Baby flyer now losing hair.

[RobynRoberts]

As many of you recall the baby flyer that crashed from Hypoglycemia twice and then had diarrhea that would seem to get better then get worse then get better. Now we’re on to a new problem. “Beeline” is his name., as far as the past he is doing GREAT full of energy and personality., eats great., has gained 4 grams., no diarrhea. But now., we are losing hair., he has lost hair around his back legs almost up to his hips., and Now behind his left ear. I have noticed him scratching behind his ear recently. What is going on now.? This flyer has been the hardest flyer for me ever to raise.! Jet and Rocket I had no problems with. All these problems coming up are so new to me. The spots are light pink where the hair was and not raw or scabby.

[Floppysquirrel04]

Can we have a picture? I didn't read ur old thread sorry :(. My flyer pulls out his own fur, no idea why. It might just be a habit, but I'm trying to break it. It's getting better. Is it all red and scratchy looking, Or does the skin look normal? Have u seen him over grooming those areas? What do u feed him?

[Spanky]

Can we have a picture? I didn't read ur old thread sorry :(. My flyer pulls out his own fur, no idea why. It might just be a habit, but I'm trying to break it. It's getting better. Is it all red and scratchy looking, Or does the skin look normal? Have u seen him over grooming those areas? What do u feed him?

While not a flyer expect, I have always understood that this over-grooming type of activity comes about as a result of boredom. Especially with single flyers. That regularly introducing (or rotating) new sources of distractions can help provide distractions and they'll not spend as much time over grooming.

[Floppysquirrel04]

Spanky, I have thought about boredom before, and even now am changing the toys every few days. It has gotten better, but not all the way. I'm not sure if it's boredom because he has so many things to keep him busy.

[RobynRoberts]

The patches where the hairloss is, is just light pink, not raw or anything, pretty smooth and pink. He eats Esbiliac with protein and probiotics, I have tried the other formulas, this is the only one that has worked for him. He weighs 16 grams now. I feed him every 4 hours, age - his eyes opened on the 22nd of Sept. I have tried introducing him to HHP flyer blocks he has no interest in them, I have also tried mealworms and veggies, again no interest. He eats every 4 hours ~0.75-0.9 of formula. He also likes plain water now to, I still keep him in a box with a heating pad. Towel inbetween him and heating pad, with fleece like blanket and shreds of that blanket, he also has a fleece Sugar Glider Pouch he sleeps in. I haven't noticed him over grooming, but I have noticed him scratching behind that left ear some. Although I dont pay attention to him much while at work except to feed him. I am a CVT and I work in a busy animal hospital, so I dont have time to really be taking him out, until I get home and on weekends. 295005295006

[RobynRoberts]

And it now has gone to the side of his face on his left side, which he still is itching pretty often.

[Spanky]

And it now has gone to the side of his face on his left side, which he still is itching pretty often.

Could this be from formula scald? Are you cleaning him up after formula feedings? Formula getting on their fur can cause those patterns of hair loss.. :dono

[RobynRoberts]

At first I thought the hairloss on the legs was from scold for the severe diarrhea he had going on. But it has just progressed. And yes I wipe his face off, feet off, and if he has anything on his bottom. After every feeding.

[RobynRoberts]

Id there anything I can do to treat it? Or even help it? or is this something that will go away on its own. It seems to be getting worse by the day, he acts over all fine and healthy, despite the itchyness he has around the head area on the left side.

[BCChins]

Could he have mites or a fungus? Can your Vets look at him and see what they think?

[RobynRoberts]

I’m not sure on how to tell., this all started suddenly. And neither one of them are familiar with squirrels at all unaforturntley.

[CritterMom]

So a few things.

Now that the diarrhea is over, I think it would be a good idea to VERY SLOWLY being to introduce some things to boost the formula - flyers need a richer formula than other tree squirrels.

What you want to end up with will be 3 parts of the regular esbilac mixed up as he had been taking it, 1/2 part full fat vanilla yogurt and 1/2 - 3/4 part heavy cows cream. To make that easier, to 3 teaspoons of mixed up formula you would add 1/2 teaspoon of the yogurt and 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of the heavy cream.

