5 baby chipmunks

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I have a thread in nursery so I apologize for another, but really need some help.

I bought the esbilac, but in liquid, as I didn’t realize needed the powder. I had rehabbed baby Fox squirrels previously in 2011-12, which this website was so helpful, but chipmunks are more tiny.

Does anyone know what type of non choke nipple I can get for these little guys. Trying my best with what I have, but it is not working very well.

Also any advice on feeding the liquid esbilac, would be greatly appreciated and any other advice, too. I ordered fox valley, but it won’t be here till Tuesday. :(. Here’s a photo of them. Not sure if I can do this.

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Thanks

[CritterMom]

Ugh. First, the liquid esbilac causes diarrhea in SQUIRRELS. We recommend the POWDER for that reason. I am hoping that you do not have issues with that, but if you do, you know the reason. If you can get a can of the Esbilac powdered formula, I would do so. Furthermore, you cannot just suddenly switch to the new formula from one feeding to the other. You need to mix the two formulas together for a day or two, starting mostly with the original, and each feeding, replacing more of that with the new formula.

I would suggest the silicone "mothering" nipples from Henrys: https://henryspets.com/silicone-mothering-nipples-for-nursing-baby-animals/

The babies need to be either lying tummy down or held upright in your hands to feed. Do NOT try to feed them on their back like a human infant. The tip of the nipple needs to point up at the roof of the baby's mouth when feeding. That means you have to hold the syringe below them pointing upward.

They look quite healthy.

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Ugh is right.

Thanks Crittermom. Doing all that. The nipple is too big for the chipmunks. I called Henry’s help line and they recommended the miracle nipple mini. Found it on Amazon, but it won’t be here till Tuesday. Calling any pet stores near me and seeing what they have. I will also pick up the powder esbilac.

Is there a place I can read on the mixture of the esbilac powder and also how much. I weighed them and they all way about 11-12 grams. We really don’t have a wildlife Rehabber here, but I spoke with a person who is licensed and she said to feed 5-10% of their weight which she said is 1cc. She also suggested using a paint brush to get them used to sucking and then they switch to the nipple. I will try, the tools I currently have with their very tiny mouth/nose I’m very worried about aspirating.

Also, I was thinking of putting the little babies out in case the mother may look for them by the trailer where she had them within the car in the trailer. The trailer was moved to a different place on our property. Has anyone experienced that or would that just not work? If the mom didn’t come yesterday to get them should I just assume she won’t anymore?

Thanks

[lovesquirrels1]

I do not know anything about chipmunks

here is the chart I have used for squirrels to figure out how many ML to feed
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=314539&d=1587654996

If you're using a giant syringe you're probably going to overfeed them. I would get something small like a 1ml syringe. The smallest animal I have hand fed is 28grams so unfortunately I am not qualified to give you any advice. For that size, the miracle nipple mini did work well. You mentioned there are no wildlife rehabbers near you. Where is that? We may be able to locate someone for you. Even if they can't take the animal, maybe they have some supplies they can lend you until you get your stuff. I believe you can get the powdered form at animal supply stores. Did you check any animal feed and pet stores?

I think there's also suggestions in the baby section for what to use for local syringes in an emergency situation like this so please be sure to take a look there.

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Thanks lovesquirrels. I’m using a 1cc syringe, but for these little mouths/nose I need a smaller nipple. The opening on the 1cc syringe is too big for them. My husband just went out to pet store to get the powdered esbilac and another pet store had something that might work as interim - healthy promise easy feeder. I am very careful what I’m feeding so the size of syringe is not the issue, but the nipple what they are putting their tiny mouth on. He’s also going to check any pet store he passes and will be picking up anything he thinks will also work.
We are in Westcliffe- about an hour west of Pueblo co.

[lovesquirrels1]

Thanks lovesquirrels. I’m using a 1cc syringe, but for these little mouths/nose I need a smaller nipple. The opening on the 1cc syringe is too big for them. My husband just went out to pet store to get the powdered esbilac and another pet store had something that might work as interim - healthy promise easy feeder. I am very careful what I’m feeding so the size of syringe is not the issue, but the nipple what they are putting their tiny mouth on. He’s also going to check any pet store he passes and will be picking up anything he thinks will also work.
We are in Westcliffe- about an hour west of Pueblo co.

Keep in mind I don't really know what I am talking about but I did some searching on this site and I think what you need is a canula

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?24053-The-ABC-s-of-SYRINGES!

Look in that thread there are some people talling about it. I have used these before to medicate salamanders and my vet gave them to me for free. Try calling some vet offices and seeing if they can give you or sell you a few. Try them on your syringe while there to make sure they will work. You may need to grab a syringe from them too if not.

[lovesquirrels1]

For rehabbers does this list help? https://cpw.state.co.us/Documents/RulesRegs/SpecialLicenses/WildlifeRehabilitation/PublicRehabListing.pdf

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Keep in mind I don't really know what I am talking about but I did some searching on this site and I think what you need is a canula

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?24053-The-ABC-s-of-SYRINGES!

