Possibly sick baby

[PhantomMommy]

I have a little boy squirrel about 7 weeks old. I got him and his siblings when they were about 1-2 weeks old but the 3 others have since died. He's always been the biggest and strongest and I don't know if what's happening is life threatening or not. I haven't taken care of any animal like this before and haven't felt like this about one either. My Phantom (from Phantom of the Opera) has been making some kind of scratchy noise in his chest for about 2 days now. His breathing is kind of odd but his brother did the same thing once and all I had to do was clean his nose and he was fine. The breathing is odd because he takes deep breaths and his lungs go in a lot when he takes a breath. I can send videos of the sound he's been making and I've cleaned his nose A LOT but I can't get inside because his nose is so small. He sneezes a lot as well but usually more in the mornings I think. He eats a lot and is active so I don't think he has pneumonia and there's no clicking. I keep him warm and feed him often and he has plenty of space. I do think he is small for his age as I've seen many be bigger than a guy's hand and he still fits in mine (I'm very small) but his siblings were small too. I've read nearly everything there is know about their care and I work very hard day and night to keep him alive, as I did with his siblings. I can provide videos and pictures and can be contacted at pretty much any time. I'm very concerned about him and hope it'll clear up but he's my last little baby left and I haven't read about anyone else having these problems and I've looked up everything. Please help!

[LR]

Please post a picture of him and a link to a video that shows his problem if you can . Do you have a scale to weigh him on? If you do please post a weight on him.

[cava]

Hi and welcome. Please be as detailed as possible answering the following questions...

What are you feeding him daily, how much, how often? Has he always had this diet?

Where do you keep him, what's the set up, where in the house, other pets?

How much does he weigh in grams, you need a kitchen scale (Walmart $11). You will need this in case he needs meds, so someone here can instruct you on how much to give him. Having a scale can save his life.

Videos can be uploaded to youtube and the link pasted here. Photos can be posted by attaching (top task bar) from your computer. Both would be very helpful.

[cava]

Also, can you get your hands on the following antibiotics? Start calling friends and family. These are best for pneumonia.

Best--Baytril (animal med) or ciprofloxicin (human, often for uti treatment in women)

Good--Clavamox (animal) or augmenten (human)

and possibly Doxycycline

[PhantomMommy]

295386

[PhantomMommy]

I replied to your first message Cava but I don't see it

[cava]

He is very cute, but looks small for his age. Let us know what he's been eating along with the other stuff I asked.

We'll help you get him sorted out.

[cava]

I replied to your first message Cava but I don't see it


You may not have hit submit afterward. That stinks, try again.

[PhantomMommy]

What are you feeding him daily, how much, how often? Has he always had this diet?
I give him Pedialyte about every other time I feed him and if he's hasn't been fed for more than 4 hours to be safe. He gets PetAg milk replacer plus for puppies and I feed him until his belly is full and rounded. He's always been fed this and doesn't drink water but eats pecans and Wild Harvest veggie puffers for small animals but only when I show them to him.

Where do you keep him, what's the set up, where in the house, other pets?
I keep him in a very large metal ferret cage and he has plenty to chew on all around him but never does. He sleeps in a large shirt with a heat lamp beside the cage and mostly stays there but I think it's because my room has been cooler. My mom has a toy poodle but I don't let her near him a lot because he doesn't like her.

How much does he weigh in grams, you need a kitchen scale (Walmart $11). You will need this in case he needs meds, so someone here can instruct you on how much to give him. Having a scale can save his life.
I don't have a scale but I will work on getting one.

Videos can be uploaded to youtube and the link pasted here. Photos can be posted by attaching (top task bar) from your computer. Both would be very helpful.[/QUOTE]

[cava]

What are you feeding him daily, how much, how often? Has he always had this diet?
I give him Pedialyte about every other time I feed him and if he's hasn't been fed for more than 4 hours to be safe. He gets PetAg milk replacer plus for puppies and I feed him until his belly is full and rounded. He's always been fed this and doesn't drink water but eats pecans and Wild Harvest veggie puffers for small animals but only when I show them to him.

