New Baby Squirrel

[h_ann05]

My sister and I recently were given a baby squirrel by someone who found her after cutting down a tree. We were advised to use Kitten powdered milk replacer. The baby’s eyes are still closed and she is 70g. We aren’t sure we are feeding her the correct milk and would like some advice.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Hi h_ann05

Welcome to TheSquirrelBoard

Here is a link that will help. It is 6 pages long. The next tab is on the upper right.
https://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

Actually, kitten formula isn't recommended for baby squirrels. It has too much protein. Get powdered puppy Esbilac with probiotics and prebiotics.
We can help you, for sure. :grin2

[stepnstone]

My sister and I recently were given a baby squirrel by someone who found her after cutting down a tree. We were advised to use Kitten powdered milk replacer. The baby’s eyes are still closed and she is 70g. We aren’t sure we are feeding her the correct milk and would like some advice.
Your right, it is not the correct formula...
What you want is the Esbilac puppy formula with pre & pro-biotics. Powered not liquid!
Squirrels follow canine not feline, the KM does not contain the nutrition they need and
it causes diarrhea which leads to dehydration.

Attaching a picture of the correct formula and the link on baby squirrel care.
Please ask any and all questions you may have, we are here to help you. :grouphug

299394

Go to this link this is a HUGE help.
It's 6 pages long with the next button on the top right corner.
http://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

Edit: @ Hrt :highfive

[h_ann05]

Ok thank you! Going to get the new formula now.

[h_ann05]

Is it ok to switch to the new formula at the next feeding?

[HRT4SQRLS]

How long has she been on kitten formula?

[h_ann05]

5 days

[HRT4SQRLS]

Does she have diarrhea?

[HRT4SQRLS]

The reason I asked is because you might want to do a hydration flush to get that out of her system and then start over with the powdered Puppy Esbilac.


Homemade Rehydration Fluid
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar or apple juice
2 cups warm water
Store in refrigerator. Discard after 24 hours.
Note: If the baby refuses fluids, try leaving out the salt.

[h_ann05]

Yes, diarrhea started today. I will try the rehydration. How long after that do I start the formula?

[HRT4SQRLS]

Yes, that is pretty common with kitten formula. I would definitely give one hydration feeding. A couple hours later you can give her the Esbilac puppy formula.

I would probably make it 3 parts water to one part powder puppy Esbilac to begin with. Let her tummy get used to the new formula. Then I would go to full strength which is 2 parts water to 1 part powder. See how she does. Kitten formula and then a switch will get her tummy in an uproar but she will get through it. You definitely have to switch.

[Mel1959]

I’d give the hydration fluid for a couple of feedings at least. It might take longer to flush her system of the KMR. She can use it with the diarrhea she’s experiencing.

How often are you feeding her?

Oops, I see HRT4SQRLS beat me to an answer. She’s giving great advice. Follow what she says.

[h_ann05]

Ok rehydrating her now. We have been feeding her every 3-4 hours.

[Mel1959]

:great:great

[stepnstone]

Uhhhhh h_ann05.... just an FYI.... :worthless :grin3

[h_ann05]

I just fed her the puppy milk replacer, she had some diarrhea before. Hoping we are heading in the right direction.

[Nancy in New York]

I just fed her the puppy milk replacer, she had some diarrhea before. Hoping we are heading in the right direction.

How much are you feeding?
What kind of a container do you have her in?
What size syringe are you using?
Sorry for the questions, I don't think they were asked yet.

[h_ann05]

I've been feeding her 3ml every 3-4 hours. She is in a plastic box with a heating pad underneath it, with fleece blankets inside. I have been using a 10ml syringe.

[Mel1959]

Check your syringe size again. 10 ml is pretty big. Are you sure it’s not a 1 ml syringe?

[stepnstone]

I've been feeding her 3ml every 3-4 hours. She is in a plastic box with a heating pad underneath it, with fleece blankets inside. I have been using a 10ml syringe.
Using a 10ml is very risky, harder to control the flow volume,
using a 3ml even a 5ml would be a much better alternative.

[h_ann05]

It's a 10ml syringe, it's the only one I had. I have only been feeding 3ml from it. I feed 0.1ml at a time, then let her swallow. But I will get a smaller one.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Ask at a pharmacy for a 1cc syringe.
They will usually give you one if you tell them it's for an orphan animal.
Don't tell them it's for a squirrel as it is illegal in most states to possess wildlife if you're not a licensed rehabber.

[h_ann05]

Thank you! I'm an RN so I will also try to get some from work this week.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Perfect!

You might want to consider buying a couple O-ring syringes from Henry's Healthy pets. The O-ring syringes are smooth as silk. The big black plunger in a typical syringe tends to start sticking after a few uses. This can cause a blast of formula that finds it way into the lungs and causes aspiration pneumonia.

Henry's also sells a nipple called the Miracle nipple. It is awesome and greatly reduces the risk of aspiration. Pretty much all rehabbers use the O-ring syringes with a Miracle nipple.

https://www.henryspets.com/miracle-slip-tip-o-ring-syringes/

https://www.henryspets.com/miracle-nipple/

[HRT4SQRLS]

I've been feeding her 3ml every 3-4 hours. She is in a plastic box with a heating pad underneath it, with fleece blankets inside. I have been using a 10ml syringe.


Make sure the heating pad is on LOW. It should be under 1/2 of the bin. This gives them the opportunity to move off the heat if they get too warm.

[h_ann05]

Yes the heating pad is on low and only on 1/2 the bin. I just ordered some Henry's syringes and miracle nipples.