Balding 5 week squirrel

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

Hello everyone, I have a five week old eastern gray squirrel that I found at about 1 week old. I'm getting worried because the poor guy has completely lost all his hair and I'm scared it's the mange. He had hair and slowly it all fell out. It started on top his head and spread to his whole body. His skin also looks as if its dry and he's peeling. He fell out my friends tree and she gave him to me because she didn't know how to care for them. I have him in a plastic storage container with a heating pad under half the blankets. I was feeding him kitten formula but recently found out that it has to be esbilac so I changed formulas about two days ago. Someone please help me ASAP. I love this little guy so much. He's such a fighter, he's very active and wants to eat all the time. Any help would be appreciated. TIA

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

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[Kaitlynnlanclos]

He's eating about 1.5 ml every two and a half to three hours and he's pooping and peeing like a champ. He's also very small for his age I'm thinking maybe from nutritional deficiency because of the kitten formula? I need answers before it's too late and I lose my baby

[cava]

Hi there. Is the heating pad under the blankets IN the bin or UNDER THE BIN? It should be under the bin.

You said he's acting normal, good activity level, awake and alert between naps?

I'm not seeing any crusts, seepage, sores or red areas, is that correct?

How much does he weigh? Can we see a photo of him from the side, his entire body.

When did you make the change to the puppy formula? Is it Esbilac with the white puppy on the front with pre and probiotics in blue at on the top banner? I think you are feeding too little. How did you come up with that amount? It's based on weight.

Do you have any other pets with hair loss? Have you been exposed to other animals with hair loss?

Start answering those while others chime in. We'll get you sorted out.

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

The heating pad is in the container. Maybe that's it? I'm scared he will get cold though. He weighs about 30 grams. And 5% of his body weight would be about 1.5 ml per feeding. I don't want to overfeed/bloat him. No seepage or sores just peeling. Yes very active and spunky. Lovely little guy just bald

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

I have two dogs and they are perfectly fine and healthy with no balding.

[cava]

I know he looks thin because he is bald, and that he looks dehydrated partly because he is bald, but I feel like this baby could needs more calories and fluid. If he is interested, go ahead and feed him up to 7% which is about 2.1 ml. Increase in small increments each feeding to avoid diarrhea. Watch his stools. If they are fine, you can continue to feed the 7%. Yes, feeding the KMR probably put him behind and you are going to have to work hard to help him recover.

Are his eyes open?

It's actually way too hot and drying for that heating pad to be in with them. Under is sufficient. He will burrow into the blankets toward the bottom to be nearer the heat if he wants. Offer plenty of soft fabric like fleece. (No towels or things that can catch his nails.)

I'm not sure if you should put anything on him topically for the dry skin. I'm going to let someone with more experience tackle that.

[CritterMom]

The heating pad is in the container. Maybe that's it? I'm scared he will get cold though. He weighs about 30 grams. And 5% of his body weight would be about 1.5 ml per feeding. I don't want to overfeed/bloat him. No seepage or sores just peeling. Yes very active and spunky. Lovely little guy just bald

I do think this may be nutritional. The KMR is not a good choice for squirrels - too much protein and too little fat. Just getting him on the right formula may take care of the problem.

Can you give us his weight do we can determine that he is eating enough?

Can you put a little glass dish or a squatty glass jar like a baby food jar in his plastic tote with a paper towel or piece of sponge saturated with water in it? Place it on the heated side - it will raise the humidity in his surroundings and help with the peeling skin.

The heating pad needs to be OUTSIDE the container - that may be part of the problem. Play with the temperature until you are happy with the temp inside the bin.

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

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[Kaitlynnlanclos]

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[Kaitlynnlanclos]

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[Jen413]

Oh my goodness!! You are getting great advice. I hope the change in formula is what he needs to start recovering.

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

Okay thank you guys. I put the heating pad under it and will begin to increase his feedings. I thought esbilac was a special squirrel formula this whole time, had no idea it was for puppies. If only I had known. His eyes opened about a week ago. I didn't think it was the mange I thought it was from nutrition but I will be working hard to get him where he needs to be. I love him so much again thanks to all

[cava]

Kaitlynn, this baby is in trouble. Please continue to update his progress and follow the advice given here. He is way behind on weight, fat and muscle.

I would also encourage you to minimize the amount of stress like dogs barking, people visiting and passing him around, being in a high traffic area. Allow him plenty of time to rest between feedings. You can spend time holding him to you and that warmth will be a comfort and encourages a bond and growth.

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

He is in trouble by being small right? Nutritional deficiency?

[cava]

Yes, that but long term nutritional deficits can cause problems with other body systems you can't see. So you'll really need to stay on top of everything while you provide excellent nursing care and nutrition and give him lots of love. If you are afraid you can ask for a rehabber near you to take him.

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

Is it okay to give him little chunks of coconut oil to promote hair growth?

[cava]

Nope, stick to the formula for now. We don't care about his hair, we care about the body underneath of it. The hair growth will come as he recovers.

[stepnstone]

You do need to get an actual weight on this baby in grams.
He needs his calories on the proper formula as well as added hydration.
I would use Pedilyte or the homemade hydration fluid fed inbetween his
normal formula feedings.
You can apply a thin coat of neosporin or A&D ointment on his skin to help
counter the dryness.

Keep the heating pad half under container, set on low.
Is pictured below the Esbilac formula you are currently feeding?

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=293698&stc=1

[Nancy in New York]

What city do you live in in Louisiana?
Perhaps we have a member that could help you out.
This little one breaks my heart. :(

[cava]

She commented earlier that he is 30g and she is feeding 1.5 ml every 2.5-3 hours.

