Baby squirrel

[Simone LaRue]

Hello everyone ❤️

We've had this squirrel for a week now. When we found her there was no momma in site. She fell about 40 feet. We put her in a cozy blanket and heating bad. Started her on esbilic, until I realized one full day later she was extremely dehydrated. Then started Pedialyte. We did Pedialyte for a full 24 hours and now I'm weaning her off Pedialyte to Fox Valley. She weighs 107 grams has top and bottom teeth. Eyes closed still. Feeding her 5-6ml Q4 hours.

My problem is that she's only had one solid poop since we've had her... The very first one. Every bm after that has been soft stool to just straight diarrhea. I do have the bene bac on the way via Amazon. What can I do in the mean time? She seems comfortable otherwise 🤷*♀️ she also acts very hungry after the 6mls. Like starving.

Just not sure if I'm doing the right thing here.

[Spanky]

Are you feeding the powdered Esbilac, not the liquid version?

The opened Esbilac powder should be stored in the freezer.

[Simone LaRue]

No I stopped using esbilic because I read on here that it was bad? I have fox valley now and the 20/50 is supposed to arrive Sunday.

[Spanky]

Pedialyte should not be given for more than 24 hours.

Esbilac had issues, yes. But the manufacturer did correct that and if the Expiration date is 10/2021 or later, it is okay for squirrels.

How long ago did you stop feeding formula?

[Simone LaRue]

Yesterday I started Pedialyte. today I started Pedialyte and fox valley ( not mixing them but giving at the same feeding) I was told I had to do that to wean her from the pedialyte and introduce formula slowly. today would be a full 24 hrs of Pedialyte and I do not intend on giving her more.

[Spanky]

Yesterday I started Pedialyte. today I started Pedialyte and fox valley ( not mixing them but giving at the same feeding) I was told I had to do that to wean her from the pedialyte and introduce formula slowly. today would be a full 24 hrs of Pedialyte and I do not intend on giving her more.

My bad, I got confused thinking you were waiting for the Fox Valley from Amazon (that was the Benebac). Sorry, it has been a long, busy day.

Pedialyte should not be given at the some time, or mixed with the formula; mixing it directly into the formula or in the stomach is is essentially the same thing. Feeding (nutrition) and hydrating are two completely opposite biological processes.

IF the baby needs additional hydration, do that in between feedings (minimum of two hours after a feeding). When dehydrated, the body works to move fluids (hydration) from the stomach out to dehydrated tissue. When feeding nutrition (formula) the body rushes fluids from tissue into the stomach for the digestion process. A dehydrated baby cannot move fluid to the stomach for digestion, that is why feeding a dehydrated baby is practically useless. I am over explaining this because others will read these threads in the future and this may help someone down the road.

I would start feeding her the full strength Fox Valley. Personally I only "transition" pinky babies.. after about 3 weeks of age, I have never had a problem changing from Esbilac to Fox Valley (as example). Folks that do transition would transition from Esbilac to Fox Valley (not from pedialyte).

I am attaching a feeding cheat sheet and a link to a 6 page primer on baby squirrel care.

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https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/

[Simone LaRue]

Ok! Thank you!

So right now I have the 32/40. I'm currently waiting for the 20/50 to come in. I also ordered esbilic powder and was told to mix them?

[Spanky]

Mixing them is fine... even a good idea, IMO. My standard formula until very recently was using half Fox Valley 20/50 and half Esbilac for babies 4 weeks through weaning.

[Simone LaRue]

OK! and I get the benebac today. How much should I give her? She still has diarrhea:(

[Simone LaRue]

Hello, diarrhea is still present. Stools are not forming. I gave her a dab of the bene. How long before it starts working? Is there anything else I can do? A few times it has been completely clear diarrhea to greenish yellow. Attached pic

[Simone LaRue]

.

[Spanky]

Try giving her a drop or two of Pepto-bismol or Kaopectate. The pepto will turn the stools dark black, just a little heads up so it does not freak you out.

I am at a loss as to why the diarrhea is continuing...

Formula hygiene review. The formula you are feeding, are you storing the opened powder in the freezer (minimally the fridge)? Once opened it will go rancid very quickly if left at room temperature. Formula should be mixed up hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. If you are not already, you might consider using bottled water just in case there is something in the tap water that does not agree with her system. The formula should be mixed 2 parts water to 1 part powdered formula.

Never reuse heated formula... if formula was warmed for feeding but not used, toss it out.

I use Fox Valley Diastat for severe cases of diarrhea.

I cannot answer the question about Benebac as I have no experience with this product.

[Iamnotatree]

Try adding a bit of plain yogurt with probiotics to the mixed and heated formula. It will help to stop the diarrhea and help them to develop healthy gut bacteria and adds a little more volume to their food to help them feel fuller. Best of luck, I hope your fuzzy friend is doing better soon.