RESCUED 1-2 WEEK OLD TREE SQUIRRELS WITH BAD DIARRHEA

[Squirrel nut]

Hi all,
Thursday afternoon I rescued (2) 1-2 week old tree squirrels (sirius variegatoides) that fell from their nest. I gave them KittenMilkReplacement that first night but then read that it was not good, so I switched to this homemade recipe (3 tbsp goat milk + 3 tbsp heavy cream + 3 tbsp natural yogurt + 1/2 egg yolk) and gave them that on Friday and Yesterday. Last night when I went to give them their night feeding they both had a lot of Diarrhea. Up until then they were both urinating and pooping normal. I didnt know what to do so I fed them a little less (1-1.5 ml) and then again this morning. Its been 12hr since they started with diarrhea and I saw that they had shaky spasms in their legs while sleeping, so I investigated that they needed hydration, and I replaced a feeding with 50% Pedialite + 50% water (no food!); and I just read that the best way to hidrate them was with Rice-Water beacuse it has starch instead of pedialite (beacuse it has glucose + colorants + chemicals ok only for humans); and I gave them that an hour ago. What should I do now? They still have diarreah!

On Friday they both weighted 32 grams
Yesterday #1 was 37 and #2 was 33grams
Today #1 is 37 and #2 is 32grams

Please help!

Kindest Regards,

Squirrel Nut

(See attached photos of them on Thursday when we found them, also how they were pooping at first (little balls) and how they are pooping diahrreah now)



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[Spanky]

It is correct that the KittenMilkReplacement (KMR) is not suitable for squirrels and will cause diarrhea. Give them the homemade hydration fluid below for the next few feedings, over 12 - 24 hours. The idea is to flush all the bad stuff out of them. Skipping a few feedings to get on the right path is necessary because they need to be fully hydrated to properly digest formula.

Homemade hydration fluid:
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 tablespoon sugar (1-1/2 teaspoons)
8 oz water

Once the diarrhea has resolved you can resume the homemade recipe, but leave out the egg yolk at least for now. If you can obtain Esbilac Puppy formula (powdered version only) or Royal Canine puppy formula those are good for baby squirrels.

Fox Valley 20/50 (do not get the 32/40) is also excellent, but has to be ordered on-line and I am unsure if that is a practical option for you in Panama.

I am attaching a formula feeding chart for guidance.... give them to same amounts of hydration as you would formula for the next few feedings (12 - 24 hours).

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[Squirrel nut]

THANKS SO MUCH SPANKY! I will proceed as instructed….

Have a nice Sunday.

Squirrel Nut

[Squirrel nut]

Hi Spanky,
It's been 24+ hours and still with plenty diarrhea. I have given them already three meals of hydration fluid.
#1 only had the last meal and weighs 34grams. (3 grams less)
#2 had all 3 meals and weighs 34grams (1 more gram)

Should I take them to the vet? I know one that helped me with my past rescued squirrel and he was a success story returned to live in the wild.

Kindest regards, squirrel nut

[Spanky]

Always good to see a vet if that is an option!

I am a bit confused about the statement that #1 had the last meal and the other the last 3 meals. Rereading my original post, I may not have been precise.

They should not get the goats milk formula and only get the hydration for up to 24 hours. Nothing but hydration as "meals". If that is what happened, then I'd continue with the hydration for up to 36 hours. If you have been giving them the goats milk formulation along with the hydration, switch to only hydration.

Once the diarrhea is resolved then the goat's milk formula can be resumed, leaving out the egg yolk. If they begin to have diarrhea again, I would remove the heavy cream and use goat's milk and yogurt.

Can you get Esbilac or Royale Canin puppy formula... better yet the Fox Valley 20/50 in Panama?

[Squirrel nut]

Thanks for your quick response Spanky, I understood what you instructed. What I meant was that I gave them the 3 hydration sessions instead of food spaced 3 hours appart, and one of them only drinked on the third occasion, but the other drank all the times. Nonetheless I took them to the vet and she said that they were not considerably dehydrated and that we had done well and what is appropriate. She gave them something for their digestion and vitamin D. She also told me to start feeding again with esbilac puppy wich I already did once four hours ago and they have been asleep since. Should I let them sleep a lot more or should I wake them up to eat? Last meal was at 4:15pm now its 8:40pm.

Thanks so much once again!

Squirrel Nut

[Spanky]

Yes, wake them to feed them... adding a frequency chart for reference.

Is the Esbilac she provided the powdered version that is mixed with water? The Esbilac that comes as a liquid in the can is (surprisingly) not the same.

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[Squirrel nut]

Yes, the powdered version. The Diarrhea went away, and they are drinking that with the frequency the feeding chart indicates. They look a lot better today, no bloating and going #2 (pasty mustard color)at a regular rate. What we are doing seems to be working fantastic, I will continue monitor them closely.

Any more suggestions are welcome.