[Nancy in New York]

........ found out that it has to be esbilac so I changed formulas about two days ago. Someone please help me ASAP. TIA

Did you get the Esbilac like the one pictured in post #19?
When you change formulas, you should do a slow transition so not to cause diarrhea.
What ratio are you feeding this liltte one, meaning how much powdered formula to how much water?

[Nancy in New York]

She commented earlier that he is 30g and she is feeding 1.5 ml every 2.5-3 hours.

:thinking Is he still hungry at that amount.
Gosh he's so darned fragile I don't know what to suggest.

[Nancy in New York]

Is it okay to give him little chunks of coconut oil to promote hair growth?

NO coconut oil, we don't want him to get diarrhea.

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

I have the liquid form of esbilac. I don't think my Walmart carries the powdered form? Any suggestions

[cava]

:thinking Is he still hungry at that amount.
Gosh he's so darned fragile I don't know what to suggest.

I suggested she could gradually go up to 7% over many feedings (2.1 ml) which would be tenths of a cc at a time. I told her to watch for diarrhea and to stay or decrease back if he gets it. But I also wondered if he would benefit from the extra calories in brac. Two birds, one stone?? :dono

[cava]

I have the liquid form of esbilac. I don't think my Walmart carries the powdered form? Any suggestions


OH NO! You must get the powdered. Right now. You've switched to one source of incorrect nutrition to another. This baby doesn't have extra body or time to spare.

Rehabbers: would goat's milk formula recipe be better than liquid esbilac if she can't find powdered?

[stepnstone]

I have the liquid form of esbilac. I don't think my Walmart carries the powdered form? Any suggestions

Well there you go! Now we know why the baby looks like this!
First formula was bad and it didn't get any better with this one!
That stuff emaciates them and will eventually kill them!

[Milo's Mom]

OH NO! You must get the powdered. Right now. You've switched to one source of incorrect nutrition to another. This baby doesn't have extra body or time to spare.

Rehabbers: would goat's milk formula recipe be better than liquid esbilac if she can't find powdered?

YES!

[cava]

Please buy the correct powdered Esbilac formula RIGHT NOW, or go out and get the supplies to make this:

Goat's milk formula (temporary until you get correct Esbilac)

3 parts goat's milk. (If you buy condensed or powdered, you must make it according to it's directions into reconstituted goat's milk first)
1 part heavy whipping cream (not half and half, it says heavy whipping cream on it and it's in the milk section)
1 part FULL FAT vanilla yogurt.(Don't get low or non fat. Don't get sugar free. Just get plain old full fat vanilla yogurt. No artificial sweeteners)

Feed baby according to directions given based on weight.

And remember, we can try to find a rehabber near you to take this baby and nurse him back to health. But if you think you're up for it, get moving!

[stepnstone]

I have the liquid form of esbilac. I don't think my Walmart carries the powdered form? Any suggestions
Unless they are out of stock Walmart does carry the powered puppy Esbilac in their inventory,
many pet supplies will as well. You need to get that baby hydrated and the junk flushed out and
get him on a proper formula asap.

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

My Walmart does not carry it. I bought the esbilac from a feed store in my town and they only carried the liquid. I will attach a picture of what Walmart offers and I will attach a second picture of what I just rushed to the feed store for before they closed. The owner said she nursed many babies and this is what she used. 293710

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

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[stepnstone]

My Walmart does not carry it. I bought the esbilac from a feed store in my town and they only carried the liquid. I will attach a picture of what Walmart offers and I will attach a second picture of what I just rushed to the feed store for before they closed. The owner said she nursed many babies and this is what she used. 293710

If that is all your Walmart carries there is absolutely nothing in there that should be fed to that baby! :shakehead

[cava]

I'm sorry, I don't know anything about this formula or if it's appropriate. Why didn't you buy the goat's milk formula ingredients and make that for him? We KNOW it's safe and effective.

[Jen413]

My Walmart has never carried esbilac either. I always have to go to a pet store in another town to get it. You can get all of the ingredients for the goats milk formula at Walmart. Personally, if I were you, I'd head back to Walmart and buy what is known to be okay to feed them rather than guess a third time.

What area of LA are you in? Maybe we have a member who could help in some way?

[stepnstone]

I am not a nutritionist, my understanding is limited to what has worked for our babies.
Although there are similarities in ingredients between the two products it appears the
Ultra 24 is lacking in comparison to Esbilac.

Ultra 24 INGREDIENTS:
Dried whey protein concentrate, dried whey product, animal fat
(preserved with BHA, BHT and citric acid), dried skimmed milk, dried
whey, coconut oil, dried milk protein, citric acid (preservative),
calcium carbonate, dicalcium phosphate, Llysine, DL - methionine,
sodium silico aluminate, maltodextrin, ferrous sulfate, taurine,
potassium sorbate (preservative), artificial flavor, vitamin E
supplement, magnesium sulfate, choline chloride, zinc sulfate,
vitamin A supplement, manganese sulfate, ascorbic acid, sodium
selenite, niacin supplement, biotin, vitamin D 3
supplement, calcium pantothenate, calcium iodate, vitamin B 12
supplement, copper sulfate, folic acid, riboflavin supplement, thiamine monomitrate,
cobalt sulfate, mineral oil, menadione sodium bisulfite complex (source of vitamin K activity), pyridoxine hydrochloride.

