How do you judge when a wild is asking for help?

[QueenP]

Sorry if this is in the wrong place, I'm not really sure where it should be. The squirrel in question is little boy, I don’t think I can age him because his body is about the size of a maybe 8-10 week old but he has a magnificent tail, stocky arms, huge hands and feet. He is fully furred but has no winter coat coming in. He looks like he has the tell tale orphan fuzz but in some ways he just doesn’t look like a baby to me. We’re in central FL with nights in the mid to low 40s.

I met him yesterday morning and he touched my hand immediately to take nuts and will let me stand with my face inches from him. He hopped on my arm twice for a brief a second, the hopped back off. He’s NOT following or clinging to me. He likes to touch me and play with my fingers but I can’t initiate contact. I went out to feed 4 separate times yesterday and he came to see me every one. He was waiting for me first thing this morning as well.

His face looks completely different that the rest of our squirrels so I know I would have noticed him had he been coming around while I was out. He almost looks mildly dwarf-ish. Huge eyes, unique high chubby cheek bones, eats haunched over versus upright 60% of the time. Is there such thing as levels of dwarfism? Fortunately he can eat - so far he has eaten an almond, pecans, walnuts, avocado, a piece of a cherry. I just went out with a small squirrel friendly salad bowl and he chose a Henry’s block first and ate it over nuts. Curious.

Do you think he's okay and just needs access to healthy food which is actually easy for me to do because he will eat right out of my hands and comes when I click so I can just hand him food. No bullying issues with this method since the other wilds do not come anywhere near me. He can climb, he hides excess nuts. He can walk the fence, but he’s not fast at all. In fact SLOW would be the word I would use to describe everything about him. He’s doing generally okay at squirreling though. He responds (slightly) to the squirrel alarm and to dogs. He has ZERO fear of humans, my husband and the family behind us both approached him on the fence and he doesn’t run.

Is this a juvenile asking for help and I’m just dense/not getting it? I was under the impression they would cling to you or follow you around, he’s perfectly content snacking and then going back up in his tree and watching me. We have never released here so this is not a squirrel that knows me at all. Of course the pictures are sideways smh. Obviously it's difficult to show his features in a photo, but I don't know what to do with video here. Any input highly appreciated!

[TubeDriver]

It does not sound like he is asking for you to bring him inside but some of this behavior could be a problem for him. Is there an chance that he was released by a rehabber (which might explain his lack of fear)?

There are varying degrees of the "Dwarfism" syndrome from mild to severe. He does not look especially "dwarf" like to me in those photos (he is very cute). He might have taken a fall and be suffering from some mild TBI which could explain most of his behavior. I fthis is the case, it sounds like he will eventually recover and be more wild squirrel like in his behavior.

What worries me a bit is the description of him being "Slow". Being slow and not alert to threats means he is at a higher risk of being killed by a predator or encountering a mean-hearted person.

I have 3 juveniles (very lat fall babies) that are still living with mom in a nest box. They sound a lot like your little one. Mine look like 10-12 week old squirrels, no real winter coat, pretty lean looking. I worry about them and the upcoming winter (our winters are MUCH colder) than yours. I am giving them tons of almond treats, trying to fatten them up. I just hope they stick around so I can help provide additional food as the naturally occurring food disappears.

I would probably watch over this little one as best as possible and provide extra treats. Perhaps stop playing with him as much, provide him with food but don't get him accustomed to be handled or touched by people. He is lucky that he has a caring person watching over him!

[stepnstone]

He is a juvenile, do you have any idea where he is nesting?
I doubt he has any substantial stash out there at his age and the time of year.
Supportive nutrition (outside nuts) I'm sure would be beneficial to him.
The thinning hair on tail could be associated to nutrition or mites, looking at both
tail and ear I would be concerned with mites and personally would want to treat
him before it goes any further.
312471

[QueenP]

It does not sound like he is asking for you to bring him inside but some of this behavior could be a problem for him. Is there an chance that he was released by a rehabber (which might explain his lack of fear)?

There are varying degrees of the "Dwarfism" syndrome from mild to severe. He does not look especially "dwarf" like to me in those photos (he is very cute). He might have taken a fall and be suffering from some mild TBI which could explain most of his behavior. I fthis is the case, it sounds like he will eventually recover and be more wild squirrel like in his behavior.

What worries me a bit is the description of him being "Slow". Being slow and not alert to threats means he is at a higher risk of being killed by a predator or encountering a mean-hearted person.

I have 3 juveniles (very lat fall babies) that are still living with mom in a nest box. They sound a lot like your little one. Mine look like 10-12 week old squirrels, no real winter coat, pretty lean looking. I worry about them and the upcoming winter (our winters are MUCH colder) than yours. I am giving them tons of almond treats, trying to fatten them up. I just hope they stick around so I can help provide additional food as the naturally occurring food disappears.

I would probably watch over this little one as best as possible and provide extra treats. Perhaps stop playing with him as much, provide him with food but don't get him accustomed to be handled or touched by people. He is lucky that he has a caring person watching over him!

To my knowledge there are no licensed rehabbers in my city, every time we've tried to track one down it has been a complete failure and we've ended up driving to neighboring counties. However both times today I've offered him veggies and a Henry's block he takes the Henry's block. And he actually eats it. So I suppose there's slim possibly someone down the road released him and we don't know about it? The fact that he knows a HHB is food would indicate a human in his life or he has more instincts than I am giving him credit for.

Regarding slow... he just kind of spaces out, even mid eating. He doesn't take his food and go to safety, he'll sit right on top of the fence and take 3-5 minutes to savor whatever he's eating, and stop and randomly daydream in the middle. He's completely oblivious and it worries me. Our other adjoining yard has a horrific dog who chases them when they run that side of the fence, we have a hawk family of 4 fly over way more often then I'd like. So the predators are a very real concern, and I don't even want to think about the other horrible humans.

I definitely don't want to try to grab him if that's not what is necessary. Just to clarify I wasn't trying to play with him at all. He just has to touch and inspect my fingers before taking anything from my hand. So I am going to start going out with food in a dish I guess. I definitely don't want him touching anyone else for his own safety. I am worried about him being warm overnight and I am going to offer him a nest box to inspect. I hope he has friends even though he seems to be very bullied (of course).

[QueenP]

He is a juvenile, do you have any idea where he is nesting?
I doubt he has any substantial stash out there at his age and the time of year.
Supportive nutrition (outside nuts) I'm sure would be beneficial to him.
The thinning hair on tail could be associated to nutrition or mites, looking at both
tail and ear I would be concerned with mites and personally would want to treat
him before it goes any further.
312471


I do not know where he's nesting. I actually offered him a small handful of polyfil last night thinking we could follow the fluff to track him down and he wasn't interested in it. I will cut him some fleece strips. He primarily hangs out in an oak tree where one of the branches partially overhangs my backyard and if he's not down visting / eating / burying he is sitting there watching me. We have a lot of squirrel traffic, I'm sure there are several dreys in that tree, I just don't think he belongs here since he appeared out of nowhere yesterday a.m. and as of now never leaves except for dark.

