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View Full Version : Daughter brought home baby flyer from work.



Roxi's mom
12-15-2016, 10:44 AM
It's sibling was dead in the parking lot next to this one. It looks very thin. I have only experience with squirrels not sugar gliders. I have esbilac puppy powder with probiotics but no pedialyte. I have some pure orange blossom honey and sea salt. Can this make an electrolyte replacement, if so how do I make it and what is the ratio for formula? I have it in a blanket in a plastic bin on a heating pad half on. I have a 1 cc syringe and a tiny bulb syringe to use. Please advise. He looks very weak. I don't know how hold he is but eyes are open. Also, is this sugar glider or flying squirrel.281895281894281893281896

Milo's Mom
12-15-2016, 11:15 AM
That is a Southern Flying Squirrel, NOT a sugar glider.

Hydration info you asked for:
1 tsp salt (teaspoon)
3 Tbsp sugar (tablespoon)
1 quart warm water
Mix all ingredients in warm water. Store in refrigerator.

If the eyes are open the baby is at least 28 days old.

I would do a couple feedings of the hydration and then go to a dilute formula. That baby needs the calories as much as the hydration.
I would mix the formula (Esbilac w/ProB) at 4:1 (4 parts water: 1 part powder) for a couple feedings (4 or so), then 3:1 for a couple feedings (maybe 6-8), then to full strength. Then after that is being taken well, SLOWLY start adding some heavy whipping cream to the formula.

Chickenlegs
12-15-2016, 11:18 AM
You have a tiny flyer. Good lord, what was that baby doing out at this time of year! She needs rehydration but if you don't have a nipple be VERY careful. Drop by drop. She's traumatized and may not be cooperative. It'll be slow going as you don't want to aspirate her. Warm her up first (you've done that) Then your homemade electrolyte solution. Betsy just gave you that. Make sure the solution is VERY warm. Offer it frequently. Keep her warm. Cold does evil things to babies. Don't want her to shut down on you. Duh! Just saw you're in Florida. Guess you never get a break.

Roxi's mom
12-15-2016, 11:22 AM
I just fed him about .6 mL of the puppy formula which he licked off the end of the syringe. He seems a little spunkier I guess and more active crawling around on my hand but he must be young but I don't know how young. He is warm and cozy with his little stuffed squirrel. :serene

Chickenlegs
12-15-2016, 11:30 AM
You can put the little guy in a pouch and wear him around your neck next to your heart. It would be comforting to a tiny little flyer who just lost everything. How much does he weigh? I think the 5 to 7% of body weight applies to flyers too. Don't want to overwhelm his system if he hasn't had any food in awhile. He looks like a baby.

Roxi's mom
12-15-2016, 11:42 AM
That is a Southern Flying Squirrel, NOT a sugar glider.

Hydration info you asked for:
1 tsp salt (teaspoon)
3 Tbsp sugar (tablespoon)
1 quart warm water
Mix all ingredients in warm water. Store in refrigerator.

If the eyes are open the baby is at least 28 days old.

I would do a couple feedings of the hydration and then go to a dilute formula. That baby needs the calories as much as the hydration.
I would mix the formula (Esbilac w/ProB) at 4:1 (4 parts water: 1 part powder) for a couple feedings (4 or so), then 3:1 for a couple feedings (maybe 6-8), then to full strength. Then after that is being taken well, SLOWLY start adding some heavy whipping cream to the formula.

There is a measuring spoon in the formula, two sided,1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon, so is that 3:1?

Milo's Mom
12-15-2016, 11:47 AM
There is a measuring spoon in the formula, two sided,1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon, so is that 3:1?


Yeah I guess you could look at it that way. I usually use whatever scoop I use for the powder for how ever many waters I need. Just how my brain works.

Roxi's mom
12-15-2016, 11:50 AM
You have a tiny flyer. Good lord, what was that baby doing out at this time of year! She needs rehydration but if you don't have a nipple be VERY careful. Drop by drop. She's traumatized and may not be cooperative. It'll be slow going as you don't want to aspirate her. Warm her up first (you've done that) Then your homemade electrolyte solution. Betsy just gave you that. Make sure the solution is VERY warm. Offer it frequently. Keep her warm. Cold does evil things to babies. Don't want her to shut down on you. Duh! Just saw you're in Florida. Guess you never get a break.

Lol ! Your right about that. It's probably going to be a warm Christmas too :o(

Okay, so I only gave him about .6 ml so not much there. Probably dehydrated because while trying to potty him I didn't notice any wee and no poop. I will make the hydration recipe but I don't have a pouch. Hmm, how to make one with fleece. A shoe lace and some carefully placed holes I think. Any ideas? And thanks to you both for the help. I noticed a small bruise on his belly while taking care of his needs. It is next to his parts if you know what I mean, and a little above. I would imagine from a fall maybe.

Roxi's mom
12-15-2016, 11:54 AM
Yeah I guess you could look at it that way. I usually use whatever scoop I use for the powder for how ever many waters I need. Just how my brain works.

Okay thank you Milo's mom. :grin2

Roxi's mom
12-15-2016, 12:03 PM
Yeah I guess you could look at it that way. I usually use whatever scoop I use for the powder for how ever many waters I need. Just how my brain works.

I started thinking about that three in one spoon in with the formula and I'm thinking that was meant to be for a full dose so I added three more tablespoons of water so it would be 4 tablespoons of water to 1 teaspoon of formula. Does this sound more accurate ?

Milo's Mom
12-15-2016, 12:05 PM
I started thinking about that three in one spoon in with the formula and I'm thinking that was meant to be for a full dose so I added three more tablespoons of water so it would be 4 tablespoons of water to 1 teaspoon of formula. Does this sound more accurate ?

What? :thinking

Milo's Mom
12-15-2016, 12:07 PM
Pick a side of the scoop.
Fill it with powder
Dump the powder into a container
Using the SAME side of the scoop
Fill it with water X separate times (X = 2 times for 2:1, 3 times for 3:1, 4 times for 4:1)
Each time dumping the water into the same container as you did the powder

Roxi's mom
12-15-2016, 12:39 PM
What? :thinking

Lol I mean the double sided spoon is probably what is used to make a regular strength formula, 3 parts water to 1part powder, so I added three more parts water to make it 4 parts water to 1 part powder.? I don't know, math was never a good subject for me.:grin3

Roxi's mom
12-15-2016, 12:40 PM
Pick a side of the scoop.
Fill it with powder
Dump the powder into a container
Using the SAME side of the scoop
Fill it with water X separate times (X = 2 times for 2:1, 3 times for 3:1, 4 times for 4:1)
Each time dumping the water into the same container as you did the powder

That sounds easier for sure so I think I'm going to start over and make it the way you just suggested. Thank you very much.

Chickenlegs
12-15-2016, 12:50 PM
I bet you know ll this BUT. Powder will mix better if water is hot. Then it needs to sit for at least 4 hours. You'll be doing hydration for awhile so mix formula up like Betsy said. Mix it REAL well. Put it in the frig. Shake it up every time you go in the frig for the next hour or so. That'll get all the solids disolved and keep a tummy happy--specially a tummy that hasn't seen food for awhile. After hydrating for half a day or so introduce the dilute formula (4 to 1). Give plain ol water or maybe a little sugar water between feedings till you see nice clear pee. You will be tweaking the formula over the next few days to get him finally taking in enough calories and fat. Also if his eyes are open once he's stable, start introducing HHB for flyers and MEAT! A flyer is a meat eater and needs some form of meat daily for good health. All this after you get him straight. As to a pouch, don't have to wear him but if he's not got a colony, he may end up as a pet. You want him to love you. A "bonding" pouch is the way to go unless you get some friends for the little guy in which case he'll have a colony and can go out. For a pouch, cut an oblong piece of fleece, double it over, stitch the sides, insert shoestrings (poke a hole on each side of the open end, insert shoestring, knot it off), badabing, you gotcha self a pouch. There's lots of flyer info right here on TSB and a flyer section in breed specific.

BCChins
12-15-2016, 01:23 PM
Please correct me if I am wrong but you need to feed him with the syringe pointing upwards towards the roof of his mouth and do not tip him backwards he should be in the upright (standing position) right guys?

Please update us often he is adorable.

Roxi's mom
12-15-2016, 02:01 PM
Please correct me if I am wrong but you need to feed him with the syringe pointing upwards towards the roof of his mouth and do not tip him backwards he should be in the upright (standing position) right guys?

Please update us often he is adorable.

Yes that is the way I do it. I'm not sure where that came from but yes, that is correct. Thank you :serene

Roxi's mom
12-15-2016, 02:03 PM
[QUOTE=Chickenlegs;1195168]I bet you know ll this BUT. Powder will mix better if water is hot. Then it needs to sit for at least 4 hours. You'll be doing hydration for awhile so mix formula up like Betsy said. Mix it REAL well. Put it in the frig. Shake it up every time you go in the frig for the next hour or so. That'll get all the solids disolved and keep a tummy happy--specially a tummy that hasn't seen food for awhile. After hydrating for half a day or so introduce the dilute formula (4 to 1). Give plain ol water or maybe a little sugar water between feedings till you see nice clear pee. You will be tweaking the formula over the next few days to get him finally taking in enough calories and fat. Also if his eyes are open once he's stable, start introducing HHB for flyers and MEAT! A flyer is a meat eater and needs some form of meat daily for good health. All this after you get him straight. As to a pouch, don't have to wear him but if he's not got a colony, he may end up as a pet. You want him to love you. A "bonding" pouch is the way to go unless you get some friends for the little guy in which case he'll have a colony and can go out. For a pouch, cut an oblong piece of fleece, double it over, stitch the sides, insert shoestrings (poke a hole on each side of the open end, insert shoestring, knot it off), badabing, you gotcha self a pouch. There's lots of flyer info right here on TSB and a flyer section in breed specific.[/QUO

Thanks for the info. This is actually the first live flying Squirrel I have ever seen. Love this board. :grin2

Chickenlegs
12-15-2016, 02:26 PM
ALSO--Milo's Mom makes the BESTEST bonding pouches--and they have zippers so he won't crawl out!

Roxi's mom
12-15-2016, 05:40 PM
ALSO--Milo's Mom makes the BESTEST bonding pouches--and they have zippers so he won't crawl out!

Ohhh! How do I get one!

Chickenlegs
12-15-2016, 10:34 PM
Ohhh! How do I get one!

Go to her website. http://www.auntiemmscustomboutique.com/

Roxi's mom
12-16-2016, 02:59 AM
Go to her website. http://www.auntiemmscustomboutique.com/

I did go but I just could not get my phone to cooperate. Every time I would click on check out it just wouldn't do anything, and how do you order the pattern you want? I couldn't find where to do that. I will have to ask her later this a.m. thanks

Milo's Mom
12-16-2016, 03:04 AM
If you want it fast (but no pattern choice), go to the Henry's website. http://www.henryspets.com/flyer-bonding-pouch/ They have Bonding Pouches and can ship very quickly.

If the pattern is more important and you're willing to wait a couple weeks just send me a PM stating what you want and include the name of the pattern and item number(s) of the fleece you'd like. I do have a few premade for an upcoming show so I can get pics of them to see if you like any of them too. To pick your fleece take a look at this link. http://www.joann.com/fabric/fleece-fabric/#prefn1=type&prefv1=Anti-Pill%20Fleece%20Prints%7CAnti-Pill%20Fleece%20Solids%7CBlizzard%20Fleece%20Print s%7CBlizzard%20Fleece%20Solids

(http://www.joann.com/fabric/fleece-fabric/#prefn1=type&prefv1=Anti-Pill%20Fleece%20Prints%7CAnti-Pill%20Fleece%20Solids%7CBlizzard%20Fleece%20Print s%7CBlizzard%20Fleece%20Solids)

Roxi's mom
12-16-2016, 12:18 PM
If you want it fast (but no pattern choice), go to the Henry's website. http://www.henryspets.com/flyer-bonding-pouch/ They have Bonding Pouches and can ship very quickly.

If the pattern is more important and you're willing to wait a couple weeks just send me a PM stating what you want and include the name of the pattern and item number(s) of the fleece you'd like. I do have a few premade for an upcoming show so I can get pics of them to see if you like any of them too. To pick your fleece take a look at this link. http://www.joann.com/fabric/fleece-fabric/#prefn1=type&prefv1=Anti-Pill%20Fleece%20Prints%7CAnti-Pill%20Fleece%20Solids%7CBlizzard%20Fleece%20Print s%7CBlizzard%20Fleece%20Solids

(http://www.joann.com/fabric/fleece-fabric/#prefn1=type&prefv1=Anti-Pill%20Fleece%20Prints%7CAnti-Pill%20Fleece%20Solids%7CBlizzard%20Fleece%20Print s%7CBlizzard%20Fleece%20Solids)

I liked the rainbow butterfly with baby blue lining. How much is that pouch. I also wanted a feeding cloth. It could also be the rainbow butterfly. How much would the two be and do you have any made? Where any of those sleeping huts or bags for flyers? I will need one if those too, or would a regular squirrel stuffy sleeping hut do?

Roxi's mom
12-16-2016, 12:46 PM
So baby Roscoe made it through the night, which I thought he would. Bruising on stomach seems a bit better today. How much poo x_lol does a little tiny flyer make. I have noticed a tiny piece of what I believe to be poo twice. About the size or smaller than a grain of rice. I can't tell if he is peeing either. He squirms so much I am constantly struggling to see what I'm doing :grin3. I put on one of my husbands pocket shirts and a piece of lens cleaning cloth in the pocket with him inside that so he is right next to my heart. I ordered some silicone feeding nipples and Henry's healthy blocks for baby/flyers. I will order my cloth things from Milo's mom. Prices looked a bit better to me there. :serene. So that is my update. I figure if he is pooing he must be peeing. I use warm water and a piece of cotton to clean him.

BCChins
12-16-2016, 01:42 PM
He might be peeing in his box. Glad he is doing well.

UMMM you forgot something...:camera = pictures!!


:piglet

Roxi's mom
12-16-2016, 06:58 PM
He might be peeing in his box. Glad he is doing well.

