swollen bottom

[Animal_Lover11]

I have two female baby squirrels. They are approx. 16 weeks old, almost 17 weeks, so I guess not so much babies anymore. One of the sisters (Brittany) has a slightly swollen bottom and it looks like puss/diarrhea is oozing out of it. Im not sure what could have caused this. They've been on the same diet for awhile now. The only thing I can think of is that their blocks had mold on them and I threw them all out, but if they might have gotten one with mold on it before I realized. Would this cause this? I am really worried. Shes still energetic and rambunctious, though she is the tamer of the two, Eleanor is the wild one lol. I do have some antibiotics in the medicine cabinet that I saved back when I first got these girls as 2 week olds. Because I was terrified of aspiration. They made it through the toughest stages and are almost grown now. But I am worried about this. They were on Esbilac, but as instructed I have changed them to fox valley about two weeks ago I believe. They get a few Henrys Blocks on top of their formula and some grapes, golden delicious apple pieces, and a walnut or two when I have them, but I have been out for a week or so now. Please let me know what could cause this and if I need to give antibiotics. Thanks!

[cava]

Hi there. I was instructed to add a dab of banana baby food when mine got diarrhea after I changed from Esbilac to FV. It helped within a few feedings.

I'm not sure about the mold, or antibiotics so I'll let the more experienced folks help you out there and also agree or disagree about adding banana baby food.

(But I love that stuff!!)

[Spanky]

If the formula switch was made over a week ago, it is doubtful this is the cause of their current issues. Did you transition slow from the Esbilac to FV or all at once?

Does their entire diet consist of only Henry's. Formula, Fruits and nuts? That could be a problem. Their diet needs to have the foundation of the Henry's blocks, then lots of veggies, some fruit and an occasional treat (like nuts). Here is a link for the healthy food pyramid:
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

Can you post pictures of their backsides and poop? This could be something like coccidia or giardia... I know this is gross, but the color, smell and consistency of the poos is important.

Also, please share what meds you have on hand so once we figure out what this is we'll know if you have appropriate meds or require other meds... or no meds at all... maybe just a diet switch and bananas!

Banana is good for both diarrhea and constipation!

Edit: Keep the Henry's in the freezer and remove what you need that day each morning! :thumbsup

[Animal_Lover11]

iwill try to get some pics taken and uploaded. thats how i do their blocks now going to store now to get banana and kale. they wont really eat veggies ill try and get them to eat the kale and other veggies and see if that helps will reply back asap.

[Spanky]

iwill try to get some pics taken and uploaded. thats how i do their blocks now going to store now to get banana and kale. they wont really eat veggies ill try and get them to eat the kale and other veggies and see if that helps will reply back asap.

They will eat the veggies, vigorously and passionately, but like a human toddler that would limit their diet to cotton candy, gummy bears and soda if their parents allowed it, a captive squirrel will choose to eat only nuts, seeds and sweets (fruits) if they are allowed. That limited squirrel diet they are getting is as bad for squirrels as the sugar diet outlined here; arguably even worse in many respects.

I did not allow my young children to have desert unless they ate a healthy meal, and I do not provide the squirrels I am raising any nuts, seeds or other junk food unless they eat their healthy buffet of Henry's followed by lots of veggies and a bit of fruit.

Squirrels are very smart, and just like a human toddler will test your will power and play to your emotions. Don't give in. I have never seen anyone share a story of a squirrel that starved itself to death while a bowl of veggies was available!

Just like a toddler that only gets desert after and if they eat their dinner, your squirrels will learn the healthy meal is the path to the sumptuous treat (occasionally!).

[Animal_Lover11]

i always make sure they eat their blocks before they get fruit or nuts. they also eat formula before they get fruits and nuts. i just remembered last night when i had them out playing that one of them got ahold of my moms cigarette pack and got one cigarette out of it but i dont know if she ingested any or not, i also dont know if it was brittany or elanore. checked the medicine cabinet and apparently my anitbiotics i had saved for them were taken. ill ask my aunt what kind of anitbiotics she has on hand. what kind do i need to look for? just got back from store got them both to eat some kale a little banana,some red bell pepper and some fresh corn on the cob.

[cava]

This tells you everything you can and can't feed them. Bell peppers are on the avoid list. Check it out.

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

And don't be discouraged with our advice. It's a LOT of info to ingest. Hang in there and let us help you and you'll get them back on track.

[Animal_Lover11]

oh I was told that they love them and are supposed to eat red bell peppers. Ive been told so many contradicting things. I dont know what to do. Anyways, good thing is, that they didnt eat much maybe a bite of the bell pepper.

[Spanky]

Stick to the healthy food pyramid and you will not go wrong!

[Spanky]

What about those poo pictures? :flash

[Animal_Lover11]

Sorry its been hectic around here. I havent had a chance to get pics because I cant find my digital camera. Phone takes really bad pics. I will try to get that done, I know you need it to help diagnose. Good news, her bottom is less swollen, but still has diarrhea. Shes ate a few small bites of banana, her hog of a sister ate quite a bit lol. Ill keep trying but she doesnt like the banana as much as her formula and fruits. She did eat a little kale this morning and a few kernels of fresh corn on the cob. Should I go ahead and give her baby food banana or stick with real actual banana? Is there a way to sneak more banana into something she likes? Like her formula? Thanks again guys. Shes still playful and rambunctious so thats a good sign. Just worried its going to get worse, I always think of the worst.