You don't want to suddenly switch to this though. Spend several days making the full change. Start by just adding a couple drops of the yogurt and cream to the regular formula and feed that for several feedings. Next time you mix up formula, add a few more drops and so on until you finally get to full strength. You literally can't change their food over too slowly, and doing it that way is the best way to avid stomach issues.

I am not sure what is going on with the skin, but I suggest you try this: Go to the drug store to the wound care section and buy a bottle of Betadyne 10% povidone iodine (feel free to buy the store brand instead). Add 15-20 drops of the liquid to 1/4 cup of water and using either a q-tip or even better, a small watercolor brush, wipe down all of the bare areas. It doesn't burn, it isn't sticky and won't yuck up the fur and is antibacterial and antifungal. I would use warm water to mix it up so it feels good and make sure he stays warm until it dries. Do this at least once a day for 3 or 4 days and then see if you begin to see improvement.

[RobynRoberts]

Thanks so much.! I’ve been researching all day on the squirrel board on what I can add to his diet to help him gain weight.!
And I have access to a ton of meds etc thanks to my veterinary hospital I work at., so I have iodine., but will it hurt him if he licks it.? I was putting animax on his raw butt and that helped out a lot., I thought about putting that on his skin as well., bc it has a antibacterial and antifungal component in it. And is pretty safe to use on just about anything.

[Floppysquirrel04]

Could you get a skin scraping? Goodness I always forget how TINY they are as babies :).

[RobynRoberts]

So Beeline is still losing hair. He has lost quiet a bit. I was hoping it was diet related and would resolve but it’s been a little over a week and if anything he has lost more and is getting a scab between his shoulder blades. Tonight I started the diluted idodine., I have a picture of him but won’t be able to upload it til tomorrow. Any other suggestions tips or tricks Incase he idodine don’t help.?

[RobynRoberts]

Here are current pictures, this is after i put the Diluted Idodine on him but with his fur wet it shows the bald spots on him better.

[RobynRoberts]

We’re on day 2 of idodine., the scabbing between his shoulder blades looks worse. Still scratching And I feel like when I put the diluted iodine on him it makes him itchier.? He starts running around and running up against anything he can. Or maybe he just doesn’t like being wet.?

[RobynRoberts]

On another note could this possibly be heat related.? When I take him to work with me., he is in a box in a mesh bag with his glider pouch.. On a heating pad. And then at home he is in a tote with a little bit of the lid cut out covered by fencing material so he can get air., with a tunnel a blanket and a pouch with a heating pad under the tote on one side. But I do find him under the blanket that covers the bottom of the tot as if he is getting cold at night still. And I keep his blankets and bedding clean including his pouches.

[cava]

I have no experience with flyers but to be sure have you washed everything he uses in something mild, no fabric softener? Just a suggestion. I hope you get it figured out.

Oh, and my ferrets do the exact same thing when they are wet, wiping on everything until they are dry.

[cava]

On another note could this possibly be heat related.? When I take him to work with me., he is in a box in a mesh bag with his glider pouch.. On a heating pad. And then at home he is in a tote with a little bit of the lid cut out covered by fencing material so he can get air., with a tunnel a blanket and a pouch with a heating pad under the tote on one side. But I do find him under the blanket that covers the bottom of the tot as if he is getting cold at night still. And I keep his blankets and bedding clean including his pouches.


Good question. Could you post a photo of each thing to help us see what you mean?

[LR]

What kind of box are you keeping him in? You said you have a heating pad in the box. It's not under the box. Could he be overheating?

[RobynRoberts]

Would you consider tide pods mild soap.? Bc that’s what I use., no fabric softener. Or would it be better to use like a baby detergent I also got that.?

And I can post pics when I get to work in the morning., my phone won’t let me upload them to the site., and I don’t have access to a computer here. But I will get them up first thing in the morning.!

[RobynRoberts]

When I’m at work he stays in like those fancy storage cube boxes that people use for the cube shelves. So it’s cloth., at the very bottom of it., is the heating pad., and then a towel that allows like 3 inches between the two., and then there is him in his pouch which I keep in a mesh laundry like bag like you would use for delicates., so he can’t escape. Which he is mostly always in his pouch. Every now and then I catch him under the pouch closer to the heating pad. And when I say pouch I mean like the cozy pouches you can get off of Henry’s healthy pets., or any sugar glider caging accessories. Then I cover the entire box with a towel bc it’s super cold at work.