UMMM you forgot something...:camera = pictures!!


:piglet

Whoops sorry. Here you go.281947281948281949281950

Roxi's mom
12-17-2016, 12:17 AM
I'm just letting everybody know that I finally got some Poo that I actually noticed from this little guy :w00t, but I can't tell about the Pee because he is so small and struggles so much. There can't be much but if he's pooing then he's peeing right, so that's the good news! :blowkiss

SammysMom
12-17-2016, 12:25 AM
:poop :poop :poop

Milo's Mom
12-17-2016, 12:41 AM
Great on the poop!
Try using a Q-tip to stimulate...easier to see if there is pee
I will respond to your pouch questions in a PM and I will get you pics of what I have on hand (I will post them in Boutique thread tomorrow)

How is the baby's weight doing? And what does it weigh?

Chickenlegs
12-17-2016, 01:31 AM
Gaaaaaaaa! He's so CUTE! You know, bras make GREAT bonding pouches:grin3

Milo's Mom
12-17-2016, 07:26 AM
ALSO--Milo's Mom makes the BESTEST bonding pouches--and they have zippers so he won't crawl out!

Pat! Three times yesterday I came to this thread to say thank you to you for this compliment and three times I got distracted...look a squirrel! :shakehead

So this was my first stop this morning. THANK YOU!!! :grouphug:grouphug:grouphug

Roxi's mom
12-18-2016, 04:33 PM
Gaaaaaaaa! He's so CUTE! You know, bras make GREAT bonding pouches:grin3
I have had him there too and I wound up with a few baby scratches near my arm lol!

Roxi's mom
12-18-2016, 04:41 PM
Great on the poop!
Try using a Q-tip to stimulate...easier to see if there is pee
I will respond to your pouch questions in a PM and I will get you pics of what I have on hand (I will post them in Boutique thread tomorrow)

How is the baby's weight doing? And what does it weigh?

I just weighed him. He is 0.6 ounces. I just got whipping cream so what is the recipe for that? I got him to pee pretty 2ell just once that I saw and he pooped at the same time. I see him poop daily but usually only once. There were several little tiny poops in my hand after I fed him yet hat stuck like glue lol! I guess I am just wiping away the pee and I'm not seeing it in the process. He is now com8ng up out of the blankets and running around the top of the enclosure while I talk to him. I decided to call him Theodore as in Alvin and the chipmunksame Theodore. I call him Theo.

SammysMom
12-18-2016, 05:39 PM
Well, .6 oz = 17g so how much is he eating at each feeding? 5% would be .85cc of formula or 7% would be 1.1cc per feeding. The heavy cream would be added into the formula, but VERY slowly to avoid any tummy issues. Others who are more experienced with flyers may know more about how much to add though. I defer to their expertise.

Roxi's mom
12-18-2016, 08:07 PM
Well, .6 oz = 17g so how much is he eating at each feeding? 5% would be .85cc of formula or 7% would be 1.1cc per feeding. The heavy cream would be added into the formula, but VERY slowly to avoid any tummy issues. Others who are more experienced with flyers may know more about how much to add though. I defer to their expertise.

He has been eating about 1.4 cc's of formula. And thank you for the information on the heavy cream

Milo's Mom
12-18-2016, 08:14 PM
In my experience, as long as the poop stays good, flyers do tend to eat a tad more than 7%, but never never more than 10%.

The amount of cream to add depends on how much formula you're making at one time. How many scoops (of what size) do you use to make a batch of formula, right now?

SammysMom
12-18-2016, 08:16 PM
Perhaps the weight is a bit off. He might be a little bit heavier that 17g since it is very hard to get a proper weight when they are so small. You are doing a gret job so just keep it up! :w00t

Nancy in New York
12-18-2016, 08:18 PM
I see him poop daily but usually only once. There were several little tiny poops in my hand after I fed him yet hat stuck like glue lol! I guess I am just wiping away the pee and I'm not seeing it in the process. .

Are you stimulating him after every feeding? I first stimulate to make them pee,
then poop. :) Also if they act fussy while feeding, try stimulating them. Sometimes they have
to go so bad, they squirm and refuse to finish. Stimulate and then try finishing the feeding.
What formula are you using?

Milo's Mom
12-18-2016, 08:23 PM
Here is a list of days old to approximate weights that you can use as a guideline. Keep in mind your guy is new to rehab so he's going to be on the lighter side of things till he catches up. And of course you don't know exactly how old he is. Based on the pics you posted I'd say he's between 25 & 30 days old.

7 days ---- 7g
9 days ---- 7-8g
12 days -- 10-11g
14 days -- 11-13g
17 days -- 12-13g
19 days -- 15-16g
21 days -- 16-19g
28 days -- eyes open
30 days -- 25-26g
31 days -- 27-28g
35 days -- 30-31g
38 days -- 32-34g
41 days -- 34-37g
50 days -- 41-52g (note the large variation now)

Roxi's mom
12-18-2016, 10:02 PM
In my experience, as long as the poop stays good, flyers do tend to eat a tad more than 7%, but never never more than 10%.

The amount of cream to add depends on how much formula you're making at one time. How many scoops (of what size) do you use to make a batch of formula, right now?

One teaspoon of powder to 1 tablespoon water.

Milo's Mom
12-18-2016, 10:04 PM
That's 3:1. You need to get Theo up to full strength before you add the cream. Full strength is 2:1.

Milo's Mom
12-18-2016, 10:07 PM
You got Theo on 12/15 and tomorrow is 12/19, so you should be able to transition him to 2:1 tomorrow and stay on that for a good 24-48 hours to make sure his poop stays good. After that, if all is well, then we will S-L-O-W-L-Y begin adding the cream.

Roxi's mom
12-19-2016, 12:38 AM
That's 3:1. You need to get Theo up to full strength before you add the cream. Full strength is 2:1.

Oh, I thought that was full strength. The scoop that comes with the formula is 1 tsp.onot one end and 1 tablespoon on the other end, of course there are no directions for mixing for a squee.:klunso it would be 1 tsp.onot. to 2 tsps. Of formula then. I will go immediately to make another batch. He will be going with me on a short weekend trip new years to a hunt camp. I won't be hunting, just relaxing with my boy and trying my hand at taking wildlife pics.:grin2

Nancy in New York
12-19-2016, 05:54 AM
Oh, I thought that was full strength. The scoop that comes with the formula is 1 tsp.onot one end and 1 tablespoon on the other end, of course there are no directions for mixing for a squee.:klunso it would be 1 tsp.onot. to 2 tsps. Of formula then. I will go immediately to make another batch. He will be going with me on a short weekend trip new years to a hunt camp. I won't be hunting, just relaxing with my boy and trying my hand at taking wildlife pics.:grin2



Take your own measuring spoon and do 1 part dried formula,
to 2 parts hot water, stir this up really well then let it sit in the refrig for about 6-8 hours
before feeding so it completely dissolves.
I make mine up ahead of time, and freeze in little serving size containers.
Make sure you always shake or stir the formula up before feeding/drawing it up into the syringe,
after it's set for a while.
Draw from the bottom to avoid the bubbles.

Milo's Mom
12-19-2016, 06:01 AM
Oh, I thought that was full strength. The scoop that comes with the formula is 1 tsp.onot one end and 1 tablespoon on the other end, of course there are no directions for mixing for a squee.:klunso it would be 1 tsp.onot. to 2 tsps. Of formula then. I will go immediately to make another batch. He will be going with me on a short weekend trip new years to a hunt camp. I won't be hunting, just relaxing with my boy and trying my hand at taking wildlife pics.:grin2

The instructions on the can are for mixing the formula, it says 2:1, that's 2 parts water and 1 part formula. We gave you the instructions, we said start at 4:1, then go to 3:1, then go to 2:1. The scoop means nothing and it is simply a convenience so you don't have to use your own. It goes by PART. A part can be anything that you determine....as long as it is a measured amount.

Please slow down and read and absorb what we are telling you. When you change formula it needs to be a slow and gradual transition, if you don't do this he will get diarrhea and then you'll have that to deal with as well.

Since he's a single have you reached out to the rehabbers in your area to see if they have any his age?

Milo's Mom
12-19-2016, 11:18 AM
How often are you feeding Theo?

Roxi's mom
12-19-2016, 11:23 AM
Take your own measuring spoon and do 1 part dried formula,
to 2 parts hot water, stir this up really well then let it sit in the refrig for about 6-8 hours
before feeding so it completely dissolves.
I make mine up ahead of time, and freeze in little serving size containers.
Make sure you always shake or stir the formula up before feeding/drawing it up into the syringe,
after it's set for a while.
Draw from the bottom to avoid the bubbles.
Thank you. Is this what his poor should look like. Very tiny on this cotton ball.

Milo's Mom
12-19-2016, 11:27 AM
Is the poop soft or well formed and slightly stiff? My flyers usually have more tubular/oblong shaped poop. The color seems appropriate.

Roxi's mom
12-19-2016, 03:16 PM
Is the poop soft or well formed and slightly stiff? My flyers usually have more tubular/oblong shaped poop. The color seems appropriate.
I feed him about every 3 hours except at night, it may go 3 to 4 hours. He is on the 2:1now since last night. His poops were oblong and tiny, and now like this. I suspect it will normalize now with no cream.

Roxi's mom
12-19-2016, 03:21 PM
Perhaps the weight is a bit off. He might be a little bit heavier that 17g since it is very hard to get a proper weight when they are so small. You are doing a gret job so just keep it up! :w00t

Thank you. I feel somewhat inept at the moment but I'm getting back into the swing of it. It has been almost 9 years since I had a young one.

Roxi's mom
12-19-2016, 08:21 PM
Is the poop soft or well formed and slightly stiff? My flyers usually have more tubular/oblong shaped poop. The color seems appropriate.

IT has gotten better. I think is like tiny balls maybe from wiping too often but here is what he just did after eating tonight. Also, there is no more question that he is peeing because he peed a good amount in my shirt pocket lol! :klunk

Roxi's mom
12-19-2016, 08:22 PM
Forgot the picture.

Roxi's mom
12-20-2016, 02:34 PM
He now weighs 19 grams. That is a 3 gram increasee. Should I start adding cream now, and can he try some soft fruit like banana or mango? I have already ordered the Fox Valley baby flyer biskets and nipples for the bottles I have, but they have not come yet.:dono. Hopefully it will come today. That is all the news on Theo.

Roxi's mom
12-25-2016, 12:08 AM
25 grams and healthy.

Roxi's mom
12-25-2016, 12:14 AM
How do you attach video clips?

BCChins
12-25-2016, 01:33 PM
HOw old are we thinking he is?
The forst food you want to introduce is blocks for flyers. YOu can either get FLyer blocks from Henry's or make your own.
The blocks are a very important part of their diet.

Are you planning a=on releasing him when he is old enough?

czarina
12-25-2016, 02:49 PM
Hi! What a cutie patootie!

I saw you mention nipples for bottles. Not safe to use a bottle. The nipples fit right on the syringe.

Also , I think the red scoop, with the 2 sizes that comes with the can of Esbliac, might be confusing you a little.
This might help. Only use the biggest side. Absolutely forget the little scoop side.

So, if you put 1 scoop of the big size of powder, you would then put 2 scoops of the big size of water.

So, you are not using the small end of the red scoop at all.

Chickenlegs
12-26-2016, 12:00 AM
Oh just look at that sweetheart! :Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

HRT4SQRLS
12-26-2016, 07:00 AM
Theo is precious. :grin2 I wouldn't release him. As a singleton he wouldn't survive outside by himself. I'm sure by now you are hopelessly in love with him anyway. :) By spring, he would be so bonded to you I wouldn't consider it.

czarina
12-26-2016, 07:19 AM
Hi! He is so precious!

I just wanted to make sure, that you had seen my post above, about it being unsafe to use a bottle to feed him.

We don't even use a bottle to feed regular sized squirrel babies! You cannot control the flow, and it would be EXTREMELY EASY TO ASPIRATE A BABY,ESPECIALLY A BABY FLYER!!!

Just use a 1cc syringe to feed him. The nipples fit right on the end of the syringe.:hug

Roxi's mom
12-26-2016, 01:36 PM
Hi! He is so precious!

I just wanted to make sure, that you had seen my post above, about it being unsafe to use a bottle to feed him.

We don't even use a bottle to feed regular sized squirrel babies! You cannot control the flow, and it would be EXTREMELY EASY TO ASPIRATE A BABY,ESPECIALLY A BABY FLYER!!!

Just use a 1cc syringe to feed him. The nipples fit right on the end of the syringe.:hug

Hi, I just read all of these comments. I wasn't on yesterday because of Christmas, so I am catching up. I have a 5 ml syringe with the thin black O-ring and silicon nipple that I am using. I have ordered the size 1 and 3 syringes and the nursing nipples. I'm just waiting for them to come in. I have also ordered the fav formula for baby flyers with the syringes so u don't have it yet. I do have the flyer blocks I put in the freezer, but after they thaw they are really dry. I'm used to them being moist. All supplies were ordered from Henry's. Are the flyer blocks drier than the regular squirrel blocks? He has to be at least 6 weeks. I have had him for 11 days and his eyes were opened when he was brought to me. I tried using the age to weight scale here but he was so thin he was weighing 16 g. I need to weigh him today but on the 23rd he was 25 g. He is doing well. He loves to play with this little bitty squirrel toy I had from Roxie. It's his size lol! He was sleeping on top of it this morning. Thanks for all care and support everyone. I was torn on letting him go and keeping him because I have had two people here saying to keep him because he is alone, and my husband and another daughter saying to let him go, but what is best for him is the thing. They remember how much it tore me up when Roxie died. They don't understand how losing her was like losing a child. She was just an animal to them. I have just always been an animal lover. :serene

Roxi's mom
12-26-2016, 01:46 PM
Theo is precious. :grin2 I wouldn't release him. As a singleton he wouldn't survive outside by himself. I'm sure by now you are hopelessly in love with him anyway. :) By spring, he would be so bonded to you I wouldn't consider it.

