Baby Squirrel

[Rhapsody]

I need some advice - ASAP!!!!


While I was getting into my car I hear this thump and when I looked up their was this little critter that had fell from a nest in the tree and then I heard a second thump and there was a second critter.

Now - while I have never seen a baby squirrel before - that is what I think these little guys are.... a male and a female.

I need to know what I can feed them as they are starting to move about and to make squirrel sounds.
I tried to go by my VETS office but they are closed for today due to a medical conference. :(

[Critter_Queen]

You should put them back under the tree they fell from and keep watch to see if Momma comes for them. Especially if they are making sounds, if she hears them she will come for them and take them to a new nest. (they usually have a couple at least)

You need to keep them warm. If they are not warm to your touch, they are too cold and not only will Momma not come for them that way, but they'll die from being too cold.

THANK YOU for coming here to find out what to do!! :thumbsup

[TexanSquirrel]

Good luck with them!

[Gabe]

I think that is a good idea to try putting them back out for a while. I'm soooo glad you were there to get them when they fell.
If the mama does not return for some reason, then don't worry, you don't have to keep them and run to the store for lots of stuff, we can just help you find a wildlife rehabilitator that is properly trained for caring for something so small.

[Rhapsody]

I have been watching for MOM and I have not seen her since they fell - two hours ago.

I wish I could put them back but the nest is way to high to get to - even with my husbands 12 foot ladder.

I too wonder if they were thrown out or if a bird was trying to get them..... for I heard noise up there and when I looked up I saw a lot of squirmming going on and brown things moving, then they fell - it was quite after that.

[Rhapsody]

If the mama does not return for some reason, then don't worry, you don't have to keep them and run to the store for lots of stuff, we can just help you find a wildlife rehabilitator that is properly trained for caring for something so small.


I am glad that at least I own a few Sugar Gliders..... therefore, I know how to care for a very young tree crawling critters. :thumbsup


Any one know of a wildlife place in or around Central Florida?

[Critter_Queen]

If she doesn't see/hear them, she's not likely to come back. They look healthy and hydrated.

Please warm them and put them back under the tree and keep watch. Bring them in if they are in immediate danger or cold, but otherwise, put them under the tree they fell from.

They are better off with their mom if you can reunite.

[Gabe]

Are you watching from inside the house and leaving the babies outside under the tree? Or are you watching from inside the house with the babies in the house with you?
Mama will not come if you are outside, or if the babies are inside.
They need to go in a very short, easy to get into container. Take a ziploc bag, fill it with hot water, cover it with a cloth and put the babies ontop of it. Then go shopping. kidding, but get away from the windows and the outside of the house. Bring the dog and cat and anyother distraction inside with you and give it a few hours.
If mama is alive, she will be frantically searching for the babies she has grown to love. She will really appreaciate all of your help in getting them back to her.

[Gabe]

Any one know of a wildlife place in or around Central Florida?


If reuniting does not work, we will help you find someone to take them to.

[thundersquirrel]

thank you for caring for these critters! :thumbsup

i agree with what others have said- try putting them out there.

i think this time of year, it's probably warm enough that they'd only need a lukewarm heater.

we have a list of rehabbers by state on other forums of the board. if mom doesn't come back after a few hours of the babies being out there, you can have some names and contacts ready from that list.

good luck!

[susanw]

I don't know where you are in central florida, but if you are in the Orlando area I can give you the number of a re-habber. Just let me know!

[Anita Rae]

Well Dang Rhapsody, when I answered your post on GC and I said that you should come here to the Squirrel Board, I didn't even look at who was posting or your location. I am in Mims/Titusville, on the East coast of central Florida. If there is anything I can do for you, let me know. Other than that, the people on this forum will give you the very best info that you can get anywhere. Feel free to look around the squirrel board, there is a lot of great information here.

I would say to be careful about leaving them unattended. If your place is like mine, there are so many things that can get to them...ants, cats, all sort of nasty critters.

Oh I just saw this and I can't resist so I had to edit and add

mjs

Now isn't that the worlds cutes smiley?

[Rhapsody]

WEll, it is 8:30 PM (my time) and it is dark outside...... I still have the babies, for momma never came back - I tried.

I have gotten the puppy replacement formula that was recommended and the small animal bottle - they have eaten some milk from it, and they are being kept very warm -
Now What?

[Rhapsody]

Yes, I have been doing a lot of reading on their feeding, plus I have Sugar Gliders so I know how to care for them.... but any advice will be greatly appreciated.

I would like to have the listing of any Rehabs between (or around) the Tampa and Orlando area.

[Rhapsody]

P.S.

Are these little guys - Standard Grey Squirrel's?

[Mars]

try here .

http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/wildlife/rehabilitators/florida-rehabilitators.html

I don't believe it is a complete list. I'll check a couple of other sources for you.

[Mars]

Here is a 24 hour hotline that can give you information for your area.

http://floridawildlifecare.org/help.htm#

[Rhapsody]

Got a Question......


My husband and son have been asking about keeping the little guys, for some of the other family members have done this then released them - I checked the list and it says they are legal to have in Florida.... IS THIS RIGHT?

[Mars]

Yes, Florida is a legal state. But that does not mean the babies will grow up wanting to stay. Squirrels tend to "wild up" as they grow up. They want to out there very few actually can settle into a life of being "owned" or "owning humans".

[Anita Rae]

Yes, they are legal here. But you can't just open the door and release them when the time comes. There are dangers outside and you will need to do a soft release. If you are not going to give them to a rehabber, I'm sure the people here can walk you through it. When I release squirrels, it takes several months for them to be on their own. And cooler temps will be here soon. Even after they go to trees they will probably depend on you for several months.

BTW. you can freeze some of the Esbilac and thaw it as you need it. The color and texture will change once it has been frozen, but it is still good. That will help some with the expence.

[Rhapsody]

Yes, as I stated above - We Plan on Releasing them..... and YES, I do believe (no - I know) I can handle the task set before me as I have Sugar Gliders, Degu's, Bearded Dragons and Dogs that I have raised, some from birth.

I am reading on the Rehab sites all that needs to be done to raise and release a wild squirrel.... I will be ready when the day comes.

Plus I have a few family members that have done this before and I have also raised and released a few baby birds in my forty years of life.

[Rhapsody]

BTW. you can freeze some of the Esbilac and thaw it as you need it. The color and texture will change once it has been frozen, but it is still good.


Thank you for that little bit of INFO...... I do this with my Sugar Gliders BML Mix as well, but had not thought about the doing it with the milk.

[Rhapsody]

You are going to fall head over heals in love with these babies, and you will never look at another squirrel the same way again. :Love_Icon


I live right next to the woods, so hopefully they will come to visit from time to time...... as I already put food out for our friends the birds and squirrels. :)

[Anita Rae]

I think you are going to do great. Yep, you will fall in love with these two litte guys in no time. We want to see pics and watch them grow with you.

[thundersquirrel]

I am reading on the Rehab sites all that needs to be done to raise and release a wild squirrel.... I will be ready when the day comes.


i'm glad you've done some research so far. a note, though- could you run any info from other sites by us before you do it? several sites give horrible information on squirrel care, and although a lot of them are good, some overlook key details in squirrel raising.

just keep that in mind, cause this site has the advantage of shared information, a kind of checks and balances, if you will. :grouphug

[Rhapsody]

i'm glad you've done some research so far. a note, though- could you run any info from other sites by us before you do it? several sites give horrible information on squirrel care, and although a lot of them are good, some overlook key details in squirrel raising.


No Problem will do - and if any one has any thing they want to add to the advice list, just post it here, as I will be checking in and reading every day.



Here is a picture of them eating and then getting ready for bed...... in a fleece blanket.

[thundersquirrel]

mmm interesting feeding there.....do you always feed them on their side? if so, you should prop them upright from now on, lie them on their bellies.

also, i'm not sure if someone else said this, but you need syringes missy! that bottle is an aspiration just waiting to happen, eek! i think a 1 cc (without a needle, obviously) would be fine, maybe a nipple if you wanna be extra good. ;)

[Rhapsody]

mmm interesting feeding there.....do you always feed them on their side? if so, you should prop them upright from now on, lie them on their bellies.

No - that PIC was for the Camera...... I read to hold them up right to feed them. :thumbsup

[Anita Rae]

OMGosh! Don't they just melt your heart? Check your pm's 'cause I sent you one.

[Rhapsody]

Any one care to go thru this site and tell me what I should order..... :thankyou .



http://www.squirrelsandmore.com/category/1521/Squirrel_Rehab_Supplies.htm

[4skwerlz]

Syringes--1 cc syringes for a small baby.

Nipples--Folks here recommend the "starter pack" which has a selection of different nipples so you can see what works.

Here's a couple pics that might help.


Proper feeding position. Notice the tip points UP
toward the baby's mouth, and the handle part is DOWN. Also some syringes and nipples.
1264812649

[Rhapsody]

Thanks for your input and pics on the feeding...... I got a 1 cc syringe from my mother (diabetes syringe) - that really helped to make this mornings feeding go well - they both ate 1 cc each.


* * * * * * * * *


QUESTION:

FYI for Me - I should feed them 1 cc every 3 hours..... full strength or diluted?

How often should they potty on a day to day basis?
.... they both went last night (bm) after I stimulated them - and I was so excited & proud. :crazy :multi :crazy

[Momma Squirrel]

Justed wanted to say HI and welcome to TSB, your babies are precious. Sounds like you have done your homework and are dedicated to the task. You will get lots of help and guidance here as you have already seen, we are just crazy about squirrels and all wildlife :)

[Rhapsody]

Thanks for the WELCOME........ :Welcome :D :thankyou


* * * * * *

[thundersquirrel]

first of all, what have you been feeding them? at their age i would feed formula mixed 3 parts water to 1 part formula. warm, of course. if they seem to do well on that, you could up it to 2 water to 1 formula.

they should at least pee a little on a day to day basis. i've had some go 24 hours without a bm, but i don't worry until 36 hours. occasionally even babies will do it themselves, so if they don't poop, check their bedding.

poop health=basic internal health, so keep an eye on it!

[Rhapsody]

first of all, what have you been feeding them?


I am using the Esbilac Puppy Replacement Milk as suggested - premix formula, as that was all the Pet Store had.... I am ordering the powder mix.


The twins are going to the rest room ever day - so that is good. :thumbsup

[Mars]

:) The easy way to determine how much to feed your babies is with a gram scale ( an inexpensive one can be found in the kitchen gadgets at Walmart) Weight your babies daily and feed by the 5% rule. 5% of the babies body weight in grams = # of CC fed per feeding. So if your baby weighes in at 60 grams feed 3cc per feeding.

[LynninIN]

The premix Esbilac formula is the same as the mixed used as directed in full strength. The premixed is just more expensive. If you call the squirrelsandmore store the people there can help you. The owner is a very trusted and experienced rehabber. AND they won't try to sell you stuff that you won't need.

[Rhapsody]

If you call the squirrelsandmore store the people there can help you. The owner is a very trusted and experienced rehabber. AND they won't try to sell you stuff that you won't need.


Thank YOU for that INFO...... I have the website listed in my favorites. :thumbsup

[thundersquirrel]

hey rhapsody, have you made a post in the nursery? if you haven't, you should! it sounds like your babies are out of emergency mode (and let's hope it stays that way!). :)

[Anita Rae]

Yep, it sounds like you have officially become a Sqirrel Mommy. They are settling into a routine. Eat, poop, sleep...eat, poop, sleep. LOL But get ready, after their eyes open, it's like having two little tornadoes in you house. Great Job! And keep us informed.

[Rhapsody]

hey rhapsody, have you made a post in the nursery?

Yes..... I have started my post in the Nursery Thread. :thumbsup
- and I have already made a few post to how they are doing and included some pics to keep it all in one place.


THREAD Called: "The M&M Twins"
- named for Max & Mia, the twins.

[Rhapsody]

Question:


Do the babies only make their little bird chirping like sound when they are hungry - or are there other reasons as to why?


.... little Miss Mia seems to chirp a lot unless I am holding her - Max is fine.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

I think you are going to have a spoiled little Miss Mia there! When they chirp they are trying to call attention to their Mommy!!! Be on standby!

[Rhapsody]

Well, I have always wanted a little girl to spoil - as I had boys. :D

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Pam here had 3 human boys and 2 daughters..........(that are squirrels) isnt that cute they are just as kissable!

[Pam]

Pam here had 3 human boys and 2 daughters..........(that are squirrels) isnt that cute they are just as kissable!

And the two girl squirrels are much easier!! :D

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

:rolf :rolf :rolf

[Rhapsody]

Need a little advice in how to rectify this situation.....

One of the little guys (usually the female) refuses to stay on their heat source - every time I check on them or go to feed them at least one of them has crawled away and feels cold to touch when I pick him/her up.

Any suggestion to what I should do to make sure they are kept warm - or is it their way of saying I live in Florida and I do not like it warm?

I keep them wrapped up in a piece of fleece for warmth and they have a fleece pouch they sleep in..... compliments of my sugar gliders.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

I dont want to scare you but trying to get away from heat is not a good sign. Is the squirrel fully hydrated?
Skip the formula this time and give pedialyte.

[Rhapsody]

Oh YES..... they are fine as far as hydration goes..... skin pops right back - I have just heard "keep them on heat" - "keep them on heat" and yet this particular little one does not seem to care for the heat, but she will snuggle inside my shirt and stay very warm with no problem.

I just wonder if the heating pad might be more than she wants or cares to tolerate?

[Rhapsody]

You could put a rice buddy in with them. Do you know what that is?



Some thing about a sock, rice and a microwave.....I thought about that, could you please explain more.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Actually no a person is not a good enough replacement for a heating pad.
They need that pad untill about a week after their eyes open.
Make sure its on low and another blanket on top of the pad. I always cover mine at that age with a thin blanket. How is she taking the formula, how much does she take?
A rice buddy is only a temporary fix untill you get a heating pad.
If you take the heating pad away from the babies now they will suffer.

[Rhapsody]

They need that pad untill about a week after their eyes open.
Make sure its on low and another blanket on top of the pad.

How is she taking the formula, how much does she take?


She eats about 3 cc every 4 hours.... and she drinks her milk just fine and with out any problems.

I am not taking the heating pad away - I am just wondering if I need to be concerned for she doesn't like to stay on it, therefore, I am afraid she might be getting to cold.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Ok good keep us informed what happens!!:thumbsup

[Gabe]

Could the heating pad be too warm for them? It is not a good sign if they are crawling off the heat. They are cold which is why they like to snuggle with you. (It does not mean that they are spoiled or that they especially like you.) Don't mean that in a bad way, but you have to remember they are animals with basic instincts that they are trying to satisfy.
It is a symptom and you need to be the detective and find out what is wrong. Are the other two curled in a ball on the heating pad? That would mean they are still too cold, if they are stretched out, that could mean that they are too warm. You need to read their body language.

[Rhapsody]

It is a symptom and you need to be the detective and find out what is wrong.
Are the other two curled in a ball on the heating pad?




No they are not curled up in a ball...... more stretched out with a slight curl - their body language seems to be ok in my opinion, and it could be that Little Miss Mia is the more active one, therefore, she always seems to be the one that gets away - always moving and crawling.

Could someone give me the LINK to the Rice Buddy? - I read about it but I cannot remember where.
Maybe by making this pack and placing it on the other side of the crate will help.

I am not to concerned for she seems to be doing fine in my opinion (other than the heat source) - I would say that I am concerned for I have read to always "keep them warm" with a heating pad..... thats really the only reason I am concerned.

[thundersquirrel]

that's too bad about mia!

what a few folks were trying to say is that, although the rice buddy is a heat source, it's only temporary. it's really just for emergencies or comfort (since they're a lot like mom). most cool off within thirty minutes of heating.

you could try making one, though. it sounds like she's a comfort critter. you just get dry, uncooked rice, fill a clean sock with the rice about halfway, and tie off the end. microwave for twenty to forty seconds (every microwave is different) so that it is very warm. if it's too hot to hold, wrap it in a towel before giving to the babies.

but this is a temporary thing.

i've had escape artists before. usually, though, they can't get too cold. i use a snugglesafe- it's a flat disk that you nuke for ten minutes and it stays warm for six to eight hours. we use a box that's just the right size, so even if the baby travels away, they stay rather warm.

i would check on her often to make sure she's ok.

i would also try out the heating pad myself. turn it on, put a towel on it, and lay your hands against it for a while. does it fluctuate temperature? do some parts get too hot while others too cold? there may be something wrong with it, and you need to know before another long cold night goes by. eek!

good luck.

[Rhapsody]

I FOUND the INFO on the Rice Buddy...... Thanks for the advice Gammas Baby.



* * * * * * * * * *


Another Question:

How do you go about washing a baby squirrel? - do you just wipe him down with a warm wet wash cloth?

[thundersquirrel]

i've rarely had to wash baby squirrels. is there a specific reason why you want to bathe yours?

[Rhapsody]

is there a specific reason why you want to bathe yours?



Not so much to wash them, but rather wipe them off - from the pee pee they are doing while in the fleece blanket - they seem wet and a little smelly from the urine.


* * * * * * *

P.S.

I made the Rice Buddy and it worked wonders for Mia.... :wahoo

She was willing to lay on it and her little body is warm and toasty now - and I checked the heating pad all is well with it.
Maybe the heating pad (on low) is just to hot for her taste even though her brother does not mind it.

[thundersquirrel]

ok, but remember-

rice buddy = temporary.

unless you can heat it up every thirty minutes.

i'm glad she likes it though! she seems like a "i need a fake mommy" type.

about the baaaaath....just use warm water for now (but you gotta make sure they're warm and dry afterwards- wet babies can get VERY cold!). you can wipe their genitals and their mouths off really well before putting them back in, too. and you could change their bedding more often, and make sure there are enough air vents in their container (this might help with the smell).

keep in mind that squirrels do have a natural smell to them that many of us have grown to love. if the warm water doesn't work, though, we'll talk about more options.

try to have fun with it. don't expect them to like it; usually all i hear from wet babies is :soapbox ! LOL

[Rhapsody]

rice buddy = temporary.


about the baaaaath....just use warm water for now (but you gotta make sure they're warm and dry afterwards- wet babies can get VERY cold!). you can wipe their genitals and their mouths off really well before putting them back in, too.


Thanks for the Help...... I will keep the heating pad and the rice buddy, maybe both of them will do the trick.

And - I will just wipe off what needs it.

[Rhapsody]

I am very concerned with the boy squirrel Max..... he was fine last night after his feeding and fine this morning, but then after his lunch feeding I noticed that he was not able to use his left arm any more.

What could be wrong with him.... could this be some thing similar to the hind leg problems they can develop?

I am 99% sure that he did not hurt him self in any way.

[4skwerlz]

I am very concerned with the boy squirrel Max..... he was fine last night after his feeding and fine this morning, but then after his lunch feeding I noticed that he was not able to use his left arm any more.

What could be wrong with him.... could this be some thing similar to the hind leg problems they can develop?

I am 99% sure that he did not hurt him self in any way.

Squirrels being fed formula shouldn't have a calcium deficiency. Can you give us all the details on how they're being cared for. That might give us some clues:

How they're being housed. Heat. Bedding. Formula, how much, how often. Activity level--any change? What are their weights? Do they all feel warm to the touch? All eating, peeing, pooping fine? Also, are there any other pets in the house? Or any children? Everything you can think of.

[Rhapsody]

How they're being housed. Heat. Bedding. Formula, how much, how often. Activity level--any change? What are their weights? Do they all feel warm to the touch? All eating, peeing, pooping fine? Also, are there any other pets in the house? Or any children? Everything you can think of.




They are being housed in a small bird cage right now, with a hand towel on the bottom to help protect their feet from the bars.

Their bed is a pouch that my sugar gliders have extras of - with some fleece & hamster bedding in it for comfort.

The are eating the Esbalic puppy milk - 5 cc every 5 hours - last nightly feeding around 10 pm.

They just opened their eyes recently, they are trying to sit up and they crawl around a lot.

I am not for sure of their weight - my sister could not find her scale and I do not have one.

They are warm to touch (reg body temp) - never cold.

They eat well, and are pooping / peeing by them self and I still stimulate them some - they are 5 weeks old.

I have many pets in the house, but none of them have been around the squirrels..... 3 dogs, 3 sugar gliders, 3 degu, and 1 bearded dragon.

There are only three people in the house hold - My Husband, My self and our 17 year old son... I care for the squirrels.

[Rhapsody]

Two more things........

His FUR does not look as good as it did last week, now it looks a little shabby and wild compared to his sisters smooth & silky fur.

My husband feed both the squirrels last night while I was away from the house and he feed them 8 cc each - they usually only take 5 cc.

[4skwerlz]

Can you do a dehydration "pinch" test on all of them?

[Rhapsody]

Can you do a dehydration "pinch" test on all of them?


I did the test and their fur went back down faily quick.

[4skwerlz]

I did the test and their fur went back down faily quick.

can you move to chat? easier to talk there.

[scoobysnack]

I am very concerned with the boy squirrel Max..... he was fine last night after his feeding and fine this morning, but then after his lunch feeding I noticed that he was not able to use his left arm any more.

What could be wrong with him.... could this be some thing similar to the hind leg problems they can develop?

I am 99% sure that he did not hurt him self in any way.

I had the SAME exact thing happen with Scooby. She seemed to keep her left fist balled up and not use her left arm. This went on for several days, maybe even a week.

I had some Traumeel (homeopathic analgesic cream) and rubbed a tiny dab on a couple of times a day. I don't know if it was that or just the tincture of time, but Scooby's arm is 100% perfect now.

I don't know if there is some syndrome where this happens, but it came on out of nowhere and disappeared as suddenly.

I hope all is well with Max!

[Rhapsody]

I don't know if there is some syndrome where this happens, but it came on out of nowhere and disappeared as suddenly.

I hope all is well with Max!



Thank you for the concern over Max...... after going into the chat room and talking - we have decided that Max has injured his left arm up around the elbow area, for it slightly swollen.

I will watch him tonight and check on it again in the morning.... then decide if Max might need a vet check.

I felt so helpless when I saw that Max was hurt... like my baby was sick - PRAYING all goes well.

[4skwerlz]

UPDATE:

I spoke with Rhapsody in Chat. Max seemed fine except for his hurt arm and rough fur. Babies are on heat, fed Esbilac pre-mix 5cc, 5X a day. No scale unfortunately. Rhapsody mentioned her friend had overfed them (8cc) but apparently no diarrhea or dehydration. Body temp was good, even the feet were warm. Breathing was easy and silent. Eyes bright. No whites showing. Gums pink. Lower teeth had come in a couple weeks before. Baby passed dehydration test. Max was holding his left arm up with the paw curled in. Mom reported on exam, elbow looked a little swollen. Max reacted with a grunt when she touched it. Babies are housed in an old bird cage with hamster bedding and a towel. Only allowed to roam on a couch supervised. No access to other pets or children.

Seems like Max might have tried to climb the cage and slid down (bird cages have those vertical bars) and hurt his elbow. Or caught his foot in the towel? Rough fur could be due to pain? Rhapsody will see how arm is in the a.m. She has a personal vet who is also an exotic vet. If arm isn't better, she will make an appointment. Because of earlier overfeeding, I advised Rhapsody to give all the babies some extra pedialyte tonight. I was worried also that Max's injury could make him need some extra fluids. Also advised Rhapsody to lose the hamster bedding and towel. Rhapsody is going to put all the babies back in a large plastic container for now, with fleece bedding. Heating pad under half. Also a rice buddy for Mia (the baby who likes to crawl off the heating pad). She will try to obtain a ferret cage or do some more reading on TSB about cages.

Rhapsody is a very caring and conscientious squirrel mom. She's doing a great job with the babies. I know everyone on TSB is super busy, but she could probably use more support. She is eager to learn and to do whatever it takes for these babies. She will keep us posted on how Max's arm is doing. :Love_Icon

[Rhapsody]

Todays Update:

Max is still eating good, his body temp is fine and all bathroom duties are going as they should.... he has been doing some lite weight bearing on the injured arm, but still no use of the hand.

[4skwerlz]

Todays Update:

Max is still eating good, his body temp is fine and all bathroom duties are going as they should.... he has been doing some lite weight bearing on the injured arm, but still no use of the hand.

That's great, Rhapsody. So it sounds like Max's arm is already a bit better. I think it's still an option to take him to a vet. Seems more like a bad strain than a break but it's pretty hard to diagnose things over the internet--and of course we're not vets. If the arm IS broken and it heals crooked, Max could end up with a disability.

Is Max's fur still rough? Did you notice any difference after the pedialyte last night? And how are Max and Mia doing in the plastic container? If they're content there, it's a good place for Max while his arm heals. Thanks so much for the update!:grouphug

[Rhapsody]

Is Max's fur still rough?
Did you notice any difference after the pedialyte last night?
And how are Max and Mia doing in the plastic container? If they're content there, it's a good place for Max while his arm heals.


Max is doing good.... his fur looks better today and he seems to have gotten some of his normal movements / mobility back (squirmy as can be when it is feeding time).
Both squirrels are doing GREAT in the plastic container, therefore, I think I will leave them in there for a few weeks.

.. Little Mia is already trying to climb the walls in order to get out - :flash3 :nono :flash3

[jules]

You're doing a brilliant job Rhapsody!:thumbsup
Keeping my fingers crossed that Max will get full use back!

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

Well done, 4skwerlz!:thumbsup

[Gabe]

Rhapsody sometimes when a mammal is injured up in the shoulder area there is some nerve damage involved. In that case the wrist will knuckle under and they are unable to open their hand. If that is what you are seeing with Max then it is a very serious nerve injury. Sometimes there is no recovering from it if left untreated. If you suspect this may be the case then a course of steroids will increase his chances of recovering the use of that paw.
Of course you can judge better than we can here over the internet if those are his symptoms.

[4skwerlz]

Hi Rhapsody,

How is little Max tonite? Is he using his paw at all? Hope everything is going well. :grouphug

[Rhapsody]

Hi Rhapsody,

How is little Max tonite? Is he using his paw at all? Hope everything is going well. :grouphug



Max is doing much better tonight, even using his arm for leverage as he climbs and moves about..... still no use of his hand - the hand remains tucked in, but he does try to grasp the syringe with it.

[4skwerlz]

Max is doing much better tonight, even using his arm for leverage as he climbs and moves about..... still no use of his hand - the hand remains tucked in, but he does try to grasp the syringe with it.

Squirrels will instinctively "tuck" the paw when a hand or arm is hurt. Similar to how we would put a hurt arm in a sling. If he's using that paw to try to grasp the syringe that's a good sign because, as Gabe mentioned, nerve damage is always a concern. Sounds like everything's going well, but still don't hesitate to call that vet if Max doesn't progress. Keep us posted. :grouphug

[Rhapsody]

Hand Update:


Today I noticed that Max has regained some grasping ability in his left hand - I can feel the strength when he grabs my finger while I am feeding him.


* * * * * * * * *

I have another slight concern.....
Max is cutting the right side of his mouth when he eats, he keeps on moving his hand in order to grasp the syringe and his nails are cutting his mouth area.

Can I trim his nails with a file? (and) Can I use Neosporin on the cut?

[pamela lee]

If you are planning on releasing them, I wouldn't do anything to their nails. They'll need them long and sharp to learn to climb.

[thundersquirrel]

ouch!

when i feed babies, i like to wrap them a bit in fleece and get them going on the syringe. once they're on it, i take my left arm, wrap it around the back of them, and put the syringe end between my fingers. this gives them something to push on- it would get his hands off his face. see if that'll help! :)

[Rhapsody]

Just wanted to stop in and let some of you know that what happened to Max's arm & hand has now happened to Mia arm & and she has been in a rubber maid tub with fleece and a white t-shirt for the last two weeks, therefore, I no longer believe this to be an injury as we once thought it was with Max (due to the bird they were in).

I am starting to think this may be more of a genetic problem in them... for it comes on for no known reason what so ever and then it gets better.

I do believe the owner of Scooby had stated that this happened to her squirrel as well, then she recovered with in two weeks as though nothing was wrong..... makes one wonder if there might be a new born genetic issue going on here - ex: like in human babies they can have seizure at one week old (called: 5 day fits) and then they never have them again.

Any thoughts?

[4skwerlz]

That IS odd. I'd love to hear what some of the rehabbers think. Also LynninIN might have some ideas.

But they're both eating and doing okay otherwise, right?

[Rhapsody]

But they're both eating and doing okay otherwise, right?

Max is doing GREAT!! - and Mia is a little down right now - just like Max was for about 3 days.... I expect her to make a full recovery as well.
I have given her some extra Pedialyte to help with any dehydration, for her fur looks a little rough right now (as Max's did).

[Rhapsody]

therefore, I no longer believe this to be an injury as we once thought it was with Max (due to the bird they were in).


Sorry about that typo....... it should have read "due to the bird cage" and not "due to the bird" - OMG that is to funny if you think about it - :rotfl

[muffinsquirrel]

Sorry about that typo....... it should have read "due to the bird cage" and not "due to the bird" - OMG that is to funny if you think about it - :rotfl


I am SO GLAD you posted this - I was just fixing to go back and read everything on TSB to find out what kind of bird they were in, and how and why they were in the bird! And how you got them OUT of the bird! And if the bird was OK!!!!

Thank you so very much - I really needed a laugh tonight!

muffinsquirrel

[Rhapsody]

I am sorry (and deeply sad) to report that Little Miss Mia took a turn for the worse around 2 am (losing entire control of her bodies mobility little by little) - she passed away eight hours later at 10:45 am.... she will be greatly missed and she will forever remain the hearts of my husband and I. :(

We can NEVER again look at another Squirrel in the same way, and while Mia may have been small she touched us in a very big way... I am glad I took so many pictures.



:Love_Icon mjs :Love_Icon

[scoobysnack]

I'm so sorry