Baby flying squirrel help!

[Gh229]

Hello! I found an orphaned flying squirrel last Friday and after numerous attempts to find the mom and reunite them, I decided to adopt the little guy to give him a chance. Now I was an exotic animal trainer and keeper for many years, however, I've never raised a squirrel baby. I'd like some tips and tricks if possible. If someone can help me pinpoint an age, I put pics of him in an album on my profile. Im thinking 12 days old but keep finding different answers online. After we pinpoint age, can someone help with the formula ratios? I looked it up with the puppy formula and it said 3 to 1, but I also saw someone said that was diluted so I am worried he's not getting the nutrition he needs. Advice? His poops are solid, yellow, but solid. And he pees like a champ. Is this normal for formula fed babies?

All in all, he's doing GREAT!!! He's eating about .5-.75cc every 3-4 hours. He's getting a hang of the syringe I bought with a soft tip. His box is on a heating pad on low with enough no towel blankets to keep him warm but not cook him either. I just want to make sure I'm doing all of this correctly and giving this cute little guy the best possible chance to make it through. I've raised marmosets this small, so that part doesn't scare me (to a certain extent! Can never be too careful) but he's so small and fragile and I've never raised a squirrel so. Advice, help and support is much appreciated!

[Gh229]

I attached the pictures to this thread if someone can help me with the age! This is starting this past Friday 9/23- Sunday 9/25. I need to know formula ratios!! He seems to be getting skinny and I want to make sure I'm mixing it correctly. I'm doing 3 parts water to 1 part formula currently.

[Rhapsody]

Please know that all squirrels are feed formula at 5-7% of their body weight...... how often depends on their age. I would put your baby at every 3 hours as it looks to be about 2 weeks old.

[ALittleNutty]

Exactly which puppy milk are you using? You will need a gram scale to get a weight so we can figure the amounts this little one needs. Ultraboost can be ordered from http://www.henryspets.com/ along with 1cc syringes and miracle nipples(I highly recommend the mini size for flyers). Ultraboost is added to the formula to give some extra fat and calories.

Here is the type container that I use for my babies. You can drill holes in the lid for ventilation or use a hot screwdriver. Just make them from the inside out so the rough edges won't hurt the little one. Plastic containers help maintain the humidity so they don't dehydrate.

278850

[Chickenlegs]

I think it's two parts water to one part formula. Flyer folks will correct me if I'm wrong. I LOVE little flyers!

[Gh229]

Please know that all squirrels are feed formula at 5-7% of their body weight...... how often depends on their age. I would put your baby at every 3 hours as it looks to be about 2 weeks old.

Will do! I'll get a scale tomorrow to get that figured out. Basic moral of the store is less amount more often, correct?

[Gh229]

Exactly which puppy milk are you using? You will need a gram scale to get a weight so we can figure the amounts this little one needs. Ultraboost can be ordered from http://www.henryspets.com/ along with 1cc syringes and miracle nipples(I highly recommend the mini size for flyers). Ultraboost is added to the formula to give some extra fat and calories.

Here is the type container that I use for my babies. You can drill holes in the lid for ventilation or use a hot screwdriver. Just make them from the inside out so the rough edges won't hurt the little one. Plastic containers help maintain the humidity so they don't dehydrate.

278850

Thank you for this advice! I will look into the ultraboost asap! I have the 1cc syringe and extra small nipple for now. And I'm using the Esbilac Powder... The post after you said 2 parts water to 1 part formula, do you recommend this as well?

[Gh229]

I think it's two parts water to one part formula. Flyer folks will correct me if I'm wrong. I LOVE little flyers!

He is a little hoot already thats for sure! He's been a joy to have in the family.. Can we get some back up on this 2 parts water to 1 part formula everyone???? If so, I'll switch over in the morning since he has done the 3 parts water for 4 days now, he should be adjusted to the switch.

Thanks for your help!!

[Rhapsody]

I think it's two parts water to one part formula. Flyer folks will correct me if I'm wrong. I LOVE little flyers!

Please start out on a ratio of 1:3 at first,
then work up to the 1:2, if to thick you can
use the 1:3 ratio.

[Gh229]

Please start out on a ratio of 1:3 at first,
then work up to the 1:2, if to thick you can
use the 1:3 ratio.

How long should I do 1-3, he's been doing 1-3 since Friday so far, but he seems to be getting skinny...

[Rhapsody]

How long should I do 1-3, he's been doing 1-3 since Friday so far, but he seems to be getting skinny...

5 days should be plenty of time, so after tomorrow
you can decrease the water on Wednesday.

[Mel1959]

You should be working up to a 1:2 ratio. I think you were just advised to do 1:3 at the beginning. It seems like enough time should have passed that he/she could handle the 1:2 ratio now.

[ALittleNutty]

Thank you for this advice! I will look into the ultraboost asap! I have the 1cc syringe and extra small nipple for now. And I'm using the Esbilac Powder... The post after you said 2 parts water to 1 part formula, do you recommend this as well?

Yes that is the correct ratio. When you get the Ultraboost in, mix one part of UB powder to 2 parts Esbilac powder and then 2 parts water. So if you use 1 teaspoon of the mixed powders use 2 teaspoons water. I like to add about 1/3 of the water to the powder and mix well like a thick cake batter. This helps you see the lumps better and then slowly add the remaining water, stirring after each addition.

[island rehabber]

I use Ultra Boost with Esbilac as well, and here's a method that might be a little easier for you in the beginning:

Mix all the dry stuff first. UB should be 1/4 of your mixture, per the directions, so put one scoop of UB in with THREE scoops of Esbilac. Blend all powder together thoroughly. THEN....mix your formula as you usually do: one part powder to TWO parts water. You can put the dry powder you've pre-mixed into a container and store it in the fridge. Label it so your family doesn't think it's parmesan cheese, as my BF once did :grin2

Less math at each feeding is always a good thing, in my book :rotfl

[Delo729]

First off flyers make great pets. you have a perfect little singleton. The 2:1 ratio is correct. They also love yobaby yogurt. And get ready to flyer proof your house

[Gh229]

First off flyers make great pets. you have a perfect little singleton. The 2:1 ratio is correct. They also love yobaby yogurt. And get ready to flyer proof your house

I've read that! He is a great little guy so far. He's eating really really well today and starting to grow fur on his head which is adorable peach fuzz... He looked very healthy to me from the moment I got him, so I figured he had a great chance of making it through the stressful change. I'm making the switch to 2:1 for his formula and he's eating about .7cc every 3 hours. I'm putting him at about 15 days old with everything I've been told here and the pictures I've seen online, would you agree? Those pictures I posted were from Friday Saturday and Sunday. I'm posting a more recent one after this post bc he was just too dang cute today sleeping and I have to share....

[Gh229]

Today :)