Lethargic squirrel

[Xothiliang]

Two days ago, we found a squirrel acting funny, she was laying down in cold dark places (mind you it's freezing outside and it was late at night), the next morning she had moved and was still acting strange, laying down and not scared of us, we could walk up and touch her if we wanted.

She eventually moved a little where I could see her better and she let me walk up to her, she was shivering and appeared to be skinny, I ended up using a towel and scooped her up into a small animal carrier and she went in with no fuss.

After warming her up near the furnace inside, she perked up a little and I moved her to a rabbit cage, she ate offered food but hasn't appeared to drink anything. She also curls up and doesn't move too much, her breathing is kind of heavy as well and I'm worried for her health.

She appears to be an adult squirrel, a brown / red (I can't tell)

I have had a "miracle" formula work before on a bald squirrel and her baby who were acting nearly the same, should I try that now?

It uses an egg yolk, peanut butter (for interest), mayo and goats milk. I used the same thing with different proportions to successfully wean and release baby rabbits a few years ago.


Sorry for my rambling on, I am not the best at explaining but I am worried for her health/life and would like a professional opinion on what to do.

[cava]

How old is the squirrel? Adult, juvie?

I would start with something she would normally want, like a nut. Or a piece of apple. That could help you gauge her appetite.

If she is injured, she may not be able to eat or handle food.

Post photo or you can take video, post to youtube and link to it. It would really help identify problems.

If she is a youngster she may still need formula. The formula you described is very high in fat and protein and could cause GI upset and other problems.

You can rub a bit of honey, molasses, karo syrup or maple syrup on her gums to bring up her blood sugar. You can also offer a bit of room temp pedialyte by syringe if she'll allow it to rehydrate her.

Can you identify any obvious injury?

In the mean time. Put her carrier or plastic bin half way over a non-shut off heating pad set on LOW, so she can move to a cooler side if she get's too warm. Offer fleece, t shirt or non snag material for her to snuggle into or burrow under. She'll feel more comfortable. Be sure other pet animals aren't near her to reduce her stress, which can impede healing. If you have small children, keep them away or put her in a quiet room. If the bin is clear, you can cover half with a blanket. Again, so she feels hidden and safe. Aquariums are no good.

[Spanky]

Thank you for helping this squirrel in obvious need of help.

Can you post a picture for us? If this is a juvenile separated from mom, it is not uncommon for them to seek out help from humans and others (a reason why dogs and cats catch so many juvies). If this is a wild adult, it must be in desperate need of help.

Do you notice if this is a male or female... and if a female, does she look as if she may have been nursing little ones?

I am unfamiliar with the formula recipe you posted, but here is our squirrel formula:
3 parts goat’s milk
1 part heavy whipping cream
1 part full fat yogurt

Provide water in a low profile dish so it is not too deep. Try putting in very hot water with even a drop of honey / molasses / sugar.

Also, let us know if by off chance you hear a "clicking" sound with each breath.

[SophieSquirrel]

Are you anywhere near Niles? I have some Fox Valley Squirrel Formula there.

[Xothiliang]

She seems to be adult, the squirrels here are fond to us so it's not too strange to see them come up for nuts and seeds, but she was acting completely strange. I offered her some bread soaked in water and she seemed to favor that a lot, it's been nearly a day since I brought her in and she has seemed to perk up a little since I brought the water soaked bread.

I unfortunately don't have anything to take a picture or video with, but she seems to be fully grown, just a little on the thin side, I can potentially try to weigh her, but I don't want to stress her out as she's a wild squirrel.

She is in a heated spare bedroom where no animals can get in, we have cats and a dog but no small children that could potentially bother her.


Also thanks for the warning on the formula mix I have! I don't remember where I got it but it seems to help. I have powdered goats milk that I keep for any instance where pets or animals seem a bit weak and in need of a boost. I'll have to go out and get some yogurt though to see if she'll take that.

[Xothiliang]

UPDATE!!

My brother came over and upon checking over her, she has a wound on her side.

It appears one of the neighbors kids may have shot her with a BB / pellet gun.

I'm starting to question if maybe she can't climb? Cause she just seems to walk around slowly and only stayed on the ground the two days we saw her.

If she can no longer climb, would it be better to just not release her once she's better?

[cava]

You would have to wait and how well she recovers but if she has a wound or you suspect she was shot, she needs medical attention.

Would you be willing to hand her off to a rehabber who has vet access so she can get checked out?

It sounds like she is painful and could be developing an infection. Or if she was shot out of a tree, she could have broken bones or other injuries not seen from the outside.

I'm glad she ate something for you.

[Xothiliang]

You would have to wait and how well she recovers but if she has a wound or you suspect she was shot, she needs medical attention.

Would you be willing to hand her off to a rehabber who has vet access so she can get checked out?

It sounds like she is painful and could be developing an infection. Or if she was shot out of a tree, she could have broken bones or other injuries not seen from the outside.

I'm glad she ate something for you.


I have just now contacted my aunt who lives next to a rehabber, they are willing to take her in but we have to wait till she gets out of work.

For now, is there anything we can do to help her further?

Any sort of pain killers that would work for her?

[cava]

I'm so glad she is going to help. Make her comfy and keep her stress level down until you transport her. That will help.

If it were me, I'd wait for the rehabber to treat her if she's going to get her in a few hours.