wild squirrel- possible dental problem?

[kathryn]

Hi everyone,

I just noticed before with one of the squirrels that lives on the property that it can't seem to eat- It makes these strange noises when it tries to nibble on something hard, acorn, sunflower seed or regular peanut. I even threw it some small pieces of wheat bread smeared with peanut butter and it started to eat but make those funny noises and threw the food down. I feel so bad for it, do you think it has some sort of dental problem?? It has a funny looking *glossy* eye thats how I know it from the others and its been a regular in the yard all summer and never noticed a problem with it eating the nuts/seed before. Any sort of soft food that I can toss its way to help it eat??

Poor little guy!!!

Kathryn

[Mrs. Jack]

Can you elaborate more on "funny noises"? Like it's in pain? Does he want to eat but can't? Could you possibly get down and close enough to see? My teddy had a tooth that was grown and visible on the outer portion of his lip.. it was rubbing it raw. He was quite old by this point, and unfort. I just could not catch him before he disappeared for good. but I would put out a big blob of pb on a paper plate, he'd eat that just fine, and he'd eat shelled pecans, which are pretty soft.

[atlantasquirrelgirl]

I had one that had a hard time eating because of malacclusion. I put bread out, which was soft for her to eat, and filled her up. She loved it, and liked it even more toasted. However, if that could be your friend's problem, you need to catch it in a trap and get it's teeth trimmed. It's a deadly problem if that's what's going on.

[kathryn]

The sounds that it makes are more like when another squirrel approaches- that sort of *grrrr* *grrr* noise with a bit of a squeak-(but no squirrels are around ) It sounds like its irritated with the food in its mouth like its painful. I can't get too close, it runs away but I will continue to keep an eye on it and if need be, I can try to trap it with a have-a-heart trap. Tomorrow morning I'll try some grapes, blueberries and some bread and see what happens.
Thanks everyone

Kathryn

[Mrs. Jack]

If it does have over-grown teeth (maloclusion) do you have somewhere where it can be taken care of? We can help find a rehabber if need be.

Also offer avocado, my guys love it. (just the soft meat, no skin or seed) and possibly banana. Heck I'd offer oatmeal, teddy didn't like it but you never know :)

Thank you for helping her out. :peace

[kathryn]

I'm in Ocean County, NJ I will have to research if there is a rehabber nearby. Tomorrow I'll buy some avocado and try that too! Thank you!

Kathryn

[kathryn]

baby food, thats a good idea!

Its been eating red grapes, a few apple slices and a few pieces of wheat/grain bread

I also noticed that its living in one of the nesting boxes in the tree....along with three smaller squirrels! So she must be the momma squirrel!!

I bought a can of pumpkin (for pies) Has anyone tried that on a plate? I guess its like baby food!

Thanks again everyone

Kathryn

[4skwerlz]

baby food, thats a good idea!

Its been eating red grapes, a few apple slices and a few pieces of wheat/grain bread

I also noticed that its living in one of the nesting boxes in the tree....along with three smaller squirrels! So she must be the momma squirrel!!

I bought a can of pumpkin (for pies) Has anyone tried that on a plate? I guess its like baby food!

Thanks again everyone

Kathryn

We certainly have a lot of dental problems this month! Canned pumpkin sounds good. If you're worried about her nutrition, you can buy some Esbilac (puppy milk replacer) and soak some pieces of bread with it. Also yogurt. Scrambled eggs or a hard boiled egg cut up WITH the shell. These are all very nutritious.

[kathryn]

I'm happy to report that the mama squirrel has been seen eating acorns and peanuts now! guess her dental problem cleared up!

Kathryn