Need advise please!!!

[jules]

Hi, I found a baby squirrel 4 days ago. It was very small with a little fur all over it apart from its belly and it was very cold. I have since hydrated it and am feeding it on goats milk, which he loves. He has come on very well so far, but I am concerned that he is starting to bloat a little?
He is now weighing in at 105g, is about 7-7 1/2 inches long and has fur all over, but he has not opened his eyes yet. Can anyone give me an idea of how old he must be and a proper feeding regime for him. At the moment im giving him 5-7.5ml every 2 hours.
He is urinating fine, but I have noticed that his feaces have got softer and turned orangey in colour. Please help!!!!

[hazel]

Hi Jules :Welcome to The Squirrel Board!

I have little time because I have to start getting ready for work but, a few quick thoughts.

1. You need to get Esbilac powdered puppy formula- it's available in regular or goats milk formulas. Straight goats milk wasn't the worst you could have chosen, but it's imperative that you get the puppy formula - available at most pet supply stores. While there get a probiotic gel such as Benebac and give him a little once a day until his stool improves - 3 days minimum.

2. You're feeding too often! I'd feed someone his age 4 times a day, during the day, only. Hope you haven't been getting up to feed all night.

3. Be sure to keep him warm.

4. He MUST be stimulated after eating to urinate and defecate! Moisten a portion of a tissue or cottonball and gently but rapidly (you are simulating mommies tongue) rub his belly and genitals. He must do both after every meal and you should stimulate for 2 full minutes - longer if he's still going.

Try pinching a bit of skin on his back, pulling it away from his body and letting it go. Watch carefully- Does it snap right back into place, go back in a second or two or barely go back at all? You'll be asked.

Best of luck! Sorry I'm rushing. Glad you're here and many others will be along to help you as soon as they get their lazy butts out of bed.:rotfl

[jules]

Thanks Hazel
I've read so much about different feeding regimes that I got confused and a little anxious about doing it right.
His skin goes back quickly after pinching it, so I don't think he is dehydrated.
I wasn't sure how old he was and therefore did not know exactly how much and how often to feed him - no wonder he's a little bloated :)
I will get the formula that you suggested.
I have been keeping him warm via a hot water bottle, wrapped up in a blanket and placed under his nest box. He has easy access to leave the box if he gets too warm!
I have also been stimulating him to urinate and defecate, but I must admit I've not been doing it as long as 2min. I have also been rubbing his back and tummy to help him get rid of any gas.
When I figure out how to get some photos on here you will be able to see him for yourself!
Again many thanks!

[Critter_Queen]

Hi, I found a baby squirrel 4 days ago. It was very small with a little fur all over it apart from its belly and it was very cold. I have since hydrated it and am feeding it on goats milk, which he loves. He has come on very well so far, but I am concerned that he is starting to bloat a little?
He is now weighing in at 105g, is about 7-7 1/2 inches long and has fur all over, but he has not opened his eyes yet. Can anyone give me an idea of how old he must be and a proper feeding regime for him. At the moment im giving him 5-7.5ml every 2 hours.
He is urinating fine, but I have noticed that his feaces have got softer and turned orangey in colour. Please help!!!!

Morning! Welcome to TSB! :)

I agree with hazel, Esbilac is the best formula for baby squirrels. (gradually transition him from the goat's milk to the Esbilac...start 25/75 then 50/50 then 75/25 then 100% over four feedings) You should make sure that his heat source stays VERY warm (not hot enough to burn him but VERY warm). A squirrel's natural body temp is about 99 degrees, so they should always feel warmer than your hand when you hold them. Don't want to get them too hot, but too cool and they can't digest their food well.

I'm not sure how old he is without pics, but if his eyes are still closed and he's fully furred (looks like a mini squirrel) then I would say about four or five weeks old. They will usually open their eyes by six weeks of age.

A good way to tell how much to feed is to weigh him. If he's weighing in at 105 grams, you'd feed him 5-6cc per feeding (take your 105 grams, drop the last number and divide the remaining number in half and that's how many cc you should feed...this is called the 5% rule), about every three hours...maybe four hours if his poops get soft. They should be a light orangey brown color and should be well-formed pellets. (they're kind of a n orangey color because of the formula...the poops are brown/black when they are being fed by momma) The most common reason for soft stools is overfeeding. However, I don't think 7.5cc per feeding would be TOO much, but you never know. Some squirrels have very tempermental little tummies! :) I would start by doing 5-6cc every three hours and see how that goes.