[Mel1959]

I always thought flyers needed more protein in their diet? Hair loss can be attributed to inadequate protein. Is he eating anything that contains additional protein? Have you tried chicken, eggs or cheese? There’s a product at petco that is called Pure Bites. It’s dehydrated chicken. I know other folks that have flyers feed them this. I feed it to my dwarf squirrel. You might try some of these things.

I’m not sure if he’s big enough or old enough to treat with kitten Revolution for possible mites. The folks that have flyer experience would have to tell you whether that’s a possibility.

I also know that Benadryl has been used for possible allergic reactions. But once again, I have no idea about the dosage or if it would be safe for your little guy. The itching definitely sounds like a possible cause for hair loss, too.

Coconut oil is safe to apply to his skin. It also has anti fungal properties.

I’m sorry I couldn’t offer more definitive help. I’ve never had a flyer but my dwarf had significant hair loss until I changed his diet.

[RobynRoberts]

I’ve had him for 5 weeks now so I’m not really sure on age other then his eyes opened on the 22nd of Sept., and he currently weighs 18 grams. He eats Esbilac formula with probiotics every 5 hours. It also has Ultra Boost in it for weight gain now. He is just now trying other foods. He still mainly wants formula. He won’t eat the hi protein blocks from HHP. But he will eat like a half of a 1/4 of the picky eaters formula from HHP. He also won’t touch a mealworm or cricket. I haven’t offered him much of anything else yet though bc I want him to eat his blocks first.

[RobynRoberts]

I submitted his diet and weight/age so If anyone needs to know that might have a tip. If the idodine don’t help by day 4 I’ll try coconut oil. I’ll order the pure bites right now.! I’m willing to try anything.

[cava]

Do you think he's stressed? Something to consider.

I think I'd use the baby detergent to be safe. Did you wash the pouch when you got it. He spends so much time in there and if it was brand new it may need a washing.

Do you keep him zipped in it while in the box or you said he can go under it, so you keep it open? It sounds like the pouch is the thing that touches him the most. If he has something against him all of the time, I wonder if it's wearing his fur off? Could you try another set up, may be a donut of blanket he could go into or on top of. I'd also put the heating pad under, not in, the box. And, if in the pouch, where does he potty in between feedings?

It may be worth getting a bin and drilling holes in it for travel. Here's the one I used when mine were pinkies. I drilled holes all around and in the lid and put the heating pad half under it while at work, so the babies could be on it (usually they were) or away from it if too hot. It was super convenient and it's petite and escape proof.

295508

[BCChins]

Try wax worms. Petco has them in a small refrigerator in the reptile section. Open the cup and make sure they are white and alive. If you find a lot of black ones ask the workers to make you up a cup of live ones.
You can buy them at Rainbow Worms once you know he likes them.

Make some Boo Balls also. Thay are faily easy to make.

Could he possibly be getting dried out from not enough air circulation? :dono

That weight seems too small for a 5 week old.

Some recipes call for full fat yogurt and heavy whipping cream.
Need to find the recipe on here. That will help him gain more weight.

[RobynRoberts]

I’m gonna ditch the box and get a small tub like the one above today and see if that helps for when he is at work with me.

I ordered pure bites chicken last night for him to try and he also liked his shredded cheese I offered him his morning.

I did read about putting a moist rag in the tub with them to keep there skin from drying out. I will try that also.

And he is older then 5 weeks. He is underweight., but since I’ve had him he has done nothing but gained over a gram each week. He has ultra boost mixed in his formula to help with the weight gain., it is suppose to be the better alternative to the heavy whipping cream and yogurt.

I’ll have to see what a boo ball is never heard of them

And he dedficates and urinates outside of his pouch from what I can tell., when I wash all of his bedding I never find any feces in the pouch

[RobynRoberts]

Here are the pics of his current set up.
The tote he is in from 5:30pm - 6:40am. The pouch is under the towel you see pictured, i just do that to heat the pouch up before I put him in the tote for the night so he isnt cold waiting for it to warm up. Then I remove it after.

