q-tip or no Q-tip

[roblsphdatc]

i have been caring for 5 baby squirrels for two days (eyes closed). Two have developed soreness over the genetals. Can you help me on what to do?

[Secret Squirrel]

:Welcome roblsphdatc.......
Thank you for caring for these litte guys. Are the ones with the sore bottoms males ? If so then gental sucking is very common in babies.

Tips for gental sucking:
There are several different things you can try. Seperate them into 2 groups since you have 5 this may help if it is gental sucking. And feed them more often. That that age you should be feeding every hours and the amount depends on thier actual weight.

Tip for raw bottoms without gental sucking.
There are many methods used here by the members....none are better than the other....it's really up to you.
A warm wet cotton ball stroking the anus usually get the bladder and anus active.
A dry kleenex used to tickle the gentals usually works just fine.
I personally don't use a q-tip because I have found it to be too abrasive if not used very lightly. At 2:00 am feeding my eyes can be blurry so a q-tip isn't a good idea....for me anyway!! LOL!!

Keep the babys bottoms as clean and dry as you can after each void. Urine burns can occure very rapidly if not kept clean and dry. Change the bedding several times a day and use absorbent material...cotton is best, flannel receving baby blankets, t-shirts. Not terry towles they can aputate toes.
Fleece is snuggley but not absorbent..FYI
Good luck and post some pics :wave123

I am sure you will get lots of tips.

[island rehabber]

i have been caring for 5 baby squirrels for two days (eyes closed). Two have developed soreness over the genetals. Can you help me on what to do?

I'm gonna call you 'rob' because that name's too much for my old brain. :D
rob, the first thing is to determine what is making the babies sore in that area. If there is genital sucking going on, this is a common problem with baby squirrels. When they get hungry, they will suck on anything available, including each other's genitals and toes and fingers and ears. The best way to stop this is to increase feedings slightly, in amount and frequency, so they do not become too hungry during the day AND night. Identifying who is the one sucking on everybody, and possibly isolating him or her,is a last resort. Increased feedings can usually take care of the problem. Also, if the babies are not too young -- let's say 3 weeks or older, you might place a split-open, peeled grape in the sucker's mouth whenever he/she starts doing their thing. That way they transfer from their sibling to the grape, and everyone's happy.

In the meantime, the babies with sore genitals should heal quickly once the sucking stops. If a scab appears, you'll need to soak that in warm water with a very soft cloth until it drops off. I have never used a cream or anything for this problem, but if someone else has then please weigh in on this and let us know. :)

[Pam's Squirt]

I've used a tiny bit of corn starch to absorb the excess moisture, and that seemed to help the healing process. Worked well on what appeared to be diaper rash too! :dono

[squarletsmom]

I had the hardest time getting Squarlet to use the bathroom!
It was just a struggle and I would try and try for the longest time.
Then my boyfriend tried once and she peed all over his hand. So that became his job most of the time. She would only go for him.
(Too bad she doesn't like him anymore... only me).

We perfected the technique finally.
Jeff would hold her so that her arms were kindof holding onto his fingers and she was laying back in the palm of his hand (her back against his hand with his hand cupped around her).
Then he used a FLAT cotton pad made for make-up removal. They come in long pack that is about $1.
Those worked wonderful - as opposed to cotton balls, tissue, Q-tips, cloth, everything you can imagine. Two swipes from Jeff with the round flat cotton pad and you better look out! Her business was done!

I pray your babies get better fast and have a long happy life.
Thanks for saving animals!!:Love_Icon