I am trying not to involve my heart into this little one but it's almost impossible. He is so cute when he plays. I wanted to post a video but I have no clue how to.282335282337/ATTACH]282336

Roxi's mom
12-26-2016, 01:56 PM
Oh, today I am going up on the heavy cream. 1 scoops formula (large red side):grin2 1 scoop water and 1 scoop cream. Also on the heavy cream it says discard 7 days after opening, but I was hoping it could be used a little longer.

czarina
12-26-2016, 02:12 PM
When HRT4SQRLS tells you something about flying squirrels, you can take it to the bank!:dance

She knows her flyers! And yes we do understand the pain of losing a squirrel. It is like loosing a child. I don't think you ever really get over it. You just have to try and accept that they are gone. And yes, most people do think " it's just an animal". But those animals take a very big piece of our heart when they go.

I agree with HRT4, do not release him. They are communal. Unlike regular squirrels, who are loners in the wild.
But flyers live in little colonies. So, you ARE his family. He would not be able to survive on his own.

I'm not too sure about the flyer blocks or how dry they are supposed to be. But, here is a solution I have been using because I baked my last 2 batches of blocks, way to dry and one if my squirrels won't eat them.

I run them under hot water VERY BRIEFLY. Like 1 to 2 seconds. Then I steam them for 40 seconds and let them sit in the microwave for a couple of minutes. When they come out they are nice and moist.

BCChins
12-26-2016, 02:16 PM
If he is alone with no other flyers then I would keep him. You can add the blocks into his cage now. He might just play with them and pee on them at first but he will taste them. Do not give him any other foods until he is eating the blocks, These are the starting foundation for a healthy diet they have a lot of the nutrients in them then need.
When he is eating the blocks really well then you can start adding in some veggies. Add in some broccoli, kale, avacado (no skin or pit) a few carrots and so on. Then when he is eating those add in a few Fruits like Papaya (loaded with calciu,),apple ....

I would imagine the blocks being hard are good for their teeth...remember they chew sticks trees and other hard items to keep their teeth trimmed!

Add some safe sticks in his cage also to keep them toophers trimmed.

czarina
12-26-2016, 02:24 PM
Oh my! That last picture is absolutely precious!

Did someone tell you to mix the formula that way? That seems lik AN AWFUL LOT of cream. You do not want to give him diarrhea!!!!

It's been awhile since I had a baby, but I am going to check with HRT4SQRLS right now, about the cream.
Just to make sure. So dontfeed him yet or at least don't add all that cream. It seemed when I was mixing formula i would mix 1 large red scoop of powder then 1 and 3/4 red scoops of water. And 1/4 scoop of cream.

You can use the cream longer. Just smell to make sure it is good.

HRT4SQRLS
12-26-2016, 02:38 PM
Oh, today I am going up on the heavy cream. 1 scoops formula (large red side):grin2 1 scoop water and 1 scoop cream. Also on the heavy cream it says discard 7 days after opening, but I was hoping it could be used a little longer.
OK, you confused me here. :tilt

Are you putting one scoop of powder... one scoop of water ... and one scoop of cream together?
I'm not sure what you have been advised but I'm afraid that is too much cream. I'm afraid little Theo will get diarrhea.

The heavy cream is very thick... the powder is dry ... and one scoop of water will make mud. :peace Won't that be too thick?
Did you buy 32:40 or 20:50? I'm guessing you bought 20:50 because everyone is scared to death of 32:40. I do use the 32:40 (always have) for my flyers but I know there have been problems with the little guys.
I would mix 1 scoop of powder... 2 scoops of water ... 1/4 teaspoon of cream to boost the fat.
This is just what I would do.

You can put the cream in an ice cube tray (if they even make those any more) or tiny Rubbermaid containers and freeze the aliquots of cream. Thaw one when you need it.

czarina
12-26-2016, 03:14 PM
Ok, thats better!
(Do not worry about the 32:40 or the 20:50 right now. Those are references to the Fox Valley formula, which hasn't arrived yet)

So, this is what you will mix and feed right now.

1lrg red scoop Esbliac piwder
2 lrg red scoops of very warm water.
1/4 lrg red scoop of heavy whipping cream.

This is how I would do mine, so all particles have time to dissolve.
Figure out how much milk you will need for a 24 hour period.
Mix it up using very hot water. Put it in the fridge to be used tomorrow. When you go by the fridge, shake the formula.
So, I ALWAYS would have 2 bottles of formula. 1 that I was using. And one pre-made for tomorrow.
Do that every day.

Probably the most important thing for baby squirrels is this:

ALWAYS MAKE ANY FORMULA CHANGE, VERY SLOWLY

Nothing will kill a baby faster than diarrhea!!!! Changeing formulas too quickly causes diarrhea. When you increase the strength of the formula, do it slowly, so his tummy has time to adapt.

You are at full strength formula now
Full strength is:

1 lrg scoop of powder
2 lrg scoop of water
but, you are adding extra fat, so go slowly
Never add more than 1/4 scoop of cream?

Are you understanding me?
I do not want to confuse yiu.

Roxi's mom
12-26-2016, 03:17 PM
When HRT4SQRLS tells you something about flying squirrels, you can take it to the bank!:dance

She knows her flyers! And yes we do understand the pain of losing a squirrel. It is like loosing a child. I don't think you ever really get over it. You just have to try and accept that they are gone. And yes, most people do think " it's just an animal". But those animals take a very big piece of our heart when they go.

I agree with HRT4, do not release him. They are communal. Unlike regular squirrels, who are loners in the wild.
But flyers live in little colonies. So, you ARE his family. He would not be able to survive on his own.

I'm not too sure about the flyer blocks or how dry they are supposed to be. But, here is a solution I have been using because I baked my last 2 batches of blocks, way to dry and one if my squirrels won't eat them.

I run them under hot water VERY BRIEFLY. Like 1 to 2 seconds. Then I steam them for 40 seconds and let them sit in the microwave for a couple of minutes. When they come out they are nice and moist.

Thanks, I'm so glad you said 5o soak 5hem like that. I have put a little formula on them after feeding him to get them wet. So far he has just tasted a time or two. How long do I leave a piece of block before throwing it out? I am inclined to keep him but I have to break it to my husband when he is in a good mood:grin2.

Roxi's mom
12-26-2016, 03:22 PM
Oh my! That last picture is absolutely precious!

Did someone tell you to mix the formula that way? That seems lik AN AWFUL LOT of cream. You do not want to give him diarrhea!!!!

It's been awhile since I had a baby, but I am going to check with HRT4SQRLS right now, about the cream.
Just to make sure. So dontfeed him yet or at least don't add all that cream. It seemed when I was mixing formula i would mix 1 large red scoop of powder then 1 and 3/4 red scoops of water. And 1/4 scoop of cream.

You can use the cream longer. Just smell to make sure it is good.

well I had been getting feeding advice but then not so I was winging it. I just made a batch so I will double it without the cream. Thank you :hug

Roxi's mom
12-26-2016, 03:30 PM
Ok, thats better!
(Do not worry about the 32:40 or the 20:50 right now. Those are references to the Fox Valley formula, which hasn't arrived yet)

So, this is what you will mix and feed right now.

1lrg red scoop Esbliac piwder
2 lrg red scoops of very warm water.
1/4 lrg red scoop of heavy whipping cream.

This is how I would do mine, so all particles have time to dissolve.
Figure out how much milk you will need for a 24 hour period.
Mix it up using very hot water. Put it in the fridge to be used tomorrow. When you go by the fridge, shake the formula.
So, I ALWAYS would have 2 bottles of formula. 1 that I was using. And one pre-made for tomorrow.
Do that every day.

Probably the most important thing for baby squirrels is this:

ALWAYS MAKE ANY FORMULA CHANGE, VERY SLOWLY

Nothing will kill a baby faster than diarrhea!!!! Changeing formulas too quickly causes diarrhea. When you increase the strength of the formula, do it slowly, so his tummy has time to adapt.

You are at full strength formula now
Full strength is:

1 lrg scoop of powder
2 lrg scoop of water
but, you are adding extra fat, so go slowly
Never add more than 1/4 scoop of cream?

Are you understanding me?
I do not want to confuse yiu.

Yes thank you. You were very clear. The last instructions I got said to add the cream slowly after he was on full formula but then that was it. After he is eating the block well when do I start weaning. I got some organ8c plain low fat yogurt but have not used it. It might be vanilla. When would this come in?

Roxi's mom
12-26-2016, 03:35 PM
If he is alone with no other flyers then I would keep him. You can add the blocks into his cage now. He might just play with them and pee on them at first but he will taste them. Do not give him any other foods until he is eating the blocks, These are the starting foundation for a healthy diet they have a lot of the nutrients in them then need.
When he is eating the blocks really well then you can start adding in some veggies. Add in some broccoli, kale, avacado (no skin or pit) a few carrots and so on. Then when he is eating those add in a few Fruits like Papaya (loaded with calciu,),apple ....

I would imagine the blocks being hard are good for their teeth...remember they chew sticks trees and other hard items to keep their teeth trimmed!

Add some safe sticks in his cage also to keep them toophers trimmed.

I don't currently have him in a cage, just a critter box. I have a 5 foot cage with 3 levels I was thinking I would use but I haven't mentioned to the hubby I plan to keep him.:grin3

SammysMom
12-26-2016, 04:01 PM
As far as I know, formula is always mixed the way it says to on the can, which is 1 scoop of powdered formula and 2 of the same size scoop, of water. Anything else added is in addition to that.

czarina
12-26-2016, 04:26 PM
Okay. I will be off for a couple of hours, cause it's squirrel play time. And they
want my undivided attention!!!!
Then I'll be back to answer more questions!

Roxi's mom
12-26-2016, 07:21 PM
Okay. I will be off for a couple of hours, cause it's squirrel play time. And they
want my undivided attention!!!!
Then I'll be back to answer more questions!

How many squees do you have :serene

czarina
12-26-2016, 07:56 PM
I have 2 NR's. Churtle, who is the love of my life. And smart as a whip.
And sweet, goofy Rosie, who doesn't have a lick of squirrel sense!

Chickenlegs
12-26-2016, 07:59 PM
Oh my lord that baby is sooooooo beautiful. You know flyers need meat--wax worms, meal worms, cooked chicken bone ends (check the flyer section). It's not optional, they need it. Keep the formula going as long as he'll take it. He'll wean himself and then MEEEEEEEAT! They're carnivores! And YEAH! He's a keeper. Releasing a solo flyer means death. Rehome him NOW if you can't keep him (memememe!) Yeah, I know, you're his mama, right?

Roxi's mom
12-26-2016, 09:48 PM
Oh my lord that baby is sooooooo beautiful. You know flyers need meat--wax worms, meal worms, cooked chicken bone ends (check the flyer section). It's not optional, they need it. Keep the formula going as long as he'll take it. He'll wean himself and then MEEEEEEEAT! They're carnivores! And YEAH! He's a keeper. Releasing a solo flyer means death. Rehome him NOW if you can't keep him (memememe!) Yeah, I know, you're his mama, right?

Your in Virginia and I am in Florida. How would that work with transportation :grin2,not that I have made a decision or anything. :serene

Roxi's mom
12-26-2016, 09:52 PM
I have 2 NR's. Churtle, who is the love of my life. And smart as a whip.
And sweet, goofy Rosie, who doesn't have a lick of squirrel sense!

LOL! They sound like fun. I have a long boa I got from Dr.s Foster and Smith. Is he too small to start practicing his climbing? 282356282355

Chickenlegs
12-26-2016, 10:33 PM
Aaaaaak--he's playing with his FOOT! Damn--my sister was just in West Palm Beach. Cudda staged a midnight raid--like I could pry that baby from your cold dead hands!

Roxi's mom
12-26-2016, 11:34 PM
Aaaaaak--he's playing with his FOOT! Damn--my sister was just in West Palm Beach. Cudda staged a midnight raid--like I could pry that baby from your cold dead hands!

LOL! Your a riot! He loves to play with fingers and his little stuffy Squirrel. It has no stuffing in it, just a plush body. Made that way so they can't rip the stuffing out. I will have to get a picture of the two together. :grin3

czarina
12-27-2016, 12:04 AM
No, he can start his climbing now.
Not sure if this is a public forum or private.

But, should he need to make a journey down south, there is a kind of underground train, that occasionally transports sqees from point A to point B.

And, I'm in total agreement, a decision would need to be made as soon as possible, so he can bond with his forever mom.

HRT4SQRLS does have other flyers, and as we have already mentioned, they are a communal critter, and like to live in large groups.

Also, before your Fox Valley arrives, I want to give you exact instructions on how to transition him to it. If you do not do it right, it will upset his tummy, and he will start having diarrhea. Diarrhea can easily kill, in something as small as him, so you will need to switch his formula exactly
.

He sure is a cutie!

Do you have 2 small plastic bottles that you can mix his formula in? You need one for the milk he is drinking for today, and then another one so that you can pre-mix his formula for tomorrow. You will always have 2 bottles in use. You need to figure out approximately how much formula he drinks in a 24 hour period, and then make a little more than that, so you will have a little leeway.

Also, you need to keep his HHB in his pouch at all times. That needs to be his first food. Even while he is still on formula, he will get used to the smell of his HHB. And probably nibble on itva little.

Once he is eating his HHB well, then and only then, you can start introducing his healthy vegetables.. It is a whole lot easier to start them on a healthy diet from the beginning, than it is to try and go back and change a bad diet.

We have someone on the board right now, who's 15 month old squirrel has MBD. It's right back leg is paralyzed., and x-rays have confirmed that the MBD has already spread to the poor little squees spine.
The mom is kicking herself, because she knows that she brought the disease on herself, by not following a healthy diet.
I can not even begin to tell you how many cases of MBD we see a year, because people don't want to make their captive squirrels eat a proper diet. And it is pitiful, because the squirrel parent has such guilt, because they then realize it is their own fault that their beloved squirrel is now suffering so much, and possibility will die or remain paralyzed, because their human didn't raise them right.
Very sad indeed. I am trying to help you raise your little man the right way, so neither of you have to go through the pain of MBD.