I hope this helps! :)

[jules]

It's so good to get this information!
I thought he might be between 4 - 5 weeks old, but i've never done this before, so it was guess work!

I have now got the photos on my computer but am not sure how to get them on the forum site - can you help? As you guessed, i'm not a computer wizz kid:D
:thankyou

[jules]

Thanks Gammas baby!
Just what I needed. I will give it a go:D

[Critter_Queen]

See if Gammas instructions above help with posting pics. Otherwise, there are threads lower down on the main forum page that list helpful information for techincal issues.

I would post instructions but I've gotta get my critters fed! The upstairs squirrels are restless and it sounds like a thunderstorm up there! LOL!

[jules]

Here we go!
Excuse the poor quality. Will get some better shots later!

[Critter_Queen]

2. You're feeding too often! I'd feed someone his age 4 times a day, during the day, only. Hope you haven't been getting up to feed all night.


I have to quickly say that I disagree with this statement, though. Any squirrel with its eyes closed needs to be fed at least once during the middle of the night. You can stop the mid-night feedings when their eyes open. Also, until eyes open, you should feed about 5-6 times per day...less than that will not provide enough kcals per day for optimum growth.

[jules]

Thanks! I feel like im getting somewhere now.
I decided to cut him down to 5ml every 3 hours for today and guess what! His belly has gone down already.
He's a greedy little so-and-so, still coming out of his nest looking for momma!
I imagine that he must be fairly fit as he's climbing around and generally quite active. In fact the only time he sleeps is just after his feed.:thumbsup

[island rehabber]

I've just moved this thread to Non-Life Threatening Help needed, more appropriate for it than the "Rehab Information" section. Jules you've got great helpers here so I will politely sign off and go feed some pinkies. :D

[thundersquirrel]

hi jules! :Welcome

since you're new to this, i thought i'd add something. a TON of people think that a squirrel is a boy, when it's really a girl, because girls have little bumps down there too. if you're not totally confident in your sexing, remember that girls have their little vaginas almost at the base of the tail, right next to the anus. little boys have their bump further up, almost on their belly. sometimes they have little sacs beneath that starting to form.

hope this helps! :D

[jules]

Thanks for the info! Will check again in a bit.
However, it doe's kinda look like a boy - it has something resembling a penis and just below it are two little bumps :dono
Im sure as it gets a little older I will be able to tell!
:thankyou

[jules]

Hi all!
A big :thankyou to everyone for the helpful advise you gave me.
I changed his feeding routine to 5 -6ml every 3 hours with 1 feed at night. It looks like its working. He is not so bloated anymore and his feaces are hardening up:D
I know that he aspirated his milk a couple of times, but I have started using a smaller syringe and go really slow with it - he is so greedy:shakehead

Why do they make that high pitched screaming sound? Im not sure but is it cos he wants feeding? He's always mouthing my fingers and suddenly realized he has teeth:rotfl Is this a good time to introduce him to some nibbles?:dono

[Mars]

They most often make that cry when they are cold or hungrey. And sometimes they just are missing mommy and need to be held till they settle down. Check the heat, check the tummy if all is well giive him a back rub and try tucking him back in for a nap. :)

[jules]

Thanks Mars!
In his case it would be more to do with hunger:rotfl

At the moment Im using a hot water bottle under his nest to keep him warm, but this is very time consuming - having to refill etc. If I was to get a heat pad instead, what type would I be looking for? My concerns are with any electrical cable. Now he's found his teeth, surely this would be dangerous??:dono

:thankyou

[Buddy'sMom]

:Welcome Jules!

You want to get a heating pad that does NOT have an automatic shut-off (these are a little bit hard to find; our "CVS" drug stores have them, but I suspect you don't have those stores).

The heating pad goes underneath half of the box or cage that he is in, so he doesn't have access to the cord for nibbling. It goes under half of the nesting area so he can crawl off it if he gets too warm. You set it on Low. As you guessed, many squirrels love to chew electric wires when they get a bit older, so watch him carefully if he is ever outside the cage.