Look in that thread there are some people talling about it. I have used these before to medicate salamanders and my vet gave them to me for free. Try calling some vet offices and seeing if they can give you or sell you a few. Try them on your syringe while there to make sure they will work. You may need to grab a syringe from them too if not.

Thanks again lovesquirrels. Good thread, good info. I thinkI actually have a canula top, at least something like it. Thanks for the wildlife Rehabber list. There aren’t really any near me. I called two places, but they couldn’t help, other than the paintbrush idea.

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I got the powder esbilac. Do I follow the directions on back or is there a different mix for chipmunks (squirrel?)? I’ll be mixing in slowly with the liquid.

Thanks

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I was just able to feed them at least .5 cc! They drank very well. Funny part, well not so funny since my husband drove an hour away to get these syringes that were horrible, is the 1cc syringe without any nipple is the winner.
Learned these little guys realized this is all there is and I remembered that I should feed from the side! Hopefully, it will be OK going forward. I just need to read everything I have tonight now that I’m out of stress mode. Thanks for your replies, please wish me luck.

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[lovesquirrels1]

I was just able to feed them at least .5 cc! They drank very well. Funny part, well not so funny since my husband drove an hour away to get these syringes that were horrible, is the 1cc syringe without any nipple is the winner.
Learned these little guys realized this is all there is and I remembered that I should feed from the side! Hopefully, it will be OK going forward. I just need to read everything I have tonight now that I’m out of stress mode. Thanks for your replies, please wish me luck.

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From Chris's Squirrels
https://www.squirrelsandmore.com/pages/basic-steps-to-taking-care-of-a-baby-squirrel

Milk Replacer
For those of you that are able to purchase milk replacer. We recommend Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer in Powder Form or Fox Valley 32/40.
Esbilac can safely be used on most mammals without difficulties.
Mixing Formula:
Mix 1 part Esbilac to 2 parts hot water. Let sit in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before first use, longer if possible is best. When first starting the Esbilac gradually add initial water to the formula for the first few feedings making the formula closer to full strength with each feeding. After 24 hours the animal should be on full strength formula. Keep the formula refrigerated. The formula and electrolyte should always be warmed when feeding.
For those that cannot find Esbilac we are recommending Ensure Vanilla Flavor as a very temporary solution. Ensure is usually available at grocery stores, pharmacies, Walmart, Target. etc.
Do not let the animal latch on to a syringe, bottle or dropper (causes aspiration). Drop the liquid onto the tongue and make the animal lap the solution. The solution should be administered to the animal at a warm but not hot temperature.



Keep in mind squirrels are huge compared to chipmunks so at least of advise regarding amounts to feed and syringe sizes would be deadly.
Also I always warmed the milk replacer I fed to my flying squirrel baby first. I got little plastic cups for jello shots at walmart, then I microwaved a coffee mug with water for about 1 minute or so (depends on how warm the water is toi start with, hot much water is in the cup, or how strong the microwave felt like running that day I guess) to get it around 110 F and tested with my finger to make sure it was not too hot and floated the cup with some of the formula in it for 2-3 minutes, then Id check the formula to make sure it was warm but not hot. That way the rest could remain in the fridge and only 1 feeding at a time warmed up. I only make 48 hours worth at a time the rest stays dry in the can. I use fox valley but I am pretty sure the stuff you got works exactly the same way just doesn't resolve as easily from what I've seen in videos. I do know it's also very important to thoroughly fix the formula and the water (I use a fork) and to let them sit in the fridge for a couple of hours or better even overnight to complete the mixing process. There was a peer reviewed article about this someome posted before showing the benefit of doing this (if mixed and immediately fed it does not digest easily).

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Thanks again Lovesquirrels. :)

I wanted to give a shout out to Henry’s Pet. The Fox valley formula that was supposed to come Tuesday, arrived this past Friday! They are the best. I’m still slowly introducing it and so far going OK. The 1cc is working, but it is too big for their tiny mouths and their nose being so close - it is so scary every time I’m feeding. Plus they still have not learned it as yet and I am still fumbling with the best way to help them learn. They are eating and we are all just going about it slow. I think they actually hate me and can’t understand why I have this huge plastic thing trying to go into their mouth... I’m sure their little tummies are hurting due to all this different formulas, but now we will soon be all fox valley going forward.
Tuesday the nipples are coming. They are called miracle nipples mini, I think this will help a great deal. I’m hoping they will come a day earlier, but probably not since coming from Amazon.

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[CritterMom]

Thanks again Lovesquirrels. :)

I wanted to give a shout out to Henry’s Pet. The Fox valley formula that was supposed to come Tuesday, arrived this past Friday! They are the best. I’m still slowly introducing it and so far going OK. The 1cc is working, but it is too big for their tiny mouths and their nose being so close - it is so scary every time I’m feeding. Plus they still have not learned it as yet and I am still fumbling with the best way to help them learn. They are eating and we are all just going about it slow. I think they actually hate me and can’t understand why I have this huge plastic thing trying to go into their mouth... I’m sure their little tummies are hurting due to all this different formulas, but now we will soon be all fox valley going forward.
Tuesday the nipples are coming. They are called miracle nipples mini, I think this will help a great deal. I’m hoping they will come a day earlier, but probably not since coming from Amazon.