HRT4SQRLS
12-27-2016, 12:39 AM
He is absolutely adorable. He's not fully nocturnal at this age. Put him in a pouch and let hubby hold him. They love pouches. When he looks into those huge dark eyes he won't be able to resist. :grin2

If I remember correctly I am in an adjacent county to yours. (Hillsborough) I'm glad to help in any way that I can but I can't take any more flyers. I have 3 boys and they are a handful. I got the second flyer for the first to have a friend. They don't even like each other. :shakehead One was perfect. :tilt

Roxi's mom
12-27-2016, 02:19 AM
He is absolutely adorable. He's not fully nocturnal at this age. Put him in a pouch and let hubby hold him. They love pouches. When he looks into those huge dark eyes he won't be able to resist. :grin2

If I remember correctly I am in an adjacent county to yours. (Hillsborough) I'm glad to help in any way that I can but I can't take any more flyers. I have 3 boys and they are a handful. I got the second flyer for the first to have a friend. They don't even like each other. :shakehead One was perfect. :tilt
I have a pouch on order from Auntie MMs and I got a confirmation email for the purchase of a pouch and feeding pad, but that was 3 days ago. I thought I would be getting another email by now about shipment or status but I haven't. I will try to make my own. I made my guinea pigs pillows :grin3

Roxi's mom
12-27-2016, 02:25 AM
No, he can start his climbing now.
Not sure if this is a public forum or private.

But, should he need to make a journey down south, there is a kind of underground train, that occasionally transports sqees from point A to point B.

And, I'm in total agreement, a decision would need to be made as soon as possible, so he can bond with his forever mom.

HRT4SQRLS does have other flyers, and as we have already mentioned, they are a communal critter, and like to live in large groups.

Also, before your Fox Valley arrives, I want to give you exact instructions on how to transition him to it. If you do not do it right, it will upset his tummy, and he will start having diarrhea. Diarrhea can easily kill, in something as small as him, so you will need to switch his formula exactly
.

He sure is a cutie!

Do you have 2 small plastic bottles that you can mix his formula in? You need one for the milk he is drinking for today, and then another one so that you can pre-mix his formula for tomorrow. You will always have 2 bottles in use. You need to figure out approximately how much formula he drinks in a 24 hour period, and then make a little more than that, so you will have a little leeway.

Also, you need to keep his HHB in his pouch at all times. That needs to be his first food. Even while he is still on formula, he will get used to the smell of his HHB. And probably nibble on itva little.

Once he is eating his HHB well, then and only then, you can start introducing his healthy vegetables.. It is a whole lot easier to start them on a healthy diet from the beginning, than it is to try and go back and change a bad diet.

We have someone on the board right now, who's 15 month old squirrel has MBD. It's right back leg is paralyzed., and x-rays have confirmed that the MBD has already spread to the poor little squees spine.
The mom is kicking herself, because she knows that she brought the disease on herself, by not following a healthy diet.
I can not even begin to tell you how many cases of MBD we see a year, because people don't want to make their captive squirrels eat a proper diet. And it is pitiful, because the squirrel parent has such guilt, because they then realize it is their own fault that their beloved squirrel is now suffering so much, and possibility will die or remain paralyzed, because their human didn't raise them right.
Very sad indeed. I am trying to help you raise your little man the right way, so neither of you have to go through the pain of MBD.

I currently have 2 bottles of formula made, one for today and one for tomorrow like suggested previously, and I froze the extra heavy whipping cream, but I'm not sure about his belly at the moment, even though he has no diarrhea, and I did get him to have a BM about an hour or so ago, which was not any different, but he has not eaten his formula since 3 o'clock. He had about 3 mysoldierjoe@yahoo.com at 3 and then at 7, 9:15 and about 11:30, I could only get him to sip a little bit. I don't know if he is not hungry, or not interested in being bottle-fed or syringe fed anymore. he didn't really want water either and he just wants to curl up sleep. Any thoughts?

Roxi's mom
12-27-2016, 03:09 AM
I currently have 2 bottles of formula made, one for today and one for tomorrow like suggested previously, and I froze the extra heavy whipping cream, but I'm not sure about his belly at the moment, even though he has no diarrhea, and I did get him to have a BM about an hour or so ago, which was not any different, but he has not eaten his formula since 3 o'clock. He had about 3 mysoldierjoe@yahoo.com at 3 and then at 7, 9:15 and about 11:30, I could only get him to sip a little bit. I don't know if he is not hungry, or not interested in being bottle-fed or syringe fed anymore. he didn't really want water either and he just wants to curl up sleep. Any thoughts?

Whoops that should have said he had about 3 ml's at 3:00 lol

HRT4SQRLS
12-27-2016, 08:17 AM
Yes, that is concerning.
Put him next to your ear and listen VERY carefully.
Listen for ANY sound of clicking. I have been very worried about that huge syringe. They can aspirate so easily. If the appetite continues to be 'off' I would probably go ahead and treat for aspiration pneumonia even without clicking. I know you have proper supplies ordered. Hopefully they will arrive today.

Let us know. If the appetite returns it was probably nothing to be concerned about but if he stops taking formula, this is a big problem.

Roxi's mom
12-27-2016, 12:14 PM
Yes, that is concerning.
Put him next to your ear and listen VERY carefully.
Listen for ANY sound of clicking. I have been very worried about that huge syringe. They can aspirate so easily. If the appetite continues to be 'off' I would probably go ahead and treat for aspiration pneumonia even without clicking. I know you have proper supplies ordered. Hopefully they will arrive today.

Let us know. If the appetite returns it was probably nothing to be concerned about but if he stops taking formula, this is a big problem.

He did take his formula twice this a.m. He was playing and hopping around like normal too. I think maybe he didn't like the formula with too much cream. These last two meals were the correct formula. I have been very careful with the aspiration thing and when has gotten some in his nose I have been very quick to put him between my hands and swing down quickly to force anything out and wipe his nose. He is also going to the bathroom normally and by himself, but he still goes when I wipe him. He is starting to sleep during the day on top of the fleece. Is he done with the heating pad, or maybe just turn it on at night. By the way, Tampa was my stomping grounds from 1971 to about 1984 so I am very familiar. :serene

HRT4SQRLS
12-27-2016, 01:07 PM
Awe, that's good news. :grin
I wouldn't remove the heating pad just yet. He's still very tiny. Make sure you have a pile of small fleece pieces in the bin. When these tiny ones get warm, they climb up onto the pile and then down to snuggle when they get cool.

czarina
12-27-2016, 02:21 PM
I have been concerned about adding the 1/4 lrg red scoop of the whipping cream.
It might be a better idea to mix another batch, only using 1/8 lrg red scoop of the cream.
Really, any time there is a diet change it needs to be done VERY SLOWLY, to give their little tummies time to adapt.
I would probably feed the new formula with the 1/8 lrg red scoop cream, for the next 4 feedings. And then again very slowly increase the cream, to just a little more than the 1/8 scoop, for the next 4 feedings. Then you should be able to add the 1/4lrg red scoop of cream and you will stay there with his formula.
Better safe than sorry. But their tummies really do have a hard time adjusting to formula changes.

Good work! You are doing great with him!:serene

Roxi's mom
12-27-2016, 04:50 PM
Awe, that's good news. :grin
I wouldn't remove the heating pad just yet. He's still very tiny. Make sure you have a pile of small fleece pieces in the bin. When these tiny ones get warm, they climb up onto the pile and then down to snuggle when they get cool.

I have 4 layers of fleece. Any idea what size or kind of cage to use. I have Roxi's old cage but it would be huge and it is so heavy.it took up a lot of room in my home office, plus I already have 2 guinea pigs taking up space. They are in here because I believe out of sight out of mind and I love my piggies too. :blowkiss. He weighs about 32 ounces, so would that be 2.17 cc of formula per day, and how old does that make him. I'm thinking 6-7 weeks.

Roxi's mom
12-27-2016, 04:53 PM
I have been concerned about adding the 1/4 lrg red scoop of the whipping cream.
It might be a better idea to mix another batch, only using 1/8 lrg red scoop of the cream.
Really, any time there is a diet change it needs to be done VERY SLOWLY, to give their little tummies time to adapt.
I would probably feed the new formula with the 1/8 lrg red scoop cream, for the next 4 feedings. And then again very slowly increase the cream, to just a little more than the 1/8 scoop, for the next 4 feedings. Then you should be able to add the 1/4lrg red scoop of cream and you will stay there with his formula.
Better safe than sorry. But their tummies really do have a hard time adjusting to formula changes.

Good work! You are doing great with him!:serene

Thanks that is good to hear. Could I add more formula and water to what I have so it is not wasted or would that make it too old. I mixed it after dinner last night around 5-6.
These are pictures of him playing with his Squirrel toy. Thsee are from this morning.

Roxi's mom
12-27-2016, 05:14 PM
My 20/50 formula just came with syringes and miracle nipples. I am going to mix some formula 1:2 without cream so it is available. Anyone available to advise me on switching? It's been 3.5 hours since last feeding.

HRT4SQRLS
12-27-2016, 05:49 PM
I have 4 layers of fleece. Any idea what size or kind of cage to use. I have Roxi's old cage but it would be huge and it is so heavy.it took up a lot of room in my home office, plus I already have 2 guinea pigs taking up space. They are in here because I believe out of sight out of mind and I love my piggies too. :blowkiss. He weighs about 32 ounces, so would that be 2.17 cc of formula per day, and how old does that make him. I'm thinking 6-7 weeks.

OK ... I assume you mean 32 grams not 32 ounces. :tilt

The volume of formula would be 1.6 ml - 2.24 ml per feeding NOT PER DAY.

I wouldn't even be thinking about a cage at this point. The little Critter Keeper he's in now is fine. After that I would get a bin like a Sterilite container at WalMart. They have many sizes. Start small, then medium. Be sure to drill holes in the lid. A STEP bit can be purchased at Harbor Freight for a few bucks. They do a fabulous job drilling plastic bins.

Those pics are awesome. They need a cuteness warning. :grin2

Make sure he has tiny pieces of fleece to snuggle in.

Roxi's mom
12-27-2016, 06:11 PM
OK ... I assume you mean 32 grams not 32 ounces. :tilt

The volume of formula would be 1.6 ml - 2.24 ml per feeding NOT PER DAY.

I wouldn't even be thinking about a cage at this point. The little Critter Keeper he's in now is fine. After that I would get a bin like a Sterilite container at WalMart. They have many sizes. Start small, then medium. Be sure to drill holes in the lid. A STEP bit can be purchased at Harbor Freight for a few bucks. They do a fabulous job drilling plastic bins.

Those pics are awesome. They need a cuteness warning. :grin2

Make sure he has tiny pieces of fleece to snuggle in.

Oh boy do I feel ignorant! Yes 32 grams and I knew per feeding but put the other. I type dictation at home and my doc has me looking for certain jobs in a long list of jobs so just distracted. :embar:shakehead. He is awake now. What should I feed him. I already made a batch of the fv20/50 hold the cream! :serene

HRT4SQRLS
12-27-2016, 06:15 PM
You still have the other prepared formula right??

Roxi's mom
12-27-2016, 06:19 PM
You still have the other prepared formula right??
Yes

HRT4SQRLS
12-27-2016, 06:20 PM
The other formula has cream, right?

Roxi's mom
12-27-2016, 06:21 PM
The other formula has cream, right?

Yes I added another scoop of water to thin it out.

HRT4SQRLS
12-27-2016, 06:31 PM
You can do a slow transition.

MIX:

3 ml of the OLD formula.... 1 ml of the NEW formula (1-2 feedings)

THEN

2 ml of the OLD formula.... 2 ml of the NEW formula (1-2 feedings)

THEN

1ml of the OLD formula... 3 ml of the NEW formula (1-2 feedings)

THEN

100% FOX Valley 20:50 mixed per directions

After he is transitioned to the new formula you can slowly add a little cream.
(I would add a 1/4 teaspoon)

Does this make sense to you?

Roxi's mom
12-27-2016, 06:34 PM
You can do a slow transition.

MIX:

3 ml of the OLD formula.... 1 ml of the NEW formula (1-2 feedings)

THEN

2 ml of the OLD formula.... 2 ml of the NEW formula (1-2 feedings)

THEN

1ml of the OLD formula... 3 ml of the NEW formula (1-2 feedings)

THEN

100% FOX Valley 20:50 mixed per directions

After he is transitioned to the new formula you can slowly add a little cream.
(I would add a 1/4 teaspoon)

Does this make sense to you?

Yes it does. Thank you. I appreciate all of your help and advice.

HRT4SQRLS
12-27-2016, 06:38 PM
Perfect :thumbsup

It doesn't have to be exact. You just want to slowly transition him to the new formula. That prevents tummy problems and it also helps them adjust to the new taste.

Roxi's mom
12-27-2016, 07:23 PM
He just finished 2 ml's of the 3:1 and loved the new miracle nipple. I didn't even push the syringe, he did it himself lol. I did watch to make sure not too fast though. No worries. :w00t

czarina
12-27-2016, 08:15 PM
Sounds like you are doing great! Just remember to make any changes VERY SLOWLY.

Also make sure he does not eat too much at one feeding.
He will like the feel of the nipple in his mouth.
Over feeding will cause tummy problems, too.

Roxi's mom
12-27-2016, 10:35 PM
Sounds like you are doing great! Just remember to make any changes VERY SLOWLY.

Also make sure he does not eat too much at one feeding.
He will like the feel of the nipple in his mouth.
Over feeding will cause tummy problems, too.

That is very tempting though isn't it, to get more for them when they keep grabbing at the syringe after its empty.

Roxi's mom
12-27-2016, 11:37 PM
On this second feeding I am having problems with the miracle nipple popping off the syringe constantly. Has anyone else had this problem? I had to hold it place while he nursed :tap

czarina
12-27-2016, 11:40 PM
It's tempting. But definitely not worth all the pain and worry that bloat will cause!

You're doing great! Just stick to the plan and you will have a happy and heathy boy!

Are you putting his HHB in his pouch?