The box which he is in from 6:40am to 5:30pm, at the bottom is big towel that allows about 3inches, from the bottom of the box, where i keep the heating pad, then on top of that towel is a thin towel, then the zipper bag which he is in (it stays zipped because the box doesnt have a lid to keep him from escaping. In the bag is another towel on the bottom then his pouch. He has free roam in the bag and get under the towel or his pouch etc. then I keep a towel on top of one half of the bag in case he gets cold, then I cover the box with a towel.

But like I said I am going to ditch the box and get a small traveling tote at lunch today to see if that helps. But he really likes his pouches.

With the traveling tote i plan on putting half the heating pad under it and getting like a cheap throw blanket or baby blanket and keeping his pouch in there, and drilling holes in the top.

[cava]

Did you mention how often and how much you are feeding him. I forget. And you are using the ultraboost mixed into what formula? Thanks.

I think he'll be happy to have lots of space to walk around in his new bin!

[RobynRoberts]

He weighs 18 grams so I feed him anywhere from .9-1cc of Esbiliac formula mixed with the suggested ratio of ultra boost. Every 5 hours. He is also trying some solid foods.
And yes I think he will too.! I fixed his new tote up last night so he is gonna be ready to go this morning.

[Mel1959]

Stores like Ross put their super soft baby blankets on clearance all the time. You can pick one up for about $3 or $4.

[RobynRoberts]

So one of the vets I work for her and I took all afternoon to figure out how much kitten revolution for Beeline. I got that on him today. Also started putting coconut oil on him once a day starting today.

I got the pure bites chicken breast and he won’t even look at them.! I’m running out of ideas for protein.! He is soooo picky. If he is on formula and Ultraboost and eating little bits of picky eaters HHP blocks is he getting enough protein for Now.? My next is scrambled eggs to try. I can’t get wax worms till the weekend.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Robyn, I received your message. Sorry for the delay. I need to read your thread and I'll get back with you. :thumbsup

[HRT4SQRLS]

A new born Flyer weighs 3 grams
4 days ---- 5g
7 days ---- 7g
9 days ---- 7-8g
12 days -- 10-11g
14 days -- 11-13g
17 days -- 12-13g
19 days -- 15-16g
21 days -- 16-19g
28 days -- eyes open
30 days -- 25-26g
31 days -- 27-28g
35 days -- 30-31g
38 days -- 32-34g
41 days -- 34-37g
50 days -- 41-52g (note the large variation now)
52 days -- 43-53g


Robyn, this is a chart that shows what a baby flyer should weigh.
I'm sure you're aware that Beeline is EXTREMELY underweight. He is less that half the weight that he should weigh. This is a failure to thrive baby. I feel certain that the hair loss is nutritional. You're not doing anything wrong. Actually, you're doing great but this baby is not thriving.

I'm going to call Anne right now. She is a flyer expert and see if she has suggestion for Beeline. I'm almost wondering if a formula change is needed. I know that diarrhea was a problem a few weeks ago and we sure don't what a return of that BUT it sure appears that he isn't absorbing any nutrients.

[RobynRoberts]

Yes I’m aware he gains a little over a ounce a week right now.
I look forward to hearing from you.!!
I’m skeptical on formula changes due to almost losing him twice which is why I haven’t tried to return to FV or goats milk.

[RobynRoberts]

If nutritional should I go back to more frequent feedings.?

[RobynRoberts]

Sitting with him tonight., he ate at 6pm his stomach is gurgling a bunch., is that normal.? I’ve noticed it a little before but not like tonight.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Robyn, I just got off the phone with Anne. She is going to come to your thread and read the history. She has raised a lot of flyers and has a lot of experience with them. She has had failure to thrive babies. She has also had babies that had the temperature drop and near death events like Beeline had.

I'm just curious, can you see a milk line after feeding? It's easy to see when they are young but it's harder to see as they get older. My only suggestion would be to move the feedings a little closer. Of course we don't want the diarrhea to return. If I remember correctly you were feeding every 5 hours. I would try every 4 hrs to get a little more nutrition onboard.

Anne will be here when she can and hopefully can offer some helpful ideas. I haven't had a failure to thrive baby. I have an adult male that probably was a failure to thrive baby but I didn't get him until he was 1.5 years old. By then he had mostly settled out but he is still extremely small. He is 7 years old and only weighs 56g. Even by flyer standards that's pretty small for an adult male.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Also, do you have an idea of age? I saw on 10/7 you said he was 5.5 weeks based on when the eyes opened. Is that possible because that was over 3 weeks ago. That would make him 8-9 weeks old. Did I read that right?

