questions. I originally though they were around 3 weeks old but 2 of the 3 opened their eyes yesterday afternoon so now I'm thinking they are much closer to 5 weeks. The third and largest baby has not even cracked her eye open yet. She came from the same nest (we believe) and the other 2 so I know they should all be the about the same age. Should I worry about her yet or could she just be slow to open? She eats just as well and the other two and has been gaining several grams a day. How much should they weigh around this age? All are over 100g as of this morning. Since the two boys have opened their eyes, should I begin introducing more solid foods? I've been putting mazuri rat blocks in with them and the one seems to enjoy nibbling on them occasionally. At what age can they stop using a heating pad?
Any answers would be super helpful, all the rehabbers I called have said they were full and I couldn't just leave them to die but I only have what a quick Google search can give me to use as care instructions so I worry that I'm not doing enough or giving them what they need to thrive

Thank you for taking on these babies and welcome to TSB.

The general rule of thumb is eyes open about 4.5 weeks but there are variances. Some will open one eye and not open the other one for a couple of days too. If you can post pics that would help us determine age. What formula do you have them on? If they are in the 4-5 range then 100 grams is within the range. The blocks are great at this age but you still want them taking formula first, then blocks and after that you will gradually start introducing leafy greens and veggies. Fruit and nuts are treats and should be given sparingly. I usually continue using the heating pad until at least 7 weeks. When you notice they no longer seek out that end of their container to sleep it's usually fine to stop using it. A lot depends on the temperature you keep the room they are in and those kept in cooler rooms will need the supplemental heat longer.

Here is a link for great information on raising squirrels. There are six pages of information to help you.

http://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

[ALittleNutty]

Here is a picture of them from today

They look very good and filled out. :great If you have some fleece or an old flannel shirt they love to snuggle in those and don't get their nails caught. No towels though because they can rip a nail out if it gets caught in the loops.

[cava]

I left a heating pad on low under a corner of the cage I had mine in until they were 7 weeks, then they started sleeping in the high up hanging things so I turned it off.

They look plump and healthy.

Are you asking about enrichment things you can do or give them to help them grow and learn? Stuffed small toys (no hard eyes--I just knotted a piece of t shirt over and over until I had a ball of fabric and they liked it a lot), little twigs, I had a little wicker hut they used to practice climbing in and on top of and chewed on, got it at a pet store in the rodent section.

Mine pretend ate the blocks at that age, but really they were just chewing and spitting them out. Stick with the formula, they say, for a long time until they won't take at all. The longer the better.

[Bthewolf]

Thank you all for your fast replies! It's feels good knowing that I'm doing things right. Around what age should I add climbable toys to their home? I'm going to try and get some good pictures in a bit, just after feeding

[cava]

Can you post a picture of their housing? That may help to tell you what to put in it. You say they JUST opened their eyes?

[Bthewolf]

The 2 boys just opened their eyes yesterday afternoon, yes. The girl has not yet opened hers, but walks around better than the two boys do. They are in a storage bin currently and we have a ferret cage set up for when they can climb levels without injuring themselves.

[Mel1959]

They're adorable and look healthy. When you move them to the other cage, which would be in the next couple of weeks, or when you see them trying to climb out of the bin, I would add a fleece cube, hammock or some other similar item for them to play, climb and sleep in. They usually love to hide in cubes at that age.

[SquirrellyMom]

By the weekend you will likely have all eyes open. I'm thinking 4-5 weeks is correct for sure on these guys. They look really good. You're doing great. First times are usually most stressful as you learn then you can't stay away no matter how stressful. Lol.

[redwuff]

You have done a terrific job! :grouphugWay to go. Babies look great!

Trysh

[cava]

I would put in one larger stuffed animal they can "baby climb" and not get hurt on, for practice. May be something they can go into, someone suggested a cube. And I think they will be ready to graduate to a cage real soon. :grin2

[SquirrellyMom]

I use the hide tubes and cabin looking things from the rodent section. They look wood but are used as hide houses for rodents and chews. Mine have all loved it and I think they transition better to branches with them.

[DarkLies212]

They look great! One thing I noticed - put the heating pad half under the container. It's safer for them that way :thumbsup