Newly rescued baby squirrel not really peeing

[Jenn99]

hi all, my boyfriend found a baby squirrel and brought it home. I'm a large animal vet tech so, not squirrel trained but I do have a clue.

I googled how to take care of the little one and have figured out that it is a she and she is about 5 wks old.

I started feeding her yesterday afternoon pedialite. She weighs 99g so she's been getting about 7 cc per feeding every 3 hrs.
She's alert and I started her on Esbilac this morning. 3 parts pedialite to 1 part Esbilac. She doing well with eating. I'll slowly get her to straight Esbilac.

I try and stimulate her to pee and poop and have gotten a bit of pee (very yellow) out and some poop (dark brown and pellet like).

I'm thinking that she's still dehydrated. Sound right or should I be really worried?

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks so much!!

Jenn

[Nancy in New York]

hi all, my boyfriend found a baby squirrel and brought it home. I'm a large animal vet tech so, not squirrel trained but I do have a clue.

I googled how to take care of the little one and have figured out that it is a she and she is about 5 wks old.

I started feeding her yesterday afternoon pedialite. She weighs 99g so she's been getting about 7 cc per feeding every 3 hrs.
She's alert and I started her on Esbilac this morning. 3 parts pedialite to 1 part Esbilac. She doing well with eating. I'll slowly get her to straight Esbilac.

I try and stimulate her to pee and poop and have gotten a bit of pee (very yellow) out and some poop (dark brown and pellet like).

I'm thinking that she's still dehydrated. Sound right or should I be really worried?

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks so much!!

Jenn

Thank you for helping this little one.
Remember, pedialyte is to be given for no longer than 24 hours.
Then go to plain water or water with a touch of honey for taste.

NEVER mix any formula with pedialyte, use plain water only.
Are you feeding Powdered Puppy Esbilac, and is the third ingredient dried whey protein?
If so that's the correct one.

Yellow or dark pee is from dehydration, as is dark, hard poop.
Hydrate her in between feedings.
Can you post a picture? We love pictures.

Here's a guide to help you along.
It's 6 pages long, quick read, with the next
button on the top right corner.
http://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

We are here to help so ask away! :w00t

[stepnstone]

hi all, my boyfriend found a baby squirrel and brought it home. I'm a large animal vet tech so, not squirrel trained but I do have a clue.

I googled how to take care of the little one and have figured out that it is a she and she is about 5 wks old.

I started feeding her yesterday afternoon pedialite. She weighs 99g so she's been getting about 7 cc per feeding every 3 hrs.
She's alert and I started her on Esbilac this morning. 3 parts pedialite to 1 part Esbilac. She doing well with eating. I'll slowly get her to straight Esbilac.

I try and stimulate her to pee and poop and have gotten a bit of pee (very yellow) out and some poop (dark brown and pellet like).

I'm thinking that she's still dehydrated. Sound right or should I be really worried?

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Thanks so much!!

Jenn


Thank you for helping this little one.
Remember, pedialyte is to be given for no longer than 24 hours.
Then go to plain water or water with a touch of honey for taste.

NEVER mix any formula with pedialyte, use plain water only.
Are you feeding Powdered Puppy Esbilac, and is the third ingredient dried whey protein?
If so that's the correct one.

Yellow or dark pee is from dehydration, as is dark, hard poop.
Hydrate her in between feedings.
Can you post a picture? We love pictures.

Here's a guide to help you along.
It's 6 pages long, quick read, with the next
button on the top right corner.
http://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

We are here to help so ask away! :w00t

You've gotten good advice here! :great
The only other suggestion I will make at this time is not to overfeed!
Squirrels are fed by body weight between 5-7%, at 99 grams 5-7% goes from 4.9 - 6.9.
You are already tipping the scale on that one. When getting a new one in we suggest holding
at 5% at least until their bowels straighten out by flushing out momma's milk, getting completely
hydrated and adjusting to the new formula. Overfeeding will cause diarrhea and that will result in
(more) dehydration.

[Jenn99]

Hi, thank you for your answer. yes, the third ingredient is dried whey protein.

