Herpvettech
10-30-2017, 08:53 AM
Hi everyone, I am not usually some who posts but I will share something that I have come across this squirrel season.
As with many members, FV 32/40 has always been my go to formula for rehab squirrel babies. When they started having trouble digesting it I was also battling the problem. I have had not so great experiences with other formula so I was determined to make the FV work.
While researching formula for bats (was working on making a more convenient way of premixing dry ingredients) I came across updated information for the formula that Bat World uses due to a similar problem they were having with their neonates digesting formula.
Their solution was Lactase (Commercial Lactaid). It comes as a caplet that I crush into a fine powder. I add a pinch of lactase and commercial "Prozyme" ( ~1/16th tsp) per 60 mls (2 oz) of formula. The only catch is that it has to be added right before feeding to the portion you are using. The enzymes break down the formula and will cause it to curdle and separate within about 30-60 min.
I have raised 8 pinkies (15-20 grams on arrival) this season using the Lactaid and Prozyme and not a single one has had any digestion problems, nor any constipation or diarrhea. This has been with FV 32/40 at 2:1 mixture ratio.
I realize that this is a small number of squirrels so I can't say that I have found a solution to the problems that we are having but I have had such great results I thought that I should share.
I hope this helps!
https://www.amazon.com/Lactaid-Original-Strength-Lactase-Caplets/dp/B000052XB5/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1509371494&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=Lactaid&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Prozyme-Prozyme-200-g/dp/B003VKXMLA/ref=sr_1_4?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1509371558&sr=8-4&keywords=Prozyme&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011
As with many members, FV 32/40 has always been my go to formula for rehab squirrel babies. When they started having trouble digesting it I was also battling the problem. I have had not so great experiences with other formula so I was determined to make the FV work.
While researching formula for bats (was working on making a more convenient way of premixing dry ingredients) I came across updated information for the formula that Bat World uses due to a similar problem they were having with their neonates digesting formula.
Their solution was Lactase (Commercial Lactaid). It comes as a caplet that I crush into a fine powder. I add a pinch of lactase and commercial "Prozyme" ( ~1/16th tsp) per 60 mls (2 oz) of formula. The only catch is that it has to be added right before feeding to the portion you are using. The enzymes break down the formula and will cause it to curdle and separate within about 30-60 min.
I have raised 8 pinkies (15-20 grams on arrival) this season using the Lactaid and Prozyme and not a single one has had any digestion problems, nor any constipation or diarrhea. This has been with FV 32/40 at 2:1 mixture ratio.
I realize that this is a small number of squirrels so I can't say that I have found a solution to the problems that we are having but I have had such great results I thought that I should share.
I hope this helps!
https://www.amazon.com/Lactaid-Original-Strength-Lactase-Caplets/dp/B000052XB5/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1509371494&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=Lactaid&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Prozyme-Prozyme-200-g/dp/B003VKXMLA/ref=sr_1_4?rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1509371558&sr=8-4&keywords=Prozyme&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011