I know nuts are not good for them... supportive nutrition being Henry's guide style salads? He's taking and eating the blocks which I think is surprising.

Talk to me about mites and treatment. I will try to get some better photos of his ear. Probably in the morning. Right now the sun sets behind where he hangs out primarily so I doubt I will be able to capture anything helpful.

[stepnstone]

I know nuts are not good for them... supportive nutrition being Henry's guide style salads? He's taking and eating the blocks which I think is surprising.

Talk to me about mites and treatment. I will try to get some better photos of his ear. Probably in the morning. Right now the sun sets behind where he hangs out primarily so I doubt I will be able to capture anything helpful.

Wilds can pig out on them but he's a "baby" yet, if you can supplement him hhb's in addition to other
things, that would be good for him.
Mites can be easily treated in the wild with either Revolution or Ivermectin by lacing a nut and making
sure they are the one who gets it. It just takes a drop or two in the crevice of pecan or walnut, or you
could crave out a channel in whatever nut he likes to eat best and do it that way. I do almonds like that.
Let it dry, smear a thin bit of almond or p-nut butter over the crevice and let him have at it.
It's recommended to treat again in 10 days or as soon after 10 when you see him again.

[Mel1959]

I do not know where he's nesting. I actually offered him a small handful of polyfil last night thinking we could follow the fluff to track him down and he wasn't interested in it. I will cut him some fleece strips. He primarily hangs out in an oak tree where one of the branches partially overhangs my backyard and if he's not down visting / eating / burying he is sitting there watching me. We have a lot of squirrel traffic, I'm sure there are several dreys in that tree, I just don't think he belongs here since he appeared out of nowhere yesterday a.m. and as of now never leaves except for dark.

I know nuts are not good for them... supportive nutrition being Henry's guide style salads? He's taking and eating the blocks which I think is surprising.

Talk to me about mites and treatment. I will try to get some better photos of his ear. Probably in the morning. Right now the sun sets behind where he hangs out primarily so I doubt I will be able to capture anything helpful.

I’m not sure a wild will eat much of the “healthy” greens. My yard squirrels will eat sugar snap peas, though, and they all eat avocado (no skin or pit), fresh coconut and fresh corn dusted with calcium carbonate powder. Boo balls, and occasionally Henrys blocks, round out their diet.

[stepnstone]

I'm still wondering just how old this baby really is and if he should even be out there at all.
I keep looking at your first two pictures posted and he reminds me of a little I received in
November last year. He had all the attributes of being grown but still too young to be on
his own. He was walked right up to in the middle of a highway with cars rolling by eating
on an apple, he was named Fugi by his finders. I overwintered him for a spring release.
If you look at his picture you can see the similarity in the not quite grown facial structure
between your guy and Fugi, their small paws/fingers are similar also. Your little even looks
like he could be a bit younger. :dono
I have a pretty good idea on the size of the hanging bench, if you can get another picture of
him in the bench stepping back to get the whole thing in it could give a better idea of his size.
The one of him on the 2x4 suggests he's quite young also.

Fugi-
312474 312475

QueenP boy -
312476

[Mel1959]

I agree that this one is young. But, keep in mind, this little guy is in Central Florida. When I had May up to the vet and she was within 2 weeks of delivering 3 babies, she weighed 428gr. Our full grown squirrels look like northeastern juvies!

With that said, I will share my observation with May and her babies. Since she had her last litter in the release cage before we could return to see Dr. E, I know exactly when they were born. She moved them up to her nest box when I opened the portal about a week after delivery. The next time I saw them stick their heads, and bodies, out of the box they did not have floofie tails. May didn’t seem concerned. They climbed around on the box, but didn’t venture out onto the branches. Within just a few weeks, with floofie tails, they were climbing all around the top of the tree, but did not venture down the tree. Within a week after that they were going everywhere with May’s blessing.

My point is that from my observations with May, she let her babies out far sooner than we would. I’m sure it’s because as a momma she oversees them and guides them, to a degree. This baby may be older than it seems. The friendliness of it is what is unusual and concerning. Only two of May’s babies have warmed up to me, but are still quite skittish. The friendliness of this one makes me wonder if it was raised and released nearby.

Here’s a picture of May’s babies.

[Mel1959]

Another picture of one of her babies out and about.

[QueenP]

I'm still wondering just how old this baby really is and if he should even be out there at all.
I keep looking at your first two pictures posted and he reminds me of a little I received in
November last year. He had all the attributes of being grown but still too young to be on
his own. He was walked right up to in the middle of a highway with cars rolling by eating
on an apple, he was named Fugi by his finders. I overwintered him for a spring release.
If you look at his picture you can see the similarity in the not quite grown facial structure
between your guy and Fugi, their small paws/fingers are similar also. Your little even looks
like he could be a bit younger. :dono
I have a pretty good idea on the size of the hanging bench, if you can get another picture of
him in the bench stepping back to get the whole thing in it could give a better idea of his size.
The one of him on the 2x4 suggests he's quite young also.

Fugi-
312474 312475

QueenP boy -
312476

I ordered the Ivermectin from Chris' Squirrels and I'll call to see if they can ship it today so I'll have it Sunday. I will see what I can do about getting some zoomed out pictures today or if I can screen grab from some video. He is a so small and I'm very worried about him. I'm just not one to grab an animal if I'm not positive it needs it. I definitely wouldn't mind keeping him for the winter and fattening him up. He walked up to my neighbor this morning and took a cracker from her hand :sadness which is not good. He brought me the cracker and traded it for an avocado wedge. It's just not safe for him to being accepting handouts like that, our other neighbor would probably hand him poison which is why I don't release here.

[QueenP]

I’m not sure a wild will eat much of the “healthy” greens. My yard squirrels will eat sugar snap peas, though, and they all eat avocado (no skin or pit), fresh coconut and fresh corn dusted with calcium carbonate powder. Boo balls, and occasionally Henrys blocks, round out their diet.

I offered him all of those things yesterday except corn, he only took the Henrys and avocado. I was surprised he didn't go for the boo ball! I'll make him another salad when I make Penny's to see if I can get him to try any other veggies.

[HRT4SQRLS]

I ordered the Ivermectin from Chris' Squirrels and I'll call to see if they can ship it today so I'll have it Sunday. I will see what I can do about getting some zoomed out pictures today or if I can screen grab from some video. He is a so small and I'm very worried about him. I'm just not one to grab an animal if I'm not positive it needs it. I definitely wouldn't mind keeping him for the winter and fattening him up. He walked up to my neighbor this morning and took a cracker from her hand :sadness which is not good. He brought me the cracker and traded it for an avocado wedge. It's just not safe for him to being accepting handouts like that, our other neighbor would probably hand him poison which is why I don't release here.

This isn’t normal for them to be this friendly...unless they need help. The wild babies in my yard have never approached me. Going from human to human is a heads up for me. The baby needs help.

