Baby or Babies Stuck in Nest in Tree

[Elise]

Hello everyone. It's been a while since I've posted due to a busy rehabbing season.

I do need some help with this one though.

To make a long story short, a woman in Missoula (about 1 hr 45 mins away from me) found a baby squirrel, eyes open, at the base of a tree in her yard, next to its' dead mother :(

She has taken in the one baby, has it on heat and is giving hydration formula. I am going up to Missoula to pick it up today after work.

The issue is that she can hear a squirrel (or, what I think is more likely, squirrel[s]) crying from up high in the same tree that the baby and mother were found at.

The woman's husband obtained a ladder yesterday and climbed up to the nest hole. He stuck his hand in, all the way up to his shoulder, and cannot reach the nesting cavity where the baby is...


Does anyone have any ideas for getting this remaining baby (or babies) out of the nest without destroying the tree?

Thanks in advance for any help!

- Elise

[Nancy in New York]

Hello everyone. It's been a while since I've posted due to a busy rehabbing season.

I do need some help with this one though.

To make a long story short, a woman in Missoula (about 1 hr 45 mins away from me) found a baby squirrel, eyes open, at the base of a tree in her yard, next to its' dead mother :(

She has taken in the one baby, has it on heat and is giving hydration formula. I am going up to Missoula to pick it up today after work.

The issue is that she can hear a squirrel (or, what I think is more likely, squirrel[s]) crying from up high in the same tree that the baby and mother were found at.

The woman's husband obtained a ladder yesterday and climbed up to the nest hole. He stuck his hand in, all the way up to his shoulder, and cannot reach the nesting cavity where the baby is...


Does anyone have any ideas for getting this remaining baby (or babies) out of the nest without destroying the tree?

Thanks in advance for any help!

- Elise

The only thing I can think of off the top of my head is for him to put something in the hole that they can crawl up and out of.
BUT that would probably also require him to stay up there, waiting.
Also IF he does go back up, tell him to bring a pillowcase or something that he can put the babies in,
rather than carrying them down the ladder in his hand, it may be easier.

[Elise]

Thank you Nancy, we will probably try that, if I can get the husband to agree to stay up there and wait.

Anyone else have any suggestions?

[Jen413]

I know they are young but any chance he could lure them to crawl up with a pecan? Put it in his hand and his arm in as far as it will go? Maybe their little noses would smell it and prompt them to try to crawl up? Gosh this is AWFUL!! I hope they can get them all out.

[HRT4SQRLS]

What is the age of the baby that is out of the nest?

I saw eyes open. That's a tough age. They are so afraid.

[Elise]

What is the age of the baby that is out of the nest?

I saw eyes open. That's a tough age. They are so afraid.

I haven't seen him yet but I'm guessing 5-7 weeks old? Not really sure yet... but yes, eyes open, they will be super afraid unfortunately :(

Maybe we will try the pecan idea as well as putting something they can crawl up in the cavity.

[HRT4SQRLS]

This might be crazy but what about a long 6-8 inch wide fleece. Put the other baby on it and let him pee on it, etc. I wonder if the scent of the other baby will help. Then sew a pecan or almond into the corner and drop it in. Maybe the pecan needs to be higher on the fleece so he will climb it.

This is so sad. I know how these older babies cower in fear and lunge like they are fierce.

[Elise]

This might be crazy but what about a long 6-8 inch wide fleece. Put the other baby on it and let him pee on it, etc. I wonder if the scent of the other baby will help. Then sew a pecan or almond into the corner and drop it in. Maybe the pecan needs to be higher on the fleece so he will climb it.

This is so sad. I know how these older babies cower in fear and lunge like they are fierce.



This is a good thought. I think we're going to try this when I get up there.


Meanwhile, if anyone else has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it!

Elise

[Jen413]

Good luck!! I hope you are able to get them.