[RobynRoberts]

I’m not sure on age bc I’ve read various charts on when the eyes open. But his eyes opened on Sept 22. And I got him from the finder on the Sept 23. And yes I can see the milk line every time. Thanks for your help.!

[HRT4SQRLS]

I'm glad to hear that you can see the milk line. I would watch the milk line to make sure it's moving. If the milk line is gone I would start moving the feeding interval up. I would do it slowly... 4 hr interval and see how things progress.

The chart here was compiled by a member of this board who raised MANY flyers. They took their data and made the chart. They are in Texas and I think the data is very good.

Let me do a little math based on eyes open at 28 days.

[RobynRoberts]

Will do.! I just gave him a avocado piece about the size of a HHP block and he loved it and ate it., I read that can help him gain weight to. Should I night feed him to.? I just recently cut the night feedings out where his last meal is at midnight and first meal is at 6am. I’ll start the 4 hour intervals. I know the milk line is completely gone when I feed him., so maybe should I check him every hour while at work to see as soon as it’s gone.? I don’t normally check on him until it’s time to eat again., bc of my hectic work schedule but I can make time for sure.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Based on eyes open on Sept 22 and calculated at 28 days, the birth date would be approximately August 25. That would make him 9 weeks old on Friday. You said he weighs 18g today. That's would be the weight for a 3 week old flyer.

I'm interested to see what Anne thinks but we have to consider that this little fellow might have 'more' going on here than just diet, absorption, diarrhea and hair loss. There might be a physiological problem that would be way beyond our ability to correct. Of course, we stay the course as long as he is gaining that gram and not losing.

We have my 56g 7 year old to encourage us along.:)

[RobynRoberts]

And to make sure I understand right., the failure to thrive can cause the itchiness and hairloss.? Bc he is soooo itchy., I feel so bad.! And what fur he has left he is licking off. He was licking his front leg every couple of mins or so and I notice a bald spot forming there., and then he would go to town on itching with his back legs on his side on his head. And then take his front legs and rub rub rub his face.

[HRT4SQRLS]

I think stepping up the interval to 4 will be good to start. I wouldn't want to do any changes quickly with Beeline. SLOOOWWWW and EASY! See how he tolerated the 4 hr feeding interval before you start the night feedings again. Start with that and let's see. You might have to go back to 5 hrs at night. I like the idea of solid foods. That might be why his stomach is gurgling. :tilt

[RobynRoberts]

I’m so afraid there is more to it also.! However in person he really does look pretty healthy weight wise for his body size. Those pics make him look awful body condition wise.. of course the hair loss isn’t pretty. He is starting to look like a hair less mouse. And sorry I posted that last one before I read your response.!

[RobynRoberts]

I also have a video of him running up and down me. If it’s beneficial to see him in action. I can email it to y’all if you need me.! Anything to help my boy.!

[HRT4SQRLS]

And to make sure I understand right., the failure to thrive can cause the itchiness and hairloss.? Bc he is soooo itchy., I feel so bad.! And what fur he has left he is licking off. He was licking his front leg every couple of mins or so and I notice a bald spot forming there., and then he would go to town on itching with his back legs on his side on his head. And then take his front legs and rub rub rub his face.

Failure to thrive would indicate that nutrients are not being absorbed. I could understand the lack of weight gain while the diarrhea was present but now that that has passed he should be gaining weight if he is utilizing the formula. He doesn't appear to be.

Yes, nutritional problems can cause the itchiness and loss of hair. I'm not saying this is Metabolic Bone Disease but when MBD (low calcium) is present squirrels get tingly itchy sensations. Sometimes they will overgroom or even chew the feet or a 'hot spot' due to these sensations. That's why I think we have to consider nutrition as a cause of the hair loss. Also, protein deficiency itself can cause hair loss.

[Anne]

I am sending you a PM with my phone number, give me a call. Tonight will be fine, I will be having a stress test at my cardiologist office tomorrow morning and won't be able to talk until after noon.

[HRT4SQRLS]

I also have a video of him running up and down me. If it’s beneficial to see him in action. I can email it to y’all if you need me.! Anything to help my boy.!