[QueenP]

I agree that this one is young. But, keep in mind, this little guy is in Central Florida. When I had May up to the vet and she was within 2 weeks of delivering 3 babies, she weighed 428gr. Our full grown squirrels look like northeastern juvies!

With that said, I will share my observation with May and her babies. Since she had her last litter in the release cage before we could return to see Dr. E, I know exactly when they were born. She moved them up to her nest box when I opened the portal about a week after delivery. The next time I saw them stick their heads, and bodies, out of the box they did not have floofie tails. May didn’t seem concerned. They climbed around on the box, but didn’t venture out onto the branches. Within just a few weeks, with floofie tails, they were climbing all around the top of the tree, but did not venture down the tree. Within a week after that they were going everywhere with May’s blessing.

My point is that from my observations with May, she let her babies out far sooner than we would. I’m sure it’s because as a momma she oversees them and guides them, to a degree. This baby may be older than it seems. The friendliness of it is what is unusual and concerning. Only two of May’s babies have warmed up to me, but are still quite skittish. The friendliness of this one makes me wonder if it was raised and released nearby.

Here’s a picture of May’s babies.

I agree it would seem it knows humans and obviously not released properly to still be this trusting. It's very concerning our other neighbors are NOT friendly. With as cold as our nights have been I sure wouldn't have booted him out yet. Everyone bullies him of course, so I think he just clung to the first thing (me) who didn't charge or yell at him :sadness

The other weird thing is he doesn't leave. He just sits up in a tree where he can see my back door and he's always there except at night. Like he doesn't have squirrel work to do, no interest in exploring, doesn't hunker down for the midday nap. I just don't know what to do. I could easily catch him but I don't know if its absolutely necessary and I don't want to do more harm than good.

[Nancy in New York]

My fear too, with one so friendly, is if he approaches kids.
We have seen/read some horror stories on the board about
what some kids will do to animals, just for kicks. :boohoo

If this little one should accidentally bite someone, I'm sure it
wouldn't take much to catch him and have him tested (and we KNOW how
they test for rabies.) The only way is by examination
of the brain tissue of a dead animal. :eek
Rabies is everyone's fear, even though we have never heard of a squirrel
carrying rabies.

[HRT4SQRLS]

I agree that in the one pic his face does look slightly dwarfish. I don’t see a down side to taking him in and offering aid. Maybe he is a slow bloomer and just needs more time to grow up a little. I think we all know that ‘immaturity’ this time of year will make him vulnerable. The first hawk that sees him sitting on the fence will take advantage of his inexperience. You’re in Central FL so the good part is that you can re-release him soon. I don’t release in Jan & Feb but it would be a short overwinter here.

[QueenP]

So I will try to catch him either this afternoon when I get back or this weekend, I just went out to check on him and he now has a scratch above his eye and he fell off the fence at my feet being chased off the fence by the bad neighbors. I didn't realize it was him at first or I would have grabbed him while he was frozen in place.

Few questions - In the event he has mites how long would he need to be quarantined for? We have a NR girl- QueenP (Penny) who is about to be 11 months. She is cage free and has a room, can they bunk together if he's in a cage and she's running around? Obviously he could take one of her unused cages. I could also put him in a cage on our back screened in porch if he needs be quarantined away from her. If he can't be near her for their safety would he be able to overwinter with a foster home and I can satellite watch him? I don't feel like from a feeding perspective I can't handle a second temporarily since we have spare cages and supplies (assuming he's just slow) but a lot of that hinges on hopefully allowing him to be in a squirrel friend indoor playground since I don't have another spare room.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Oh wow, that sounds like a bad situation with the neighbor.

Mites and fleas die rapidly after treatment. If you suspect mange I would certainly retreat. I know you ordered the ivermectin. I can’t dose that as I have not used it. I use Revolution.
I don’t think being in the same room will be a problem. I wouldn’t put him in her room the first day. Wait a day or two and then move the cage in her room. I wouldn’t let them interact during out of cage time. They would probably fight and I think Penny will have fit. It is her territory you know. :grin2

He seems friendly enough but it’s hard to tell how he will react to captivity. Try to reduce his stress by covering part of the cage and make sure he has a pouch, cube or nest box to hide in.

Edit... I thought about that and think maybe quarantine for a week would be a good idea. I doubt there is anything wrong with him but for Penny’s safety, best practices are to quarantine. If there are no issues with him after that they can be in the same room but not same cage.

Something else to consider is that Penny might start ‘acting out’ if she views him as an intruder.

[RockyPops]

Oh wow, that sounds like a bad situation with the neighbor.

Mites and fleas die rapidly after treatment. If you suspect mange I would certainly retreat. I know you ordered the ivermectin. I can’t dose that as I have not used it. I use Revolution.
I don’t think being in the same room will be a problem. I wouldn’t put him in her room the first day. Wait a day or two and then move the cage in her room. I wouldn’t let them interact during out of cage time. They would probably fight and I think Penny will have fit. It is her territory you know. :grin2

He seems friendly enough but it’s hard to tell how he will react to captivity. Try to reduce his stress by covering part of the cage and make sure he has a pouch, cube or nest box to hide in.

Edit... I thought about that and think maybe quarantine for a week would be a good idea. I doubt there is anything wrong with him but for Penny’s safety, best practices are to quarantine. If there are no issues with him after that they can be in the same room but not same cage.

Something else to consider is that Penny might start ‘acting out’ if she views him as an intruder.



Coming from an inexperienced squirrel lover...

I agree!!

At least give you a chance to see how he tolerates captivity and to keep him safe in the meantime.

Thanks for helping him! He is so adorable!

[QueenP]

I have him. I’m such a dummy we also have a release cage. Is he okay in it for the night so I can steal Penelope’s spare cage tomorrow when she is distracted or does he need to be inside? I didn’t expect to get him that easily and I was unprepared. He will easily chew through the cat carrier he is in so that’s obviously very temporary. Temp tonight is 48 for the lows.

[Nancy in New York]

I have him. I’m such a dummy we also have a release cage. Is he okay in it for the night so I can steal Penelope’s spare cage tomorrow when she is distracted or does he need to be inside? I didn’t expect to get him that easily and I was unprepared. He will easily chew through the cat carrier he is in so that’s obviously very temporary. Temp tonight is 48 for the lows.


Do you have anything in the release cage that he can nap in
like a squirrel box or something?
I would pile fleece in if you do.
Also make sure to offer him a water bottle.
Thank you for watching out for this little one.
Because of you, he now has a fighting chance. :Love_Icon

[QueenP]

Something else to consider is that Penny might start ‘acting out’ if she views him as an intruder. Well to be honest... I would be concerned if she didn't. She's still a wild animal, just with blankets and breakfast in bed

[QueenP]

Do you have anything in the release cage that he can nap in
like a squirrel box or something?
I would pile fleece in if you do.
Also make sure to offer him a water bottle.
Thank you for watching out for this little one.
Because of you, he now has a fighting chance. :Love_Icon

Yes! We mounted a nest box, stuffed full of fleece strips. I also hung a hammock, a bird tent (also filled with fleece) and a cozy cube. I left the cat kennel we caught him in at the bottom, stuffed full of fleece bedding as well in case he didn't feel comfortable being "out" in the open. We accidentally left a small box full of polyfil in there and which he had great fun flipping in and out of it before he tucked himself in.

