How and where to start???

[ManuMaus]

OK ...
Dont even know where to start, but I'll try to make it short ....
As some of you may know, my hubby and me found a hurt squirrel last week. Back than we had no clue as of what one can do to help until we found this board and our local rehabber. And we decided thats what we would like to do. Just like predicted here, our rehabber here was very happy to hear that. She gave us a list of all the requirements we have to meet ( Oh My ... ) and she'll add us as subpermittees for right now so we have some time getting everything we need as well as gather some additional knowledge. Now she does all native mammals. At first we said Squirrels only. But I think we can handle Squirrels and coons. I also know, that we have alot to learn about both. Any suggestions where we can find good information about coons and squirrels, any good books that are recommendable for a "beginner" , anything that can help us??? All help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!

:grouphug

:thankyou

ManuMaus

[Mars]

I would very strongly suggest starting with just one type of critter. There ia an incredable amount to learn from feeding and housing to caring for the sick and injuried. Don't try to do it all at once. And don't go in over your heads building caging. Caging for squirrels is very diffierent from caging for coons. Start with this book.

http://www.squirrelsandmore.com/product/833/Wild_Mammal_Babies!_The_First_48_Hours_and_Beyond. htm

With this book you have a good basics for taking in and stablizing any critter coming your way.

also explore here

http://www.iwrc-online.org/

and here

http://www.nwrawildlife.org/home.asp


:)

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Mars is right start out with say only 2 squirrels, you will be over whelmed with anything more. And they will be able to be released together.

[Critter_Queen]

I agree. I do waterfowl and squirrels (and the occasional coonie and chippy) and it's HARD to do both...I started out doing both and wish I had done one or the other...but since I'm the only one in my rehabber group that WANTS to do waterfowl and squirrels, well, I just jumped in with both feet.

I agree with Mars's suggestions for information, too. Lots of good info in the wild mammal babies book as well as articles for purchase through the NWRA...

And, of course, The Baby Squirrel ABC forum here on TSB will give you the most important information. :)

[susanw]

If you have the time, why not go volunteer for the rehabber and see what is involved hands on, you will gain a whole lot of knowledge. Hope you are use to schedules, gotta be home by a certain time to make sure the babies are given their formulas. Good luck on what you decide, there can never be too many people that care about our wildlife.:wave123

[ManuMaus]

Thank you for all your advice. I have heard and read about the book before ... think it was right here on the board, just wasnt sure if it is a good beginners book. I'll check out all links =)

In regards of coons and squirrels ... well, first of we have to be approved as subpermittees. Until than... research, learn, research, learn and research some more. Once we get added, our rehabber said we might be able to get Foamy back. Depending on how she is doing by than and how well we are prepared.

When we spoke about it, she did say that even if she is adding us now, she has all of her current little critters under control, and there probably wont be too much more for the rest of the yr, but coming spring is when she thinks she be ready to share her work load.
I think thats gonna give us enough time to actually gain the knowledge and get rdy for little house guests.

In the meantime, I definitly plan on going over to her house as often as she allows me to bug her. Hope I wont drive her nuts *grin*

As for the advice to start w/ just one and go from there ... yes, we did definitly consider that. And we will take ya'lls advice to heart. We know there is lots to learn... some by reading, some hands on.... I'll keep ya'll up to date.... promise =)


:grouphug

ManuMaus

[Critter_Queen]

It's not so much the knowledge you need to do more than one species, it's the time involved. When you have more than one species, you're most likely going to be feeding them a different formula and at different intervals.

But whatever you feel comfortable with, is great! We can ALWAYS use good rehabbers! :D :thumbsup Would be VERY cool if you could get your 'quirrel buddy back, too! :)

[ManuMaus]

Wonder how long it takes to get it black on white? Went over to our rehabber today and she actually called the "manager" for lack of better words for this area and asked what requirements we must have to be a subpermitee and what she needs to do to get us added ... gave the names over the phone and all we need to do ( or she) is to mail in a prove that we are over 18 yrs of age. Hope she gets the black on white back soon!!!!

:grouphug :grouphug

[Mars]

Alright!!! :thumbsup You are on your way to a very exciting and demanding lifestyle change. Please take it slow and don't let yourselves get overwelmed. We are here to lend a hand, give advise or a shoulder to cry if you need one. :grouphug :grouphug

[ManuMaus]

Well,well,well .... The best way to sart is to do it legally....
*tap on shoulder*
Welcome to the world of subpermitees to my hubby and me!!!!!!
WHOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!
We got it black on white and got our lil fuzzy critter back today as our first and only wildlife house guest ( if you dont count spiders and bugs that is )

I'll get some updates posted soon... but just to let ya'll know ... she is doing lots better... even moves her leg when she doesnt feels watched *grin*

Thank you all again for your help and support!!!!!


:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

ManuMaus

[Mars]

:rotfl :wave123 :rotfl

:thumbsup

[island rehabber]

Well,well,well .... The best way to sart is to do it legally....
*tap on shoulder*
Welcome to the world of subpermitees to my hubby and me!!!!!!
WHOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!
We got it black on white and got our lil fuzzy critter back today as our first and only wildlife house guest ( if you dont count spiders and bugs that is )


CONGRATULATIONS!! :wahoo
I feel it is only fitting to congratulate you both on becoming sub-permittees as I am up at the unGodly hour of 3:24am because I had to feed the pinkies :rotfl. :sleep1 And Mars is up, too. So you're kinda getting the drift here, right? :D
:Welcome :alright.gif

[ManuMaus]

Heehee .... I sure do.
But I do not at all regret our decision!!!! I am up for it ... and I sure hope the hubby will still be as up to it as he is now when we get our first pinkie ( kinda nervous about that ... but we still got a few month .... unless we get a late comer or early bird :crazy

Anyhow .... guess its time for me to proper intruduce me...us ... in the proper forum :)

Thank you for all your help and welcomes :)

:grouphug :grouphug :grouphug

ManuMaus

[Moneypenny4M]

I'm taking an intro class next month and am so looking forward to it! How involved is it to become a subpermittee? What's difference between federal and state license and can I rehab in peace just being a subpermittee?:Love_Icon

[TexanSquirrel]

Good luck!

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

MoneyPenny: Contact a licenced Rehabber in your area, they are the ones that can help get you started being a subpermittee. You may need to volunteer for them for a while.


What's difference between federal and state license and can I rehab in peace just being a subpermittee?