Thanks,

Squirrel Nut

[Spanky]

So glad they are rebounding! Good job! :bliss

[Squirrel nut]

Spanky, hope you are well. The 2 squirrels have grown to be 7 weeks, their names are Simon and Theodore. I've been following the feeding frequency chart with Esbilac Puppy powder formula. They now weigh 176 and 201grams. I ordered the fox valley 20/50 and will be receiving it in a couple days for I read that it helped prevent to avoid MBD; also today I ordered Henry's Healthy Blocks because I read in the chart that that they need free food. Since those will arrive a week from today is it OK to give them this other option that I found here?

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Brown-s-Falfa-Cravins-Alfalfa-Hay-Cubes-Small-Animal-Treat-16-Oz/22632637

Here is the link of a recent footage of Simon's and Theodore's first climbing exhibition = D

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6f8o0ghr5yp8cm0/a176d6b2-3929-46d4-b68d-dc8849720124.mp4?dl=0

Kind Regards,

Squirrel Nut



Always good to see a vet if that is an option!

I am a bit confused about the statement that #1 had the last meal and the other the last 3 meals. Rereading my original post, I may not have been precise.

They should not get the goats milk formula and only get the hydration for up to 24 hours. Nothing but hydration as "meals". If that is what happened, then I'd continue with the hydration for up to 36 hours. If you have been giving them the goats milk formulation along with the hydration, switch to only hydration.

Once the diarrhea is resolved then the goat's milk formula can be resumed, leaving out the egg yolk. If they begin to have diarrhea again, I would remove the heavy cream and use goat's milk and yogurt.

Can you get Esbilac or Royale Canin puppy formula... better yet the Fox Valley 20/50 in Panama?

[Tashahaven]

I am unfamiliar with the “food” from Walmart you posted a link to. Since you have HHB on the way, and will be delivered soon (ish). I might recommend a providing some healthy veggies to explore.

Im sure, just like with the blocks, they will only explore/shred them for a little while. Hopefully you can provide some lettuce, broccoli, or other suitable veggies, that they can “shred”.

once the block arrives, continue to feed formula, until they REFUSE. But give them 1/3 - 1/2 of HHB to explore/shred daily.

Give formula, till they won’t take it anymore. Once they are actually eating the block, not just “shredding it”, add in those same healthy veggies.

Never give “junk food” - nuts, seeds, misc. unless or until they are completely devouring their HHBs, and also partaking of their HEALTHY veggies.

They are adorable!!! Good luck to you! They look so SWEET!

[Mel1959]

The product you posted a link to is not appropriate for squirrels. See if you can locate this one https://www.amazon.com/Oxbow-Essentials-Adult-Food-3-Pound/dp/B000GABM1K/ref=asc_df_B000GABM1K?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80608063698635&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584207590320025&psc=1

Or this one https://mazuri.com/products/mazuri-rat-mouse-diets

This is another good one, but must be purchased online https://www.amazon.com/Envigo-Harlan-Proceeds-Benefit-Mainely/dp/B081LSMT4T

These three blocks are free feeding blocks, meaning they can eat as many as they want per day. The Henry’s blocks should be limited to feeding only 2-3 per day along with healthy veggies from the Healthy Diet chart. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

[Squirrel nut]

Thank you so much! Your knowledge has been a treasure for us. I would do accordingly. By the way, I received the nature valley 20/50 today!!!

yes, they are precious

Quirrel Nut


I am unfamiliar with the “food” from Walmart you posted a link to. Since you have HHB on the way, and will be delivered soon (ish). I might recommend a providing some healthy veggies to explore.

Im sure, just like with the blocks, they will only explore/shred them for a little while. Hopefully you can provide some lettuce, broccoli, or other suitable veggies, that they can “shred”.

once the block arrives, continue to feed formula, until they REFUSE. But give them 1/3 - 1/2 of HHB to explore/shred daily.

Give formula, till they won’t take it anymore. Once they are actually eating the block, not just “shredding it”, add in those same healthy veggies.

Never give “junk food” - nuts, seeds, misc. unless or until they are completely devouring their HHBs, and also partaking of their HEALTHY veggies.

They are adorable!!! Good luck to you! They look so SWEET!

[Squirrel nut]

Got It!!! Thank you so much. I looked for these blocks but wasnt successful, but I started to give a piece of lettuce today


Quirrel Nut



The product you posted a link to is not appropriate for squirrels. See if you can locate this one https://www.amazon.com/Oxbow-Essentials-Adult-Food-3-Pound/dp/B000GABM1K/ref=asc_df_B000GABM1K?tag=bngsmtphsnus-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80608063698635&hvnetw=s&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584207590320025&psc=1

Or this one https://mazuri.com/products/mazuri-rat-mouse-diets

This is another good one, but must be purchased online https://www.amazon.com/Envigo-Harlan-Proceeds-Benefit-Mainely/dp/B081LSMT4T

These three blocks are free feeding blocks, meaning they can eat as many as they want per day. The Henry’s blocks should be limited to feeding only 2-3 per day along with healthy veggies from the Healthy Diet chart. https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

[Mel1959]

They really should have some type of block.

