Juvenile with broken rear leg

[Golfinho]

She’s living alone in a cavity in a catawba tree about 24 feet up just outside our living room window. She comes down in mid-day to forage but can barely get back and forth to her nest. Her mother and siblings moved on a week ago and left her behind, because she was the smallest one, and hurt. Question is: what are the chances she recovers and makes it? Or is capturing for rehabbing her a possibility or consideration?

[frankc]

Hi
Her chances of survival are not good for many reasons. She has become very easy pray for predators not being able to run or climb very good. Yes she dose need to be treated by a rehabber or a vet in order to have any chance of survival. With winter almost here that adds an other factor to this baby's survival. Even healthy squirrels have a very hard time making it through the winter.

My suggestion is to contact a rehabber and ask for assistance in capturing this baby. The reasons that you must keep in mind are, First he or she has been traumatized by having broken it's leg. Next he or she is in pain, next the abonament by it's mother and siblings. The capture needs to be a very gentle capture as not to add any more stress. A squirrel can stress to the point of going into shock, and then die. They are amazing creatures and so worth doing all one can to save them. I would call some rehabbers and explain what is going on and see if they can help you. If you need help locating a rehabber let the board know and I am sure we can come up with something. To do nothing this baby has no chance.

[frankc]

Just an after though. Have you tried to approach the squirrel when it comes down out of the tree? Sometimes when they are in distress they will let you get close and maybe even let you pick them up. There are several stories of squirrels ignoring there instinct when injured going to a human looking for help. That's how desperate they sometimes become, because we are to them a predator, so if you can do this walk slow talk easy and very gently pick it up do not squeeze it, it could have other injuries. Bring a towel or small blanket with you that you can wrap it in.
Please keep us posted!! We care very much.

[RockyPops]

If you cant capture her, maybe you can offer her some healthy treats to help with healing. Placed as near her tree cavity as possible so she doesn't have to travel far to get them.

And maybe they could be laced with pain meds. I don't know this but just a possibility.

[Mel1959]

What’s the status of this squirrel? It definitely needs to be caught. Between predators and the onset of winter, I think you are it’s only hope.

Are you in a position to keep it till it’s leg mends? Most rehab facilities will euthanize a squirrel that’s not “perfect”. Please be careful who you reach out to for assistance.

[Golfinho]

What’s the status of this squirrel? It definitely needs to be caught. Between predators and the onset of winter, I think you are it’s only hope.
Are you in a position to keep it till it’s leg mends? Most rehab facilities will euthanize a squirrel that’s not “perfect”. Please be careful who you reach out to for assistance.

Thanks for that information about rehabbers. We’re watching and waiting for her to come down again from the nest. Last time we could get close but were reluctant to force the issue, but on account of the advice posted here we’re determined to capture her. As for predators, it seems that cavity nests (with only one way out) would make squirrels highly vulnerable.

[RockyPops]

Thanks for doing your best to help this baby!

[Golfinho]

Thanks for doing your best to help this baby!

Not so easy to catch. She came out this morning to the base of the tree but got up out of reach and back in the cavity nest (which is too high for a ladder) before I could get in position with the broom and box. Can only wait til she’s on the ground again.

[Nancy in New York]

Not so easy to catch. She came out this morning to the base of the tree but got up out of reach and back in the cavity nest (which is too high for a ladder) before I could get in position with the broom and box. Can only wait til she’s on the ground again.

Before you catch her, make sure that you have a plan in place.
She will stress out if you keep her in a have a heart trap, or anything else for any period of time.
This is why it's so important to know exactly what you are going to do with her, BEFORE you catch her.
Remember to cover whatever she is in.
Have you ever cared for a squirrel before?

Thank you for watching over this little soul.

[Golfinho]

thank you. until seeing this forum, we had no idea what a perilous situation this little squirrel was in. we had a chance several days ago to catch her but didn’t know how or even if it was necessary for her survival. now, today, we can monitor if she comes out of the nest and down to the ground. we have a haveahart trap and if she goes in, we can have her out in minutes and in a warm inside place. meantime, in anticipation, we will reach out to rehabbers.