HRT4SQRLS
12-28-2016, 08:30 AM
Shove the nipple on real deep and it won't fall off.

SammysMom
12-28-2016, 09:35 AM
What size syringe are you using?

Nancy in New York
12-28-2016, 09:56 AM
What size syringe are you using?

Also what brand name is the syringe?
If this is a SOL-M syringe, they are VERY fast.
Squirrels suck and get a mouth full, so be very careful
if these are what you have.

Roxi's mom
12-28-2016, 12:58 PM
It's tempting. But definitely not worth all the pain and worry that bloat will cause!

You're doing great! Just stick to the plan and you will have a happy and heathy boy!

Are you putting his HHB in his pouch?

Yes I am but I mostly throw it away later.

Roxi's mom
12-28-2016, 01:01 PM
Shove the nipple on real deep and it won't fall off.
I will try it again. I went to the second one and I'm not having any problems with it. I believe the first one has a larger hole. Very minimally. Do you think later on that the guinea pigs and Theo will get along?

Roxi's mom
12-28-2016, 01:03 PM
What size syringe are you using?
They are from Henry's. They are Sol-M 1 and 3 ml

Roxi's mom
12-28-2016, 01:08 PM
Also what brand name is the syringe?
If this is a SOL-M syringe, they are VERY fast.
Squirrels suck and get a mouth full, so be very careful
if these are what you have.

Yes they are and yes I noticed :) I have been watching. Thanks.

Roxi's mom
12-28-2016, 01:11 PM
What size syringe are you using?

The 3 ml syringe. He gets 2 ml each feeding. I am doing one more of 2:2 and then going to 1 esbilac, 3 fv.

Roxi's mom
12-28-2016, 01:22 PM
[QUOTE=Roxi's mom;1197251]Yes I am but I mostly throw it away later.

I have a squee in my pocket lol. He is doing great in there with a piece of fleece.

Chickenlegs
12-28-2016, 08:35 PM
Oh good Lord. How do you keep from having the mother of stiff necks from looking in your pocket all day!!!!

Roxi's mom
12-29-2016, 01:56 AM
Oh good Lord. How do you keep from having the mother of stiff necks from looking in your pocket all day!!!!

Lol your not kidding! I have had a sore neck for about three days just from feeding and yes, looking in my pocket :laugh2

KarmaKay
12-29-2016, 04:17 PM
:Love_Icon
[QUOTE=Roxi's mom;1197251]Yes I am but I mostly throw it away later.

I have a squee in my pocket lol. He is doing great in there with a piece of fleece.

:Love_Icon love the pic!

Roxi's mom
01-02-2017, 05:28 PM
It's tempting. But definitely not worth all the pain and worry that bloat will cause!

You're doing great! Just stick to the plan and you will have a happy and heathy boy!

Are you putting his HHB in his pouch?

Here is a pic of him tearing up half a block. I gave it right out of the package while it was fresh and not dried out. He just has 1.5 cc of formula too. How long should he be eating the blocks before he should be off the nipple and maybe into a dish of formula. I also got a large clear tote for his next home. When would that be? :squirrel4

Chickenlegs
01-02-2017, 05:40 PM
Look at that good big boy eating his block. Have you given him a wax worm yet? Keep the camera/phone handy!

Roxi's mom
01-02-2017, 09:14 PM
Look at that good big boy eating his block. Have you given him a wax worm yet? Keep the camera/phone handy!

No not yet. I was told he needed to be eating his block really well before anything else and this is really the first time he has really eaten this much. He has only passively knawed on it but they were really hard and dried out. I gave gotten them a little wet and steamed them in the microwave like was suggested but that was last week. I think he just likes them fresh from the package. How do I get him to stop peeing on me though! :nono:rotfl
Where do I get wax worms. Pet store?

Anne
01-02-2017, 09:25 PM
Both PetCo and Petsmart sell wax worms. Petco has them in a small glass refrigerator in the reptile section. At Petsmart you have to ask, they keep theirs in a storage room. Flyers need meat protein in their diets unlike grey squirrels. There is a huge diet list in the flying squirrel section. Sending you my phone number in a PM. Flyers have special needs and problems!

Shewhosweptforest
01-02-2017, 09:29 PM
Not to thread jack:hidechair but how many waxworms would you give an adult flyer Anne? I've gotten three :serene I love them dearly....and they eat waxworms like candy :eek anything that good worries me that it might not be good to overindulge:(

SammysMom
01-02-2017, 09:48 PM
They will eat too many Sweeper. THey have a very high phos:cal ratio so must be limited a bit. I will leave it to the flyer experts to answer as to how many is too many though. I did give my flyers cooked chicken breast also for protein.

Shewhosweptforest
01-02-2017, 09:52 PM
I tried the chicken....they showed no interest:( I've been giving them 3 or 4 a piece nightly...I hand feed them so I know exactly how many they are getting.

HRT4SQRLS
01-02-2017, 10:46 PM
Roxi, I had to stop buying worms at PetSmart. 2 reasons... #1 the quality was bad, many dead worms and #2 there was NEVER anyone that would help me. The worms are 'hidden away' and you need to get someone to help you and it's in the tropical fish area. I just wanted to grab a tub of worms and get out but NO I had to wait behind people buying fish. Good grief that takes forever.
PetCo has a MUCH better supplier (better quality) and its self service.

Sweeper, I'll be interested to hear what Anne says about the number of waxworms but I think 3-4 per day is too many. I only feed 2 and that's not every day. We might go a week and they get 2 per day and then several days with none. They have a bad calcium to phosphorus ratio and they are very high in fat. The Ca: P ratio is 1:6. They are 46% fat. I'm already having a problem with a porkie pig flyer.

Here's a chart that gives nutritional information on insects.
http://moonvalleyreptiles.com/files/Feeder-Nutrition-Common-Reptile-Feeders-v1.0.pdf

Shewhosweptforest
01-02-2017, 10:55 PM
Thanks HRT....I will cut back...usually it's 3... but I will cut back to two each..and I'll stop giving every day:great I've only been giving them waxworms for about 3 weeks...I wasn't sure where to get them....then I found petsmart had them... I will try petco next time:grin3 I sure wish I knew how to get them to eat some chicken :tap

BCChins
01-03-2017, 08:13 AM
Petco has the best one's local but open the tub and make sure they are good.

You can also order them from http://www.rainbowmealworms.net/
They ship really fast and the worms are always fresh and lively.

When I find my animals will not eat the good things I want them to eat. I will make a slushy using one extremely favorite food and the foods I need/want them to eat but will not. Put them in the food grinder and make a smoothie. Freeze in small cubes and serve it before anything else at night.

HRT4SQRLS
01-03-2017, 08:54 AM
Thanks BBChins, I think I'll try those online.

An FYI, the refrigerator is too cold for Waxworms. They survive if I put them in the door bins.

Chickenlegs
01-03-2017, 10:28 AM
Julie you can get waxworms at Fin and Feather (this is local for everybody else) they will pick out just how many you want and as they pick them out the worms are always good. It's worth a stop next time you're in town--or if I head your way, I'll bring you some.

Anne
01-03-2017, 10:38 AM
This is what I do with my flyers about wax worms: I feed them no more than 4 each twice a week.That's all they get at one time.
I haven't had any problem with getting mine to eat pieces of chicken wings. I bake the wings without any seasoning just for my guys and then cut them into thirds. They get the drumlet part or the middle piece and tip, this is twice a week also. I crack the drumlet bone to so they can get to the inside.
The Skuls have fed the dried chicken cube dog treats but my guys don't seem to like them. Just now over the past holidays mine have been loving the turkey wings. So funny because the wing drumlet is bigger than they are! I often poach chicken breasts for salads or casseroles, some of that is saved for the flyers too. Have to love having a freezer!

Roxi's mom
01-03-2017, 03:36 PM
Roxi, I had to stop buying worms at PetSmart. 2 reasons... #1 the quality was bad, many dead worms and #2 there was NEVER anyone that would help me. The worms are 'hidden away' and you need to get someone to help you and it's in the tropical fish area. I just wanted to grab a tub of worms and get out but NO I had to wait behind people buying fish. Good grief that takes forever.
PetCo has a MUCH better supplier (better quality) and its self service.

Sweeper, I'll be interested to hear what Anne says about the number of waxworms but I think 3-4 per day is too many. I only feed 2 and that's not every day. We might go a week and they get 2 per day and then several days with none. They have a bad calcium to phosphorus ratio and they are very high in fat. The Ca: P ratio is 1:6. They are 46% fat. I'm already having a problem with a porkie pig flyer.

Here's a chart that gives nutritional information on insects.
http://moonvalleyreptiles.com/files/Feeder-Nutrition-Common-Reptile-Feeders-v1.0.pdf

Thanks for so much good information. I like Petco myself. Theo is about 8 weeks I am guessing and 36 grams. He was just 16 grams when I got him 12-15 but he was dehydrated and starving. His eyes were open and he a sibling with him that did not make it. They were in a parking lot at the police dept. How old should they be when starting meal worms or wax worm? I have some plain nonfat yogurt too. When do I stop adding the whipping cream to his formula?

Roxi's mom
01-04-2017, 02:20 PM
I noticed this balding spot on Theo a few days ago. I have been watching it, and I explored it well, and it seems to be just that. A bald spot with a fine layer of hair in the center, and then a tiny little spot in the middle of that. Could it be from when he was in the parking lot and lost it there somehow? Tell me it's not parasitic. I have a little bit of revolution left over from Roxi. I added some pics of h I should daytime container and him eating his block. :serene sorry, I don't know how to turn the medicine picture around. Oh and is it safe for them to eat tangerine green branches and the leaves.

KarmaKay
01-04-2017, 06:45 PM
Really great information! Thanks!:bliss

HRT4SQRLS
01-04-2017, 09:36 PM
It's such a tiny spot I think I would just watch it and not use the Revolution right now. If it gets scaly or larger you could always use it later. I do use it when needed but I don't use it casually. I like to know I'm treating something before I use it because the bottom line is that even though it's safe it is still a somewhat toxic chemical. AND, he's such a little guy. :tilt

Orange branches are on the safe list but I'm unsure of tangerine branches. They probably are safe but I'd rather not risk it. Do you have oak branches? I'm sure Theo would love them.

By the way, he's adorable! Are you in love yet? :grin2

Roxi's mom
01-04-2017, 10:11 PM
It's such a tiny spot I think I would just watch it and not use the Revolution right now. If it gets scaly or larger you could always use it later. I do use it when needed but I don't use it casually. I like to know I'm treating something before I use it because the bottom line is that even though it's safe it is still a somewhat toxic chemical. AND, he's such a little guy. :tilt

Orange branches are on the safe list but I'm unsure of tangerine branches. They probably are safe but I'd rather not risk it. Do you have oak branches? I'm sure Theo would love them.

By the way, he's adorable! Are you in love yet? :grin2

Thanks Hrt4sqrls. I did not want to use it but just letting you know I had some. I was really checking it out after this message with a little water in the fur and there is a very small spot of naked skin in the center of it. Maybe he got some hair pulled out, out there in the parking lot? Yes I am in love. What is next with feeding? I have frozen small scoops of heavy whipping cream and I only use about 1/3 of a piece in his formula. Heven usually eats just recently a half to whole block on 24 hours. I have plain low fat yogurt waiting for him.

Thanks for all your help and to everyone else.

HRT4SQRLS
01-04-2017, 10:38 PM
It sounds like Theo is a good eater. :grin2
Now that he's eating the block, you give him something green. That's when it really gets expensive. :tilt I buy all this produce and they eat a piece the size of a dime or not at all. Buy something that you would feed your family because you can always eat it yourself. Sugar snap pea, kale, broccoli (I buy the broccoli slaw at Publix because I like it. It has broccoli, carrot and red cabbage strands). Just give him one tiny thing at a time.

I wouldn't wean him. As long as he will take formula, I would supply it. My 6 year old drinks formula from a tiny bowl. After 3 months or so, I wouldn't add the cream to the formula because flyers will get too fat. While he's growing the extra fat is good but when he's grown he doesn't need the cream.

Chickenlegs
01-04-2017, 11:24 PM
This is just a question out of the blue but can you sprinkle calcium on wax worms for a better calcium /phosphorous ratio?

HRT4SQRLS
01-05-2017, 06:38 AM
This is just a question out of the blue but can you sprinkle calcium on wax worms for a better calcium /phosphorous ratio?

Yes you can. That's a common practice to roll worms in calcium carbonate powder to help with the Ca: P ratio.

I think the high fat is there to stay. No way to fix that. Maybe skinny jeans! :eek :grin2

Nancy in New York
01-05-2017, 07:20 AM
Yes you can. That's a common practice to roll worms in calcium carbonate powder to help with the Ca: P ratio.

I think the high fat is there to stay. No way to fix that. Maybe skinny jeans! :eek :grin2

:laugh2 :thumbsup

BCChins
01-05-2017, 08:11 AM
One way to buy a variety but in small portions is the salad bar at Whole Foods. They have all kinds of veggies and fruit and you can buy a tiny amount. It is about $8 a lb for organic but for one flyer you need maybe a 1/4 lb or less of mixed goodies!

Roxi's mom
01-05-2017, 09:50 AM
It sounds like Theo is a good eater. :grin2
Now that he's eating the block, you give him something green. That's when it really gets expensive. :tilt I buy all this produce and they eat a piece the size of a dime or not at all. Buy something that you would feed your family because you can always eat it yourself. Sugar snap pea, kale, broccoli (I buy the broccoli slaw at Publix because I like it. It has broccoli, carrot and red cabbage strands). Just give him one tiny thing at a time.

I wouldn't wean him. As long as he will take formula, I would supply it. My 6 year old drinks formula from a tiny bowl. After 3 months or so, I wouldn't add the cream to the formula because flyers will get too fat. While he's growing the extra fat is good but when he's grown he doesn't need the cream.
Okay great. He has been slowing down on the amount of formula and the frequency. Sometimes he acts like he is not hungry. He is a lot more active and moves very quickly. I have two guinea pigs so the veggies are not a problem lol! We use it up usually only on the piggies. When do I give him worms.