I put out three shallow water bowls, will put a bottle out tomorrow as well while I figure out where we can set him up inside. I felt so SO guilty walking up to the house with him locked up, that I trapped him with a treat. But he was totally fine, I assume he should have been madder than heck. I sat down next to the cage and watched him explore until dusk, he came to touch my fingers every minute or two. Is that normal? I mean... I feel like logically he should have wanted out not wanted to be near me? Can't wait to see if he'll let me examine him and clean his eye wound tomorrow.

[HRT4SQRLS]

I think this little guy feels safe for the first time since he was away from mom. :Love_Icon

[stepnstone]

We accidentally left a small box full of polyfil in there and which he had great fun flipping in and out of it before he tucked himself in.


I think this little guy feels safe for the first time since he was away from mom. :Love_Icon

...................http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/yes/yes-i-fully-agree-smiley-emoticon.gif..:Love_Icon

[Mel1959]

I’m so glad you caught him. :w00t It sounds like you have this totally under control, but if you need the resources of another rehabber I know of several in the Orlando area, as well as other parts of the state. And I am on the east coast just south of Cocoa Beach if I can help in any way. I will send you my phone number in a pm.

Edit: phone numbers sent in a pm.

[QueenP]

Update: He's doing wonderfully, although not impressed with a salad beyond avocado and Henry's so far, but I'll scavenge him some wild foods in a bit. I didn't actually expect him to eat salad after being "wild". He peeked out when I checked on him at 7:15, then went back to bed, I'm pretty sure sleeping in is quite the luxury for them once they've been outdoors. I haven't been able to hold him to look at his wound (yet), but he pancaked on the nest box porch for about 20 minutes and let me love all over him. He was purring, bruxing, content. He didn't even attempt to walk out the door when I opened it.

First impression is he feels like he has little scabs or flea bites all over him, although he may just be dirty. Will the Ivermectin help with that or how exactly do I go about getting Revolution? My regular vet won't write a script for it :( and ideally we don't have to trek to Dr. E's. I have a feeling I'll be able to handle him enough to get a good look at him in his entirety very shortly. I included some pictures that kinda show his ears and the thinning fur at the base of his tail so you can let me know if you think mites are definitely a concern. His eye in first picture doesn't look bad at all, he has a small scratch above that looks like slightly matted fur and then the area near his tear duct which it what I want to get a better look at.

[MyBushyTail]

He is adorable! I can't offer any advice but wanted to mention that I did not think we were suppose to give the skin or pit of an avocado to squirrels, as they are poisonous.

[HRT4SQRLS]

You can buy Revolution online at Joes Pet Meds. It is in Australia but it only takes a week to arrive. No prescription required.
https://www.joespetmeds.com/flea-tick-control/revolution-cats-dogs.htm

This baby is adorable. He wasn’t ready to be on his own. Your support for a little while will make all the difference in the world. Hopefully when he gets a little older he will get more ‘squirrelly’ and won’t be approaching humans. I’m so glad you intervened. :grin2

I’m not surprised he didn’t eat the salad either. Just curious, do you have any formula? He might actually take formula.

[QueenP]

He is adorable! I can't offer any advice but wanted to mention that I did not think we were suppose to give the skin or pit of an avocado to squirrels, as they are poisonous. You are correct the skin & pit is poisonous. Its very messy to eat though and he'll scoop it out of the top only since he eats hunched over not upright so that's easy for him to hold. I took the skin in tact from him when he finished. My NR also eats her out of the skin but will spit it out. Unless you're confident you can take the skin back from them you definitely shouldn't give it to them.

[QueenP]

You can buy Revolution online at Joes Pet Meds. It is in Australia but it only takes a week to arrive. No prescription required.
https://www.joespetmeds.com/flea-tick-control/revolution-cats-dogs.htm

This baby is adorable. He wasn’t ready to be on his own. Your support for a little while will make all the difference in the world. Hopefully when he gets a little older he will get more ‘squirrelly’ and won’t be approaching humans. I’m so glad you intervened. :grin2

I’m not surprised he didn’t eat the salad either. Just curious, do you have any formula? He might actually take formula.

I do have formula (FV 20/50) and I was wondering first thing this morning if I should mix up a batch. My husband told me I was insane but I am willing to try it. Anything to get him healthy :Love_Icon

[Mel1959]

I do have formula (FV 20/50) and I was wondering first thing this morning if I should mix up a batch. My husband told me I was insane but I am willing to try it. Anything to get him healthy :Love_Icon

You might also try some vanilla full fat yogurt. My squirrels love Liberte’ organic vanilla yogurt. You can buy it at Publix.

[stepnstone]

Yes, he is adorable! :Love_Icon
I too am glad you brought him in and I agree, he wasn't ready to be on his own.
Time and a proper soft release when the time comes can make all the difference.
Thank you for taking this step, keeping him safe, and increasing his chance at
survival to become a big squirrel. :grin2..:grouphug

[QueenP]

He's happily scarfing formula like a fiend. And Henry's blocks. What a relief! He investigated all nest zones and has yet to make a peep to indicate he is unhappy, yay. He surprisingly took no naps. I've never know a squirrel baby to not snooze haha.

Just in case because i am no expert - His skin if you really poke through his fur is has some spots that are minorly pink with tiny white flakes, particularly on his back He was scratching a lot outside as well. I know he could probably benefit from some type of bath or wipe down but I don't want to push my luck too much, I definitely can't give him a physical bath yet. I don't know if that means fleas, or if he has dry skin? If so is there anything I can try to soothe him or just want for treatments to come in?

His eye looks good, and the eyeball doesn't look to be scratched thank goodness. I think I'll be able to handle him proper tomorrow. And I'll have an extra set of hands so I can get some better photos.

[HRT4SQRLS]

That makes me so happy. :grin2 That baby wanted milk (formula) and just wasn’t ready to wean. I think we have ruled out ANY doubt about intervening.

You can wipe him down with a warm wash cloth with a little Dawn dish detergent if you would like. Of course, I would wipe him with a warm plain water cloth as a rinse. Dawn kills fleas.

I am so happy for this baby. Thank you for realizing that he needed help. :hug

[RockyPops]

That makes me so happy. :grin2 That baby wanted milk (formula) and just wasn’t ready to wean. I think we have ruled out ANY doubt about intervening.

You can wipe him down with a warm wash cloth with a little Dawn dish detergent if you would like. Of course, I would wipe him with a warm plain water cloth as a rinse. Dawn kills fleas.

I am so happy for this baby. Thank you for realizing that he needed help. :hug



:hugDouble Ditto:w00t

[Scooterzmom]

I just thought that in light of what we learned recently, and since that baby does appear to have some minor skinissue that maybe Capstar could be advisable... wouuld take care of possible parasites maybe?