[RockyPops]

Once she's in the trap, cover it with a towel to keep her calm for transport to a larger cage.

Thanks again!

[Golfinho]

Once she's in the trap, cover it with a towel to keep her calm for transport to a larger cage.
Thanks again!

She’s caught. And now napping and warm in a large, blanketed box inside. Regarding the earlier advice about rehabilitating and euthanasia and after contacting the ones nearby: it does in fact seem that any squirrel which they cannot rehabilitate to return to the wild will be euthanized. Rehabilitaters say will examine and make the determination. A broken leg is a death sentence unless she can be a pet in a sanctuary it would seem. We need to determine the next step options.

[TubeDriver]

In general terms, a simple leg fracture, in an otherwise healthy squirrel, is not an immediate cause for euthanasia. It does require treatment and care that will probably involve 1-2 months inside. Some folk/wildlife centers are not willing to invest the time needed to allow this healing. What part of the leg seems injured? Does the portion of the leg that is injured, appear shorter or longer than the other, non injured leg? There are several types of fractures and they are different in terms of their ability to be healed.

Ideally, an xray is needed to determine exactly what is going on. I would discuss with each rehabber you contact, if they are willing to care for the squirrel for an extended period of time if it is determined that it is a simple fracture that can be treated and heal with time.

What kind of box is she currently in? Can you estimate her age and weight? Would it be possible to post up a photo of her and of the injured leg? Thank you for helping her!


She’s caught. And now napping and warm in a large, blanketed box inside. Regarding the earlier advice about rehabilitating and euthanasia and after contacting the ones nearby: it does in fact seem that any squirrel which they cannot rehabilitate to return to the wild will be euthanized. Rehabilitaters say will examine and make the determination. A broken leg is a death sentence unless she can be a pet in a sanctuary it would seem. We need to determine the next step options.

[frankc]

Is there anyway you could keep her and raise her yourself. When she is ready the board would direct you on how and when to release her. Also your in NJ, check with rehabbers or search the board for squirrel owners in your area that might be willing to take her. The sanctuary ? Thats , not always good ! They usually have plenty of squirrels so maybe maybe not. I personally would feel better that she goes to a person who is willing to keep her if she can not be rehabbed to good heath. Also wildlife I am sure just like in most states will put her down. So will animal control. So be very careful with whom you turn her over too. Some of these agencies will not tell you what they are going to do and before you walk out the door the needle is already been inserted. See if you can find a rehabber that has a vet they may be willing to help you get the baby into to for an xray and set it's leg. If you need help finding a rehabber let the board know and maybe we can help you find one or a vet that will help you. It's work, but this baby does not deserve to die because it has a broken leg. The part that makes me just boil is if this were most any other type of animal you would not have any problems getting help, but the ignorant thinking of so many is OH!! it's just a squirrel. Makes me BURN!!!!! Ya just a squirrel ! A precious little innocent life.
Please keep us posted. :squirrel2

[RockyPops]

Thank you thank you thank you!

Pictures if you can without stressing her out.

Is she eating or drinking?

[Golfinho]

Thank you thank you thank you!
Pictures if you can without stressing her out.
Is she eating or drinking?

eating, yes half an acorn. this is a healthy looking young squirrel other than the leg. the rehabber asked if the leg was ‘dangling’ which I took to mean that they would euthanize her. the woman said euthanasia was better than leaving her outside to starve or freeze to death.
it’s just incredible to discover how little valued their lives are.

[frankc]

AMEN !!! My point exactly !! Can you post a picture of her and her leg. Have you given her water or anything to drink. You do not want her to become dehydrated. Also do you need some advice on what to feed her acorns alone will not do it. Do you have any idea of her age ? a picture will help SO much.