[Squirrel nut]

Hi Mel, I just received the Henry's Healthy blocks after some shipping delays. I will proceed to give them the amount prescribed and some veggies for them to shred. Thank you.

NOW ABOUT THE FOX VALLEY 20/50: today I gave them their first meal but they refused to drink it. What do you suggest I do? Should I do a transition by stages from the other formula?

Kind regards,

Squirrel Nut


They really should have some type of block.

[Mel1959]

Yes, you don’t want to just switch cold turkey to a new formula. It can cause intestinal issues. You want to do it gradually over several days.

Here’s how you do it. Mix up a container of the old formula. In another container mix up the new formula. For several feedings you want to load your syringes with 75% of the old formula and 25% of the new. After several feedings of this ratio move to a 50%/50% ratio for several feedings. Then do 25% old formula and 75% new formula for several feedings and finally you’ll be at 100% new formula.

Let me know if you don’t understand or if you’re still having problems getting them to eat.

[CritterMom]

Yes, you should always do a slow transition. Spend a day or two getting from the one formula to the FV. Make up batches of each formula, then mix those together to make your blends.

[Squirrel nut]

Hi Tashahaven, I just gave them HHB for the fisrt time.

Since the initial amount of HHB is 1/3 - 1/2 blocks daily, when should I increment to the amount prescribed by the provider which is 2-3 blocks daily?

I understand that now that the blocks arrived I should remove the veggies because that was an exception, correct? And Once they are actually eating the block, not just “shredding it”, add in those same healthy veggies again, correct? Sorry for my lack of confidence, theres a lot of scientific details in the caretaking of wildlife. Thanks so much!

Kindest Regards,

Squirrel Nut


I am unfamiliar with the “food” from Walmart you posted a link to. Since you have HHB on the way, and will be delivered soon (ish). I might recommend a providing some healthy veggies to explore.

Im sure, just like with the blocks, they will only explore/shred them for a little while. Hopefully you can provide some lettuce, broccoli, or other suitable veggies, that they can “shred”.

once the block arrives, continue to feed formula, until they REFUSE. But give them 1/3 - 1/2 of HHB to explore/shred daily.

Give formula, till they won’t take it anymore. Once they are actually eating the block, not just “shredding it”, add in those same healthy veggies.

Never give “junk food” - nuts, seeds, misc. unless or until they are completely devouring their HHBs, and also partaking of their HEALTHY veggies.

They are adorable!!! Good luck to you! They look so SWEET!

[Squirrel nut]

Thanks Mel1059!!! Understood perfectly.... will proceed accordingly...



Yes, you don’t want to just switch cold turkey to a new formula. It can cause intestinal issues. You want to do it gradually over several days.

Here’s how you do it. Mix up a container of the old formula. In another container mix up the new formula. For several feedings you want to load your syringes with 75% of the old formula and 25% of the new. After several feedings of this ratio move to a 50%/50% ratio for several feedings. Then do 25% old formula and 75% new formula for several feedings and finally you’ll be at 100% new formula.

Let me know if you don’t understand or if you’re still having problems getting them to eat.

[Mel1959]

Hi Tashahaven, I just gave them HHB for the fisrt time.

Since the initial amount of HHB is 1/3 - 1/2 blocks daily, when should I increment to the amount prescribed by the provider which is 2-3 blocks daily?

I understand that now that the blocks arrived I should remove the veggies because that was an exception, correct? And Once they are actually eating the block, not just “shredding it”, add in those same healthy veggies again, correct? Sorry for my lack of confidence, theres a lot of scientific details in the caretaking of wildlife. Thanks so much!

Kindest Regards,

Squirrel Nut

As they begin to actually consume the block then you can increase the number they get in a day, up to 3. Many folks offer the block first thing in the morning when they’re hungriest. You’ll notice they will naturally decrease the amount of formula they take as they eat more block and veggies. Let them decide when they no longer want any formula. I’ve had guys still want formula when they were put out in the release cage at 14 weeks.

[Tashahaven]

Yes. Block only until they are actually EATING them entirely first. Then add in the veggies.

Follow the formula dillution, and they should still continue to want formula for a while. Even after mine stopped wanting formula completely and was eating healthy, she will still drink it out of a shallow dish with pebbles in it. But she wasn’t interested at all for the first couple weeks after weaning. So if that happens with yours, try offering it again after a while. I honestly thought my girl wouldn’t touch it again, but she will now.

And it’s OKAY! You are doing a good job. I definitely remember how nerve wracking it can be! (Still is at times), but it will get much much easier for you. I personally would rather someone ask “too many” questions, than NOT enough! That’s how things get missed, or mistakes happen. You clearly care about them a lot, and that is the most important thing! 🥰