So, I don't need to be super worried yet that Thayer hasn't been hardly any pee yet correct?

The wildlife rehab site that I got my info from said to mix replacer and pedialite and slowly (over 6 feedings) to to all milk replacer. My last feeding with pedialite mixed with it will be at about 24 hrs.

She's very sweet.

[Jenn99]

You've gotten good advice here! :great
The only other suggestion I will make at this time is not to overfeed!
Squirrels are fed by body weight between 5-7%, at 99 grams 5-7% goes from 4.9 - 6.9.
You are already tipping the scale on that one. When getting a new one in we suggest holding
at 5% at least until their bowels straighten out by flushing out momma's milk, getting completely
hydrated and adjusting to the new formula. Overfeeding will cause diarrhea and that will result in
(more) dehydration.


Got it. I will cut her down some until she puts on some more weight.
I'm weighing her pretty much every feeding.

Thanks for your advice.

[Nancy in New York]

Hi, thank you for your answer. yes, the third ingredient is dried whey protein.

So, I don't need to be super worried yet that Thayer hasn't been hardly any pee yet correct?

The wildlife rehab site that I got my info from said to mix replacer and pedialite and slowly (over 6 feedings) to to all milk replacer. My last feeding with pedialite mixed with it will be at about 24 hrs.

She's very sweet.

We see a ton of misinformation on the internet.
I've said this before, but part of the beauty of this board
is that we are current. We aren't a static page that was created
years ago, and never updated.
Mix new formula with water and hydrate in between.
When you mix the formula, let it set for about 6-8 hours
in the refrig so that it absorbs completely. Whisk it really
good a few times, while in the refrig.
Whisk, stir, or shake again before feeding, and collect the formula from the bottom
of the container with the syringe to avoid the bubbles at the top.

I think that once she's completely hydrated, you won't have a problem with her
peeing. Keep trying to stimulate her. Dampen a q tip with warm water, or a small
make up brush works well too.

Edit: Do you have a heating pad set on low under half of her container?
Also they love tons of fleece or anything without loops to snuggle into.
What type of container do you have her in?

[stepnstone]

Hi, thank you for your answer. yes, the third ingredient is dried whey protein.

So, I don't need to be super worried yet that Thayer hasn't been hardly any pee yet correct?

The wildlife rehab site that I got my info from said to mix replacer and pedialite and slowly (over 6 feedings) to to all milk replacer.
My last feeding with pedialite mixed with it will be at about 24 hrs.

She's very sweet.
:shakehead We can only help you if you let us....
There is a lot of misinformation on the internet, you've obviously read one of them!
Here at TSB unlike many with outdated, unproven methods along with damaging advice
we pride ourselves on keeping up to date with continuous research.

[Jenn99]

:shakehead We can only help you if you let us....
There is a lot of misinformation on the internet, you've obviously read one of them!
Here at TSB unlike many with outdated, unproven methods along with damaging advice
we pride ourselves on keeping up to date with continuous research.


Hi, no need for eye rolling, head shaking emoji. I am following the advice here.
Please don't paint me with the she's not listening brush.

Take care, Jenn

[Jenn99]

We see a ton of misinformation on the internet.
I've said this before, but part of the beauty of this board
is that we are current. We aren't a static page that was created
years ago, and never updated.
Mix new formula with water and hydrate in between.
When you mix the formula, let it set for about 6-8 hours
in the refrig so that it absorbs completely. Whisk it really
good a few times, while in the refrig.
Whisk, stir, or shake again before feeding, and collect the formula from the bottom
of the container with the syringe to avoid the bubbles at the top.

I think that once she's completely hydrated, you won't have a problem with her
peeing. Keep trying to stimulate her. Dampen a q tip with warm water, or a small
make up brush works well too.

Edit: Do you have a heating pad set on low under half of her container?
Also they love tons of fleece or anything without loops to snuggle into.
What type of container do you have her in?


Ok I will.

No heating pad yet. I have a rice filled human back warmer that I heat in the microwave at every feeding. The drug store that I went to didn't have any in stock
(probably other people with baby critters). I'm going to go out tonight to get one.