So, so happy you took that lil one in. Now he'll have a chance to become a squirrel as the Creator intended him to be... yjanks to you.

[BCChins]

:klunk sucha cutie so glad he is in good hands now!!

[QueenP]

The little one is doing absolutely amazing, I am so pleased with how little captivity seems to be upsetting him. We squirrel proofed the back screened patio so he could run around and he's just a happy little kid doing pretty good squirreling (under supervision). He's taking a small amount of formula and eating HHBs properly and trying healthy veggies, all good signs. Day 1 was really mellow but he has energy now and is happy bouncing around and scaling the screens which I am hopeful is a good sign.

I got him cleaned up pretty well although his newfound energy means the cleaning was a little difficult, guess I definitely should have done that while he wasn't feeling well. His eye looks great, can't even see his scratch anymore beyond the small missing area of fur. He did not appear to have flea dirt or even any major dirt beyond his face and hands when I wiped him down. His skin is definitely pink on his tummy and flaky in patches on his back. The Ivermectin will be arriving today so I need dosing instructions. I also did order Revolution just in case but it won't be here until the end of the week. If I need to order Capstar additionally please let me know! I will try to get him weighed here shortly.

He thankfully seems less quirky then he appeared outside although he does lay down on his side to groom himself which I've never seen. He also spends an abnormal amount of time on the ground rather than being up but he does go up when he hears a sound that spooks him and he sleeps up high as well.

[RockyPops]

Sounds like he's acting more squirrley now. Squirting around, up and down instead of the slow walking you first described.

Amazing turn around....thank you!

And it's time he had a name....:grin3

[QueenP]

We have been calling him Peter Pan, the little lost boy. I just spoke with HRT4SQRLS and she's going to meet me tomorrow to pick him up. I'm so glad he's squirreling better and I was able to help.. but I still think he needs more care than I can provide since I don't exactly what his skin condition is and I don't want to do more harm than good throwing random medications at his tiny body. Also QueenP bit the ever loving heck out of me to show her displeasure. This is truly the best thing for him, he needs someone who knows what his skin problem is and can fix it, unfortunately that person isn't me. The whole point was always to make him better and I think she's the better woman for the job even if I am definitely going to miss seeing his cute little face more than words can say!!!!

[Nancy in New York]

We have been calling him Peter Pan, the little lost boy. I just spoke with HRT4SQRLS and she's going to meet me tomorrow to pick him up. I'm so glad he's squirreling better and I was able to help.. but I still think he needs more care than I can provide since I don't exactly what his skin condition is and I don't want to do more harm than good throwing random medications at his tiny body. Also QueenP bit the ever loving heck out of me to show her displeasure. This is truly the best thing for him, he needs someone who knows what his skin problem is and can fix it, unfortunately that person isn't me. The whole point was always to make him better and I think she's the better woman for the job even if I am definitely going to miss seeing his cute little face more than words can say!!!!

Thank you for doing what you've done for this little one.
You are one amazing person.
My squirrels have been begging me to send them to HRT4SQRLS,
so I clearly won't be letting them read this post!
Seriously, they couldn't be in better hands, and that's the truth!
Thank you again.:hug:Love_Icon:hug

[RockyPops]

Thank you again for caring enough QueenP... AND

PeterPan is a wonderful name for such a magical little boy... AND

The people on TSB never fail to amaze me...time after time.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Peter Pan came to live with me today. Based on his size I would guess he is about 12 weeks old.
He appears to be healthy. The few days with QueenP plumped him up and he got his ‘squirrelly’ on. :grin2 While in the carrier he showed his ferocious side with growls and a bark. I’m not sure why he was alone. Even if mom weaned the kids, why wasn’t he with his bothers and sisters? He was a little lost boy that needed a little help. By March, he will be ready to rule the yard and to forage like all the other wild kids. Of course, he will know where the treats come from. :grin3

I will get some pics later after he settles in. He was thirsty when he got here so he drank and is resting now.
Thanks QueenP for allowing me to help Peter Pan get back to the trees. :w00t

[stepnstone]

Thank you Patti for the helping hand. :grouphug

[HRT4SQRLS]

What a sweet baby. :Love_Icon Peter Pan just took about 10cc of formula...vigorously.
He didn’t want to let go of the nipple to refill. He had both paws holding it with all his might.
He licked the formula that dripped off of the log. I think he will take it from a bowl but I will continue to offer the syringe so that he likes me. :grin2

He let me pet him all over. :Love_Icon

[Nancy in New York]

What a sweet baby. :Love_Icon Peter Pan just took about 10cc of formula...vigorously.
He didn’t want to let go of the nipple to refill. He had both paws holding it with all his might.
He licked the formula that dripped off of the log. I think he will take it from a bowl but I will continue to offer the syringe so that he likes me. :grin2

He let me pet him all over. :Love_Icon

I'll bet you are grinning ear to ear. I know I am! :Love_Icon

[HRT4SQRLS]

I'll bet you are grinning ear to ear. I know I am! :Love_Icon

I sure am. 😁

[CritterMom]

Aw. I bet he is so happy and RELIEVED. Something bad happened and he needed help and he actually GOT it. How wonderful!

[QueenP]

I could not be more pleased he is letting you pet him already he's the sweetest:Love_Icon. So so grateful he's in the best hands and we got to be a short visit on his way back to the trees when he is ready!!

[RockyPops]

:w00t:clap:clap:clap OK. Two hero's today! QueenP and HRT4SQRLS :clap:clap:clap:clap:dance


Thank you both!

[Scooterzmom]

I'm so, soooo happy this little Peter Pan has found angels to help him.:bliss He got himself the very best present there is: a chance at life! Thanks to both of you. We all need a happy Xmas story and this sure is a good one. :serene

[HRT4SQRLS]

Peter Pan is doing well today. He LOVES Fox Valley. He has had formula twice today and a Henry’s block. He wasn’t interested in veggies or fruit today. I did offer something his first human mom gave him. He LOVES dried grasshoppers. :yuck He snatched it out of my hand so fast and started chewing away. It sounded like he was eating potato chips in his cube. :rotfl Well, that’s a new one for me. :peace

I think he will be fine but there is definitely something ‘different’ about him. I can’t put my finger on it.
Of course, he is still settling in. He has had a lot of changes in his short life so hopefully some stability will help him realize that he is safe
and he won’t have to worry about food and shelter any longer. He will be pampered and adored. :Love_Icon I hope he can accept that in time.

[Scooterzmom]

Peter Pan is doing well today. He LOVES Fox Valley....

I think he will be fine but there is definitely something ‘different’ about him. I can’t put my finger on it.
Of course, he is still settling in. He has had a lot of changes in his short life so hopefully some stability will help him realize that he is safe
and he won’t have to worry about food and shelter any longer. He will be pampered and adored. :Love_Icon I hope he can accept that in time.