Esbilac Ingredients
Vegetable oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols), casein, dried whey protein concentrate, dried cream, dried skimmed milk, dicalcium phosphate, potassium chloride, DL-methionine, L-arginine, dextrose, maltodextrins, lecithin, choline chloride, magnesium sulfate, iron proteinate, taurine, riboflavin supplement, vitamin A supplement, dried Lactobacillus casei fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus fermentum fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, dried Lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation product, dried Bifidobacterium bifidum fermentation product, dried Pediococcus acidilactici fermentation product, niacin supplement, fructooligosaccharide(FOS), sodium silico aluminate, copper proteinate, vitamin D3 supplement, calcium pantothenate, vitamin E supplement, monopotassium phosphate, thiamine hydrochloride, pryidoxine hydrochloride, tricalcium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, calcium iodate, folic acid, zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, biotin, vitamin B12 supplement.

[UDoWhat]

What city do you live in in Louisiana?
Perhaps we have a member that could help you out.
This little one breaks my heart. :(
Me too. Just heart broken. 💔

Please do not put this baby on Esbilac . With the problems we are having with Esbilac he cannot digest it. His little body will shut down trying to digest it. This is a serious life-threatening situation. WalMart carries fresh goat milk, canned goats milk and powdered Goats milk. Goats milk is it least easier to digest. He really needs to be on a predigested formula. Unfortunately, I think only a rehabilitator would be able to get a predigested formula from a Vet. This baby is in critical condition. He is dehydrated, emaciated and just plain starving.

He needs to be started out slowly with formula. He should be fed less than the 5 % amount and fed at least 6 x per day. Normal intake and feeding procedures cannot be applied here. Re -feeding syndrome will occur if you do not go very slowly changing the formula and feeding lesser amounts at least six times per day. This baby would be hard to save even for the most experienced rehabilitator. If this baby is to have a chance at all you need to be following our instructions exactly. He will not live if you do not follow the instructions that we are giving you. Most animals can survive a weight loss of 20 -30% but more often death occurs. This little one is at least 50 % - 60% underweight. It takes time for a starving body to recover to the point where the animal can eat normally. If fed too much too soon this will push a starving body into organ failure. Please be very careful with this baby. He deserves a chance.:Love_Icon

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

Okay so I went back to Walmart and got the goats milk ingredients. I have to slowly transition him right? Please give me details.

[Jen413]

Awesome!! Yes he's going to need it introduced very slowly. Hopefully someone will come and help tell you how much to start with.

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

And also when you say three parts goats milk and to make it according to directions can you be more specific? Like is it a tablespoon teaspoon etc

[Jen413]

If you use a tablespoon then it'd be three tbs GM, 1tbs, full fat yogurt, 1tbs heavy whipping cream.

But you could also for instance do 3 teaspoons, 1 tsp, 1tsp. Whatever measureing device you use it's three goats milk of them, one yogurt of them, and one heavy whipping cream of them.

[UDoWhat]

I have gotten PMs from cava and Jen. I will be home in 30 minutes. In the meantime start giving the hydration fluids I would give him about 1 mL of hydration fluid.

Redwuff will be on to help too. We are going to start feeding small amounts at least 8-10 x per day. I will explain when I get home. I will tell you how to transition this baby. It is a little different from normal transition.:Love_Icon

[redwuff]

Hi Kaitlynn,

Thank you for being willing to listen and take action to save this baby. Please stay on line as much as possible and answer our questions as quickly as you can. The next couple of days will be the critical time period if we can turn this baby around.

Treatment begins with replenishing fluids and electrolytes while very slowly starting to introduce an as easy to digest a food as possible. In this case we will use the goats milk formula. We need to feed at a 2 -3% of baby's weight. But before we begin, we need to know some basics in your care of your baby.

How often are you feeding?

What are you feeding with?

How often and for how long have you been hydrating and what hydration fluid did you use if you have been hydrating.

Please post your last two days of times and amounts of formula.

Would you post a picture of the goats milk you bought? Or tell us what kind it is...powdered, canned, or hopefully fresh.

Would you be open to having a real time conversation via phone?

[UDoWhat]

BTW, does this little one have a name and is it a boy or a girl ? :Love_Icon

We are not using the original Goats Milk formula recipe. We will work up to the proportions listed in the original recipe. The Goats Milk formula ingredient amounts will change every few days as you give us updates on your baby's condition and how he is doing. i.e., Weight gain/loss, diarrhea, energy, etc.

Please bear with us this is an unusual circumstance and not the regular way to transition a healthy baby.

Goat's Milk Formula (For the next 2 days )
We are feedings 3% of your baby's body weight 8x per day. Every 2.5 hours.

3 Tablespoons Goats Milk
1/2 teaspoon yogurt
1/2 teaspoon heavy cream

Stir together the above ingredients until smooth

(*This will be your base formula until we give you a new recipe for the next phase of the base formula.)

For the first two feedings tonight.

Draw up 1 cc of the base GM formula (above) in a small cup
Add 1cc of warm water to the base formula. Mix together.
*Feed 0.9 cc each feeding (.9 cc is almost 1 whole cc ) The hydration feedings should also be .9 cc ( This amount to feed is based on the weight you told us he was in your post. 30 grams
*Feed 2 feedings tonight. 2 1/2 hours apart example; 10:00pm and 12:30 am

* Add 2 feedings of hydration fluid morning and evening. In between the second and third feedings in the morning and in between the sixth and seventh feedings in the evening.
You can add an extra feeding between 12:30 am and 7:00 am. If you want.
Please post everyday your baby's weight and how he is doing. :Love_Icon

*Sample feeding schedule could be;

7:00am, 9:30am, (hydration 10:45am) 12:00pm, 2:30pm, 5:00pm, 7:30pm, (hydration 8:45pm), 10:00pm, 12:30 am.

