Need Help Baby Isn't Eating

[LilPaige]

Simon my orphaned baby just opened his eyes today. He's either 5 or six weeks old. Now that he has his eyes open he won't eat. I don't know what to do. He usually eats about 6 or 7 cc's of esbilac, but just now he only took 3. He seemed frightened. Any suggestions as soon as possible would be greatly appreciated. Thank You

[4skwerlz]

If he seems otherwise healthy, one possibility is that his top teeth are emerging, which usually happens around 5 weeks. Sometimes babies will bite their tongues or have some mouth pain associated with this. You could also see a tiny bit of blood in his mouth.

Are there any other symptoms?

Can you tell us all the details of how you got him, what he's been drinking and eating, and how much, what kind of cage or box he's in, etc. Basically everything you can think of.

[LilPaige]

My mother in laws neighbor found him. She called us because we have another orphaned squirrel we are raising. I have had him for about 3 weeks now. He has been eating Esbilac. He is in a storage container with alot of holes in the top and a heating pad underneath. I have done this before, but Alvin, my older squirrel, was alot older when I found him. Simon, the baby, has been doing sooo good. Eating every 2 hours and he's very healthy looking. I'm so worried, but I guess at least he's still eating a little. I think I'm going to feed him in a dark room next time. Maybe that will help?

[Gabe]

You're feeding him wayyyyy to often. He's not hungry. Try feeding him every 4-5 hours during the day and none at night. Give him 6-8 cc's per feeding. He'll be fine.

You can also start him on some finger foods now such as cheerios.