Ok. Pet Ag is not supporting him and he will continue to get sick if you continue to use it. He needs to be drinking Esbilac Puppy formula with pre and probiotics on the label (see below). Mix according to the label and feed him every four hours during the day and you can give a 6 hour break at night. Stop the Pedialyte. He shouldn't have that much salt. You don't ever want to replace a formula meal with pedialyte because you are taking much needed calories away. You are feeding until the belly is full, but that isn't a safe way to tell if he's getting what he needs. Overfeeding can be more dangerous than underfeeding as it can cause bloat and problems with GI tract. When you get the scale you will feed him 5-7% of his body weight in grams. For instance if he weighs 125g x .05=6.25ml each time.

Stop feeding pecans and puffers, get him on the right track with proper formula now.

What kind syringe/nipple are you using??


Where do you keep him, what's the set up, where in the house, other pets?
I keep him in a very large metal ferret cage and he has plenty to chew on all around him but never does. He sleeps in a large shirt with a heat lamp beside the cage and mostly stays there but I think it's because my room has been cooler. My mom has a toy poodle but I don't let her near him a lot because he doesn't like her Offer lots of non loopy fabric (no towels) that nails can get caught on like fleece, t shirt, sweat shirt material. He will want to sleep under things. Be very careful with the lamp and be sure it's not too close and he can get to a cooler area if needed.

Check out this link for more helpful stuff:https://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=295390&stc=1

[PhantomMommy]

What are you feeding him daily, how much, how often? Has he always had this diet?
I give him Pedialyte about every other time I feed him and if he's hasn't been fed for more than 4 hours to be safe. He gets PetAg milk replacer plus for puppies and I feed him until his belly is full and rounded. He's always been fed this and doesn't drink water but eats pecans and Wild Harvest veggie puffers for small animals but only when I show them to him.

[/COLOR]Ok. Pet Ag is not supporting him and he will continue to get sick if you continue to use it. He needs to be drinking Esbilac Puppy formula with pre and probiotics on the label (see below). Mix according to the label and feed him every four hours during the day and you can give a 6 hour break at night. Stop the Pedialyte. He shouldn't have that much salt. You don't ever want to replace a formula meal with pedialyte because you are taking much needed calories away. You are feeding until the belly is full, but that isn't a safe way to tell if he's getting what he needs. Overfeeding can be more dangerous than underfeeding as it can cause bloat and problems with GI tract. When you get the scale you will feed him 5-7% of his body weight in grams. For instance if he weighs 125g x .05=6.25ml each time.
I'll see about going to Walmart and getting the formula and scale right now.

Stop feeding pecans and puffers, get him on the right track with proper formula now.
When should I start feeding him solids again? And when should I give him Pedialyte?

What kind syringe/nipple are you using??
A little eye dropper. I make sure to feed him very slowly and he has not aspirated since he was smaller but I made sure he was okay.

Where do you keep him, what's the set up, where in the house, other pets?
I keep him in a very large metal ferret cage and he has plenty to chew on all around him but never does. He sleeps in a large shirt with a heat lamp beside the cage and mostly stays there but I think it's because my room has been cooler. My mom has a toy poodle but I don't let her near him a lot because he doesn't like her Offer lots of non loopy fabric (no towels) that nails can get caught on like fleece, t shirt, sweat shirt material. He will want to sleep under things. Be very careful with the lamp and be sure it's not too close and he can get to a cooler area if needed.
There's nothing with loops or things to hurt him. He has lots of space to move away from the light and usually does.

Check out this link for more helpful stuff:https://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=295390&stc=1[/QUOTE]

[PhantomMommy]

I can't get him any of the things he needs right now. Is there something else I could feed him until tomorrow?

[Mel1959]

The advice you have gotten is spot on. Walmart in my area does not carry Esbilac Powdered puppy formula. It must be purchased from Pet Supermarket, Petco or Tractor Supply. Some othe feed stores may carry it, and I have never seen it at PetSmart. He needs the correct formula ASAP.

A scale is a must! He needs to be weighed every morning before his morning feeding and then you must calculate what 5-7% of his weight would be so you know how much to feed at EACH feeding.

He would probably like a non shut off heating pad set to low placed UNDER half of his bin. That way he can move off it if he gets too hot. A non shut off heating pad can usually be found at wal mart, target, walgreens, cvs etc. They aren’t too expensive because they don’t automatically shut off.

Keep trying to locate the antibiotics. It’s always good to have them on hand in case you need them.

[LR]

Take a look at the can of formula you are using now. Is it the same one that is in the picture below? Is it the powder? If the can looks the same and it is the powder you already have the correct formula. Esbilac is made by Pet Ag.