Can you put the video on a YouTube link. Sorry, I have no idea how to do that. :embar
I'll check back in tomorrow. I haven't feed my boys yet.

One other thing... are you sure your scale is correct? Maybe someone can weigh some items on their scale and compare weights. Weigh 4 quarters or nickels and have someone else do the same.

[RobynRoberts]

Ann sorry I never seen that post or msg till this morning.! My phone is very delayed when it comes to getting notifications from here.

I could email it if you private msg me a email address.!

[Nancy in New York]

I tried to quickly skim your thread and see
that you have the best of the best on here.

I see that you are feeding Esbilac, can you tell us if
it's the one pictured below? I know you must have
already answered this. :tilt

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CNpnzm8/0/e6c5a4b5/S/i-CNpnzm8-S.jpg

[RobynRoberts]

So this morning I weighed two quarters which according to google should weigh 11.3 and it weighed 11. So I’m sure my scale is right. And today Beeline weighed 19 grams. I weigh him every morning. I also cooked him a egg. Which he didn’t like. Of course. I can’t get him to eat anything protein and I am running out of ideas. He loves yogurt drops., cauliflower., avocado and somewhat cheese shreds and picky eaters blocks. Like I said he won’t touch a hi protein block., a meal worm or cricket or eggs apparently. I’m gonna try grinding up the protein blocks and maybe mixing it in with yogurt or sour cream.?

[RobynRoberts]

Yes that’s it.! The one with probiotics in the little blue ribbon at the top.

[RobynRoberts]

And the coconut oil made the flaky spot and scab on his shoulder disappear.

[BCChins]

I would not use sour cream.
Try to get some Wax Worms ASAP
Get a hold of Anne later today.

[BCChins]

I would not use sour cream.
Try to get some Wax Worms ASAP
Get a hold of Anne later today.

What about a stool sample have you run one to see if he has parasites?

[RobynRoberts]

Sour cream is on the flying squirrel healthy diet list under calcium., and yes multiple times have no seen anything

[RobynRoberts]

I also can’t get waxworms until this weekend I live in the middle of no where and he closest place to get those is a hour and 20 mins away and I work Mon-Friday

[Mel1959]

I know it may not help for this time, but mealworms and wax worms can be ordered online. They ship them in a live box via fed ex or ups. I used to get them for my bearded dragon all the time.

[RobynRoberts]

I did not know that! Ill see if I cant find some online real quick

[Nancy in New York]

I did not know that! Ill see if I cant find some online real quick

Try Timberline
They ship overnight.
http://timberlinefresh.com/products/waxworms/

Or Natures Way is another good place, shipping takes longer.
http://thenaturesway.com/p-10-wax-worms.aspx
OR Grubco http://www.grubco.com/

[RobynRoberts]

I just ordered some!

[RobynRoberts]

Fed him at 6am this morning (going to 4 hour intervals) after his formula I gave him tiny portions of cauliflower, HHP Picky eater block, Pure Bites Chicken, Hard boiled egg with a piece of shell, and a yogurt drop incase he wanted more to eat between then and 10am. When I went to feed him at 10am he had ate everything but a little piece of egg shell, a little peice of HHP Block, and shreds of pure bites chicken. Im stocked! I pray he starts absorbing the nutrients he needs to get his hair back and become a strong healthy boy! BTW I am still putting coconut oil on him to, it made his skin soft and i feel its beneficial to keep it healthy and from drying out since he has no hair! Correct me if I am wrong. Also Im no longer switching totes at the end of the day from his (new and improved day tote to his night tote) in case it was stressing him out.

And a curiosity question - no I'm not doing it but was just researching.

Has anyone ever tried or considered adding Esbiliac 2nd step formula to there original formula? Its made with beef protein and milk protein? it has 26% protein.

AND I will be talking to Ann later today for anyone who is keeping up with this thread.. Will keep posting updates on Beeline.. And HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE OF YOU who have posted in this thread!! I am so grateful to yall and this site!!

[cava]

Such good news. I'm glad the new tote is working and that he ate so well! May be feeding more often is getting his appetite up? Anyway, so glad!

[BCChins]

This is good news he is learning. Keep up the good work Baby Bee :Love_Icon

Anne will be a huge help for you.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Great news! I think the coconut oil is fine. It's probably soothing to the skin.