I gave her a fleece blanket rolled into a tube on top of the rice heat pad. She seems to really like crawling back into the tube.
I'm relieved that the peeing issue is probably just being dehydrated.

Thanks so much for the reply!

Jenn

[Nancy in New York]

Ok I will.

No heating pad yet. I have a rice filled human back warmer that I heat in the microwave at every feeding. The drug store that I went to didn't have any in stock
(probably other people with baby critters). I'm going to go out tonight to get one.

Thanks so much for the reply!

Jenn

Remember to get one, if you can find it, without the automatic shut off function.
They have them at Amazon for $13.05. If you have prime, it's free shipping.
https://www.amazon.com/Sunbeam-756-500-Heating-Pad-UltraHeatTechnology/dp/B00006IV4N/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492466916&sr=8-1&keywords=non%2Bshut%2Boff%2Bheating%2Bpads&th=1

With the peeing, she could be peeing in her container, check for wet spots.
Sometimes even eyes closed littles pee without stimulation.
I imagine once fully hydrated, you won't have a problem.
Keep us posted.

[Jenn99]

Remember to get one, if you can find it, without the automatic shut off function.
They have them at Amazon for $13.05. If you have prime, it's free shipping.
https://www.amazon.com/Sunbeam-756-500-Heating-Pad-UltraHeatTechnology/dp/B00006IV4N/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492466916&sr=8-1&keywords=non%2Bshut%2Boff%2Bheating%2Bpads&th=1


If I got that one, would she be alright tonight with the one that I have until the amazon one comes?

[Mel1959]

I believe someone said CVS pharmacy has the no shut off heating pads. I also think I saw them at Target.

[Jenn99]

I believe someone said CVS pharmacy has the no shut off heating pads. I also think I saw them at Target.

Ok. I'll try cvs 1st. Thanks!

[Nancy in New York]

If I got that one, would she be alright tonight with the one that I have until the amazon one comes?

Yes, if you can't find one tonight, she should be fine.
It's the pinkies that we REALLY worry about when there's no heating pad.
Pile the fleece on. I sometimes put a little stuffed animal
on top of the fleece for added weight, it helps with warmth,
the "heavier" the blankets are.

[Ekorre]

Thank you for taking care of this little squirrel and welcome to TSB. :great :Welcome

You've already got some of the best people on the board helping you, so you're in GREAT hands! :w00t

Here are some basics you might find helpful:

This is a fantastic general guide (it's six pages long and you need to keep clicking on the "next page" button in the upper right-hand corner). https://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

Do you have a heating pad that does not have auto shut-off (and is set on "low") under half the container she's in? Most heating pads have auto shut-off which means your sweet little squirrel could get cold when the pad shuts itself off. Here's one that does NOT have auto shut-off: https://www.henryspets.com/sunbeam-n...f-heating-pad/

You want to make it possible for her to stay on the area that's being warmed by the heating pad, but also be able to get off that area if it's too warm for her. (That's why the heating pad should only be placed under half the container).

Here's info about how to use it: https://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

A scale that measures in grams is absolutely crucial. They're inexpensive and easy to get. I would make this item a priority. You need her weight in grams so you can accurately determine how much you should be feeding her (and how frequently). You will also need to know her weight if she has AP (aspiration pneumonia) or anything else and needs antibiotics. Everything is based on weight with squirrels (formula, medications, etc.).

As has already been mentioned, you want to be feeding her 5%-7% of her current body weight per feeding.

It's also important that the formula is being mixed properly, is the right temperature, has no air bubbles, etc. Here's a link to info about that: https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...(Esbilac-etc-)

You need a 1ml/1cc syringe so you can carefully control how much formula the squirrel is getting (and avoid aspiration). No bottles or bottle nipples.

You can buy the 1ml/1cc syringes here: https://www.henryspets.com/slip-tip-o-ring-syringes/

Miracle Nipples work great for baby squirrels.