This brings back memories of my darling Simon. :sad
I had raised him with 3 others his own age, and there didn't seem much different about him except being shy until release day.

That is when I realized this poor guy would not make it out there: He got out of the cage, never tried to climb the tree right next to it, and there he was sitting with a peanut in his mouth, facing the tree trunk, barely 6 inches away and trying to eat the shell of that peanut. I sat there watching, from a short distance, and forty five minutes later he was still working on that same peanut. He was also clueless it seemed, like unaware of his environment... and I could walk right up to him without him even noticing (he had NOT been raised used to humans at all) Now he wasn't blind, and he had never been allowed out to play with us in the squirrel room; we let them out in the squirrel room to play with eachother only if they are to be released. But yes, something was different, and definitely wrong.

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hijack your thread Patti :( Let's just say that Simon ended up living inside with me and his whole life he loved his blocks much better than veggies - even more than avocado! - and he always loved his formula... even at 3 years of age.

Little Peter Pan might be a special one, Patti. I don't know, but when there is something different about them, we know. :Love_Icon

[HRT4SQRLS]

Miche, I’m hopeful that Peter Pan will ‘squirrel up’ and be released in March but for now I will just give him the support, time and love that he needs to thrive. I would say that he had no chance to survive as a wild squirrel right now. He definitely needed help. QueenP made the right call bringing him in.

He is doing fine. I treated him with Revolution today. His skin feels bumpy and he has crispy ears so I’m guessing that he has mange. He scratches a LOT. I hope a few day from now I’ll see the results of the Revolution.

He is showing very positive signs of adjusting to captivity. He will actually come to the front of the cage when I approach the door. He lets me rub him and handle him without picking him up. I did pick him up for the Revolution treatment and of course he didn’t appreciate that but he has never tried to bite me.

Peter eats very well. He takes formula 3 times a day and eats a Henry’s block. He has eaten broccoli slaw, sweet potato, avocado and nibbled a blue berry and those 🦗 nasty grasshoppers. :rotfl

[HRT4SQRLS]

You’ve got mail. :grin2Peter Pan received mail today from his Aunt Nancy. :Love_Icon He will be a pampered boy in his new Fluffer fleece. He will be spoiled because none of his friends have ever had such soft fleece. I hope he doesn’t tell them. He also received a bungee toy, hammock and chilly chew cones. I won’t be able to live with this spoiled little boy.

Peter Pan has made huge progress in the last few days. He got his ‘squirrel’ on. I’m pretty sure there is nothing wrong with him that will prevent release in the spring. He runs, jumps and does everything a squirrel does. He just needed more time to live independent.

He made a great escape in the house and it took almost two hours to corral him. I think he wants to be a free range squirrel in the house but I can’t let him do that. I’m going to give him free range time tomorrow and try to get some pics. His ears feel a little better. They don’t feel so crispy. Hopefully the Revolution will take care of that problem. He eats well and does like wild foods like dandelions, hibiscus and pine cones. And those grasshoppers 🦗he will lunge after those. :rotfl

I don’t know Peter Pan’s past but I can see his future. He will be leaping through the trees and begging for nuts at the back door of the Nut House. He is a precious and sweet little guy. Thank you Nancy for loving little Peter Pan. :hug

[RockyPops]

That is just the best news ever!

:Love_Icon Peter Pan :Love_Icon

[HRT4SQRLS]

Peter Pan is great. His ears are soft and his skin is clearing up. He let me take a few pics today.
Of course I had to bribe him with treats. :)


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[stepnstone]

Just what I needed to see today...
What a little sweetheart ~ Love the pictures!

[Mel1959]

Your pics made me smile. You’re getting to experience the joys of a singleton. :Love_Icon Not nearly the chaos as multiples. :grin3

[TubeDriver]

:w00t:dance:clap:great


NancyFleece®️ is something else, best fleece in the world! Peter Pan is very lucky, in more than one ways.


Two hours to corral him? Wow, he must be a little whirlwind! :serene

[RockyPops]

Oh my goodness, what a handsome young man....that special Peter Pan!:w00t

He looks so good!

Is he acting squirrely?

Thanks for the pictures and for taking him in.

I hope to see video of him heading into the trees next spring!:dance:dance:dance

[HRT4SQRLS]

Just what I needed to see today...
What a little sweetheart ~ Love the pictures!

Thanks Step, he really is sweet. It’s hard to imagine that he was a wild.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Your pics made me smile. You’re getting to experience the joys of a singleton. :Love_Icon Not nearly the chaos as multiples. :grin3

IDK Mel, he was a handful trying to catch him. :grin2

[HRT4SQRLS]

:w00t:dance:clap:great


NancyFleece®️ is something else, best fleece in the world! Peter Pan is very lucky, in more than one ways.


Two hours to corral him? Wow, he must be a little whirlwind! :serene

Whirlwind is a good description. :rotfl Today was different. He was loose in the squirrel room and he didn’t venture off. After exploring a while he went back into the cage by himself.

You got that right Tube.... NancyFleece is awesome. :grin2

[HRT4SQRLS]

Oh my goodness, what a handsome young man....that special Peter Pan!:w00t

He looks so good!

Is he acting squirrely?

Thanks for the pictures and for taking him in.

I hope to see video of him heading into the trees next spring!:dance:dance:dance

Thanks RockyPops, he is SUPER squirrelly. I have no doubt that he will see he trees soon. Spring comes pretty fast in FL. :grin2

[Nancy in New York]

Like everyone else said, these photos just make me smile.
Some of these photos look professional and like
they should be on a greeting card. Love his little expression.
I'm thrilled that Peter is adjusting so well. :w00t

[redwuff]

What a lucky boy Peter Pan :grouphug. I think this boy was in really tough shape when Queen P was able to catch him. This is total teamwork. Thank you HRT for taking him on!

[HRT4SQRLS]

Like everyone else said, these photos just make me smile.
Some of these photos look professional and like
they should be on a greeting card. Love his little expression.
I'm thrilled that Peter is adjusting so well. :w00t

Thank you Nancy. He really is doing great. I couldn’t be happier.

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[HRT4SQRLS]

What a lucky boy Peter Pan :grouphug. I think this boy was in really tough shape when Queen P was able to catch him. This is total teamwork. Thank you HRT for taking him on!

Thanks redwuff. You always second guess yourself if it was the right decision but in Peter Pan’s case I believe intervening was the right one. He has accepted captivity very well.

[Nancy in New York]

Am I detecting a little smile here? :klunk



Thank you Nancy. He really is doing great. I couldn’t be happier.

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[BCChins]

Adorable :klunk

[HRT4SQRLS]

Am I detecting a little smile here? :klunk

He sure makes me smile. :grin2

[HRT4SQRLS]

Adorable :klunk

Thanks BCChins :w00t

[Scooterzmom]

It's a little bit like seeing my lil Simon again: the mere sight of that little boy makes my heart sing. Peter Pan is beyond cute, Patti... and I'm totally in LUVVVVV :Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

You have done, are still doing, such a great job, you and QueenP


P.S. Are you a prop photographer??? These pics are great!!!