I don't think I would add the Esbilac 2nd step. The Esbilac that you're using is 33% protein. IMO, Beeline is a fragile little guy. He seems stable right now so I wouldn't try something that would be iffy. Stable is good. The last thing he needs is another bout of diarrhea. It's just too risky.

As far as the worms, he probably won't recognize that as food. When it wiggles in his hands he will probably toss it down quickly. :rotfl There have been conversations on TSB about introducing worms. Some will cut them on half and sorta squeeze out the good stuff. Well... I'm just not going to do that. :yuck

[RobynRoberts]

Another weird habit of is., he wants to chew on everything.!! My clothes my hand., the blanket. Is this part of the nutritional problem or is this just him being onry. He just got ahold of my skin and wouldn’t let go. I told him NO and made a weird noise to get him to let go. He just ate at 6pm. And is running all over the play room and myself like a tree.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Another weird habit of is., he wants to chew on everything.!! My clothes my hand., the blanket. Is this part of the nutritional problem or is this just him being onry. He just got ahold of my skin and wouldn’t let go. I told him NO and made a weird noise to get him to let go. He just ate at 6pm. And is running all over the play room and myself like a tree.

Squirrels pretty much all chew things. Flyers aren't as bad as grey squirrels though. I don't think it's a problem. I'm not sure what it is about skin. Bonzai loves to chew my skin. It's another weird 'squirrel thing'.

Even though he's a tiny boy, he sounds normal in his activity. 😀

Also, I think keeping the same bin is a good idea. They really do love their little 'space'. When I clean the boys cage I don't always change out their cube or hammock. Of course, when it gets full of their hidden treasures (crap) I do change it.

[RobynRoberts]

Lol I’ve never had one have the want to chew on my skin like him.

And he is VERY active. He is getting braver with the jumping and gliding. But we stay very close to the well cushioned floor. After about a hour of play I gave him his tiny portions again. And this time he went straight for the egg. Yay protein.! I’m just having to come to terms that he is gonna lose all his hair sadly

Btw thanks.!!! You’ve been such great help.!!!

[Mel1959]

Does he eat from a syringe? You can always grind up Harlan block and mix it with veggie baby food and chicken baby food, then thin it enough with formula to flow through a syringe. This is how I feed my dwarf squirrel, Joey. BTW before I started feeding Joey ground Harlan block he had lost almost all his tail hair and the hair he did have was thin. After 3 months of adding Harlan block to his diet and putting coconut oil on his tail his hair re-grew.

The picture collage shows the re-growth over the three months. It was pretty amazing. Obviously his hair loss was due to nutrition. I should also point out that his whole demeanor changed when his nutritional needs were being met. He acts more like a regular squirrel. His activity level increased and he is more alert with sounds and smells.

[RobynRoberts]

Yes he does eat thru a syringes what kind of baby food do you suggest.?

Also another I never had one do blah blah blah question. Tonight at midnight I fed him his formula he had ate all of his solid foods. When he got done eating I went to put coconut oil on him., and he started making the weird noise they make., and every time I would go to touch him he would jump back and make that noise., I tried putting him back in the box and he went crazy and started making that noise., I sat there for 20 mins trying to figure out was he hurt or was he just upset about the smell and me putting coconut oil on him.? So I picked him up and he fused and fused and I put him back in his tote and he fused all the way to a corner of the blanket where he hid himself I covered him up and left. Is this normal behavior.?

[RobynRoberts]

This morning we’re at 21 grams. I’m assuming he isn’t eating to much to frequent to fast because he isn’t having any lose stool so Yay.
He ate all his solid foods again
And I’m sure last night was just his personality shining thru bc he didn’t want or like the coconut oil.! Because this morning I did not get any fusing.
He is also getting hair around his butt I noticed.! Even though we’re still losing hair hopefully we’re on the up hill.
I thought about buying the vitamins and protein from HHPs but since he is now eating his variety healthy solids should I just give him time.?

[HRT4SQRLS]

Yes, I would give him time. He's still on formula so that should be providing the minerals and vitamins that he needs. Fantastic news. 21g.... :w00t

The vitamins and protein that Henrys sells are for those that make their own blocks.
I wouldn't supplement with those.

[Mel1959]

Yes he does eat thru a syringes what kind of baby food do you suggest.?