I will write up the next 4 days GM recipe in the next post later.
The amounts we need to feed everyday are based on how your baby is doing and his weight gain so we may need to adjust the amounts to be fed everyday.

[UDoWhat]

Part 2 (Days 3-6?)

For the next 2 days (Days 3&4)

Using our Goats Milk base formula

3 Tablespoons Goats Milk
1/2 teaspoon yogurt
1/2 teaspoon heavy cream
Stir together until smooth

For each feeding for the next 2 days (Days 3 & 4)
Draw up 1 cc of the GM base formula.
Add 1/2 cc of warm water.
Mix
*Feed 0.9cc (or 3% of your baby's weight as of that day) 8x per day for 2 days with 2 hydration feedings in between feedings in the a.m and p.m. as discussed in my post for days 1 & 2

**Please remember to let us know everyday how the baby is doing and his weight for that day. We can help you adjust the amount to feed.

For the next 2 days (Days 5 & 6)

For each feeding for the next 2 days (Day 5&6 )
Draw up 2cc
Add .5 cc
Mix well
Feed your baby 3% of his weight for that day- 8x per day for 2 days with the 2 hydration feedings in between the feedings as I discussed above. However, the hydration feedings should be just plain water or water mixed with a little honey.
You should not feed hydration fluids for more than 3-4 days max.

After 6 days of transition feedings, as discribed above you will begin on day 7 to feed the base formula without any water added. You will feed the GM base formula as listed above for a few days (3-4 days) and then we will start adding in cream and yogurt a little at a time if all is well with this baby.

This schedule is all depending on how your baby is doing.

Please let us know how your little one is doing. Hoping to hear soon. :Love_Icon

[UDoWhat]

Good morning Kaitlynn, I know I gave you a pretty tough schedule. Depending on how this precious one is doing, we may have a little wiggle room in the schedule. It will all depend on how the baby is doing. I wonder if you will get a chance to answer the questions? Remember if this baby responds quickly to this transition schedule we will be able to get to a more moderate schedule. But it could take at least six days before we can start the full strength GM base formula that I posted yesterday. If I knew the baby's weight today I would be able to adjust the amount that you will need to feed if necessary. We may even be able to adjust the % of the goats milk and dilute the GM formula less but if I don't know how the baby is responding I can't do that. If no diarrhea after 24 hours on the first day schedule, we might be able to go on with day three GM formula dilutions with less water added and just stay there a little longer for days 2,3 and 4. In other words, move ahead 1 day.


Please try to answer some of the questions so that I can see what we might need to do today to change things if needed. Or just stay where we are? How much does he weigh today? What is his energy like? Did you start the GM formula plan I posted? Sorry for all the questions but I have to have feed back. Do I still need to try to help?

Praying for you and your precious little boy. :Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

I was feeding him 1.5 ml or a lil more every 2.5 to 3 hours. I use a dropper because I am scared to use a syringe. I have the little packets of pedialyte that I was feeding between some feedings. He is a boy and his name is squirt. He's very active and spunky still so that's a good sign. Lol he never wants to stay still while I feed him he always squirms and climbs. I just want to get him healthy because it breaks my heart too. If only I knew the formula he needed was right there he wouldn't be this way and I feel so bad for it. But he WILL get better. He's such a tough little dude. I followed your instructions last night and he seems to like it. His poop looked a little tiny bit watery this morning but overall it was still hard. I think he's going to adjust well. 293789

[cava]

Thanks so much for the update!! I'm glad he's active.

What is his weight today and stick around for a bit so the other's can ask you questions. It will help them give correct advice. Go Squirt!

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

He's still at 30 g. Also is it normal for him to be using the bathroom on his own? Last night I was feeding him and he peed all on me without stimulation

[cava]

Yes, he's at an age where they begin to go on their own. Continue to stimulate him every time you put fluids into his body, though, to be safe and allow him to fully empty his bladder.

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

Yes ma'am I do and I thought so but I wanted to be sure

[cava]

I know you have things to do, but will you please get back on later after dinner or something and give us another update?

[UDoWhat]

I was feeding him 1.5 ml or a lil more every 2.5 to 3 hours. I use a dropper because I am scared to use a syringe. I have the little packets of pedialyte that I was feeding between some feedings. He is a boy and his name is squirt. He's very active and spunky still so that's a good sign. Lol he never wants to stay still while I feed him he always squirms and climbs. I just want to get him healthy because it breaks my heart too. If only I knew the formula he needed was right there he wouldn't be this way and I feel so bad for it. But he WILL get better. He's such a tough little dude. I followed your instructions last night and he seems to like it. His poop looked a little tiny bit watery this morning but overall it was still hard. I think he's going to adjust well. 293789

Thank you for letting me know. I am so happy you are back :dance He sounds strong.:Love_Icon That is great news. We may be able to move a little faster to a normal feeding schedule sooner. If you can post his weight for today that would help.

If you need anything you can call or text me. My name is Marty. Cell # 301-717-1364 (tel:301-717-1364). I work during the week so redwuff will be watching and we have talked about the schedule and she may respond too. She works from home. I always try to check TSB at lunchtime too.