In the meantime ... the hot water bottle-thing requires a lot of work reheating. What lasts longer is a "rice buddy." Take a sock and fill it 2/3 with rice and knot the end. Warm in microwave til nice and toasty but not hot to the touch. You can put one or two in his nest for him to snuggle up to. These stay warm longer than a hot water bottle but still need to be re-heated fairly frequently.

Until you get a heating pad, just be very careful that he is warm before you feed him. Even if he's "starving" take time to warm him up before he eats. He should feel warmer than your hand :)

Hope this helps.
:grouphug

[jules]

Hi!
Thanks for your advise. I've been looking online at some reptile heat pads and small animal pads with a special cable so they can't be nibbled - What do you think? Would it be worth getting one of these?
:thankyou

[Buddy'sMom]

In my mind it would depend on cost and timing. If you can get a regular one quickly at a local store, that would be best so you know he has a steady heat source as soon as possible. But if you don't have easy access to a store where you can buy one, then ordering online-- IF it's for immediate shipment -- would work.

The special pads would be OK, of course. Especially if you can't otherwise get one that stays on all the time. However, squirrels only require the heating pad until shortly after their eyes open (although some rehabbers keep it available for longer, until they wean). So by the time your squirrel will start actively seeking things to chew on, you wouldn't even need to have it there anymore.

:grouphug

[jules]

Hi All!
I managed to get a heat mat at last, but now I think I have another problem looming!!!
He has lost a little weight, now whether this is cos he was bloated before and I was feeding him too much, I don't know? He has gone from 105g down to 90g.
The other thing I noticed today is that when I pinched his skin it took a short time to go back. Might this have something to do with losing the weight?
Im going to try re-hydrating him again, but im not sure how much solution to give, how often and how long for???:dono Before I just let him take as much as he could!
I can't get hold of pedialyte over here so I will make up a solution of 1qtr water, 1tsp salt and 3tsp sugar.
I'd hate to lose him now:o He was doing so well!!!
Can anyone :help please!

[jules]

No, but if you can tell me whats in the pedialyte, maybe I can get something similar?

[Buddy'sMom]

Jules, I just double checked and saw that homemade solution was posted by Critter Queen as a temporary hydrating solution (perhaps that is where you found it) so you can use that for the moment.

You should give it every couple of hours until he seems better hydrated -- or one of the rehabbers comes on and says differently. It looks like you were giving him 5-6 cc before, so try that amount if he will take it. Warm it before you give it to him. After a baby is stabilized and on Esbilac, sometimes the rehabbers will still give the hydrating solution in between feedings if needed. If he seems REALLY dehydrated, go back to just the solution for a couple of feedings.

"Pedialyte" is a brand name of a hydrating or electrolyte solution that is sold for babies and young children if they get dehydrated. There is likely a similar product sold near you. It is generally in the baby food aisle at the grocery store or in the baby/kids area at the drug store. You might try searching/Googling "Pedialyte" to come up with the manufacturers site so you can see what is in it. Or perhaps one of our UK members will know what local brand to look for.

:grouphug

[Secret Squirrel]

Homeade Pedialyte

1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons sugar
1 quart warm water

Mix all ingred in warm water....store in refrigerator.

I make mine up and freeze it in ice cube trays...store in ziploc bag... and defrost only what I need. One or two cubes at a time.

[Buddy'sMom]

SS, if you are still there -- how much should he give, and how often?

[Secret Squirrel]

Is the baby still bloated??? Is the baby clicking if it was aspirated???

As for the fluids....add the homemade pedialyte in between regular feeding times....as much as he/she will take. You are just trying to replace the lost fluids.
Babys will lose weight and have a decreased appitite if aspirational pnumonia is present in the baby. That would be the first thing I would check into. Meds may be the next step if pnumonia is the case.

Also...it is very easy to overheat a baby too. (Hence the baby will look wrinkly) Be careful NOT to overheat a sick baby. Place a wire cooling rack under the heating pad (for ventilation) and add a towel on top of the heating pad...then place the container holding the squirrel on top of that. Cages with plastic bottoms heat up fast...maybe too fast. Just use caution.

