Labor!!

[Crystal]

My released Gray has nested in her indoor/outdoor cage to have her babies. This is a first for me. How do I know if she is in labor? She has been laying around for 3 days other than nesting and growling at my husband through the cage, seems I do not bother her as much. I need to know what to expect because I feel it is coming very soon!!!

[Mel1959]

You won’t necessarily know when she’s in labor but you’ll be able to tell when she’s had the babies because she will become VERY PROTECTIVE of her nest box. You may not see her for several days, too. That is another indication she’s had her babies.

The female I released has had 3 litters. The first was in my garage, the second in her nest box and the third in the release cage where I was holding her while her broken top teeth regrew for a follow up visit to the vet. I believe she’s pregnant with her fourth litter and has built a drey in a palm tree away from the other resident squirrels.

Actually, I’ve noticed that my girl seems to hang out at her nest box and display behavior that makes it seem like she doesn’t feel good early in the pregnancy...like holding her head down, etc. Similar to the way women feel early in pregnancy with morning sickness.

[Crystal]

You won’t necessarily know when she’s in labor but you’ll be able to tell when she’s had the babies because she will become VERY PROTECTIVE of her nest box. You may not see her for several days, too. That is another indication she’s had her babies.

The female I released has had 3 litters. The first was in my garage, the second in her nest box and the third in the release cage where I was holding her while her broken top teeth regrew for a follow up visit to the vet. I believe she’s pregnant with her fourth litter and has built a drey in a palm tree away from the other resident squirrels.

Actually, I’ve noticed that my girl seems to hang out at her nest box and display behavior that makes it seem like she doesn’t feel good early in the pregnancy...like holding her head down, etc. Similar to the way women feel early in pregnancy with morning sickness.
Thank you so much for replying!! I am not so sure how or if I can help her. She keeps looking at us and then rolling over on her back and side. She has been kicking herself some as well. The cage we made actually comes into our home and that is where she has chosen to do this. She has gotten to where we can not hold her anymore. She started getting more wild a few months ago so seems strange she seems to be here asking for our help. Anything else you can advise would be so helpful!! And congrats on your help loving and expanding our beautiful squirrels lives!!!!

[Mel1959]

What do you mean about the cage coming into the house? Is it on a patio or are you actually bringing a cage with the nest box inside it into the house?

I’ve never heard of a squirrel having difficulty with labor, maybe others have. Does she seem like she’s in distress?

[Crystal]

Update: We have a baby!!!!! Mom and baby are good! We have a 6 in in diameter hole in our wall that goes from a cage inside the house to a cage on our outside walled in patio to another exit to the outside. We have rehabbed for many years now. We have just extended over the years. We also have a cage that is as big as a bathroom for release. This girl has just always come back and now has come back to have babies in the safety of the place she called home :)
:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon :Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon :Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon

[Mel1959]

Congratulations! She’ll probably have another. How exciting!

[RockyPops]

What a wonderful story!

I love when our little friends trust us enough to let us be a small part of their life.

Congratulations on the new grandbaby(s).

[Mel1959]

Did she only have one baby? How is momma doing?

[Crystal]

Congratulations! She’ll probably have another. How exciting!

We have a total of 3 for our first pregnancy!!!

[Crystal]

Did she only have one baby? How is momma doing?

She had a total of 3 and mom and all babies are doing great!!! Thank You!!

[Crystal]

What a wonderful story!

I love when our little friends trust us enough to let us be a small part of their life.

Congratulations on the new grandbaby(s).

Thanks so much!! She had 3 and mama is eating and babies are nursing!!!

[VTech1]

This really touched my heart. Thank you for the smile!

[SammysMom]

She had a total of 3 and mom and all babies are doing great!!! Thank You!!

How exciting to be allowed to share this miracle. You should feel honored by this trust. :Love_Icon

[Chirps]

Congrats, Granma! :grin2

Your setup sounds amazing! No wonder she chose to have her babies where she knew it was safe.

[Mel1959]

What a wonderful experience you’re gonna witness. :grin2:Love_Icon I’m glad to hear momma and babies are doing great. :serene

[Crystal]

Did she only have one baby? How is momma doing?
We have 3 babies and mama and babies are all doing well! Thank you

[Crystal]

Congrats, Granma! :grin2

Your setup sounds amazing! No wonder she chose to have her babies where she knew it was safe.

Yes that is what I said!! We made it so good she did not want to leave :)

[Crystal]

How exciting to be allowed to share this miracle. You should feel honored by this trust. :Love_Icon

It has definitely been an honor thank you!

[Crystal]

This really touched my heart. Thank you for the smile!

Such a blessing to be a part of their little lives! I know we all love them to the ends of the Earth!!!

[Chickenlegs]

Amazing story! What a gift of love and trust! :Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon
:bliss:bliss:bliss:bliss:bliss:bliss:bliss:bliss

[Snowy]

I would love to be in your shoes!

Any chance of pictures or videos? :jump