First time caring for a baby squirrel. I need some help!

[babedizzle]

About a week ago my fiance's brother rescued three baby squirrels from a fallen nest, one of which he gave to me to take care of. Immediately I began researching the do's and dont's of caring for baby squirrels and so far, so good but there's a lot still don't know. He had a pretty bad cut, which my fiance glued with super glue (sounds crazy but that's what vets use.) I've been putting triple antibiotic cream on the wounds and they're healing nicely.

His eyes are open, he can pee and poop on his own without stimulation and he's eating anywhere from 6-9 CC's of Esbilac every 4 hours. I have been looking all over for a 1 CC syringe but I have had to make due with 3 CC thus far. I've introduced him to solid food but he's only got a couple teeth and he can't bite into anything hard as of yet, so he frantically nibbles on the seeds until he become frustrated and gives up.

For the first few nights I kept him in a shoe box with a heating pad underneath and plenty of towels for him to snuggle up in, but now that he's doing so well I decided to invest in a bird cage, which he seems to like much better. Based on the fact he's alive and well, I suppose I'm doing everythng right but I need to know the exact amount of formula to give him and also what types of solid foods I should offer him in addition to the Esbilac. Now that he is rehydrated, is it necessary to continue giving him Pedialyte every so often? He really likes it.

Any advice is welcome. Here are some pictures of "Rockie" I estimate that he is 6 weeks old. How old do you think he is?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v622/babedizzle/DSC02574.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v622/babedizzle/DSC02573.jpg

[island rehabber]

:Welcome to TSB! Yes I would agree your little guy is between 5-6 weeks old. He should be taking in a little more formula than what you are giving him, but it's best to weigh him on a gram scale in order to get an accurate idea of what he should eat. As a guideline, my 6-wk old squirrels are taking 10-15 cc's every 5-6 hours. Plus rodent block and cheerios in their containers for munching whenever.

See if you can get a weight for him and we can be more helpful to you on this question. In the meantime, ask any questions you have -- we love to help. :)

[thundersquirrel]

he looks wonderful!

gamma's question (do you plan to keep or release) is very important, because at rocky's age it alters a lot of the rules in lots of ways. once we know, we can advise you on the next steps. :thumbsup

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

He looks like he is about 6 weeks old. Where at in Ohio are you. I am a liscensed rehabber in Northeast Ohio and also know many rehabbers in the state, so I could help you locate a rehabber if you would like to take Rockie to a rehabber. It is always better for a squirrel to be raised with other squirrels. They grow up faster and stronger when they have a friend to play with and learn from.

[babedizzle]

At first I told myself I'd release Rockie when he got old enough but now I have the desire to obtain my rehabber permit and see where it takes me. So that's another question ... who would I contact to find out how to become a rehabber?

My fiance's brother has the other two squirrels and I keep in close contact with him on a daily basis to make sure his are doing well. They were fortunate because they weren't cut up like Rockie was, so they were more responsive from the beginning but Rockie is catching up now and everyday he's a little more active than before.

How much formula shold I be mixing ... is 1 part Esbilac to 2 parts water sufficient?

Thanks for all of your help!

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

:Welcome I didnt have time to read over your whole post yet, but if you have had him longer than a couple days yes you can go 2water 1esbilac.

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

It is illegal in Ohio to keep a squirrel as a pet. It is actually illegal to keep even a nonreleaseable (one that is blind, missing a leg, or has some other disability that would prevent it from living in the wild) even if you have a rehabbers permit. The rules are if it is nonreleaseable it either has to be put to sleep or used as an education animal. Education animals must go on a certain number of trips each year to educate people about their species. If you are truly interested in becoming a rehabber, I would recommend giving the little tykes over to a rehabber and then learning the ropes from the rehabber. Once you learn what it takes and prove that you are able to do it then they will allow you to be their subpermittee and take things home to take care of off of their own permit. Once you master that and feel comfortable with caring for the little guys, then you can apply for your own permit. It is a lot of work being a rehabber and you have to be dedicated to it. To get your permit you need to take a class and fill out an application supplying pictures of your caging (you have to have at least one outside cage which must be 4' by 4' by 6' for just one squirrel and add one foot for each additional squirrel). You also must have a vet sign for you saying they have experience and are willing to treat any wildlife you bring to them. If you are up for all that, then you are truly ready to be a rehabber! If you pm me your location I can find you a rehabber to show you the ropes.

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Oh sorry S&B I didnt realize he had something wrong with him..yes he would be better off in th hands of a rehabber.
I am in Pa if I got a non releasable I would still not be able to keep him by law.
That takes a special licence and many years to obtain.

[babedizzle]

Is it illegal if I keep him for a short while until he is able to be released? I don't want to hand him over to someone else unless there is an absolute emergency, and there isn't ... his cuts are almost completely healed, he's eating more and more everyday and becoming more active and aware of his surroundings.

As far as the rehabber permit goes, attending classes and building a cage isn't a big deal, and neither is obtaining a signature from a vet. Where can I get an application?

[thundersquirrel]

technically it's illegal to have a squirrel even for a day, but most rehabbers are willing to overlook a few days of care of a citizen.

what rehabbers don't overlook is a squirrel whose been cared for by a citizen and isn't doing well. what we're saying is that if you want to be a rehabber, it would probably be better to hand him over to a rehabber within the next couple of days.

this way, you can meet local rehabbers and show them that you care for the best interests of this squirrel. they'll be more willing to coach you through getting a license, and you won't have to worry about any legal issues with this squirrel.

in fact, what i'm thinking right now is that, if you take this guy to a rehabber and say you want to BECOME a rehabber, they may let you raise him as long as you stay in touch with experienced rehabbers! i know that many areas are swamped with squirrel calls, and are glad to take on newbies even before they get their actual permit.

it's really for the best. we've all been there- my rehab experience started with an injured grey squirrel. it was such a shame to see him go, but because we contacted friends of wildlife (rehabbers here) my mother and i became rehabbers and got to raise TONS of babies!

please consider this. we're only here to help. :peace

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

Well put TS. Yes, it is illegal to keep the little guy for more than 24 hours. You do not get into trouble if you keep it longer and are looking for a rehabber. The law is just in effect because more times than not, squirrels that are raised by well meaning citizens end up dying or becoming very ill when they would have thrived with a rehabber. I agree, a rehabber may actually help you in caring for your babies by giving you advice and letting you take it under their permit. Then they can help you and you will be legal. They may not agree to that though, but even if they don't I know they would let you see your little guy and would probably let you care for it at their place.

[pamela lee]

Rockie is so adorable. If you are planning on rehabbing and releasing him, he should be raised with his siblings. He will mature quicker and his release will go alot easier for him. He would be alot happier with his family.
Pamela

[Gabe]

Yes, I agree with Pamela Lee, Rockie should most certainly be with other squirrels and his siblings are the best choice. A rehabber would be willing to take all three and raise them together.