If you have been feeding Pedialyte for more than 4 days in a row, you should stop the Pedialyte and feed plain tap or spring water with 1 drop or 2 of honey or maple syrup ( pancake syrup) mixed in for a little flavor. Too much Pedialyte is not good and if used too long can cause trouble too. If you feel he isn't dehydrated skip the 2 hydration feedings in between the feedings that I told you about. Just watch him. We can always adjust but I don't want to over hydrate Squirt :Love_Iconeither. Remember he is getting a lot of water in the GM formula too that helps to keep him hydrated. Let us know if his poo gets too soft. I will adjust the GM base formula if we need too. .

I know you love him. :Love_Icon You didn't know the right formula to use. That is not your fault. Now you do know and you have the whole TSB behind you and precious baby squirt every step of the way. He WILL live!!! We will all help you with questions and concerns. I will check back in an hour or so I have to feed babies now.

PS: Just saw you posted weight. Thanks!! Not worried about him not gaining for a day or so. We just don't want him to lose weight. It is typical for most babies to not gain weight during transition to new formula because usually the formula is watered down just like we are doing

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

I have work till 9 I will update after Btw I bring him with me ❤️

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

I Am also a :Love_Iconfull time college student. I am going for a vet 😊 Now you all see why I am so dedicated. Animals are my passion ❤️

[UDoWhat]

Great we can always use squirrel friendly Vets. :dance Most Vets won't even see squirrels. I have a wonderful Wildlife and exotic Vet. Most people can't find a Vet to help with their squirrels . See you later tonight. :w00t

[Jen413]

I am so glad to hear you were able to get him started on the GM formula and he's doing okay. I've been so worried about him.

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

He's still doing good my only concern though is that during a feeding he did this thing where he looks like he's gasping or sucking but he did it for a good minute and I started getting scared. Any idea why?

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

Please let me know asap in scared to feed him

[Milo's Mom]

it's called guppy mouth
just tap him on the nose or rub his body to get him to stop
it means he's happy

[Jen413]

I had a baby that was horrible about guppy mouthing because he couldn't latch on the the syringe from his injuries. I know it can be pretty scary looking if you don't know what it is.

[UDoWhat]

Please let me know asap in scared to feed him
As long as he's not making any clicking sounds in his chest. Just like Jen and Milo's mom said, it sounds like what we call "guppy mouth". It looks like they are sucking with their little mouths open. It is sometimes called a feeding trance. Is he still energetic? Climbing around like he normally does? I will see if I can find any video of "guppy mouth". It is scary the first time you see it.

FYI, If you think at anytime that he may be acting differently or lethargic you can rub some maple syrup on his gums and see if that helps. Sometimes malnourished babies blood sugar can drop during the transition to another formula. It doesn't happen often but I just want to let you know in case you see that he is lethargic and not as active so you can put the maple syrup on his gums.

Also another FYI, sometimes during feeding babies can bite their tongue's. Don't worry it happens a few times or maybe just the one time but when you wipe his mouth there could be blood. I have had a lot of people call me in a panic because their baby's mouth is bleeding. When I ask, were you feeding them? The answer is usually yes. I just let them know that it could happen again and that they have just bitten their tongue. I thought I'd let you know in case it ever happens and you won't be scared.

I will check in tomorrow when I get to work. Remember to weigh him everyday. If we need to adjust his diet and intake of formula I will let you know. If he loses weight we can skip to the less watered down formula. That would be the day 3&4 formula I discribed in the Part 2 of the second post.

Also ..... I need to correct the day 5&6 formula. I forgot to add what you draw up and what you add. I gave you the correct amounts but not "what" it was you were drawing up and adding. It was supposed to say Draw up 2 cc of GM base formula and add .5 cc of water (.5 cc = 1/2 of a 1cc syringe.) I will correct that tomorrow. Sorry.

Hope all is well. :Love_Icon Will check before I go to bed in a while.

[Mel1959]

Is he doing guppy mouth breathing/eating? There's a video of a squirrel doing this type of guppy mouth breathing while eating on the forum somewhere. It's a sticky note. You can probably find it if you type "guppy mouth eating" into the search bar.

[UDoWhat]

Thank you Mel. I would like her to see that. It is scary if you have not seen it a million times.:shakehead

[UDoWhat]

I found the guppy mouth eating video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E25ynfqQlZU

Thanks again , Mel

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

Yep this is exactly what he does. It scared the heck out of me. Thank y'all, puts my mind at ease. And yes he's still active and his poop is still normal. I think it's going pretty good.

[redwuff]

Good morning squirt and Kaitlynn,

Glad to hear all is well. I will check in on you today. I may not be able to post until lunch though unless I see you need something sooner. Also everyone here will be glad to help too.

If you can give me a weight on him today that will help me know what we can do. Remember you can text me too if you want.

Happy day !! :serene

[cava]

Good morning Kaitlynn and Squirt! I hope you had a good night and that he's doing well this morning. Going to work, catch up later!:Love_Icon

[UDoWhat]

Just checking :Love_Icon If you get a chance let me know his weight today. You can text or post so I can see adjust his feedings. I would like to start a less watered down formula for baby squirt. If he is ready maybe even bump up the feeding % up. Hope all is well. :blowkiss

[Mommas Munchkins]

Any update on sweet squirt?

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

He's still doing good will post his weight when I get home. I had a lab today

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

He has lost a Gram but overall everything still is looking good. Should I be concerned?

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

293846293846 he says hello everyone!:Love_Icon293847

[Nancy in New York]

He has lost a Gram but overall everything still is looking good. Should I be concerned?