Roxi's mom
01-05-2017, 09:52 AM
This is just a question out of the blue but can you sprinkle calcium on wax worms for a better calcium /phosphorous ratio?

I have to put powdered calcium on the piggies food too.

Anne
01-05-2017, 12:23 PM
Yes, just a sprinkle though don't want to roll the wax worms and coat them completely!

Roxi's mom
01-06-2017, 07:23 PM
Does anyone have any suggestions on when I should start Theo on wax worms? He is still not eating the blocks very well, not even a whole one per day, but I'm wondering if it's because they are too dry and hard for him. I am guessing he is about 7-8 weeks old. I got him 12-15 and his eyes were open so I was thinking at least 4 weeks then plus the 3 weeks I have had him. Any thoughts of where to go now. Still on formula and working on the blocks.

HRT4SQRLS
01-06-2017, 09:15 PM
As long as he's nibbling the block it's OK. There is NO way this tiny little guy will eat a whole block. As a matter a fact, I started cutting the blocks in half and giving my adult flyers a half block. They were wasting so much I'm fine with just giving these tiny guys 1/2. I use the picky eater block. Mine will absolutely NOT eat the high protein block. You can soften the block by microwaving it a few seconds.... just enough to warm it slightly or it will get really hard.

Go ahead and give Theo a worm. I doubt he will eat it to start but he will. It must be an acquired taste. :grin2

Roxi's mom
01-06-2017, 10:58 PM
As long as he's nibbling the block it's OK. There is NO way this tiny little guy will eat a whole block. As a matter a fact, I started cutting the blocks in half and giving my adult flyers a half block. They were wasting so much I'm fine with just giving these tiny guys 1/2. I use the picky eater block. Mine will absolutely NOT eat the high protein block. You can soften the block by microwaving it a few seconds.... just enough to warm it slightly or it will get really hard.

Go ahead and give Theo a worm. I doubt he will eat it to start but he will. It must be an acquired taste. :grin2

Okay great thanks. I have been picking through the blocks looking for the smallest ones but I do usually throw a lot of it away the next day. Plus there is a lot of crumbs around it so I'm not sure how much he is eating. I will have to get the worms. What kind is the best to start him on. He smelled a hamburger on my fingers tonight and was trying to bite my fingers lol . I tried him with a little piece of bok choy tonight and he was really interested. Guinea pigs weren't thrilled but he seemed to like the stalk. Thanks again Hrt4sqrls. :serene

Roxi's mom
01-06-2017, 11:25 PM
By the way. He is 38 grams today. Do little ones usually look like little butterballs :gigg. I have started only feeding him every 5 hours sometimes 6 since he is nibbling get on block. He was starting to have less formula because of the block. Is this okay.

Chickenlegs
01-07-2017, 02:48 AM
Go ahead and give Theo a worm. I doubt he will eat it to start but he will. It must be an acquired taste. :grin2

Have you seen them eat a wax worm?--like a kid with "Gogurt"---bleeeeeeh! :tongue3

HRT4SQRLS
01-07-2017, 07:50 AM
You can buy either waxworms or meal worms. Mine won't eat meal worms anymore. :dono
Try the waxworms. Don't buy super-worms. I was told they are meal worms fed hormones. They are BIG and they are DISGUSTING!
They bite. :eek

Gogurt... :rotfl

Roxi's mom
01-07-2017, 07:56 AM
Have you seen them eat a wax worm?--like a kid with "Gogurt"---bleeeeeeh! :tongue3

No this will be the first :yuck. Maybe meal worms are just as good?

HRT4SQRLS
01-07-2017, 08:29 AM
Yes, the meal worms are good also. :grin2

Roxi's mom
01-07-2017, 12:37 PM
:laugh2:laugh2
You can buy either waxworms or meal worms. Mine won't eat meal worms anymore. :dono
Try the waxworms. Don't buy super-worms. I was told they are meal worms fed hormones. They are BIG and they are DISGUSTING!
They bite. :eek

Gogurt... :rotfl

:eek: :klunk

Roxi's mom
01-07-2017, 07:46 PM
I bought some meal worms at Petco. I saw those super worms. HUGE! I gave a regular meal worms to Theo and although he did not manage to eat it, he goes it a good go! I took a video but I don't know how to link that up here. I even it the worm in half and he seemed interested but he didn't know what to do with it. 5he worm kinda slapped him in the nose and startled him and boy did he jump. You know,.now that he has put on some body weight, I am starting to question if he is a boy. :dono anyone have a picture lol!:embar:laugh2

HRT4SQRLS
01-07-2017, 10:38 PM
I bought some meal worms at Petco. The worm kinda slapped him in the nose and startled him and boy did he jump.

Yeah, I wouldn't know what to think if my food moved either. :jump

Roxi's mom
01-07-2017, 11:39 PM
Yeah, I wouldn't know what to think if my food moved either. :jump

I guess I should have proofed that last message :gigg. Lots of mistakes. :grin2

Roxi's mom
01-08-2017, 03:31 PM
Does anyone notice a difference in size of hair loss. The lastt two are today and the first is from the 5th. There are more pics from the 5th back in this thread. It looks bigger to me but maybe it's the distance from the camera.?

Roxi's mom
01-11-2017, 02:32 AM
I would like to know how to start feeding Theo now because he's not really taking the nipple into his mouth anymore. he is more like licking the formula off the tip and he's eating some block, and he likes kale, but I need some ideas on how to get him to bite a meal worm. I have tried holding it for him and cutting it in half. Also, could somebody give me a typical day of a Flyers diet that I could try and follow.

Thanks

BCChins
01-11-2017, 08:40 AM
Try offering him formula in a shallow dish. Put in just a few drops as he is going to get some up his nose until he learn how to drink from the dish. Maybe add a tiny bit of vanilla yogurt to it so it tastes yummy.

You can offer some broccoli, cauliflower, portobello or Shiitake mushrooms. With mushrooms you want to give mostly the gills as this is where the nutrition/vitamin D is. Avocado 1/2 inch piece no skin or pit is great for them also. I would give papaya as a fruit since it has awesome calcium in it. I would pick two veggies and give them for a few days then slowly add more. Fruits are higher in sugar so add them more sparingly veggies are best.
Also give a piece of chicken. You can cook up wings and break it up and give him a section bone and all.

Add things slowly so he does not get diarrhea.


Start with the things above and when he is eating them well start adding other things from the list below.

Here is a list of things to feed.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?37700-HEALTHY-DIET-for-PET-Flying-Squirrels



Someone please correct me if I am wrong :)

Roxi's mom
01-11-2017, 01:51 PM
Try offering him formula in a shallow dish. Put in just a few drops as he is going to get some up his nose until he learn how to drink from the dish. Maybe add a tiny bit of vanilla yogurt to it so it tastes yummy.

You can offer some broccoli, cauliflower, portobello or Shiitake mushrooms. With mushrooms you want to give mostly the gills as this is where the nutrition/vitamin D is. Avocado 1/2 inch piece no skin or pit is great for them also. I would give papaya as a fruit since it has awesome calcium in it. I would pick two veggies and give them for a few days then slowly add more. Fruits are higher in sugar so add them more sparingly veggies are best.
Also give a piece of chicken. You can cook up wings and break it up and give him a section bone and all.

Add things slowly so he does not get diarrhea.by


Start with the things above and when he is eating them well start adding other things from the list below.

Here is a list of things to feed.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?37700-HEALTHY-DIET-for-PET-Flying-Squirrels



Someone please correct me if I am wrong :)

Thanks BCchins, I gave him some formula this a.m. in the little containErin I warmed it up in but held it at anight angle so it wasn't deep. He did get some up his nose a little but he kept right at it. I have been giving him a bit of kale to try. I think he likes it but I am not sure. He brings it under the fleece :grin2. I hope their veggies are pretty much the same as for guinea pigs because it would make it so much easier and cheaper to buy LOL. I am not sure he cares for the mealworms either. he seems interested but he never gives it a good bite and then he loses interest. He hasn't eaten them yet and I got them on Sunday. Any suggestions on how to present them?

BCChins
01-11-2017, 02:03 PM
Place the meal worms in a glass bowl maybe 2-3 inches deep cause if they can get themselves up t the lip they will climb out and leave them in the cage. Curiosity will take over. NOW there is no saying she will not drag them off someplace......Personally I would give Wax Worms they have a better nutritional value. Petco is the better place to get those and open the container and make sure you get good ones. I have even had the store clerks dump them and make me a good container if there are too many dead ones. Wax Worms are more readily accepted IMO
Cut one open to start so he knows the guts are yummy!
Sorry I have been feeding some kind of worms to Sugar Glides for years so I do not get grossed out too easily.

Warm formula is always better excepted. Offer it for as long as he will take it. It is a good insurance policy that he is getting good vitamins and calcium.

Check the cage out often for things carted off and left to rot...nothing better then finding leftovers days old eww.

Keep us posted on how he does.

BCChins
01-11-2017, 02:12 PM
Can you post a good whole body picture of him. How old and how much does he weigh at this time?

Roxi's mom
01-11-2017, 06:28 PM
Can you post a good whole body picture of him. How old and how much does he weigh at this time?

Here he is hanging out on my ample hip. He was 40 grams yesterday and I estimate him to be about 8-9 weeks but not sure. I gave him some formula for lunch with a little low fat vanilla yogurt in it. He seemed to like it. He didn't touch the broccoli from what I can see. I have him in a big Sterilite container at the moment. I took an empty square tissue box and put a few pieces of fleece in it, but so far he is not interested.

Roxi's mom
01-11-2017, 07:16 PM
:blissBy the way he is starting to "chirp" is the word that comes to mind. It's so cute! :bliss

BCChins
01-11-2017, 07:29 PM
Does Lo fat have artificial sugar? If so that is not good.
Liberte Coconut is a good one as they did away with the Vanilla. It is a nice full fat yogurt. Just a tad is all he needs!

It might take a while for him to want to eat some foods just keep offering them. Give the same foods for a few days in a row. Give something he likes and add a new one every so often. He will get the hang of it.

Roxi's mom
01-11-2017, 09:54 PM
Does Lo fat have artificial sugar? If so that is not good.
Liberte Coconut is a good one as they did away with the Vanilla. It is a nice full fat yogurt. Just a tad is all he needs!

It might take a while for him to want to eat some foods just keep offering them. Give the same foods for a few days in a row. Give something he likes and add a new one every so often. He will get the hang of it.

This is what I have. Organic. It's not vanilla after all �� nor low fat. Is this okay. Is his weight okay for age? I would love to see what size an adult gets too. Do you have any pics that can show their size? Like next to something familiar.

Roxi's mom
01-11-2017, 10:01 PM
Here is a picture I found as a screen saver. It was so cute I had to share. :serene

HRT4SQRLS
01-11-2017, 10:38 PM
That's a great screen saver. :grin2

That yogurt is fine. I like the whole milk yogurts. I also have used Yobaby vanilla yogurt but my boys don't care for yogurt anymore so I don't buy it anymore. If Theo will eat it, it's good for him.

I can post pics tomorrow but flyers weights vary. I have a 6 year old that is VERY tiny. Bonzai has always weighed 56g (adult weight) but he is healthy. Theo is almost that size. :tilt Average is probably more in the range of 70-80g. I also have a fat boy that probably weighs 100g. I need to weigh him. The Skuls had a flyer that weighed 120g but that's a BIG, fat flyer.

Jennefer
01-12-2017, 02:57 PM
Hi ladies! Jenn here - mom to 4 baby flyers (first time flyer mom, orphaned wild, had for 5 weeks now, plan on releasing)....about the same age as your Theo, est 8-9 weeks. He looks good - reminds me of my guys!

So while you all are talking nutrition...how should yogurt be introduced to them (amount/how often)? I have some but am scared it will give them diarrhea (and I've had good luck with with their poopy - knock on wood)....i dont want to "create" any issues for them but feel they could use the calcium. They nibble the HHB, still on FV formula 2x day (plus a dish in their cage midday & overnight of formula that they slurp up), kale, & calcium powder on their meal worms. Maybe that's enough calcium for now? Super paranoid of MBD.

And...I've heard good things about the Henry's Picky blocks, but it says they are for adults and my guys arent adults....what age can they start eating those blocks?

And, can they have dried papaya? I've read that is a good source of calcium...

The quads:
283193283196283195

Roxi's mom
01-12-2017, 06:33 PM
Try offering him formula in a shallow dish. Put in just a few drops as he is going to get some up his nose until he learn how to drink from the dish. Maybe add a tiny bit of vanilla yogurt to it so it tastes yummy.

You can offer some broccoli, cauliflower, portobello or Shiitake mushrooms. With mushrooms you want to give mostly the gills as this is where the nutrition/vitamin D is. Avocado 1/2 inch piece no skin or pit is great for them also. I would give papaya as a fruit since it has awesome calcium in it. I would pick two veggies and give them for a few days then slowly add more. Fruits are higher in sugar so add them more sparingly veggies are best.
Also give a piece of chicken. You can cook up wings and break it up and give him a section bone and all.

Add things slowly so he does not get diarrhea.


Start with the things above and when he is eating them well start adding other things from the list below.

Here is a list of things to feed.
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?37700-HEALTHY-DIET-for-PET-Flying-Squirrels



Someone please correct me if I am wrong :)

Is it okay to take a calcium capsule and open it up and use that calcium as a powder? Also so far I have not been able to get do to eat any worms or chicken so I don't know what to do about the protein parts other than like you said BC just keep offering it :dono

HRT4SQRLS
01-12-2017, 07:04 PM
Is it okay to take a calcium capsule and open it up and use that calcium as a powder? Also so far I have not been able to get do to eat any worms or chicken so I don't know what to do about the protein parts other than like you said BC just keep offering it :dono

NO! Please don't. Does the calcium capsule have calcium carbonate? Does it have Vitamin D included? Most calcium products for humans have Vitamin D. Vitamin D is toxic to squirrels in large doses. It is used as a rodenticide. If I wanted to supplement with calcium I would only use 100% calcium carbonate powder. You can get it at Henry's. A tiny packet would last forever. You can also get a brand called NOW online.