[jules]

Thanks BM!
Thats a good idea about google. Will do that now!
And thank you too, SS! will start with it tonight. Should I be giving 2 Hourly thoughout the night as well?:thankyou

[jules]

He's not bloated anymore and I have not heard him clicking for a couple of days.
He hasn't lost his appetite, in fact he's very greedy and desparate to get to the syringe!

[Buddy'sMom]

Thanks BM!
Thats a good idea about google. Will do that now!
And thank you too, SS! will start with it tonight. Should I be giving 2 Hourly thoughout the night as well?:thankyou

I had time to look. The Pedialyte website was not helpful. However, I found this; at the bottom it lists the active ingredients -- you might be able to compare it to whatever brand you can find. http://www.rxmed.com/b.main/b2.pharmaceutical/b2.1.monographs/CPS-%20Monographs/CPS-%20(General%20Monographs-%20P)/PEDIALYTE.html

Another site seemed to indicate that it was sold in the UK ... but perhaps not widespread enough to find it easily.

Based on Secret Squirrel's post, you may be able to just use the homemade solution for the time you need it, especially if it would take a lot of running around to try to find a store-bought kind.

As to your last question -- I forget how old he is or how often you are feeding? Probably do NOT need to feed so frequently during the night (unless he is severely dehydrated).

[Buddy'sMom]

On the dehydration ... you said you did the pinch test. Is he peeing? Is it light/clear ... or dark in color? If he's peeing and it's light/clear, he's not that dehydrated and doesn't need every 2 hours thru the night. If it's dark or he is not peeing, then he is very dehydrated and would need more fluids.

:grouphug

[jules]

Thanks for the link! Didn't have much luck with the UK web.
Just been to give him the homemade solution - He wacked it back and yes he's peeing. Sometimes its only a little, but just now it was quite a bit. It looks clear to me!
He was just making a clicking sound after I fed him, but im not sure if its sniffing for the feed, cos he's looking around to see where its gone? He soon stops when he realises it's not coming back.
He is sneezing a bit - I just wish he wasn't so greedy! I try to control his intake. I only let him have a bit at a time but he's always gulping for more.:shakehead

He's about 4 - 5 weeks old, but very small. Im giving esbilac 5ml every 3 hours in the day with 1 feed at night.
:thankyou

[Buddy'sMom]

Clear pee is good! :thumbsup Giving him the hydrating fluid between Esbilac feedings would probably be fine -- no need to get up extra times during the night if he's peeing good.

Does the clicking sound coincide with his breathing? Does it sound like it's from his chest? That would be cause for concern (and questions for the rehabbers!). But sometimes they just make funny little sounds -- is he maybe clicking his tongue in anticipation of something to nurse on?

Sneezing could be if he inhaled fluid. If you think so (even tho you're feeding him slowly), turn him head-downward to try to get it to run out. Sometimes they sneeze if they are near anything scented, or if their blankies were washed with scented soap or softener. Or if anything is sprayed near them. Sometimes they just sneeze. Keep an eye on that -- and ask again (or ask LOUDER :D ) if it continues or you are concerned.

:grouphug

[jules]

:thankyou BM!
When he is sleeping there is no clicking, it only occurs after he's been fed, and only for a short while.
Im really getting to know him day by day. The different sounds he makes, especially when he's grumpy:rotfl
I just find it worrying sometimes, as I've never done this before:)

I really appreciate the help and advise you've given me - it makes all the difference to know that your all out there for him (and me!):bowdown
:thankyou
:grouphug

[jules]

Hi all!
Just to keep you up to date - I've named him Benji by the way!
I gave him 3x 5ml of the homemade solution over night and I am pleased to say that there is an improvement in him this morning:wahoo
He is weighing in at 90g still, but at least he's not lost any more!
I have put him back on the Esbilac, giving him 5ml every 2.5 hours to try to build his weight up. He is far too small and thin for his age - I can feel his rib cage:shakehead
He is starting to open his eyes this morning, bless him!:Love_Icon
Must go! Catch up with you guys later!
:thankyou

[Buddy'sMom]

:thumbsup Great news! Hi, Benji!!