[TubeDriver]

Can she put any weight on this leg? Are there any visible injuries on her anywhere else (on her leg, body, belly, neck etc)? Does the leg "dangle" or flop around or is she simply holding it up and not putting weight on it?


eating, yes half an acorn. this is a healthy looking young squirrel other than the leg. the rehabber asked if the leg was ‘dangling’ which I took to mean that they would euthanize her. the woman said euthanasia was better than leaving her outside to starve or freeze to death.
it’s just incredible to discover how little valued their lives are.

[Golfinho]

Can she put any weight on this leg? Are there any visible injuries on her anywhere else (on her leg, body, belly, neck etc)? Does the leg "dangle" or flop around or is she simply holding it up and not putting weight on it?

dangling and floppy 🥺. she had been outside and in this condition from sunday night until wednesday afternoon, and going up and down the tree (25’ high). she did run (not far) before we caught her (in a large TV box) and does not seem to be in pain. no other injuries apparent.
for food: I understand the diet situation and can have that managed.
age: 4 months about. size: small and presumably the runt in a litter of four.

[HRT4SQRLS]

I wish I knew someone up there to help you but I don’t.

Right now hydration/food are important. Could you get a low small cage? Even a cat carrier would be better than a TV box.
I would offer a rice buddy to see if the baby wants warmth.

Just try to reduce stress and hopefully the baby will realize you are trying to help. Of course, it is a wild animal but often they will accept help.

I wouldn’t do it now but you can try splinting the leg. It’s a long shot but there aren’t many other options.

[Golfinho]

I wish I knew someone up there to help you but I don’t.

Right now hydration/food are important. Could you get a low small cage? Even a cat carrier would be better than a TV box.
I would offer a rice buddy to see if the baby wants warmth.

Just try to reduce stress and hopefully the baby will realize you are trying to help. Of course, it is a wild animal but often they will accept help.

I wouldn’t do it now but you can try splinting the leg. It’s a long shot but there aren’t many other options.

Can you suggest what dimension container is optimal? (the box now is 27x27x27).
Can this heal (however imperfectly) on its own?

[HRT4SQRLS]

Can you suggest what dimension container is optimal? (the box now is 27x27x27).
Can this heal (however imperfectly) on its own?

Oh that’s a big box. When I think TV box I think those huge boxes that are flat (8 inches). :)
I was thinking something small to limit mobility. A box with solid walls might agitate the baby and it would try climbing out of the box. If it could see out and with plenty of fleece to hide under, it might be less stressed and more settled.

https://www.amazon.com/Ware-Manufacturing-25-Inch-Proof-Critter/dp/B00266RHK2/ref=sr_1_33?keywords=Small+rodent+cage+36+x+24+x+2 4&qid=1574909334&sr=8-33

This is just an idea of a cage.

Can it heal... that’s a million dollar question. Squirrels do heal fast but it won’t heal dangling like it does. I have seen pics of squirrels with splinted legs. They use vet wrap. It can heal if the bones are brought back together and the leg immobilized. The problem is they often remove the splint. Many opt to have broken legs amputated but that is problematic in that it makes a non-releasable squirrel AND it requires a vet.

If it was me facing this bad situation I would try splinting the leg. I don’t like the other options. :(

[Spanky]

If it was me facing this bad situation I would try splinting the leg. I don’t like the other options. :(

I agree, best to splint. I have had them not to seemed bother by the splint at all and pretty well ignore it.

[TubeDriver]

If you can't get a vet or rehabber who will treat, you can try to splint as HRT4SQYRL stated.

Is the break on the lower or upper leg? Generally with a simple, closed fracture, the leg is manipulated in order to join the broken ends together and a splint is applied to keep everything in place. You could try some coban tape with a tongue depressor to make up a splint. This might work but there are a lot of "ifs" involved here and the outcome is uncertain. Squirrels do heal very fast. I have seen my yard wilds limping around on 3 legs for a couple weeks but most recover without help.

I really think your best bet is to find a local rehabber who will confirm that they are will to get this squirrel to a vet and would be willing to care for her while she recovers.