Before you started this, he was actually getting 12 mLs of formula daily, correct.
By my calculaitons, he is now getting 3.6 mLs of formula daily, minus the water that
goes into the GM. He can't afford to lose weight.

[UDoWhat]

He has lost a Gram but overall everything still is looking good. Should I be concerned?


Glad he is doing well but I don't want him to lose weight. That is often expected in a transition period but he is too little to lose any more. I know that the formula is weak, so I think I would like to add less water to the formula for the rest of today's feeding so he has more calories. Maybe bump the amount up. Feeding too much too soon is not good for him either. :Love_Icon

Give me about an hour. I want to talk to another rehabilitator and I will post a less diluted formula for the next 2 days or so. I don't want him to lose anymore but I also don't want to hit his little body with food that can't be digested. I will adjust the formula. :Love_Icon I don't want to give him diarrhea either.

I will be back in an hour or less .

[UDoWhat]

New adjustments for the rest of the feedings tonight & tomorrow

**Throw out any old formula you already have made up for tonight*.

We will start with a slightly richer formula and go up to 5% of his body weight tonight.

Goats Milk Base Formula
Please be sure that formula is very warm not hot.

This is the new GM base formula to use now for tonight and tomorrow.

3 Tablespoons -Goats Milk (Mixed as the instructions say on the can)
3/4 teaspoon - heavy cream
3/4 teaspoon - vanilla full fat yogurt
Mix all ingredients
*Use this new Goats Milk base formula for each feeding the rest of tonight and tomorrow. ( I am having you make a little more formula than you need for each feeding but this way I can keep the proportions correct a little easier for both of us .
**Note changes in cream and yogurt amounts.**

*Draw up 2 cc of the above Goat Milk base formula.
*Add 1/2 cc (.5 cc) of warm water.
Feed 1.5 cc of this new mixture for each feeding for the rest of tonight and tomorrow. Keep feeding 8 x per day with the new GM formula mixed as instructed above.

I have increased to 5% of his body weight and 75% formula strength and increased the amount of cream and yogurt by 1/2 to the base formula. If we had per-digested formula we could move faster but the GM is the next best thing.

Please let me know how he is doing tomorrow morning and post again tomorrow night. :Love_Icon I want to know if you see any changes in activity and poop.
I will post later any changes to the formula for Wednesday, assuming all goes well. :Love_Icon

Thanks for posting the pictures. I see why you love this little boy!! :Love_Icon

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

Just fed him he new formula. He seems to like it also. I wil feed at 11 then go to bed. I will update in the morning with his weight

[UDoWhat]

Just fed him he new formula. He seems to like it also. I wil feed at 11 then go to bed. I will update in the morning with his weight

Great!! :dance and thank you. It is less diluted so I am sure he will like it better.

I am feeding at 10:30. I have 10 to feed so I will check in when I finish .....in a while. I will just check to see if you have questions.

Have a good night. I will be happy to hear how Squirt is doing in the morning. :Love_Icon

[UDoWhat]

Before you started this, he was actually getting 12 mLs of formula daily, correct.
By my calculaitons, he is now getting 3.6 mLs of formula daily, minus the water that
goes into the GM. He can't afford to lose weight.

Looked to me like he was losing weight and his life on that 12 ccs a day! Of course, I don't want him to lose weight ! That is why I have asked Kaitlynn to post his weights everyday so I can make adjustments as soon as I get the weight for the day. As I have said, I may need to make several adjustments everyday to keep him from losing weight and to start gaining weight AND desperately trying to keep him from getting diarrhea.

[Nancy in New York]

Looked to me like he was losing weight and his life on that 12 ccs a day! Of course, I don't want him to lose weight ! That is why I have asked Kaitlynn to post his weights everyday so I can make adjustments as soon as I get the weight for the day. As I have said, I may need to make several adjustments everyday to keep him from losing weight and to start gaining weight AND desperately trying to keep him from getting diarrhea.

Oh definitely he was in dire straits on the old formula at 12 mLs daily.
Glad the adjustments were made and he'll be getting more formula and less water.:w00t
I'm sure it's a fine balance without starving him to death. :thumbsup

[UDoWhat]

Good morning little Squirt. :Love_Icon I am hoping your mom has some good news on your weight today. He has just been on the new formula for 2-3 feedings max so we might not see any weight gain until tomorrow or if you weigh him tonight.

Kaitlynn, it would be best to weigh him at the same time every day so we could stay consistent with his weight. I know with a busy schedule it may not be possible. I am hoping you will post his weight either later this morning or this evening sometime. Praying he is still doing well with no diarrhea and still has the energy you have described to us. He is a little fighter and we're all in his corner cheering him on. :w00t

I hope you have a good day. :grin3 I will check in on this thread at lunchtime. In the meantime if you need anything before then you can always text me or PM me and I will get that message to my phone .:blowkiss

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

He's still being a little trooper. I will post weight when I get home from school. Around the same time as yesterday. I did notice last night that his poo looked kinda mushy but was not diarrhea. It has also changed color which I'm guessing is because of a new formula. It's on the yellow side. He's still very active and his favorite spot to cuddle is in my shirt 😊 Sadly he has began to potty on his own so I'm never safe from pee anymore 😂 He does that guppy mouth thing almost every feeding? Is that okay?

[Jen413]

Does the syringe you're feeding him with have a nipple on it?

[UDoWhat]

He's still being a little trooper. I will post weight when I get home from school. Around the same time as yesterday. I did notice last night that his poo looked kinda mushy but was not diarrhea. It has also changed color which I'm guessing is because of a new formula. It's on the yellow side. He's still very active and his favorite spot to cuddle is in my shirt 😊 Sadly he has began to potty on his own so I'm never safe from pee anymore 😂 He does that guppy mouth thing almost every feeding? Is that okay?