You would only use a tiny amount like to dust the worms with (if Theo ever eats them) and I wouldn't use it all the time.

Theo will eventually eat the worms. You might have to get the Waxworms. Mine won't eat mealworms either. Remember the blocks have a lot of protein in them (especially the flyer blocks). The formula also has protein.

Anne
01-12-2017, 07:34 PM
I'd stick with the flyer blocks myself. They are specially made for their needs. Try a tiny dab of yogurt in a soft drink bottle cap and see if they like it. I have always added yogurt and heavy cream to my flyer's formula so they like it from an early age. They lose all the goodies a natural squirrel momma has in her milk. Yogurt hasn't caused any diarrhea in any of my babies, it just is there to replenish/replace the good gut flora they'd get from mom.
I buy scented candles to keep my house smelling nice, I remove all the plastic from the jar lips, wash them well and use them for heavy weight food and treat bowls :grin2. I love twofers!!!!

Roxi's mom
01-12-2017, 08:29 PM
NO! Please don't. Does the calcium capsule have calcium carbonate? Does it have Vitamin D included? Most calcium products for humans have Vitamin D. Vitamin D is toxic to squirrels in large doses. It is used as a rodenticide. If I wanted to supplement with calcium I would only use 100% calcium carbonate powder. You can get it at Henry's. A tiny packet would last forever. You can also get a brand called NOW online.

You would only use a tiny amount like to dust the worms with (if Theo ever eats them) and I wouldn't use it all the time.

Theo will eventually eat the worms. You might have to get the Waxworms. Mine won't eat mealworms either. Remember the blocks have a lot of protein in them (especially the flyer blocks). The formula also has protein.

Don't worry, I would never do something like that without checking with the experts first :grin2 I only take calcium citrate as it absorbs better.

Chickenlegs
01-13-2017, 06:01 PM
Look how BIG little Theo is getting? And LOOK at that little flyer family. They are SOOOOO cute.

Roxi's mom
01-13-2017, 09:40 PM
I'd stick with the flyer blocks myself. They are specially made for their needs. Try a tiny dab of yogurt in a soft drink bottle cap and see if they like it. I have always added yogurt and heavy cream to my flyer's formula so they like it from an early age. They lose all the goodies a natural squirrel momma has in her milk. Yogurt hasn't caused any diarrhea in any of my babies, it just is there to replenish/replace the good gut flora they'd get from mom.
I buy scented candles to keep my house smelling nice, I remove all the plastic from the jar lips, wash them well and use them for heavy weight food and treat bowls :grin2. I love twofers!!!!

Question, with my gray squirrel Roxi I had to wrap and/or encase every reachable wire in my office to keep her from chewing on them. I can't tell you how many ear buds, headsets, and keyboards I went through from her chewing on them. Do I have to do the same with a flyer :shakehead:thinking

Roxi's mom
01-13-2017, 09:44 PM
I'd stick with the flyer blocks myself. They are specially made for their needs. Try a tiny dab of yogurt in a soft drink bottle cap and see if they like it. I have always added yogurt and heavy cream to my flyer's formula so they like it from an early age. They lose all the goodies a natural squirrel momma has in her milk. Yogurt hasn't caused any diarrhea in any of my babies, it just is there to replenish/replace the good gut flora they'd get from mom.
I buy scented candles to keep my house smelling nice, I remove all the plastic from the jar lips, wash them well and use them for heavy weight food and treat bowls :grin2. I love twofers!!!!

I am not having a lot of success with him eating chicken or meal worms, just a tiny bit of veggies, but he likes his formula, formula/yogurt mixture and blocks. Any suggestions?

Roxi's mom
01-14-2017, 12:43 AM
I am not having a lot of success with him eating chicken or meal worms, just a tiny bit of veggies, but he likes his formula, formula/yogurt mixture and blocks. Any suggestions?

Update on the meal worms! He did eat one tonight! I guess he was hungry enough, not that I am starving him, just putting food in front of him and waiting to see the outcome. :serene. He has had about 6 cc of formula and then some in a dish, and he has eaten his block. So far so good. :bliss

BCChins
01-14-2017, 09:57 AM
:dance You can try grinding some chicken and mix it in with some papaya or apple sauce and blend it up. Make it taste like something else. But also keep offering it to him the regular way also. Sometime we must resort to little trick to get the good stuff into them.

Anne
01-14-2017, 10:56 AM
Lots of good advice so far. You will be happy to hear that flying squirrels are not near the chewing demo crew that grey squirrels are! Not to say they don't chew things but flyers don't set down and compile a search and destroy list. More important with a squirrel is to safeguard them from small area of escape or entrapment.

Roxi's mom
01-14-2017, 11:22 AM
Update on the meal worms! He did eat one tonight! I guess he was hungry enough, not that I am starving him, just putting food in front of him and waiting to see the outcome. :serene. He has had about 6 cc of formula and then some in a dish, and he has eaten his block. So far so good. :bliss

Okay, sounds good. I live in Florida and tomorrow is around 80 degree. My family and I are going to my sisters for the day, about 2.5 hours away. Dad's 80th birthday :serene. I am going to bring Theo with me, but does he still need a heating pad? :thinking He did eat a meal worm yesterday so :bliss hooray for that!

HRT4SQRLS
01-14-2017, 11:29 AM
Lots of good advice so far. You will be happy to hear that flying squirrels are not near the chewing demo crew that grey squirrels are! Not to say they don't chew things but flyers don't set down and compile a search and destroy list. More important with a squirrel is to safeguard them from small area of escape or entrapment.

That's so true. I have had flyers in Critter Nation cages for over 4 years. They never chewed the plastic pans. I recently bought another CN and put 2 greys in it. Before the sun set the next day, the greys had chewed 6 inches off of the pans. :shakehead

Roxi, I promised to give you an idea of my feeding schedule and what I feed and I haven't forgotten. I will get to it. The feeding schedule is simple. My boys are adults. They are fully nocturnal. Theo is still a baby so is he hasn't reached that stage yet. Baby flyers sleep and eat whenever. I feed my boys when they get up in the evening. It's usually around 7-8PM or maybe even later if I'm tied up. That IS their big meal for the day. Because I work, I can't stay up with them all night. They get their entire ration for the night at that time minus the treats. In the morning as I leave for work around 5:45 they get an almond. They are always awake waiting for the almond. :)
Sometimes I cut an almond in half and give them 1/2 because they are so small.

HRT4SQRLS
01-14-2017, 11:32 AM
Okay, sounds good. I live in Florida and tomorrow is around 80 degree. My family and I are going to my sisters for the day, about 2.5 hours away. Dad's 80th birthday :serene. I am going to bring Theo with me, but does he still need a heating pad? :thinking He did eat a meal worm yesterday so :bliss hooray for that!
Probably not but if you want you can fill a sock with rice and microwave it for a minute. { Rice buddy} ... (Squish it around to prevent hot spots). If he wants heat he will snuggle up against it.

HRT4SQRLS
01-14-2017, 11:33 AM
Gross but OH SO CUTE!

Roxi's mom
01-14-2017, 11:35 AM
Lots of good advice so far. You will be happy to hear that flying squirrels are not near the chewing demo crew that grey squirrels are! Not to say they don't chew things but flyers don't set down and compile a search and destroy list. More important with a squirrel is to safeguard them from small area of escape or entrapment.

So wonderful to hear that!

Roxi's mom
01-14-2017, 11:36 AM
That's so true. I have had flyers in Critter Nation cages for over 4 years. They never chewed the plastic pans. I recently bought another CN and put 2 greys in it. Before the sun set the next day, the greys had chewed 6 inches off of the pans. :shakehead

Roxi, I promised to give you an idea of my feeding schedule and what I feed and I haven't forgotten. I will get to it. The feeding schedule is simple. My boys are adults. They are fully nocturnal. Theo is still a baby so is he hasn't reached that stage yet. Baby flyers sleep and eat whenever. I feed my boys when they get up in the evening. It's usually around 7-8PM or maybe even later if I'm tied up. That IS their big meal for the day. Because I work, I can't stay up with them all night. They get their entire ration for the night at that time minus the treats. In the morning as I leave for work around 5:45 they get an almond. They are always awake waiting for the almond. :)
Sometimes I cut an almond in half and give them 1/2 because they are so small.

Thank you so much. That's what I needed.

Roxi's mom
01-14-2017, 11:38 AM
Probably not but if you want you can fill a sock with rice and microwave it for a minute. { Rice buddy} ... (Squish it around to prevent hot spots). If he wants heat he will snuggle up against it.

I have a huge one of those I keep in the freezer for my neck and for those dreaded hot flashes, a soccer sock lol!

Roxi's mom
01-14-2017, 01:24 PM
:dance You can try grinding some chicken and mix it in with some papaya or apple sauce and blend it up. Make it taste like something else. But also keep offering it to him the regular way also. Sometime we must resort to little trick to get the good stuff into them.

OK so I used my little.manual quick chop and it did the trick.

How much of this chicken and papaya mixture do you usually make at once, because I don't have anything small enough to grind up a little piece of chicken. What do you use?

Roxi's mom
01-14-2017, 02:18 PM
I had concerns early on in this thread about a spot of hair loss, which someone said to just watch it and I have. I posted more pics a little later asking God if anyone saw a difference in the size of the area, and I may have ever missed it but I do not think it was answered. Today when I was looking I was noticing it looked bigger but maybe some hair growing in, and then I saw her other side knee area and the hair looks very thin there and only downy fur is noted. If i let my brain work too much, I would swear it looks like Roxi's hair falling out in patches when she was sick with cancer. I will try to get some pics in a bit but could someone look at the previous pics and let me know what you think?

Roxi's mom
01-14-2017, 04:22 PM
I had concerns early on in this thread about a spot of hair loss, which someone said to just watch it and I have. I posted more pics a little later asking God if anyone saw a difference in the size of the area, and I may have ever missed it but I do not think it was answered. Today when I was looking I was noticing it looked bigger but maybe some hair growing in, and then I saw her other side knee area and the hair looks very thin there and only downy fur is noted. If i let my brain work too much, I would swear it looks like Roxi's hair falling out in patches when she was sick with cancer. I will try to get some pics in a bit but could someone look at the previous pics and let me know what you think?

Typo there with asking God, but I will if I need too lol! I think I might have a reasonable pic of the right knee. I also have this little meal waiting for dinner. It's spring mix no spinach, chopped chicken and pineapple and a piece of orange I had left from my cooking. I needed the juice and good for calcium right, or hold the orange as a treat for later.

HRT4SQRLS
01-14-2017, 05:22 PM
I can't tell much about the spot. Seriously, it doesn't look that bad to me. If hair is growing back in I take that as a good sign. Is it red at all?
Theo does NOT have cancer so get that out of your mind, OK!

They love oranges. Here's a trick I use. When I buy greens or spring mix, they will wilt and go bad way before I use them with the boys. An hour or so before I make their plates I soak their greens in water to crisp them. I don't even do that for myself. :shakehead I'm not sure why but when I'm preparing squirrel plates, I crisp, cut and trim like it's going on a cruise ship plate.
You know, presentation is everything! :rotfl

Yeah, you can always ask God! :)

Roxi's mom
01-14-2017, 07:41 PM
QUOTE=HRT4SQRLS;1200416]I can't tell much about the spot. Seriously, it doesn't look that bad to me. If hair is growing back in I take that as a good sign. Is it red at all?
Theo does NOT have cancer so get that out of your mind, OK!

They love oranges. Here's a trick I use. When I buy greens or spring mix, they will wilt and go bad way before I use them with the boys. An hour or so before I make their plates I soak their greens in water to crisp them. I don't even do that for myself. :shakehead I'm not sure why but when I'm preparing squirrel plates, I crisp, cut and trim like it's going on a cruise ship plate.
You know, presentation is everything! :rotfl

Yeah, you can always ask God! :)[/QUOTE]

LOL! Sorry about the paranoia. It was such a terrible, traumatic thing for both me and Roxi that day. I have a picture of her on my desk and if I let myself start thinking about the fun times with her and that day of of the surgery, I swear I could still start bawling. :o ( so did the plate look right. She ate the chopped chicken and pineapple, some and mostly licked at the orange, but no veggies. I gave him 3 ml of formula and another piece of block. I believe he is full ☺

Roxi's mom
01-16-2017, 10:55 PM
Theo ate 3 small meals worms this a.m. and this evening another meal worm and a wax worm along with his block, some yogurt and some formula throughout the day. I can't get him to eat his veggies though :tap

BCChins
01-17-2017, 07:59 AM
Just keep putting them in it might take awhile for him to like them.

Roxi's mom
01-23-2017, 09:34 PM
Does anyone have any ideas on how to play with a little flying squirrel and how to keep them occupied and happy for a little while? Also, are they small enough for a hamster wheel?

Roxi's mom
01-23-2017, 10:47 PM
I recently got this cage for Theo. It is a 4 story hamster cage. It comes with shelves and ladders which are thankfuuly made of wire mesh. My bird cage water dispenser does not work with this cage because the wires run horizontally. Why can't flyers use a lick water bottle? Is it too hard or something. This cage came with a little bottle for hamsters. Would this be okay to use. I had to buy another cage over the weekend because we had gone out of town and I took Theo with me in a critter cage, which proved to be a fail because he was chewing on it all night trying to get out. Anyway, this cage I got at Walmart has plastic shelves with dishes recessed in them and tubes between shelves instead of ladders. I am thinking of attaching them to the taller cage so he will have those dishes where they won't fall off the shelves. Any thoughts.

HRT4SQRLS
01-23-2017, 11:30 PM
It is my understanding that because flyers tongues are so small and delicate that the metal ball held tight in the metal tube by the weight of the water is a pinch risk for their tiny tongue. I also question whether a flyer can manipulate the steel ball with their tongue to get water from the tube. I use tiny bowls. (2-3inch heavy bowls) Walmart sells small glass tea light candle holders for less than a dollar. They have a VERY thick wall (1/2 inch) and they are very heavy for their size. They make perfect flyer water bowls. Even standing with front feet on the edge, a flyer can't tip it over.