[Mel1959]

The only other thing to feed him still will require a trip to the store. It would be the temporary goats milk formula. You would have to purchase goats milk either refrigerated in the carton, powdered or canned. The powdered has to be mixed with water according to the instructions. The goats milk then needs to be mixed with heavy whipping cream and vanilla full fat yogurt. Can you get goats milk or those other items?

[PhantomMommy]

I can't get anything for him until tomorrow. I'm only 18 and don't have a car of my own. If the formula isn't at Walmart I'll look in tractor supply. I'll also get him a scale and ask around for antibiotics. What can I feed him until I get these things though? He needs to be fed again now and I usually wake up in the middle of the night to feed him. Also he's been sneezing more recently and he's sleeping on me now and his nose sounds VERY stuffy. I clean it when he sneezes and an eye dropper is too big for his little nose. Is there something I can do about that?

[PhantomMommy]

295391

[LR]

Would mom or a neighbor be able to take you to a grocery store? This is not the correct formula.

[Mel1959]

If you can’t get to the store tonight to get the Esbilac or ingredients for the goats milk formula, you will have to feed what you have been feeding. You are mixing it one part powder to two parts water, right?

[PhantomMommy]

No one can take me tonight; I've asked. I just took a video of a squeaky nose he's making now but I can't send it and idk about the YouTube stuff. He needed to be fed an hour ago.

[PhantomMommy]

Yes I'm mixing it correctly

[Clutch&StuartsMommy]

I can't get him any of the things he needs right now. Is there something else I could feed him until tomorrow?

Walmart sells the premade formula in a pop top can. I buy my premade from there at all hours of the night when I get a new baby in. Also, I understand your wanting to give him Pedialyte because you're worried; but keep in mind, mama squirrels don't run to the grocery store to buy Pedialyte. I have given my newest one a tiny bit like a few drops in between feedings, but I concentrate on his formula and I do add a little bit of heavy whipping cream to it. I also make sure that his formula is a tiny bit warm and definitely not cold when I feed him. The absolute most important thing is that he stays warm. If you fill a sock up with some rice and tie the sock at the end, put the sock in the microwave and warm it up; not too hot though and place it in his cage underneath A flannel piece of cloth or in another sock that's a little bit thicker so the baby can get heat off of it. I hope this helps 💜

[Mel1959]

It definitely sounds like he could have an upper respiratory infection since you say he has a stuffy nose and is making squeaky noises. When you hold him up to your ear like a phone do you hear clicking or rattling in his chest? If this is the case he will need to be started on antibiotics. Call friends and family and ask about the medications that were posted. You only need one pill. Don’t give any meds till someone has instructed you the correct amount to give. It’s based on his weight.

[Clutch&StuartsMommy]

Also, my personal experience with the new babies, is using the premade popped up formula is so much better on their digestive tracts as opposed to the powdered formula. Young baby squirrels have a hard time getting the nutrients out of the powdered formula for some reason. I had to do a lot of research to find this out after one of my really young babies was having failure to thrive. I switched him over to the premade pop-top formula, and he started improving immediately.

[PhantomMommy]

I make sure both him and his formula are warm at all times
295392
He's laying in my shirt and hand at the moment

[Mel1959]

Walmart sells the premade formula in a pop top can. I buy my premade from there at all hours of the night when I get a new baby in. Also, I understand your wanting to give him Pedialyte because you're worried; but keep in mind, mama squirrels don't run to the grocery store to buy Pedialyte. I have given my newest one a tiny bit like a few drops in between feedings, but I concentrate on his formula and I do add a little bit of heavy whipping cream to it. I also make sure that his formula is a tiny bit warm and definitely not cold when I feed him. The absolute most important thing is that he stays warm. If you fill a sock up with some rice and tie the sock at the end, put the sock in the microwave and warm it up; not too hot though and place it in his cage underneath A flannel piece of cloth or in another sock that's a little bit thicker so the baby can get heat off of it. I hope this helps 💜

The liquid formula is not recommended, it can cause diarrhea. The powdered puppy Esbilac or Fox Valley 20/50 are what is recommended to feed. Fox Valley can be purchased online.

[PhantomMommy]

He does have a bit of a scratchy sound and sometimes a squeaky but it's not with every breath. I'm going to see about getting the medicine tomorrow as most people are asleep now and I'll be seeing them tomorrow. I don't know if I mentioned his sneezing but he's been doing it more lately.