Thank you. :blowkiss I will be anxiously waiting to hear the news about weight. :dance

Some squirrels do that guppy mouth thing pretty consistently. He probably wouldn't do it as much if you were feeding with a 1cc syringe with a Miracle nipple on it. I find if I have babies who guppy mouth they will do better with the Miracle nipple on the syringe because it is designed to feel more like their mother. The eye dropper you are feeding with doesn't provide much comfort or the chance to let him have that natural suckling response that little babies need. I hope you will order some 1cc o-ring syringes and a package of Miracle nipples. Please only use syringes called O-ring syringes. They never stick and have an even flow of formula and are less likely to cause aspiration ( milk coming out of his nose) ..

I am so glad he is doing ok on the formula. I'm going to call the veterinarian who taught some of the classes on malnutrition and refeeding syndrome and ask her if it would be a good idea to mix some of the brat diet that is used for diarrhea, in with this new GM formula recipe I posted last night . We really don't want to cause him to get diarrhea. The BRAT diet is used to help make soft poos firm up. I will let you know tonight after I talk to the Vet and she what she thinks.

Have a great day! See you later!:Love_Icon

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

He still weighs the same as yesterday but I did notice that he has dry poo around his booty which means diarrhea. It's not bad yet but I don't want it to get worse

[Jen413]

It may not be a gain, but it's not a loss. I'd like to think that is a plus. If you have UDoWhat's phone number I'd go ahead and text this information. Maybe that way y'all can figure out the brat diet sooner. Praying all goes well and y'all can get the poo situation under control and get this precious baby gaining and heading in the right direction. :Love_Icon

[LR]

Your doing a great job kaitlynnlancho. It takes a special person to care as much as you do for this baby, ask for help and absorb everything you need to help him. Keep up the "fight"

Snuggles for him from Ruby and me.

[LR]

Sorry about spelling your name incorrectly. I really do need to go get new glasses soon....

[UDoWhat]

Ok this often happens with transitions to different formulas. I have been desperately trying to avoid diarrhea for the baby. You may need to cut back on the cream but continue what you are doing for now at least the next feeding . I will let you know tonight when I get hone from work how much cream to cut out. Also give him a hydration feeding 1 hour after he eats the next regular GM formula feeding. We don't want him to get dehydrated. I will check in as soon as I get home. I will see you in about an hour. If traffic isn't bad.

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

Okay. I will be waiting. And yes I'm very determined I love him so much

[UDoWhat]

Hi I am home. I had to feed babies. I only have five fed. I need to feed five more but I wanted to touch base so you know that I am still here. I have to feed again in four hours so I need to keep on schedule. Keep feeding what you have been feeding him today. It has enough calories, fat, and protein for tonight and and tomorrow. I want to start him on the BRAT diet to help firm up his stool tomorrow. I will list the ingredients you will need later . I'll be back on after I feed my babies and figure out the kcals (calories) he needs. It will take me a little while to do that but I will be back tonight just check back later tonight. I will tell you how to add the BRAT ( baby rice cereal and baby banana food to the formula for tomorrow. If you have questions just put them in a post and I will try to answer them or anyone else at TSB can help you too. BBL :Love_Icon sorry I have to feed

[stepnstone]

Hi I am home. I had to feed babies. I only have five fed. I need to feed five more but I wanted to touch base so you know that I am still here. I have to feed again in four hours so I need to keep on schedule. Keep feeding what you have been feeding him today. It has enough calories, fat, and protein for tonight and and tomorrow. I want to start him on the BRAT diet to help firm up his stool tomorrow. I will list the ingredients you will need later . I'll be back on after I feed my babies and figure out the kcals (calories) he needs. It will take me a little while to do that but I will be back tonight just check back later tonight. I will tell you how to add the BRAT (Powdered baby rice cereal and (jar) baby banana food to the formula for tomorrow. If you have questions just put them in a post and I will try to answer them or anyone else at TSB can help you too. BBL :Love_Icon sorry I have to feed
:great

[UDoWhat]

Hi Kaitlynn,

I'm back ! :danceOk new formula tonight. This time I am going to have you add all the ingredients for this formula in one jar. In other words, you'll be drawing up the 1.5 mL that you are feeding him 7-8 x a day from this one jar or container. Easy, right? :grin2

Here we go. This will be the complete formula with the brac added.


NEW FORMULA RECIPE WITH BRAC

*Feed 1.5 mL of this formula 7 to 8 xper day that would be about every 2 1/2 hours.

In a jar or container add the following:

3 -Tablespoons Goats Milk ( mixed with water how it says on the package
instructions)
3/4 -teaspoon cream
3/4 -teaspoon vanilla full fat yogurt
1/2 -teaspoon powdered baby rice cereal
1/2 -teaspoon banana baby food 1st food ( the kind in a jar)
2 -teaspoons warm water

*Mix until smooth

I have put all the ingredients into 1 formula so all you have to do now is draw up 1.5 mL of the mixed formula above and feed that precious little baby 7-8 x per day.