Probably it would be best to feed him a little less often -- he might take a little more, but then would have more time to digest what he's got in his tummy. It might be helpful to go back over the beginning posts here for the discussions about how much and how often on the Esbilac. :) Watch his poops to make sure they don't get runny. The trick is to balance so he gains weight nicely without being overfed (counterproductive).

Since he's doing well, how about starting a Benji thread in the Nursery so you can track his progress -- and share his cuteness!! (hint. hint. we love pictures!) The eyes-opening stage is my personal favoraite stage of cuteness (with all due respect to those who go ga-ga over the pinkie stage) . :Love_Icon Enjoy!!

BTW, I (and countless others) could not have raised a baby squirrel without the resources and helping hands available here!! Any questions, any time -- you will get help, advice and support here! :thumbsup

[jules]

Hi BM!:wave123
I believe it was said that I should feed Benji according to his weight which means giving him 4.5ml (he's 90g). Im giving him 5ml every 2.5 - 3 hours with 1 feed overnight for today. Before I was feeding too much AND too often which made his poops loose, so I will keep an eye on them! Tomorrow I will try him with 6ml every 3 hours and see how he goes. Today his poop and pee have been okay!

The Benji thread is a good idea:thumbsup I will do that now and hopefully tomorrow get some photos of him with his eyes open - he is so cute:Love_Icon

OOPS!!!
I must apologise to you all:baghead I got it wrong about Benji's sex! HE is a SHE!:rotfl
Im keeping the name, Benji can be short for Benjamina.
Bye for now! :wave123

[Buddy'sMom]

:jump Glad SHE is doing well! We would love to see pictures. :Love_Icon

Many people get the sex wrong, especially with females -- there have been numerous name changes or name "adjustments" :D

[4skwerlz]

OOPS!!!
I must apologise to you all:baghead I got it wrong about Benji's sex! HE is a SHE!:rotfl
Im keeping the name, Benji can be short for Benjamina.
Bye for now! :wave123

Don't feel bad. The first wild squirrel I got to know well here, which I named "Henry," turned out to be a girl. Kept the name anyway. Somehow it suited her.

[jules]

:wave123
Benji's condition has got worse again!
She has hardly peed all day and when I pinched her skin it was taking a while to go back. She's alot weaker than she normally is and has been a bit unstable on her legs. She's also been twitching quite a bit. I started back on the rehydration fluid, and has been on that for the past 6 hours. There is a slight improvement when i do the pinch test but it doe's not spring back.
Since putting her on this she has peed a little and its clear!
The problem is she keeps rushing it although I try to stop her and she is blowing it out of her nose and sneezing. I stop her and tip her upside down to get rid of it only for her to do it again:shakehead
How long should I continue with the rehydration for? She's only taking between 3.5ml - 4ml at a time!
I've checked the heat under her nest box and it is warmer than my hand, but not hot!
:dono

[Critter_Queen]

If she's peeing clear then she isn't dehydrated...squirrels go through wrinkly stage, and she might be just a little extra wrinkly and not dehydrated.

I would move her SLOWLY back to the formula. Do a 25/75, 50/50 then 75/25, etc...I would stick with 4.5-5 cc per feeding and spread them out to 3-4 hours in between.

Babies are very shaky at this age, so hopefully that's all it is. Mine pretty much just eat, sleep, poop and twitch until eyes come open and for a few days after.

You need to use a 1cc syringe to feed her. Hold it in the palm of your hand, palm up and wrap your fingers around the syringe and plunger. Use your thumb to push - pause - push - pause - push - pause a little formula at a time. Use your fingers to keep pressure on the plunger so she can't suckle faster than the push - pause. This should stop her from aspirating. You can get the syringe at a pharmacy.

Hope this helps.

Oh, and you need to be sure there's enough heat...buy a new heating pad (without auto-off), buy a snuggle safe (sometimes available in the pet section of farm stores or at www.squirrelsandmore.com). A snuggle safe is a microwaveable disk that you can use over and over again. The heat lasts about 4-6 hours before needed warmed again...

[jules]

:thankyou cq!
The smallest syringe over here is a 2ml, which I have, so I will use that.
If shes not dehydrated, why isn't she peeing much? I thought they peed loads!