[Golfinho]

If you can't get a vet or rehabber who will treat, you can try to splint as HRT4SQYRL stated.

Is the break on the lower or upper leg? Generally with a simple, closed fracture, the leg is manipulated in order to join the broken ends together and a splint is applied to keep everything in place. You could try some coban tape with a tongue depressor to make up a splint. This might work but there are a lot of "ifs" involved here and the outcome is uncertain. Squirrels do heal very fast. I have seen my yard wilds limping around on 3 legs for a couple weeks but most recover without help.

I really think your best bet is to find a local rehabber who will confirm that they are will to get this squirrel to a vet and would be willing to care for her while she recovers.

Upper leg, it looks like. The exotic veterinarians nearby who care for small mammals all list ferret, chinchilla, rats, flying squirrels, etc. but none will help gray squirrels. You’re likely right about the best bet, but still have to find a rehabber within range of an hour or so.

[frankc]

I have uploaded this picture of the baby squirrel with the broken leg. A better picture is coming in the morning. What does the board think by looking at the right rear leg. Attached or not ? I know it's hard to tell. I Zoomed in tight and am still not sure , but it's like I said better pictures are coming tomorrow. Right now the little one is sound asleep.

312375

[frankc]

It's so good to see so many people in this babies corner !!! Bless you all :serene

[Spanky]

I have uploaded this picture of the baby squirrel with the broken leg. A better picture is coming in the morning. What does the board think by looking at the right rear leg. Attached or not ?

I am not sure what "attached or not" means?

It appears in this picture that she is pulling the leg up, into / next to her body which is a good sign. But that is juxtaposed to the description of dangling and floppy.

Definitely a better picture is needed, better yet a video after she wakes up...

Her tail looks wonky in this picture too...

[frankc]

Hi Spanky. I agree I just went back and zoomed in real tight. It dose look like she is holding it up and like you said that is a GOOD sign. The dangling part was ment and should have be better explained as detached from the bone in a way that there would be no firmness just flopping around. I think right now a splint might just do it !!

[Golfinho]

thanks to everyone who’s offered suggestions and insight. we’ve been following them all and have a rehabber for tomorrow. just have to make it ‘til then.

[TubeDriver]

You are doing great. Just keep her warm, in a quiet place. A little, shallow bowl of water and some nuts or treats to tide her over till tomorrow
.



thanks to everyone who’s offered suggestions and insight. we’ve been following them all and have a rehabber for tomorrow. just have to make it ‘til then.

[Golfinho]

I really think your best bet is to find a local rehabber who will confirm that they are will to get this squirrel to a vet and would be willing to care for her while she recovers.

Thanks, T.D. That’s the approach, and if not for today being the major Holiday that is is, we may have had this accomplished already.

[Golfinho]

this little juvenile is now in the hands of a rehabber who reported the injury was a broken foot, and she’ll soon be on the mend.

[HRT4SQRLS]

:thankyou Golfinho :Love_Icon

That makes me so happy. :) Thanks for your compassion and efforts.

[frankc]

I am so Happy I could bust !!!!!!!! YES!:serene

[TubeDriver]

You saved her life! Good job!:w00t

You could ask the rehabber if she would consider releasing her in your yard since she is familiar with the area. Hopefully, she will overwinter her because it is really too late in the year to release a juvenile squirrel.

[Golfinho]

You saved her life! Good job!:w00t
You could ask the rehabber if she would consider releasing her in your yard since she is familiar with the area. Hopefully, she will overwinter her because it is really too late in the year to release a juvenile squirrel.
I was actually wondering about that — if she could come home. The rehabber’s home has a lot of land and is more wooded and rural (albeit with predators), whereas we have only a 3/4 acre lot (on a cul-de-sac with a park, though). Wonder if squirrels have a preference.

[RockyPops]

I would vote for bringing her home to more familiar surroundings!

Thanks for helping her!

[frankc]

I agree with Rockypops