10 day old squirrel with swollen rectum and can't poop with out a lot of help

[Margaret]

Every two hours I have to massage him rectum in warm water to help him poop. I fed him extra water , given him some drops of a stool softener but his bottom goes right back to a big ball at the next feeding. This has been going on for 4 days.
Please help

[HRT4SQRLS]

Hi Margaret
:Welcome to TheSquirrelBoard

What are you feeding the little guy? Do you have a weight?

Here is a link for baby squirrel care. It's very helpful. (6 pages long)
https://www.henryspets.com/1-basic-setup/

[SophieSquirrel]

Are you anywhere near Louisville (Jefferson County)?

[HRT4SQRLS]

Margaret, I hope you come back. We would love to help.

[Margaret]

Are you anywhere near Louisville (Jefferson County)?

I am in Louisville,ky
I use the fox valley starter formula for new babies to 4 weeks old.
I have to gently squeeze his rectum to get the poop out. It is not hard poop, it just never comes out on its own , but it's always there and always so much of it.

[SophieSquirrel]

I am looking up a post on Fox Valley. Is it 32/40?

I have been using Esbilac Puppy with Probiotics until the eyes open and then I go to Fox Valley 20/50

This may be the problem or improper mixing. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?54405-WARNING-DO-NOT-FEED-Fox-Valley-32-40

[Mel1959]

I am in Louisville,ky
I use the fox valley starter formula for new babies to 4 weeks old.
I have to gently squeeze his rectum to get the poop out. It is not hard poop, it just never comes out on its own , but it's always there and always so much of it.

Fox Valley 32/40 is NOT recommended. You should get some powdered Esbilac puppy formula and get him off the Fox Valley 32/40 now. When his eyes open you can transition him to the Fox Valley 20/50. Or what many folks do is use a 50/50 mix of Esbilac and FV 20/50 when eyes are open.

[Margaret]

I am looking up a post on Fox Valley. Is it 32/40?

I have been using Esbilac Puppy with Probiotics until the eyes open and then I go to Fox Valley 20/50

This may be the problem or improper mixing. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?54405-WARNING-DO-NOT-FEED-Fox-Valley-32-40

I will switch him over to esbilac puppy with probiotics today.
Thank you so much for this great advice

[Margaret]

Fox Valley 32/40 is NOT recommended. You should get some powdered Esbilac puppy formula and get him off the Fox Valley 32/40 now. When his eyes open you can transition him to the Fox Valley 20/50. Or what many folks do is use a 50/50 mix of Esbilac and FV 20/50 when eyes are open.

Thank you so much
I am switching him over to esbilac today

[SophieSquirrel]

There's a lot more to it than just "switching over". You have to do it GRADUALLY. mixing the two formulas and phasing out the old formula over several feedings. You will need to plan for having Fox Valley 20/50 for switch-over again when their eyes open. Try 1/2 FV 32/40 and 1/2 Esbilac for a while and see if the problem improves. 2:1 (2 pts water : 1pt formula). Use hot water to mix, shake well and let sit in the fridge overnight. Use a warming cup and feed the next morning. Serving too soon after mixing, using cool water to mix, not shaking enough, and not waiting long enough to absorb water will cause clumping and too many solids.

Here is one opinion: https://www.henryspets.com/3-formula-feeding/

This label is the only Esbilac you want to use. I have some and a warming cup if you want one and I also have a little Ultraboost. I am near Middletown on Shelbyville Rd working with a zoo vet.

303902

[redwuff]

Hi Margaret, wondering if your baby is still having problems moving stool out of his rectum. It could be formula or it could be hydration or it could be an issue with his body. Let us know how your sweet baby is doing:grouphug