Also another I never had one do blah blah blah question. Tonight at midnight I fed him his formula he had ate all of his solid foods. When he got done eating I went to put coconut oil on him., and he started making the weird noise they make., and every time I would go to touch him he would jump back and make that noise., I tried putting him back in the box and he went crazy and started making that noise., I sat there for 20 mins trying to figure out was he hurt or was he just upset about the smell and me putting coconut oil on him.? So I picked him up and he fused and fused and I put him back in his tote and he fused all the way to a corner of the blanket where he hid himself I covered him up and left. Is this normal behavior.?

Any kind of baby food that is on the healthy squirrel diet. There are some great combinations like apple, kale and avocado or pears, peas and broccoli as well as many others. There are also combinations that combine vegetables and chicken. I just offer a variety. I don’t feed one type until it’s gone, I have several open and rotate them. The foil pouches keep the longest.

[Skul]

Robyn, I'm going to PM you my phone number.
Your flyer is in need of immediate help.

[Rhapsody]

I just read the entire post as I have two SFS babies that are almost eight weeks old and they are both losing their fur with one of them failing to thrive.

After reading through all the advice given to the OP I am thinking my babies may be needing more protein in their diet...... they refuse hhb atm, but love their Esbilac with yogurt and heavy cream.

I am no noob to rehabbing, ten year exp, but then again I have never had a SFS as young as these two are..... any helpful advice will be appreciated.

Pics.

[RobynRoberts]

Hey guys.! Sorry it’s been awhile but here is an update on Beeline.! As of this morning he is 40 grams.! He did lose all of his hair except for what was on his head. But we have now almost got it all back.! We have a small spot on are back yet. But for the most part we are full of hair again.! He is happy healthy and full of energy.!

I literately did a process of elimination and took all of yalls advice and incorporated it in someway.! From environment to bedding to his diet. He is still on Esbilac formula every 5 hours no night feedings. He gets his favorite veggies. I tried HHP hi protein and picky eaters., Harlan blocks., monkey biscuits he hated them all. So I grounded them up and made Boo balls using almond butter and vanilla yogurt until I got a cookie dough like texture and he loves them.! He gets two a day.

He is still getting ulra Boost in his formula -since it’s the better safer alternative to heavy cream. But I also bought HHP Vita-Mins and mix half a 1/4 tsp in of it with his formula also.

I’ll try and get an update picture of him posted he is a whole new guy.!

[cava]

Great news and good for you for working so hard and taking the advice. It really shows how much you care!:w00t

[BCChins]

Happy for you and Beeline. Glad you got him on the right tract!

[RobynRoberts]

Here is some Update pictures the second picture is of him about 2 weeks ago when I say he really and truly lost pretty much all of his hair.
The first picture is of him yesterday with just a couple of little spots on his back yet. I'm so thankful for you guys! Thanks again for helping me and sweet baby Bee. I swear he grows a entire patch of hair like over night!

[Mel1959]

Wow, what a difference! Great job! :great. I noticed quick hair growth with my dwarf, too. It’s amazing. Did you ever rub any coconut oil into his bare patches?

[Jen413]

He looks GREAT!!! :w00t Prayers that he continues on this path.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Awesome. Definitely headed in the right direction. :dance

[RobynRoberts]

Another Bee update and question.!

Bee is now at 53 grams., fully fured like a normal flyer.!
My question is., he hasn’t gained any weight for about a week now. Should I be concerned.? Idk when they really stop gaining weight or start to plateau.
And tonight he hasn’t been up to playing. At night I normally take him out and we play in the play room for a couple of hours., and he just wanted to curl up in my shirt or hand. Normally he’d be running all over the place and when I put him back in his cage he continues to run around and play with his toys long after I go to bed.. even when I put him back he went right back for his bed.. I thought maybe I got him out to early so I came back a little later and he still had no interest. Do they have days they just don’t want to play.? This afternoon I got him out for a snack and he ate and played with his toys and drank and then went back to sleep.

Sorry guys I just want my sweet Bee to have the best life I can give him.! Even if that means I ask questions all the time.! I feel like a overly protective mother.!

[RobynRoberts]

Nvm on the playing part just went and checked on him again and he came running out to play.! I guess he just wasn’t ready yet lol.!