I checked the heat pad in case it was too hot and that might be dehydrating her:dono

She's 5 - 6 weeks old now, will 4.5 -5ml be enough?
Should I put her back on formula at those strenghs over a period of days or hours?
:thankyou

[Buddy'sMom]

I'll let the rehabbers advise you on the formula amounts.

But Benji is old enough that she might be peeing sometimes on her own and not need to go every time you stimulate her. You might check for wet spots near her nest :D although probably not actually IN the spot she sleeps. She might be peeing in a corner of her box.

:grouphug

[jules]

Hi BM!
I have been checking throughout the day and as far as I can tell she's only peed twice.
She just seems so lethargic today, not her usual self:dono
I have one of those snuggle safe discs, but it gets very hot and tends too cool down pretty quick!
:thankyou
:grouphug

[Critter_Queen]

Mine pee all over the place until about a week after their eyes open, so BM is right, she's probably peeing in her blankies. :D

I would do a feeding at 25/75 (hydrating solution to full-strength formula), two at 50/50, one at 75/25 and then full-strength after that...so almost a day...

Try nuking your snuggle safe for a shorter time? How long have you had it? It will hold the heat longer the longer you have/use it...I can only nuke mine for about 2 minutes tops or it's far too hot. Just make sure you wrap it in lots of blankets to start with and then remove the blanket layers one by one as the disk cools. :)

[Buddy'sMom]

Is she "clicking" or making any kind of noises when she breathes? Breathing OK with her mouth closed -- or does she open it to breathe?

[jules]

She opens it to breathe whilst she's feeding which is a worry, but otherwise she's breathing through her nose.
Shes not clicking.

[jules]

:thankyou QC

I only recently bought the snuggle safe! Should I try putting it under the cage or under her nest box?
She climbs out of her nest box into the cage when she gets too hot!

[4skwerlz]

:thankyou QC

I only recently bought the snuggle safe! Should I try putting it under the cage or under her nest box?
She climbs out of her nest box into the cage when she gets too hot!

Wrap the snuggle-safe in several layers of blankets and gradually remove the layers as it cools.

[FLUFFYTAILNUT]

I think you are doing great getting lots of good advice...I agree with him wanting to be held and talk to him...my "bean when he was that little seemed to calm down more when I talked to him and shushed him..and don't laugh..but after the feedings and the stimulation...I wrapped him in my hand..or about5 puff's plus tissue's and held him up against my chest and patted hin (like burping a baby..very gentle..) He'd settle right down and fall asleep...twitching in his sleep..really sweet moments...
Even now he still loves when I do this...he's spoiled rotten and I wouldn't have it any other way.
As soon as his eye's opened...which was at a 3:am feeding it was so..worth getting up...to feed your sweet baby..have you named him yet...start calling him some thing and he will respond to it..mine does...Then after his eye's opened I started making his food w/ the Baby rice/banana's mashed ..apple sauce and a little heavy whipping cream for fat cal's . He was satisfied alot longer and not like a starving crazy thing...the amount I gave him was about 0.4 ml on the tiny syringe...and do the burping thing..I think if there is any gas..or bloating..this helps...
My husband found out little bundle of joy on our horse path going to our barn..it was 101 out side poor thing...and YES..I do have kid's this is not my only thing to do...is feed and play w/ my squirrel..I've got a zoo here...2 horses..tenn walkers...2 cats inside one's...2 hampsters..WHICH i bottle fed..because their mother was rotten and ate all of her other babies..so, it was getting up in the middle of the night to feed them..man..that was insane!
And..1 french bull dog..a cockatiel...7 chin.fighting fish..SO..you know I love to hear people say..OH..you DONT work...your a stay at hom mom..one boy and one girl..i could take a rubber hose to them people...
Well..hope this helps..and enjoy your baby..if fed properly..in captivity..your baby could last 20 years!
I got my baby a huge cage4ftby 5 ft w/ a bunch of tree(oak limbs..) in it he's in heaven..and it's inside the house..it's too hot out side...ha, ha..I know all the other squirrels are hot outside..I live in Fl...

Take Care..
Rachel..FLUFFYTAILNUT:multi :jump