My boys are adults and don't play like youngsters. Bonzai used to enjoy gliding in the bedroom. He would climb the door facing up to the top. He would launch off of the door facing and glide to me. He really liked that. Now that I think about it, I enjoyed that also. :tilt He would do it over and over again. :grin2

HRT4SQRLS
01-23-2017, 11:35 PM
I have to go to bed now but I do have a recommendation on the cage. I'll post tomorrow. The cage is fine but it needs wrappings on the edges. It has pinch points where the panels come together. Tucker lost toes on his front paws due to a cage with pinch points.

Roxi's mom
01-24-2017, 08:06 PM
It is my understanding that because flyers tongues are so small and delicate that the metal ball held tight in the metal tube by the weight of the water is a pinch risk for their tiny tongue. I also question whether a flyer can manipulate the steel ball with their tongue to get water from the tube. I use tiny bowls. (2-3inch heavy bowls) Walmart sells small glass tea light candle holders for less than a dollar. They have a VERY thick wall (1/2 inch) and they are very heavy for their size. They make perfect flyer water bowls. Even standing with front feet on the edge, a flyer can't tip it over.

My boys are adults and don't play like youngsters. Bonzai used to enjoy gliding in the bedroom. He would climb the door facing up to the top. He would launch off of the door facing and glide to me. He really liked that. Now that I think about it, I enjoyed that also. :tilt He would do it over and over again. :grin2

Thank you. That information is helpful. I do have the bird watering dish thing in the corner of the cage where the two
Panels lock together. You said your flyer lost his two front paws or a finger on each front paw? Both paws would be just awful, and as well as fingers, but without use of any paws...how awful 😭🤕

Roxi's mom
01-24-2017, 08:08 PM
I have to go to bed now but I do have a recommendation on the cage. I'll post tomorrow. The cage is fine but it needs wrappings on the edges. It has pinch points where the panels come together. Tucker lost toes on his front paws due to a cage with pinch points.

OK now see where you said toes on front paws..whew! Yes please tell me about wrapping the edges.

HRT4SQRLS
01-24-2017, 10:53 PM
Thank you. That information is helpful. I do have the bird watering dish thing in the corner of the cage where the two
Panels lock together. You said your flyer lost his two front paws or a finger on each front paw? Both paws would be just awful, and as well as fingers, but without use of any paws...how awful 😭🤕

Oh no, he didn't loose the paws, just a couple toes, one on each paw. :( It doesn't slow him down one little bit. He is my best wheel runner. :grin2

I'll try to get a pic tomorrow but the way to correct this is to take a long strip of fleece about an inch wide. Start at the bottom. Secure the fleece at the bottom edge. Pull the fleece tight and start wrapping the panel edges ... in and out, in and out, pulling the fleece tight as you go. The tight fleece will become rope like. Continue going up with the fleece rope. Wrap the loops close so that the wire is completely covered. It took me about an hour and a half to do an entire cage but when I was done the junction where the panels come together (the pics points) was completely covered. It eliminates the hazard of toes sliding into a pinch area. It is actually a common problem with this type of cage (panel). There have been many toe injuries from them.

Roxi's mom
01-24-2017, 11:02 PM
Oh no, he didn't loose the paws, just a couple toes, one on each paw. :( It doesn't slow him down one little bit. He is my best wheel runner. :grin2

I'll try to get a pic tomorrow but the way to correct this is to take a long strip of fleece about an inch wide. Start at the bottom. Secure the fleece at the bottom edge. Pull the fleece tight and start wrapping the panel edges ... in and out, in and out, pulling the fleece tight as you go. The tight fleece will become rope like. Continue going up with the fleece rope. Wrap the loops close so that the wire is completely covered. It took me about an hour and a half to do an entire cage but when I was done the junction where the panels come together (the pics points) was completely covered. It eliminates the hazard of toes sliding into a pinch area. It is actually a common problem with this type of cage (panel). There have been many toe injuries from them.

Thanks for the info. I was wondering if getting a hamster to keep Theo company was a good or bad idea?

HRT4SQRLS
01-24-2017, 11:05 PM
Does anyone have any ideas on how to play with a little flying squirrel and how to keep them occupied and happy for a little while? Also, are they small enough for a hamster wheel?
I use the Magnum wheel. It is the same as a Stealth wheel but it has a vinyl coated wire track. Flyers will eat the plastic mesh track on the Stealth wheel. They are a bit expensive though. (Approx $50) There are other wheels that are cheaper. Just don't get a wheel that has a side bar on it. Tucker will run SUPER fast on the wheel and then jump out suddenly. A side bar could cause a serious injury by doing this. There is a wheel made for sugar gliders that is similar to the Stealth wheel but it's expensive also.

Just as a heads up, not all flyers will use a wheel. I bought the wheel for Bonzai but he NEVER used it at all. Tucker loves it. Wilson will give it a spin occasionally. I would buy a cheap wheel before I bought the expensive wheel that might not be used.

HRT4SQRLS
01-24-2017, 11:10 PM
Thanks for the info. I was wondering if getting a hamster to keep Theo company was a good or bad idea?
No, it wouldn't work. Flyers are the night shift. Hamsters are the day shift. :grin2

He is still pretty young. He might accept a juvenile brother but I would make 100% certain it was a brother... know what I mean!!! :peace:poke

Roxi's mom
01-25-2017, 12:47 PM
No, it wouldn't work. Flyers are the night shift. Hamsters are the day shift. :grin2

He is still pretty young. He might accept a juvenile brother but I would make 100% certain it was a brother... know what I mean!!! :peace:poke

LOL, yes I know what you mean. I put Theo in his new home and now I don't see him as much as when I carried him around with me to feed him his formula, and he now seems scared of me or wary of me :sadness. What can I do? He slept in his pouch for about 4-5 hours yesterday. He used to run all over me and hang by his back feet if I bent over something to check out what I was doing. Now he runs for cover in my shirt. :boohoo. Also, what can I use for a potty place for him? :dono. How would I find a brother for him?

Roxi's mom
01-25-2017, 05:05 PM
I use the Magnum wheel. It is the same as a Stealth wheel but it has a vinyl coated wire track. Flyers will eat the plastic mesh track on the Stealth wheel. They are a bit expensive though. (Approx $50) There are other wheels that are cheaper. Just don't get a wheel that has a side bar on it. Tucker will run SUPER fast on the wheel and then jump out suddenly. A side bar could cause a serious injury by doing this. There is a wheel made for sugar gliders that is similar to the Stealth wheel but it's expensive also.

Just as a heads up, not all flyers will use a wheel. I bought the wheel for Bonzai but he NEVER used it at all. Tucker loves it. Wilson will give it a spin occasionally. I would buy a cheap wheel before I bought the expensive wheel that might not be used.

His cage came with a solid plastic wheel with no spokes. I have seen him hop in it but hop right back out. He doesn't use the ramps either. They are solid plastic now too. I combined the shelves somewhat from the two cages. He has a small plastic hut that came with the cage with the wheel. It's cute. He just needs to discover the ramps himself. I just need a potty corner now...

HRT4SQRLS
02-03-2017, 08:50 PM
LOL, yes I know what you mean. I put Theo in his new home and now I don't see him as much as when I carried him around with me to feed him his formula, and he now seems scared of me or wary of me :sadness. What can I do? He slept in his pouch for about 4-5 hours yesterday. He used to run all over me and hang by his back feet if I bent over something to check out what I was doing. Now he runs for cover in my shirt. :boohoo. Also, what can I use for a potty place for him? :dono. How would I find a brother for him?

I only have 1 flyer that will use a potty box. It is a plastic corner box that is high on the back and low in the front. It has a very shallow layer of CareFresh in the bottom. Bonzai uses one corner of the box.

No luck finding a brother for Theo. That's OK though, I tried to get a friend for Bonzai and they didn't bond. Of course, Bon was older at the time so I guess it was too late.

How is Theo?

Roxi's mom
02-07-2017, 11:11 AM
I only have 1 flyer that will use a potty box. It is a plastic corner box that is high on the back and low in the front. It has a very shallow layer of CareFresh in the bottom. Bonzai uses one corner of the box.

No luck finding a brother for Theo. That's OK though, I tried to get a friend for Bonzai and they didn't bond. Of course, Bon was older at the time so I guess it was too late.

How is Theo?

He usually uses the fleece in the same spot I think...and me ;o) I haven't been using looking for a brother for him. I have thought about it but actually getting him a friend would not sit well with my husband. He is doing well but he won't eat chicken or veggies. He loves the mealworms and wax worms even more, his formula and blocks and yogurt with ano all natural green juice with veggies and fruit mixture. I read the ingredients and I don't give him much anyway. I also give him half an almond a couple of times a week.

Roxi's mom
02-07-2017, 06:42 PM
This is the dog biscuits.

Roxi's mom
02-07-2017, 10:28 PM
Scott does that mean these are approved for Flyers in place of cooked chicken?

HRT4SQRLS
02-07-2017, 11:04 PM
IDK RoxisMom. That would be OK for an occasional treat but I wouldn't use it regularly as a protein source. The first ingredient is wheat flour so I think it's probably mostly carbohydrates . My boys don't like chicken either. I rarely serve it anymore. I do buy a dog treat called PureBites dehydrated chicken. It has 74% protein and only one ingredient... dehydrated chicken, no preservatives. I buy it at PetSuperMarket. It's a little cheaper there ($8). PetCo has it also but their price is higher. I once saw a small bag at PetsMart that you could try. It was a couple dollars. It lasts a long time because I just give a small piece.

Don't forget, Theo gets protein in the block and the formula so I wouldn't stress if he won't eat chicken.

Roxi's mom
02-08-2017, 06:21 PM
IDK RoxisMom. That would be OK for an occasional treat but I wouldn't use it regularly as a protein source. The first ingredient is wheat flour so I think it's probably mostly carbohydrates . My boys don't like chicken either. I rarely serve it anymore. I do buy a dog treat called PureBites dehydrated chicken. It has 74% protein and only one ingredient... dehydrated chicken, no preservatives. I buy it at PetSuperMarket. It's a little cheaper there ($8). PetCo has it also but their price is higher. I once saw a small bag at PetsMart that you could try. It was a couple dollars. It lasts a long time because I just give a small piece.

Don't forget, Theo gets protein in the block and the formula so I wouldn't stress if he won't eat chicken.

Thank you Scottt. I was pretty sure it was not the right kind. Theo wasn't impressed with it :grin3 I will look online for it and see if I can order some. :thumbsup

Roxi's mom
02-08-2017, 07:13 PM
284307284308284309284310284311Here is Theo in his new digs :serene. It is a three story hamster cage, deluxe version. That is his little hut up in the top corner. I have a soft cube coming. I need to check on that. He has a hanging cube but he won't touch it. Maybe as he gets older :dono. I don't know how to turn these pcs around. If someone could teach me how I would grateful.:gigg

HRT4SQRLS
02-08-2017, 08:55 PM
Appropriately spoiled ! :grin2 Nice!

I can't help with the pics. Sometimes mine are straight ... sometimes NOT!

Roxi's mom
02-09-2017, 03:19 PM
Appropriately spoiled ! :grin2 Nice!

I can't help with the pics. Sometimes mine are straight ... sometimes NOT!

Did you see the corners all wrapped with fleece :poke. Just like you said. :serene. How can you tell if they are fat or not. When he is sitting hunched over eating, he looks like a little furry round ball with a head :gigg. He is starting to practice jumping farther and farther. We were playing a game last night. He would jump from the top of my office chair and then jump back on my chest while I stood there laughing at him. Just back and forth. I don't know if he is truly a boy now though. Everything has disappeared into his and I can't see anything. Wouldn't he have testicles by now?

HRT4SQRLS
02-09-2017, 07:38 PM
I DO see those wrapped cage edges. :grin2 Great job flyer mom! :w00t You prevented him from injuring his toes and feet.

Oh my heavens NO he wouldn't have testicles yet. I was beginning to think Tucker was a girl also. He didn't drop those BIG boys until he was 18 months old. They are HUGE and they have the ability to pull em up and drop em down. It's phenomenal. :confused: :grin2

One more thing... Are you aware of the dangers the toilet poses to flyers? If not, we need to talk.
DROWNING IN THE TOILET IS BY FAR THE NUMBER 1 CAUSE OF DEATH OF FLYERS IN THE HOME!!!

Sorry, that was like screaming but I'd rather tell you now than grieve with you over your loss. It is SO heartbreaking and SO preventable.

Roxi's mom
02-09-2017, 08:56 PM
I DO see those wrapped cage edges. :grin2 Great job flyer mom! :w00t You prevented him from injuring his toes and feet.

Oh my heavens NO he wouldn't have testicles yet. I was beginning to think Tucker was a girl also. He didn't drop those BIG boys until he was 18 months old. They are HUGE and they have the ability to pull em up and drop em down. It's phenomenal. :confused: :grin2

One more thing... Are you aware of the dangers the toilet poses to flyers? If not, we need to talk.
DROWNING IN THE TOILET IS BY FAR THE NUMBER 1 CAUSE OF DEATH OF FLYERS IN THE HOME!!!

Sorry, that was like screaming but I'd rather tell you now than grieve with you over your loss. It is SO heartbreaking and SO preventable.

Wow, I didn't know that about the testicles. He looks rather pudgy so I couldn't see anything. When I first got him he was so underweight you could see everything so I new he was a boy, but my belief has been wavering lol. Glad you cleared that up.:serene. So is he supposed to look like a real live fur ball with a head while eating? :laugh2

Yes, I know about the toilet. He is always in my office or with me and will never be given run of the house because of family prejudices :tap, but I have been taking him at night out to the living room and the bathroom is on other side of the house. Do you still think I need the chicken wire ladder?

Roxi's mom
03-24-2017, 04:29 PM
Is it okay to give Theo the wild bites instead of picky eaters?

HRT4SQRLS
03-24-2017, 04:35 PM
Yes, you can try the wild bites. He might like them. They are peanut based instead of pecan based but it's my understanding that they are balanced as far as the minerals, etc.