Is There A Certain Water To Use

[awhelchel]

I have recently taken in an abandoned baby squirrel. I have done a lot of research and when it comes to mixing his formula it just says water. I was just wondering if you all thought tap water was fine or if I should be using a different type of water for him, such as baby water, purified, or any other would be better for him. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you!

[island rehabber]

I have always used tap water, but I'm in NYC and our water is excellent. If you suspect your water has too much chlorine or iodine you could use spring water. Never use distilled water.

Bless you for taking in the baby! Would you like us to try to find a local squirrel rehabilitator for you? Baby squirrels are best raised with other babies so that they can learn to be squirrels. :grin3

[awhelchel]

Thank you very much for your help. I appreciate it. I've got an updated list of the rehabilitators here from the DNR website, I really appreciate your offer for help. I just want to give him the absolute best care possible until I can get him somewhere, so you may see me pop up frequently for a little bit. I do have a question about his bowel movements. He does them regularly, and it is not diarrhea at all, but it is not the mustard color I see in pictures. It is a brown color. What would you make of that?

[SophieSquirrel]

Are you using Esbilac Puppy with Probiotics?

Can you post a photo of the little one? Are you in North, Central or Southern Indiana?

This exact label

303983

[awhelchel]

I am using the exact formula you sent a photo of and I am in central Indiana north if Indianapolis.

[awhelchel]

A little history about this guy. He was on a concrete floor in a cool garage over night for over 12 hours, my sister's boyfriend's dad wouldn't let him take the little guy and I didn't find out about him until the next day so I went to where he was. As soon as I touched him he was all over the place. He's a fighter so I named him Rocky. I've had him for 5 days now. And he has fattened up, gotten hair on his back and he still like to be a little wiggle worm.

[Mel1959]

Thank you for saving him. :Love_Icon

Rocky still looks a little thin to me. Do you know what he weighs? He should be fed 5-7% of his weight at each feeding, which for him should be every 3-4 hrs. You can purchase a kitchen gram scale at places like WalMart and Bed Bath and Beyond. They’re less than $20. It’s a necessary item to know how much to feed.

Edit: I should have asked how much you’re feeding and how often?

[island rehabber]

He may still have mamma's milk in his system, which will give dark brown poops.

[awhelchel]

Thank you for saving him. :Love_Icon

Rocky still looks a little thin to me. Do you know what he weighs? He should be fed 5-7% of his weight at each feeding, which for him should be every 3-4 hrs. You can purchase a kitchen gram scale at places like WalMart and Bed Bath and Beyond. They’re less than $20. It’s a necessary item to know how much to feed.

Edit: I should have asked how much you’re feeding and how often?

I have been feeding him every 2.5 hrs and 1ml. I have just upped his feedings to 1.5 mls. I am not sure how much he weighs the scale is on the to get list.

[Spanky]

A few quick comments...

- Mustard poop is Esbilac poop, so that is okay. Darker poop as IR said is from momma's feedings.
- Never give food or water to a cold baby, ever. Completely warm them first (this is more for anyone new reading along).
- A scale is a must, not an option.. and this is for eveyone!

:Welcome to TSB and :thankyou for saving this wee little one in need

[cava]

Welcome! Yes, please get the scale today. I think you are underfeeding him . He is beautiful!

[Diggie's Friend]

Indiana being farm country, I wouldn't use the tap water due to the water runoff from farming that carries chemicals from fertilizers.

Of the bottled waters, Smart Water is a good choice. Other than this, a filtration system that doesn't remove all the minerals as most do. Aquafina is one that removes bad bacteria, heavy metals, parasites, but doesn't remove the safe minerals.