You can buy them here (you want the "mini" or "regular"): https://www.henryspets.com/miracle-nipple/

Your feeding technique is also extremely important. Here's a video that shows how it should be done: https://vimeo.com/91095331

and more info: https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...DING-TECHNIQUE!!

Pottying: https://vimeo.com/91094717

I hope this info helps! :)

:Squirrel :Love_Icon :Squirrel :Love_Icon

Edited to add: I see you have a weight on her in grams - excellent! And Nancy gave you a link to the heating pad, general guide, etc. Fantastic! :great

[Jenn99]

Thank you for taking care of this little squirrel and welcome to TSB. :great :Welcome

You've already got some of the best people on the board helping you, so you're in GREAT hands! :w00t

Here are some basics you might find helpful:

This is a fantastic general guide (it's six pages long and you need to keep clicking on the "next page" button in the upper right-hand corner). https://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

Do you have a heating pad that does not have auto shut-off (and is set on "low") under half the container she's in? Most heating pads have auto shut-off which means your sweet little squirrel could get cold when the pad shuts itself off. Here's one that does NOT have auto shut-off: https://www.henryspets.com/sunbeam-n...f-heating-pad/

You want to make it possible for her to stay on the area that's being warmed by the heating pad, but also be able to get off that area if it's too warm for her. (That's why the heating pad should only be placed under half the container).

Here's info about how to use it: https://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

A scale that measures in grams is absolutely crucial. They're inexpensive and easy to get. I would make this item a priority. You need her weight in grams so you can accurately determine how much you should be feeding her (and how frequently). You will also need to know her weight if she has AP (aspiration pneumonia) or anything else and needs antibiotics. Everything is based on weight with squirrels (formula, medications, etc.).

As has already been mentioned, you want to be feeding her 5%-7% of her current body weight per feeding.

It's also important that the formula is being mixed properly, is the right temperature, has no air bubbles, etc. Here's a link to info about that: https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...(Esbilac-etc-)

You need a 1ml/1cc syringe so you can carefully control how much formula the squirrel is getting (and avoid aspiration). No bottles or bottle nipples.

You can buy the 1ml/1cc syringes here: https://www.henryspets.com/slip-tip-o-ring-syringes/

Miracle Nipples work great for baby squirrels.

You can buy them here (you want the "mini" or "regular"): https://www.henryspets.com/miracle-nipple/

Your feeding technique is also extremely important. Here's a video that shows how it should be done: https://vimeo.com/91095331

and more info: https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...DING-TECHNIQUE!!

Pottying: https://vimeo.com/91094717

I hope this info helps! :)

:Squirrel :Love_Icon :Squirrel :Love_Icon

Edited to add: I see you have a weight on her in grams - excellent! And Nancy gave you a link to the heating pad, general guide, etc. Fantastic! :great


Ok, I just ran to CVS and got a heat pad without a shut off.

I have 1 cc syringes already, I'm a vet tech so I always have various supplies on hand.

I think I'm under control for a bit. (fingers crossed).

Thanks so much everyone for the great advice!!!

Jenn

[Jenn99]

Whoooopie!!!!! We have splash down!!!!! 💦💦

[Nancy in New York]

Whoooopie!!!!! We have splash down!!!!! 💦💦

:fireworks :w00t :fireworks:w00t

[stepnstone]

Hi, no need for eye rolling, head shaking emoji. I am following the advice here.
Please don't paint me with the she's not listening brush.
Take care, Jenn

I like that description. :great My apologies...
This is the reason I could never do "chat" rooms, by the time I get something typed out the
subject has already been approached, answered and moved on by the time I've hit send.

[Nancy in New York]

I like that description. :great My apologies...
This is the reason I could never do "chat" rooms, by the time I get something typed out the
subject has already been approached, answered and moved on by the time I've hit send.
:):grouphug

[Jenn99]

I like that description. :great My apologies...
This is the reason I could never do "chat" rooms, by the time I get something typed out the
subject has already been approached, answered and moved on by the time I've hit send.


No worries.

So, she gained .15 grams and peed a bunch this morning.
Looks like we are moving in the right direction.

Thanks for all your advice everyone. It's working. :blowkiss:thankyou: