5 week old bleeding from butt. Please help!

[jpars]

Hey guys could you help me figure out whats going on with my squirrel? He is 5 weeks old, should be plenty hydrated by now, and im pretty sure he is getting enough formula. I found him about 5 days ago at my front door. He had a little bit of blood on his nose but I've gotten that all cleaned up. He ate just fine the first couple of days but then stopped eating the 3rd day so i switched from unflavored pedialyte to the mixed fruit kind and he seems to love that. I also switched from the liquid PetAg milk replacer plus to the powder version with some heavy whipping cream mixed in. He seemed to love that stuff too but yesterday he stopped pooping and it seems to be mostly blood that comes out now. This is my first squirrel and I just would like to figure out what's going on with him. Is it the formula? Sorry for the short novel lol I'm just extremely worried

[CritterMom]

First, you need to stop the pedialyte. It really isn't recommended past 24 hours. If you feel he needs further hydration, plain water or water with a tiny bit of sugar or honey is okay.

Could this little one have fallen or been dropped?

Has he had diarrhea that changed to blood or was he doing formed poops that suddenly turned to blood?

[jpars]

How much sugar would you recommend? And I think he might have fallen from a nearby tree and made his way to my front door. When i first took him in he was pooping solid but then it slowly switched to diarrhea which turned into blood. It seems to be getting worse

[Spanky]

How much sugar would you recommend? And I think he might have fallen from a nearby tree and made his way to my front door. When i first took him in he was pooping solid but then it slowly switched to diarrhea which turned into blood. It seems to be getting worse

Just a little sugar, enough to sweeten the water.

It is the PetLac causing the diarrhea and bleeding. IMO. It has irritated his intestines, inflamed them and led to bleeding. I would stop giving PetLac immediately (it does not meet a squirrel's nutritional needs anyways).

Here is a homemade formula when he is ready to resume formula:
Homemade Goat Milk Formula Plus (HGMF+):


3 tablespoons goat milk

3 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 tablespoons heavy cream



Or try to locate Esbilac (and only Esbilac powdered) puppy formula with an expiration date of 10/2021 of later. An alternative would be to order Fox Valley 20/50.

IDEALLY IMO, is to get both Esbilac and Fox Valley 32/40 and use this combination, half and half.

EDIT: Just noted you said "PetAg" but my mind went to PetLac... what PetAg product are you using? The liquid formula definitely would have caused diarrhea.

Also, here is a 6 page long guide with the basics of proper baby squirrel care:
https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/
(https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/)

[CritterMom]

As soon as you can - even before you change formula (I would do the goats milk formula and then order the Fox Valley 20/50) I would get some Pepto Bismol into him. Give him 4 or 5 drops of the Pepto Liquid. Then watch his poops. When they turn dark - almost black - the meds have gone through his system (it has bismuth in it which turns the poop black). Now you know how long it takes for the meds to go through. If the now dark poop is still liquid, give another dose of pepto. If it is starting to form up a bit, wait and see if that continues before you give more pepto. If it stays soft, give another dose.

[jpars]

Just a little sugar, enough to sweeten the water.

It is the PetLac causing the diarrhea and bleeding. IMO. It has irritated his intestines, inflamed them and led to bleeding. I would stop giving PetLac immediately (it does not meet a squirrel's nutritional needs anyways).

Here is a homemade formula when he is ready to resume formula:
Homemade Goat Milk Formula Plus (HGMF+):


3 tablespoons goat milk

3 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 tablespoons heavy cream



Or try to locate Esbilac (and only Esbilac powdered) puppy formula with an expiration date of 10/2021 of later. An alternative would be to order Fox Valley 20/50.

IDEALLY IMO, is to get both Esbilac and Fox Valley 32/40 and use this combination, half and half.

EDIT: Just noted you said "PetAg" but my mind went to PetLac... what PetAg product are you using? The liquid formula definitely would have caused diarrhea.

Also, here is a 6 page long guide with the basics of proper baby squirrel care:
https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/
(https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/)

Does it matter whether its the liquid or powder goat milk because the liquid isnt currently available? I will do that formula until i can get some of the fox valley. And I started him out with the liquid formula for a day but then switched to the powder because he wouldn't eat it. If that was the cause then hopefully it will clear up soon. I hate to see the poor little guy like this. And I'll be sure to give that a read. Thank you

[Spanky]

Does it matter whether its the liquid or powder goat milk because the liquid isnt currently available? I will do that formula until i can get some of the fox valley. And I started him out with the liquid formula for a day but then switched to the powder because he wouldn't eat it. If that was the cause then hopefully it will clear up soon. I hate to see the poor little guy like this. And I'll be sure to give that a read. Thank you

The powdered goat's milk is fine, follow the directions to reconstitute the goats milk and use the reconstituted goat's milk to make the temporary formula.

Did you see CritterMom's post about Pepto?

Which powdered formula were you using? This would be helpful as we are seeing an very abnormal (unusually high) cases of rectal bleeding and prolapse... more info we have may help us track down the "why".

[CritterMom]

Does it matter whether its the liquid or powder goat milk because the liquid isnt currently available? I will do that formula until i can get some of the fox valley. And I started him out with the liquid formula for a day but then switched to the powder because he wouldn't eat it. If that was the cause then hopefully it will clear up soon. I hate to see the poor little guy like this. And I'll be sure to give that a read. Thank you

I am not talking about the esbilac goat milk FORMULA. This is a formula you make yourself, out of fresh goats milk (if you can get it), yogurt, and heavy whipping cream. If you have a Trader Joes in your area they have all of these things - their ful fat greek vanilla yogurt is pretty tasty in the formula.

[jpars]

I am not talking about the esbilac goat milk FORMULA. This is a formula you make yourself, out of fresh goats milk (if you can get it), yogurt, and heavy whipping cream. If you have a Trader Joes in your area they have all of these things - their ful fat greek vanilla yogurt is pretty tasty in the formula.

I bought meyenberg powder goat milk since that was all that was available. And is full fat greek yogurt from walmart good? cause i have non fat plain yogurt but i can buy that if its better for him.

[jpars]

The powdered goat's milk is fine, follow the directions to reconstitute the goats milk and use the reconstituted goat's milk to make the temporary formula.

Did you see CritterMom's post about Pepto?

Which powdered formula were you using? This would be helpful as we are seeing an very abnormal (unusually high) cases of rectal bleeding and prolapse... more info we have may help us track down the "why".

I tried giving him a few drops. He didnt want to swallow them so im not sure how much he actually got. The liquid i was using at the beginning is called "PetAg Milk Replacer Plus" and the powder i was using is the same stuff just in powder form.

[CritterMom]

I bought meyenberg powder goat milk since that was all that was available. And is full fat greek yogurt from walmart good? cause i have non fat plain yogurt but i can buy that if its better for him.

That is fine. Make sure you mix the powdered goats milk up according to package directions before you put the formula together. And I know they don't like the pepto but make sure you get it into him - it won't help otherwise!

[jpars]

That is fine. Make sure you mix the powdered goats milk up according to package directions before you put the formula together. And I know they don't like the pepto but make sure you get it into him - it won't help otherwise!

Ok i will try again with it. Hopefully that along with the new formula he'll start to get better.

[Mel1959]

Non fat plain Greek yogurt usually isn’t very tasty. If you can find full fat vanilla yogurt it might make the formula more accepted. Many folks use yobaby vanilla yogurt.

[CritterMom]

Non fat plain Greek yogurt usually isn’t very tasty. If you can find full fat vanilla yogurt it might make the formula more accepted. Many folks use yobaby vanilla yogurt.

I found a full fat greek vanilla at TJs the last time I had to buy it - I absolutely LOATHE yogurt - and even I have to admit it had a good flavor and my little mouse loved it.

[Rock Monkey]

I bought meyenberg powder goat milk since that was all that was available. And is full fat greek yogurt from walmart good? cause i have non fat plain yogurt but i can buy that if its better for him.

The full fat is the better choice. It tastes better. It has more calories and the squirrel needs the fat.

I have had good luck with Cabot's Whole Milk, Plain Greek Yogurt from Walmart. It even has heavy cream added.

I find it palatable so that is always an important test.

If it is eaten as is you might add a drop or two of honey to a teaspoon of it.

[jpars]

Non fat plain Greek yogurt usually isn’t very tasty. If you can find full fat vanilla yogurt it might make the formula more accepted. Many folks use yobaby vanilla yogurt.

I found some chobani full fat plain greek yogurt. He seems to love the new formula mixture thank goodness lol

[jpars]

That is fine. Make sure you mix the powdered goats milk up according to package directions before you put the formula together. And I know they don't like the pepto but make sure you get it into him - it won't help otherwise!

Update on the pepto. After the first dose the poop was really dark, and after the second dose it is now a light brown and extremely runny. He doesnt seem to poop whenever i try to get him to go, but he'll poop whenever he goes to sleep

[Rock Monkey]

Update on the pepto. After the first dose the poop was really dark, and after the second dose it is now a light brown and extremely runny. He doesnt seem to poop whenever i try to get him to go, but he'll poop whenever he goes to sleep

Generally, once their eyes open they poop on their own.

A change in diet can lead to a loosening of the stool.

This article will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about squirrel poop.

316536

[jpars]

Generally, once their eyes open they poop on their own.

A change in diet can lead to a loosening of the stool.

This article will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about squirrel poop.

316536

Oh ok, that article explains a lot. So as long as i keep his formula the same it should start to get solid again? It was solid when I first found him, but i messed up by feeding him formula that wasn't rich enough in nutrients and ended up changing it.

[CritterMom]

Oh ok, that article explains a lot. So as long as i keep his formula the same it should start to get solid again? It was solid when I first found him, but i messed up by feeding him formula that wasn't rich enough in nutrients and ended up changing it.

How many doses of pepto has he had and when did you start giving it to him?

[jpars]

How many doses of pepto has he had and when did you start giving it to him?

He has had 3 doses. I started him on it sometime around 1 p.m yesterday. His poop is still light brown and very runny so im not sure if i'm supposed to give him another dose or not. It looks like the blood has cleared up though

[frankc]

Hi. Check this link it may helpand explain some very important things. It's Titled 12 common Stool problems in Squirrels.

I hope this helps in some way. It' great info to have on hand. It is a PDF file.

http://www.ewildagain.org/assets/sto...ssquirrels.pdf

[Rock Monkey]

Oh ok, that article explains a lot. So as long as i keep his formula the same it should start to get solid again? It was solid when I first found him, but i messed up by feeding him formula that wasn't rich enough in nutrients and ended up changing it.

How is his poop today?

I would expect that little by little with a consistent, healthy diet his poop should get better and better. The flora and fauna of the digestive tract need to find a healthy equilibrium.

What means are you using to feed the squirrel?

Young juveniles are inclined to inhale food, literally and figuratively. Both are a problem. If food gets inhaled into the pulmonary system this can lead to inhalation pneumonia, which can turn fatal before you even realize what is going on. They can be inclined inhale rather than swallowing and swallowing rather than inhaling. Both cause problems. Pneumonia on the one hand and bloating on the other.

So, it is critical that the food be provided at a moderate rate to prevent both problems.

Is the squirrel being kept warm? Are you using the recommended heating pad set up?

Squirrels at this age snuggle all day with mom and siblings and have limited body hair and limited capacity to generate their own body heat. So if they are not supplied with supplementary warmth they are much vulnerable to other forms of illness.

[frankc]

Hi. Check this link it may helpand explain some very important things. It's Titled 12 common Stool problems in Squirrels.

I hope this helps in some way. It' great info to have on hand. It is a PDF file.

http://www.ewildagain.org/assets/sto...ssquirrels.pdf

Hi Sorry the top link may not work, Please try this one.
http://www.ewildagain.org/assets/stoolproblemssquirrels.pdf

[jpars]

How is his poop today?

I would expect that little by little with a consistent, healthy diet his poop should get better and better. The flora and fauna of the digestive tract need to find a healthy equilibrium.

What means are you using to feed the squirrel?

Young juveniles are inclined to inhale food, literally and figuratively. Both are a problem. If food gets inhaled into the pulmonary system this can lead to inhalation pneumonia, which can turn fatal before you even realize what is going on. They can be inclined inhale rather than swallowing and swallowing rather than inhaling. Both cause problems. Pneumonia on the one hand and bloating on the other.

So, it is critical that the food be provided at a moderate rate to prevent both problems.

Is the squirrel being kept warm? Are you using the recommended heating pad set up?

Squirrels at this age snuggle all day with mom and siblings and have limited body hair and limited capacity to generate their own body heat. So if they are not supplied with supplementary warmth they are much vulnerable to other forms of illness.

His poop is still light brown and very runny so no improvements there sadly, although it might be getting ever so slightly darker so maybe thats good. And i am using a 3cc syringe with a nipple on it to feed him very slowly. He is laying on a bed sheet that is half way over a heating pad, so if he gets too hot he can climb over to the cooler side.

[Spanky]

Are you still feeding him the temporary goat's milk formula?

It might be worth going over the guidelines for formula... no following these guidelines can cause diarrhea too.
1) The temporary HGMF+ is good for about 48 hours after it is combined.
2) Formula should be stored in the refrigerator
3) Never "re-heat / re-use" warmed formula.. if it was warmed for feeding but not used, toss it.
4) Do not microwave formula to warm it for feeding; microwaving destroys the good bacteria that is needed

If you are ordering Fox Valley and have not ordered that yet, I'd recommend ordering some Dia-Stat... I am a big fan of DiaStat for resolving chronic diarrhea issues.

[jpars]

Hi Sorry the top link may not work, Please try this one.
http://www.ewildagain.org/assets/stoolproblemssquirrels.pdf

Yea thats a very helpful article thank you 🙂

[jpars]

Are you still feeding him the temporary goat's milk formula?

It might be worth going over the guidelines for formula... no following these guidelines can cause diarrhea too.
1) The temporary HGMF+ is good for about 48 hours after it is combined.
2) Formula should be stored in the refrigerator
3) Never "re-heat / re-use" warmed formula.. if it was warmed for feeding but not used, toss it.
4) Do not microwave formula to warm it for feeding; microwaving destroys the good bacteria that is needed

If you are ordering Fox Valley and have not ordered that yet, I'd recommend ordering some Dia-Stat... I am a big fan of DiaStat for resolving chronic diarrhea issues.





What is Dia-Stat made of?

[Spanky]

For Treating Diarrhea

DIA-STAT helps normalize stool consistency. Provides energy and electrolytes rapidly to the animal to help restore lost fluids. Mix with water only, not milk or milk formula. Use for all orphaned mammals. Net wt. 200 g.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Sodium, Min. ... 2.20%
Potassium, Min. ... 0.50%
Magnesium, Min. ... 0.06%
Dextrose, Min. ... 40.00%
Ingredients:

Dextrose, Rice Flour, Coconut Oil, Salt, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Calcium lactate, Fructooligosaccharide, Magnesium Sulfate, Citric Acid, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Streptococcus faecium fermentation product,Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Amino Acid Blend, Natural and Artificial flavors.

Mixing directions:

Shake 1 teaspoon into 3 ounces of warm (100 F) water. Feed soon after mixing as the liquid will thicken upon setting. Start feeding as soon as possible after indications that the animal needs supplemental energy and electrolytes.
Made inthe USA.

[Rock Monkey]

His poop is still light brown and very runny so no improvements there sadly, although it might be getting ever so slightly darker so maybe thats good.

A squirrel fed strictly on formula typically has light gold, soft, well-formed pellets.

As the squirrel gets older and solids begin to get added to the diet, the poop becomes darker in color.

From your description, I would say that color is okay, but consistency is not.

Am I correct in assuming that there is no more bleeding?

To review, what are the components of the formula being currently given?

[Rock Monkey]

Can you post a photo of the squirrel?

This helps the members assess the overall health of the squirrel.

[jpars]

For Treating Diarrhea

DIA-STAT helps normalize stool consistency. Provides energy and electrolytes rapidly to the animal to help restore lost fluids. Mix with water only, not milk or milk formula. Use for all orphaned mammals. Net wt. 200 g.

Guaranteed Analysis:

Sodium, Min. ... 2.20%
Potassium, Min. ... 0.50%
Magnesium, Min. ... 0.06%
Dextrose, Min. ... 40.00%
Ingredients:

Dextrose, Rice Flour, Coconut Oil, Salt, Guar Gum, Potassium Chloride, Calcium lactate, Fructooligosaccharide, Magnesium Sulfate, Citric Acid, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Zinc Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation product, Dried Streptococcus faecium fermentation product,Dried Aspergillus niger fermentation extract, Dried Bacillus subtilis fermentation extract, Amino Acid Blend, Natural and Artificial flavors.

Mixing directions:

Shake 1 teaspoon into 3 ounces of warm (100 F) water. Feed soon after mixing as the liquid will thicken upon setting. Start feeding as soon as possible after indications that the animal needs supplemental energy and electrolytes.
Made inthe USA.

Ill start giving him dia stat tommorow. It should be here by then

[jpars]

A squirrel fed strictly on formula typically has light gold, soft, well-formed pellets.

As the squirrel gets older and solids begin to get added to the diet, the poop becomes darker in color.

From your description, I would say that color is okay, but consistency is not.

Am I correct in assuming that there is no more bleeding?

To review, what are the components of the formula being currently given?

Oh ok, so the color is definitely fine, thats good. Thankfully the bleeding is gone. And yesterday i was feeding him a mixture of goat milk heavy whipping cream and yogurt but i took him to the vet and they said that the whipping cream was bad so i removed that from his feedings until this morning when his fox valley formula arrived.

[jpars]

Can you post a photo of the squirrel?

This helps the members assess the overall health of the squirrel.

316546

[Spanky]

Oh ok, so the color is definitely fine, thats good. Thankfully the bleeding is gone. And yesterday i was feeding him a mixture of goat milk heavy whipping cream and yogurt but i took him to the vet and they said that the whipping cream was bad so i removed that from his feedings until this morning when his fox valley formula arrived.

It is true that many squirrels have a difficult time with the heavy cream... :thumbsup

[Rock Monkey]

Everything in focus except the squirrel. Always on the move I suppose. :)

Can you post another that is more of a close up, showing the full length.

Poop pictures will also be useful. (It is part of the job description of being a squirrel caretaker, looking for poop that is.)

[jpars]

Everything in focus except the squirrel. Always on the move I suppose. :)

Can you post another that is more of a close up, showing the full length.

Poop pictures will also be useful. (It is part of the job description of being a squirrel caretaker, looking for poop that is.)

316559316560

[Rock Monkey]

Are both eyes open? Or just one? It is a little hard to tell in the second pic. Also just might be resting.

Any improvement in the consistency today?

Do you have a food scale? If so, is he gaining weight?

(Such a scale can be purchased for under $20 at Walmart and other locations.)

It is always a good idea to review feeding proper techniques since young squirrels are inclined to literally and figuratively inhale the food they are being given. Unfortunately, aspiration pneumonia, which is often fatal, is all too common with novice caretakers. Better to be forearmed with knowledge rather than be behind the curve, which with squirrels is steep. (I intend no offense, but just trying to be proactive. I would just rather not assume.)

[jpars]

Are both eyes open? Or just one? It is a little hard to tell in the second pic. Also just might be resting.

Any improvement in the consistency today?

Do you have a food scale? If so, is he gaining weight?

(Such a scale can be purchased for under $20 at Walmart and other locations.)

It is always a good idea to review feeding proper techniques since young squirrels are inclined to literally and figuratively inhale the food they are being given. Unfortunately, aspiration pneumonia, which is often fatal, is all too common with novice caretakers. Better to be forearmed with knowledge rather than be behind the curve, which with squirrels is steep. (I intend no offense, but just trying to be proactive. I would just rather not assume.)

Both eyes are open. He made his first succesful jump to my arm today 😀 and no his poop is still pretty runny but i think its starting to solidify very slowly. I dont have a food scale yet, im gonna buy one tomorrow though. I would like to start him on the dia-stat but the vet has me giving him antibiotics so i dont want to overload his system. And he looks like he is gaining a good amount of weight, he's a little chonker now lol

[Rock Monkey]

I dont have a food scale yet, im gonna buy one tomorrow though.

The scale is very important. Especially with formula it is difficult to know how much to feed him if you don't know his weight. Their stomachs are only so big and you don't want to overload their intestinal system. This can cause all sorts of problems.

5% of body weight per feeding is a good conservative starting point. If well tolerated it may over time be increased to 7%.

Beware that squirrels are so eager to eat that they sometimes inhale when they should swallow and swallow when they should inhale.

What size syringe are you using to feed the squirrel?

The antibiotics from the vet will likely kill off the flora and fauna of the intestinal tract, which likely will result in more loose stool.

[Rock Monkey]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLjRlzTOGHY&ab_channel=squirrelsandmorellc

Here is a good video for showing feeding technique, with a number of good pointers.

Note, using 1 cc, 1 ml syringe helps to reduce the chance of the baby aspirating.

[jpars]

The scale is very important. Especially with formula it is difficult to know how much to feed him if you don't know his weight. Their stomachs are only so big and you don't want to overload their intestinal system. This can cause all sorts of problems.

5% of body weight per feeding is a good conservative starting point. If well tolerated it may over time be increased to 7%.

Beware that squirrels are so eager to eat that they sometimes inhale when they should swallow and swallow when they should inhale.

What size syringe are you using to feed the squirrel?

The antibiotics from the vet will likely kill off the flora and fauna of the intestinal tract, which likely will result in more loose stool.

I am using a 3cc syringe. I fill it up twice and he's been doing really well with that amount. His poop is still a little soft but its getting some shape to it so thats something. If the diarrhea isnt gone completely by the end of his antibiotics then ill start him on the dia-stat.

[jpars]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLjRlzTOGHY&ab_channel=squirrelsandmorellc

Here is a good video for showing feeding technique, with a number of good pointers.

Note, using 1 cc, 1 ml syringe helps to reduce the chance of the baby aspirating.

Thank you for the link. If he is sucking the syringe down thats ok as long as i control the speed to make sure he doesnt get pneumonia right?

[Rock Monkey]

Thank you for the link. If he is sucking the syringe down thats ok as long as i control the speed to make sure he doesnt get pneumonia right?

I am glad to hear that he is doing better.

A one CC syringe with an o-ring will give much more precise control. The chances of aspiration will be much lower.

With a 3 cc syringe a lot of fluid can come out when the plunger is pushed, especially if it does not have an o-ring. With these type of syringes the plunger can hang up then you push hard and too much fluid comes out.

The squirrel may be getting diarrhea because it is being fed too much. They are gluttons. They are wired to eat fast, to compete with siblings for food. They are not the best judge of how much they should eat.

You really need a scale to weigh the squirrel to determine the appropriate amount of formula to be given or you are playing with fire, rolling the dice with the squirrel's life. (The number one cause of death for squirrels being taken care of by first time caretakers is inhalation/aspiration pneumonia and it acts so fast that you probably won't recognize the symptoms fast enough and treat it fast enough.)

Do you use a nipple with the syringe?

[Rock Monkey]

A food scale will set you back less than $20, certainly a lot cheaper than a visit to the vet.

[Rock Monkey]

A food scale will set you back less than $20, certainly a lot cheaper than a visit to the vet.

After writing this I subsequently remembered that you said you going to go out and purchase a scale. I don't know if you have. It is a critical tool.

[jpars]

I am glad to hear that he is doing better.

A one CC syringe with an o-ring will give much more precise control. The chances of aspiration will be much lower.

With a 3 cc syringe a lot of fluid can come out when the plunger is pushed, especially if it does not have an o-ring. With these type of syringes the plunger can hang up then you push hard and too much fluid comes out.

The squirrel may be getting diarrhea because it is being fed too much. They are gluttons. They are wired to eat fast, to compete with siblings for food. They are not the best judge of how much they should eat.

You really need a scale to weigh the squirrel to determine the appropriate amount of formula to be given or you are playing with fire, rolling the dice with the squirrel's life. (The number one cause of death for squirrels being taken care of by first time caretakers is inhalation/aspiration pneumonia and it acts so fast that you probably won't recognize the symptoms fast enough and treat it fast enough.)

Do you use a nipple with the syringe?

I finally was able to get a scale and he weighs in at 120 grams. And yes he has been feeding from a nipple, its a rather long one so i put it in between my fingers so that he doesnt try to force the whole nipple down. I would like to get a better syringe though.

[jpars]

After writing this I subsequently remembered that you said you going to go out and purchase a scale. I don't know if you have. It is a critical tool.

I went and got an analog scale. He weighs exactly 120 grams. Im not sure if that is average for his age though

[Mel1959]

At 120gr. he should be eating between 6cc-8.5cc at each feeding.

Squirrels weights vary depending on the part of the country you’re in. Northern gray squirrels weigh much more than a Florida grays. What you want to see is a steady weight gain, which is why a scale and weighing them on a regular basis is so important. Keep a log of how much he eats at each feeding and weigh him at the same time each day, preferably after pottying him.

[jpars]

At 120gr. he should be eating between 6cc-8.5cc at each feeding.

Squirrels weights vary depending on the part of the country you’re in. Northern gray squirrels weigh much more than a Florida grays. What you want to see is a steady weight gain, which is why a scale and weighing them on a regular basis is so important. Keep a log of how much he eats at each feeding and weigh him at the same time each day, preferably after pottying him.

Thank you so much for that. I was unsure how he was doing for weight. What should i be giving him to keep his teeth from overgrowing?

[Mel1959]

You can give him an occasional nut in a shell, antlers, calcium chews, dried marrow bones. I buy the marrow bones for my dog. Once he’s eaten the marrow out and they dry out some I put them on broken limbs in my oak tree and in my release cage. The wilds and my babies all chew on them. It’s a win-win....they wear their teeth down and they get calcium in the process.

[jpars]

You can give him an occasional nut in a shell, antlers, calcium chews, dried marrow bones. I buy the marrow bones for my dog. Once he’s eaten the marrow out and they dry out some I put them on broken limbs in my oak tree and in my release cage. The wilds and my babies all chew on them. It’s a win-win....they wear their teeth down and they get calcium in the process.

Does it matter what kind of nut? Ill have to let squirrely dan have a go at the calcium chews as well

[Mel1959]

It doesn’t really matter what type of nut. Almonds have a softer shell and Hickory nuts have a very hard shell. Walnuts are fairly hard and thick and pecans and hazelnuts medium hardness.

[Rock Monkey]

Does it matter what kind of nut?

Preferably the nut should be a shell. Learning the best way to open one is learned skill.

Black (American) walnuts can often be found on the ground, most people are happy to give them away. It will probably be a while before he can manage one of those. The shell is super thick. But one will make a good toy in the meantime.

Certainly no nuts with added anything, like you usually find in the grocery store.

Avoid acorns or Brazil nuts.