[Clutch&StuartsMommy]

How far up into Georgia do you live? I live in Jax area of Florida.

[Mel1959]

He does have a bit of a scratchy sound and sometimes a squeaky but it's not with every breath. I'm going to see about getting the medicine tomorrow as most people are asleep now and I'll be seeing them tomorrow. I don't know if I mentioned his sneezing but he's been doing it more lately.

I had five babies that had runny noses and congestion, just like you mentioned I treated them with Clavamox and Baytril and they all recovered. There are TSB members in Georgia that might be close enough to help you. What city/county do you live in?

[PhantomMommy]

I live in Americus but near Leslie. Should I go ahead and feed him? I've also noticed that he grinds his teeth. Is that normal?

[Mel1959]

Are you going to feed him the formula you have been using tonight until you get the correct formula tomorrow morning? I don’t think that it will hurt him for you to give him a couple more feedings of it, it’s just not the correct formula and he is not going to thrive on it. I’m concerned about the congestion and possible upper respiratory infection.

[PhantomMommy]

Are you going to feed him the formula you have been using tonight until you get the correct formula tomorrow morning? I don’t think that it will hurt him for you to give him a couple more feedings of it, it’s just not the correct formula and he is not going to thrive on it. I’m concerned about the congestion and possible upper respiratory infection.

Yes I'll feed him the same stuff until tomorrow. He doesn't always have sounds like that though. And he's silent right now.

[cava]

No one can take me tonight; I've asked. I just took a video of a squeaky nose he's making now but I can't send it and idk about the YouTube stuff. He needed to be fed an hour ago.

Sorry I was away feeding babies I didn't ditch you.

Go ahead and feed him the pet ag you have until morning when you can get the correct stuff. Some calories are better than nothing at all. Stop the pedialyte. If he is drinking formula, he is getting the hydration that he needs.

He can have rodent block, for his solids. We'll get you that info but for now, just get him on the formula and get his weight up.

[PhantomMommy]

The formula says it has probiotics and prebiotics. Why isn't it the same?

[Mel1959]

We’re not sure what’s not the same we just know from past experience that babies don’t thrive on it. Does your little guy willingly take the formula? Because you’re using a dropper do you have any idea how much he’s taking at each feeding? When you make your trip to the store tomorrow ask the pharmacist for a couple of 1cc syringes (no needle). They are usually more willing to give them to you if you say you are feeding an orphaned kitten.

[LR]

Different formulas have varying concentrations of multiple ingredients. The two formulas that have been working the best for the majority of babies are the powdered Esbilac and Fox Valley 20/50.
When you get the Esbilac, mix up enough for the whole day and let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours before you feed any. That way there is time enough for the powder to dissolve correctly. Dump any that is left over that evening and mix a new batch for the next day.

[PhantomMommy]

We’re not sure what’s not the same we just know from past experience that babies don’t thrive on it. Does your little guy willingly take the formula? Because you’re using a dropper do you have any idea how much he’s taking at each feeding? When you make your trip to the store tomorrow ask the pharmacist for a couple of 1cc syringes (no needle). They are usually more willing to give them to you if you say you are feeding an orphaned kitten.

He LOVES it and barely eats much else. I don't know how much he's eating but I feed him until he doesn't wiggle around as much and he seems to be okay with that. I'll add that to my list for tomorrow.

I just fed him and noticed that his poop is a different color. It's usually green because of the puffers but today it's been brown all day because of the pecans but just now it was a yellow-green color and the last one was a bit mushy.

[Mel1959]

Loose stools can be a result of over feeding or it could be the formula. See what his next bowel movement is like. We don’t want him to get diarrhea.

I have reached out to a member in GA (Spanky) to see if he might be close to you and able to offer assistance, or know of someone.

[Spanky]

Walmart sells the premade formula in a pop top can. I buy my premade from there at all hours of the night when I get a new baby in.

The premade liquid formula (the Esbilac) is not the same as the powdered version. You really need to use the powdered Esbilac formula.

[Spanky]

That baby does look very small for his age. The PetAg formula is notorious for causing diarrhea and babies actually starving to death from poor nutrition. The formula you need to get him on is Esbilac, the powdered version with pre and probiotics.

Feeding with droppers is very dangerous for a squirrel. A syringe allows much better control and measurement of proper feeding amounts.