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Oh my. If you need more of these, get them from Henry's: https://henryspets.com/easy-grip-nipple-feeding-kit/

They sell the two length nipples individually without syringes, too, and the syringes there are very inexpensive.

These will be the same size as the miracle nipples. I have not used these before but I think they may be nicer - they are silicone vs rubber so while they are soft and spongy, they aren't brittle like rubber and I bet they hold up better because silicone is quite strong. My squirrel was an insane little lunatic when he was young (I nicknamed him "The Krakken" if that tells you anything) and destroyed nipples faster than dropping them into a wood chipper would. I went through close to $100 worth of miracle nipples and then put my foot down and made him drink straight from the syringe (which he chewed up too)!

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Thanks Crittermom! I looked on Henry’s, but I didn’t see it. Crazy, I would’ve definitely got it from them. Wow, what a difference in price. Oh well, live and learn. If I need more I know where I’ll get it.

I may be calling one of the males Krakken. That is funny, wow, $100. I’ll start saving..lol Problem is this little guy is trying to fit the whole top of the 1cc syringe in his tiny mouth, it’s like shoving a fire hose down our mouths to feed. These nipples can’t come soon enough.

[lovesquirrels1]

Thanks Crittermom! I looked on Henry’s, but I didn’t see it. Crazy, I would’ve definitely got it from them. Wow, what a difference in price. Oh well, live and learn. If I need more I know where I’ll get it.

I may be calling one of the males Krakken. That is funny, wow, $100. I’ll start saving..lol Problem is this little guy is trying to fit the whole top of the 1cc syringe in his tiny mouth, it’s like shoving a fire hose down our mouths to feed. These nipples can’t come soon enough.

How are they doing?

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Sorry to so long to reply, my mother in law was visiting. She really enjoyed meeting the chipmunks. Thanks for asking lovesquirrels. They are doing really good so far. The nipple was a life saver and will be buying backups, too - going to try Henry’s now. They all weigh around 17-18 grams from 11 at the beginning. They eat anywhere from 1cc to 16cc. They eat pretty good.

Yesterday their eyes just started opening :). We made a new big container for them, one side bedding and other side play area. I still have so much more to learn about chipmunks. So many questions right now. They are soooo much faster and finickier than the Fox squirrels I rehabbed.

Here is their old place before ready to feed this morning. Notice how nicely they are pooping…lol

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Here is one of them to show how eyes are just opening. I wonder what they think about all they are seeing now.

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(Not sure why this went upside down, but you can see the eyes starting the open. :)

And now in their new home with full tummies and fresh clean bedding. :).

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[lovesquirrels1]

they are so cute!

[CritterMom]

Oh, the first pic - the little guy with the mouth open! "Plug me in, mama!!"

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That’s funny crittermom, so true. They are doing good from what I can see. They all weigh 24-25 grams and eating much better, about 2.5cc. I read somewhere that they should be eating 3-4cc a feeding four times a day, but they are too bloated and won’t really eat the next feeding so now I’m back to just watching their bellies and to me they look good. I also was told to feed 5-10% of their body weight which looks more like what it should be.

Has anyone rehabbed Chipmunks before? I think things are moving a bit faster with them? I’m going through my notes for when I rehabbed the fox squirrels (glad for the notes since my memory didn’t serve me). They opened their eyes at about 5 weeks, whereas I think these guys were 4 weeks. I’m having a hard time finding out exactly what is different for chipmunks and not certain of things. So if anyone has any tips, experience, advice or anything to share specific to chipmunks, I sure would appreciate it.

I just ordered blocks, the 20/50 formula and extra nipples from Henry’s. I will put tiny pieces of a block in there starting next week.

Also not sure when I stop the heating pad. I have the heating pad on one side of the plastic container and the other side I call the play area. After feeding I’ve been putting them back in the play area, but they always want to go back to where heating pad is.

Here’s some updated photos, I woke them up for this. They all climbed into the fluffy slipper I have in there for them. I hope all five of them will all be ok in there (yes, I worry way too much. :)

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Here’s one of the males.

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[CritterMom]

I would not be at all surprised if they develop faster than the bigger tree squirrels. They are just adorable. I have tons of chippies around my house but never get to see babies (which is a GOOD thing).

I would continue to provide them with heat until they no longer want to choose the warmth. They likely don't NEED it but they don't NEED fleece and fluffy slippers either...so as long as you are raising spoiled little "rich"munks, leave the heat on!

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So funny, Crittermom, as I’m wishing I had more flannel pillowcases… lol. They are spoiled, I seem to always do that.

Thanks for the advice, they will let me know. They are so cute, we love their racing stripes. This is one of my biggest fears, they are so hard to keep still, so afraid they will jump from table or something. Thankful for each day with no issues.