I have attached a picture of the powdered baby rice cereal and banana baby food in a jar that I use. You can use any brand you like. Make sure the banana baby food is the kind that says first foods. That means it is very smooth with no chunks and will go through a syringe better. If you have any questions please call, text, or post here on your thread and I will look in the morning and at lunchtime. You can text anytime I can usually return texts pretty quickly. Give Squirt a kiss good night for me. I will see you in the morning. :Love_Icon (I will check after I feed in case you need something tonight)

293903

[UDoWhat]

Powdered baby rice cereal and (jar) baby banana food

What would I do without you Step!!
Thank you!! :grin3

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

Update on squirt. His poo is becoming hard again! Amen. I will get those ingredients tomorrow and start him on it asap. Thank you all for all your words of advice. It means the world to me :Love_Icon

[stepnstone]

Powdered baby rice cereal and (jar) baby banana food
What would I do without you Step!!
Thank you!! :grin3
I just knew what I'd be grabbing off the shelf if I didn't know better. http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/yellow-hd/embarrassed-smile-smiley-emoticon.gif

[UDoWhat]

Update on squirt. His poo is becoming hard again! Amen. I will get those ingredients tomorrow and start him on it asap. Thank you all for all your words of advice. It means the world to me :Love_Icon

Perfect Kaitlynn, This is the best news :blowkissPraying it stays that way. That would be wonderful. :dance

Remember this formula is richer!!! It might fill him up more. He may not need as many feedings if the food stays in his tummy longer. You could feed him 6-7 times if he doesn't want to take as much formula. If he seems like the formula is staying with him longer than you can feed him every 3-3 1/2 hours.

If he gets a runny stool again then give him 2 hydration feedings today one in the morning and one in the evening. If his tools days harder than he may not need a lot of hydration. Just watch to see if you think he's dehydrated. If you think he is then give him a little water mixed with some honey or syrup.

I will check on you guys when I get to work. If you have a chance let me know how he's doing. Also I'll be interested this evening to find out how much he weighs.:Love_Icon

Have a great day!! I will talk later this morning or at lunchtime.:grin3 As always you can call or text me !

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

Please someone help me. What is up to you'd number

[Nancy in New York]

Please someone help me. What is up to you'd number

Here you go, I found it in a post.:hug
Many prayers coming your way.

My name is Marty. Cell # 301-717-1364.

[UDoWhat]

Please everyone pray for this precious baby and Kaitlynn. We need TSB prayers this morning. Our baby is having trouble. :Love_Icon:grouphug

[Nancy in New York]

Please everyone pray for this precious baby and Kaitlynn. We need TSB prayers this morning. Our baby is having trouble. :Love_Icon:grouphug

Many prayers coming for this precious life. :(:grouphug

[Jen413]

PRAYING!!!:grouphug

[Baxied]

Hoping and praying that this poor little baby pulls through!! :grouphug

[LR]

Ruby and I will pray and light a candle for him.

[lennysmom]

Praying for that precious little one.:Love_Icon:grouphug

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

He's gone everyone. He died in my hands. Words can't even describe how devasted I am.

[Jen413]

I am heartbroken for you both. :grouphug :Love_Icon Squirt :Love_Icon

Rest in peace angel! You fought hard and are home now.:sad

[Nancy in New York]

He's gone everyone. He died in my hands. Words can't even describe how devasted I am.

I'm heartbroken to read this.
His little body was so compromised, I
don't think anything could have saved him.
Prayers were answered, though not in the way
we had hoped. He passed in your loving hands.
UDoWhat, yourself and this little one did all
that was humanly possible, you all tried so
hard, it was just too late. :Cry

You fought a valiant fight little one, just trying
to survive. I'm so terribly sorry.

Rest in Peace
Precious One 293908

[lukaslolamaus]

I'm so sorry that you lost him Kaitlynn:sadness
Rest peacefully sweet innocent baby boy :sad

[stepnstone]

I'm so sorry to read this poor little soul lost the fight.
Rest in peace little boy, your struggle in this world is over.
May your spirit be happy and whole on your next journey....

I'm sorry this couldn't have turned out better Kaitlynnlanclos,
if only love could heal... :grouphug

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

I buried my sweet angel in a flower pot so I'll always have a piece of him with me. Devasted just isnt the word. He deserved to live, he was such a fighter. A piece of my heart went with him.. and yes I love the quote "don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" I'm happy he came to me when he did, my heart needed him:Love_Icon

[lennysmom]

Oh no, I'm so sorry Kaitlyn.:grouphug I know you fought very hard for him and with him and it really breaks my heart to read this.:sadness As badly as this hurts, just remember that you were his angel and because of you, he knew the comfort of love and didn't pass out there alone and scared. Thank you for caring enough to give him all that you could.:Love_Icon Godspeed precious little one.:sad

[UDoWhat]

Kaitlynn, I'm so very sorry. :boohoo I know you loved him and he will always be in your heart. :Love_Icon He was a fighter and you fought for him too. To the very last he felt your loving hands comforting him and holding him. :grouphug

Rest peacefully little Squirt. :Love_Icon You will be missed by your Mom and so many who loved you here at this board. Good bye sweet boy. :sad

[cava]

I'm sorry Kaitlynn. Thank you for trying so hard, we know you love him.:Love_Icon

[Kaitlynnlanclos]

And thank you all especially you Mrs.Marty. Y'all helped me so much. I don't think he would have survived as long as he did without you :Love_Icon

[UDoWhat]

Oh Kaitlynn, I know how much you loved him. Squirrels are such precious little creatures.:Love_Icon They work their way into your heart and you will never look at another squirrel in the same way again. :Love_Icon Just remember that once a squirrel has found you that others will find their way to you too. They know somehow that you will help them. Precious baby Squirt will be in your heart forever. :Love_Icon Thank you for giving him your love. :Love_Icon