[HRT4SQRLS]

It's a little bit like seeing my lil Simon again: the mere sight of that little boy makes my heart sing. Peter Pan is beyond cute, Patti... and I'm totally in LUVVVVV :Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

You have done, are still doing, such a great job, you and QueenP


P.S. Are you a prop photographer??? These pics are great!!!

Miche, I’m glad he reminds you of Simon. :Love_Icon

I’m definitely not a photographer. I pulled out the ‘real’ camera so I could use the zoom. :grin2 I like to throw a few toys or whatever in the photo to add a little cuteness to the pic. In the past I have used miniature items like a 4 inch Radio Flyer wagon to get some cutes pics so I guess I do like to use props. :grin2

[JLM27]

What a Cutie Pie! He sure looks happy. Thanks for helping him, you guys. Just looking at that little face warms the heart.

[HRT4SQRLS]

What a Cutie Pie! He sure looks happy. Thanks for helping him, you guys. Just looking at that little face warms the heart.


There is quite a little pistol behind that cute face. :grin2

I have new pics to post.

[HRT4SQRLS]

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[RockyPops]

What a sweetheart!:Love_Icon

Merry Christmas little Peter Pan!

And a Happy, Squirrely, New Year!!!!!!

[QueenP]

He is too cute for words. He looks absolutely amazing. Love that little booger but I can see he's being adequately spoiled by you :dance

[Mel1959]

Miche, I’m glad he reminds you of Simon. :Love_Icon

I’m definitely not a photographer. I pulled out the ‘real’ camera so I could use the zoom. :grin2 I like to throw a few toys or whatever in the photo to add a little cuteness to the pic. In the past I have used miniature items like a 4 inch Radio Flyer wagon to get some cutes pics so I guess I do like to use props. :grin2

What? No picture of this cutie in the Christmas tree?! :grin2:rotfl

[HRT4SQRLS]

Oh my, it’s time to update everyone on Peter Pan.
He is doing awesome. :grin2 His skin is perfect and his belly is plump.
Seriously, he really has blossomed into a confident, squirrelly squirrel. :)

I was concerned because he has been very bored in his cage and he started chewing the bars. :nono
I made the decision to put him in the cage on my back porch. Our weather is fantastic. We are forecast to get to the low 80’s for the coming week. If we have any extreme cold I can always bring him back in for a few days. As it stands now I would like to release him the first week of March.

I prepped the release cage and gave him a ‘forest’ of oak branches. I actually might have put a few too many in there. :embar Sometimes I have trouble finding him in his forest. Yesterday he was transferred to the cage. I gave him his cube with Fluffer fleece and his hammock that his mom sent. There is also a nest box in the cage. He hasn’t entered the nest box yet and it’s clear he isn’t ready to give up the Fluffer fleece so he slept in his fleece cube last night. He doesn’t know that I put 2 Fluffer fleece in the nest box. :grin2

Here are pic of Peter Pan taken today. He LOVES being outside. He has already had visitors as the back porch is frequented by the resident moochers.

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[TubeDriver]

What a handsome squirrel!:w00t It makes my heart sing to think that he will be climbing in the trees, healthy and strong, in the near future! Great job with him!:great

BTW, great photos too!

[RockyPops]

Thanks for the good news update on Peter Pan HRT!

Please don't forget some short videos (or long ones) on release day. I love to see them tasting freedom for the first time.

:Love_IconPeter Pan:Love_Icon

[Mel1959]

He looks like a happy camper! :serene

[lukaslolamaus]

Peter Pan is a cutie :Love_Icon:serene

[stepnstone]

He looks great and very confident out there among the branches.
I'm so happy for him that he has this chance to strengthen and grow
instead of having to struggle to survive at such a young age. :Love_Icon

[Mialouise]

Peter Pan is looking gorgeous!

[HRT4SQRLS]

Peter enjoying a hibiscus. I think he might even be posing. :grin2

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Peter Pan is doing great. He finally moved into the wooden nest box in the release cage. I was beginning to think I would need to hang his cube in the tree when he is released. :) It is completely stuffed with Fluffer fleece and he wasn’t giving that up. When he discovered that the nest box had some Fluffer fleece he decided it was OK to move into it. He has MANY squirrel visitors. They hang on his cage near his food. They remember. :grin2 Of course, they get handouts so no one is being deprived.

[TubeDriver]

Definitely posing! :klunk:Love_Icon:w00t

[Nancy in New York]

These photos just make my heart smile!
:Love_Icon Peter Pan :Love_Icon

[RockyPops]

You have a release date yet? More or less?

Time for me to start worrying about Peter Pan!:tap

He looks so good HRT!:w00t

[HRT4SQRLS]

I’m thinking release the first week of March. No need to worry RockyPops. He will be another little face looking in the French doors.
They think nothing of walking right in when the door opens. :tap :rotfl

[Mel1959]

Peter Pan is a VERY handsome boy!

[Chirps]

So many threads, so little time! I think I saw this way back in December but somehow lost it. THANK YOU, QueenP and HRT4SQRLS for all you have done for Peter Pan! I triple ditto everything everyone else said. He is a Handsome Boy! Love all the pics, especially the ones where he's holding his hibiscus. I think you're right. He IS posing, the little ham!

:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[Scooterzmom]

This little guy needs a contract with "Squirrel Beauty" magazine. :D He's a natural born model! :Love_Icon

[HRT4SQRLS]

Peter Pan got a treat today. Wow, he went nuts over it. :grin2

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[HRT4SQRLS]

Peter had visitors and I got pics. He is really ready to be released so he can join his friends.
The weather has been really nice. It was cool last week but it should be in the 80’s this week. If I see the last week of February is forecast to be warm I might release him a week early. Trees have started budding out.

The pics were take from inside the house. I knew if I went outside his friend would leave.

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[Nancy in New York]

Peter looks so much older now, no more "baby face".
I'll bet he's anxious to get back to nature, but this time,
he's bigger, stronger and more prepared.
You did great by this boy.
He was too young and friendly to be out alone.
I really believe you saved his life.
Nice job! :w00t

[RockyPops]

Yay Peter!

I bet those two will get along. I sure hope he'll have a buddy when he gets out.

Great job with precious Peter Pan! :bliss

[Mel1959]

Yep, I definitely think Spring has sprung here in Florida! It no longer feels like winter....actually it never did much this year. :crazy1

Peter Pan will love getting back to the trees. I hope he sticks around so mom can visit with him. :Love_Icon

[HRT4SQRLS]

This thread started on December 5th. I think today is a wonderful day to give Peter Pan back to nature. He is no longer the little lost boy with a baby face. He is a confident, health young man that longs for freedom. Initially I had thought the first week of March but realistically spring has already arrived in FL. We had a cold front on Friday but the night temp dropped into the 50’s and Saturday was back up into the 80’s. The trees are budded out and the promise of spring is visible in the new green foliage.