The first and only solid food should always be a high quality rodent block and not thing else. Nuts are treats sort of like cotton candy for a toddler.

What area of Georgia are you located? Maybe I can help or maybe another member that may be near by. I would be very happy to help with proper formulas, rodent block and other supplies to get this guy on track and growing up strong and healthy.

[LR]

I live in Americus but near Leslie. Should I go ahead and feed him? I've also noticed that he grinds his teeth. Is that normal?



This is the area she lives in.

[Mel1959]

That baby does look very small for his age. The PetAg formula is notorious for causing diarrhea and babies actually starving to death from poor nutrition. The formula you need to get him on is Esbilac, the powdered version with pre and probiotics.

Feeding with droppers is very dangerous for a squirrel. A syringe allows much better control and measurement of proper feeding amounts.

The first and only solid food should always be a high quality rodent block and not thing else. Nuts are treats sort of like cotton candy for a toddler.

What area of Georgia are you located? Maybe I can help or maybe another member that may be near by. I would be very happy to help with proper formulas, rodent block and other supplies to get this guy on track and growing up strong and healthy.


Finder says they live in Americus, but near Leslie, GA.

[Spanky]

Thanks for posting (re-posting) the finders area. I obviously did not read the entire thread carefully last night before asking.

This is quite a ways from me (4 hours each way)... let's see hope there is a local store with the proper Esbilac. This one is so tiny I think adding Ultra Boost after the transition would be a good idea to help catch up up on his weight gain and growth. He reminds me of Squirt (AKA Donnie) from a few seasons back...

[Mel1959]

Thanks for posting (re-posting) the finders area. I obviously did not read the entire thread carefully last night before asking.

This is quite a ways from me (4 hours each way)... let's see hope there is a local store with the proper Esbilac. This one is so tiny I think adding Ultra Boost after the transition would be a good idea to help catch up up on his weight gain and growth. He reminds me of Squirt (AKA Donnie) from a few seasons back...

I agree about the ultraboost being helpful. I hope she can find some antibiotics for the respiratory problem. I think she lost 2 or 3 of the siblings. I’m not sure if it was because of the formula, respiratory problems or some other problem upon intake.

[PhantomMommy]

I have medicine syringes that I can use and am going to tractor supply today to get the formula. I don't know where to find rodent blocks though but I'll look around. I live in Southwestern Georgia in Sumter county.

[PhantomMommy]

I agree about the ultraboost being helpful. I hope she can find some antibiotics for the respiratory problem. I think she lost 2 or 3 of the siblings. I’m not sure if it was because of the formula, respiratory problems or some other problem upon intake.

What is ultraboost?

[PhantomMommy]

And what kind of rodent blocks do I need? There might be some at Walmart but I don't know what to get

[Spanky]

The syringes should not be larger than 3ml. Here is a link to ultraboost at Henry's where they have great squirrel blocks as well
https://www.henryspets.com/search.php?search_query=Ultraboost&Search=

[PhantomMommy]

GREAT NEWS EVERYONE! I just got the formula and a 3ml syringe as well as some squirrel blocks. The noise he was making has cleared up completely! He's a happy little boy now. Thank you to everyone who helped with everything, I really appreciate it.

[LR]

We can help you understand the Ultraboost and choose block tomorrow. For today, concentrate on finding a non-shut off heating pad, the correct formula and the anti-biotics that he needs. I see you've found syringes... Just keep looking for these other things. Another thing you need is a kitchen scale that can weigh him in grams. The scale is important because his weight determines how much you will be feeding him.

[Spanky]

GREAT NEWS EVERYONE! I just got the formula and a 3ml syringe as well as some squirrel blocks. The noise he was making has cleared up completely! He's a happy little boy now. Thank you to everyone who helped with everything, I really appreciate it.

Great update! :w00t

Be careful with the 3ml syringe, even with those small of ones sometimes they suck too much in at one time. I would have posted this earlier but I was away from home posting from my phone.... what type of block did you buy? Here are the ones that are recommended for squirrels in the order from best to least best:
295436https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=295437&stc=1https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=295438&stc=1https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=295439&stc=1

You'll not want to feed him any other solids until he is eating the block very well.

It is also important to feed the formula by weight, here is a cheat sheet feeding chart:
295440

And here is the link to the healthy food pyramid for squirrels:
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

[LR]

I see you found the formula. Yay!!