Today is the day, Peter Pan. You get to go home. You can see your friends face to face and chase those pesky birds that have been hanging on your cage. You have been a delight and it was my pleasure to help you get back home safely. Love you buddy. :Love_Icon

[CritterMom]

This has been a feel good thread from the beginning. I sure hope pics and video is coming! Psssssst. Stick close by, Peter - she will support you forever! :thumbsup5

[Mel1959]

Awww, I’m so glad Peter is going to taste freedom once again. :Love_Icon You did a great job helping him grow into the picture perfect squirrel that he is today. :hug Release day is so bittersweet....I love it and watching them enjoy their freedom.....but I hate the unknowns and the worry. :eek: I hope your precious boy sticks close to home, too. He’s got it made in the shade on your property. :grin3

[Nancy in New York]

Peter you couldn't have landed in better hands.
Go live the life you were meant to have.
Be safe, be happy, and stick around Mom.
Remember, she took you in, when you needed
her the most. :Love_Icon

[QueenP]

Patti I was just gathering pictures for a Peter update for all the people whom have been asking me how he was going. I can not believe I just opened this to see today was the day. Did you get any video? I am crying so many happy tears for him. Thank you for getting him healthy and giving him the time he so desperately needed. And thank you all for telling me to trust my gut even when I didn't want to hear it. I so hope he stays close :Love_Icon

[HRT4SQRLS]

This really has been a happy thread. :grin2 Peter Pan has thrived from day one. He never looked back. Of course, he developed a refined palate and stopped eating his wild foods like dandelions and grasshoppers. That was a new one for me. He just loved dried grasshoppers to start but gave them up. He explored around the back porch for a while before he found the trees. The black flower pot is the squirrels garden. They planted it. There is a blackberry bush and a few cherry tomato plants. The blackberry has been there several years. It gets very overgrown and I cut it back yearly. The squirrels eat the blackberries when they are green. :) I will try to help the tomato plants along but they will probably eat the plants before they bear.

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Sorry they are all sideways. I like to shoot vertical shots with a camera and those seem to always post sideways. :dono

The tree pics were with a zoom as he was very high in the tree.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Patti I was just gathering pictures for a Peter update for all the people whom have been asking me how he was going. I can not believe I just opened this to see today was the day. Did you get any video? I am crying so many happy tears for him. Thank you for getting him healthy and giving him the time he so desperately needed. And thank you all for telling me to trust my gut even when I didn't want to hear it. I so hope he stays close :Love_Icon


Hi Heather, yes today was the day. It was sorta spontaneous as I had planned to wait a week but really saw no reason to hold him. The weather is awesome and he was ready. I can send the pics by email so you will have the originals. The originals seem to look better than what posts. He explored around the back porch for a while and then found the trees. He disappeared into the trees so I came in. I went back outside and he had made his way back to the porch. I really think he will return to the cage tonight. I also think he will stay around. The trio I released in November are still hanging around for treats.

He has done great and this time he is very ready and quite capable of surviving in nature. He has been eating all kind of things he found on the ground. I’m pretty sure he even ate dirt. They all seem to eat dirt for some reason. :grin2 Can you imagine the face we would get if we gave them a bowl of dirt.

[CritterMom]

Aw, he looks great! Has he returned back inside the RC at all since he was sprung?

[HRT4SQRLS]

Aw, he looks great! Has he returned back inside the RC at all since he was sprung?

Actually, right at first he did go back into the cage but not since. When he was out exploring he would scurry back (but not inside) to the release cage. It was clear that the cage is his safe spot so he rushed back. A sound startled him and he came flying back alarming. :grin2

[HRT4SQRLS]

Heather, I didn’t get any video. I don’t know how to post video. I can video him with the iPad and see if I can figure it out.

[Chirps]

You GO Peter! (Well not AWAY or anything, but you know what I mean.)

:dance:dance:dance:dance:dance

[HRT4SQRLS]

Peter Pan returned to the release cage and is safely tucked in bed. The door has been closed.
Tomorrow is a new day.

[RockyPops]

Thanks for the update HRT!

I'm sitting here with some happy tears right now.

Good luck Peter Pan...run and climb like you were meant to do.

And thanks to QueenP that saved Peter Pan in the beginning.

[Mel1959]

What a great Peter Pan story....just like the fairy tale. :serene:Love_Icon Peter Pan :Love_Icon

[Mel1959]

[I’m pretty sure he even ate dirt. They all seem to eat dirt for some reason. Can you imagine the face we would get if we gave them a bowl of dirt.]

Dr. E says that dirt contains micronutrients that they need. She used to caution me about letting Joey eat too much dirt for fear he’d get impacted. :nono

I LOVE when they get their first taste of freedom, wallow in the grass and dirt. Such joy!

[HRT4SQRLS]

Peter Pan is living large. He is a regular on the back porch with the others. He is very easy to spot because the hair on his tail narrows towards the end. Plus, he isn’t shy at all about walking in the house. :grin2

These pics are from a few minutes ago. In the second and third pic you can see his scrawny tail.

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[TubeDriver]

:serene:serene:serene

[Nancy in New York]

Just look at this little hot shot.:klunk
It looks like he's lived there all his life.
Is Peter walking on your brand new carpet?
This boy has it made!:w00t
You were his angel, no doubt about it.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Is Peter walking on your brand new carpet?



Yes he is! I was just waiting for him to assume the squat position. :rotfl He tried to bury his almond on the carpet next to a chair leg but decided to bury it outside. :grin2

[CritterMom]

Aw, you can tell he is a young man squirrel - he has pee pants!

[Mel1959]

He looks amazing....and like he’s lived there his whole life! :serene:laugh2

[HRT4SQRLS]

Aw, you can tell he is a young man squirrel - he has pee pants!

:laugh2 Yes, he does. When I first saw that I thought he had a problem but the next day everything looked dry. Today, pee pants so I figured it was a teenage boy thing. I’ll just leave him alone with that. :rotfl

[Chirps]

What a handsome boy! (We'll overlook the pee pants.)
Was :rotfl at that. Never heard that one before.




So nice to see him living the dream. :Love_Icon

[RockyPops]

Peter Pan is such a good, heart warming story!

Thanks for the update and pics!

[Mialouise]

Gosh I just love this thread! Thanks for the update.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Hey MOM! .... I need you.

I know you’re in there.

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[Nancy in New York]

Oh this is just precious.:klunk
Have you considered a "doggie door" or a door bell? :thinking

[HRT4SQRLS]

Isn’t he just precious Nancy! :)

I’m not exactly sure what he does but it seems that I always know he is at the door.
I think he flops his body against the door because I hear him. :grin2 If I hear that sound he is always standing at the door looking in.
Maybe he uses his little paw to knock. :dono He does need a ‘squirrel door’ but that might get out of control around here if the rest of them found out about the door. :rotfl

[CritterMom]

My wilds would like you to know that window screens work just fine - apply just the tiniest bit of tooth action and they open right up! No need to spend money on a doggie door that would be better spent on stuff like walnuts.