Week old newborn squirrel found, rehabilitator wanted

[Marchy]

My dad found him(squirrel) monday night, and we've someone kept him alive so far.

feed him little amounts of puppy formula, though definitely less than the amount recommend, and seems to be having diarrhea from it

dont have a continuous heat source for him yet, I was surprised he survived 2 nights on a bag of rice

this morning i placed him under his origin tree, while playing the squirrel distress call on my phone and paced it beside him. Its going on for a few hours, and he's still here :(

I'm trying my best but not qualified for this, i tried looking for rehabilitators around me, but there are none. I am in Markham Canada

How should I continue approaching this situation?

[Spanky]

I have sent a message to a rehabber in your area, hopefully she will get it soon and be able to help or at least be able to refer you to someone.

All puppy formula is not the same when it comes to using it for squirrels... in the States we use Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer (the powdered version, liquid is not the same) but I don't *think* it is available in Canada? Canada DOES have Royal Canine puppy milk replacer that does well for squirrels and does not cause the diarhea like most puppy formulas will. Royal Canine is used successfully in Europe as well.

Here is a 6 page primer on baby squirrel care:
https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/

[Marchy]

I have sent a message to a rehabber in your area, hopefully she will get it soon and be able to help or at least be able to refer you to someone.

All puppy formula is not the same when it comes to using it for squirrels... in the States we use Esbilac Puppy Milk Replacer (the powdered version, liquid is not the same) but I don't *think* it is available in Canada? Canada DOES have Royal Canine puppy milk replacer that does well for squirrels and does not cause the diarhea like most puppy formulas will. Royal Canine is used successfully in Europe as well.

Here is a 6 page primer on baby squirrel care:
https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/


alright thank you so much.

More on the feeding situation
- Yes, turns out Im using Pet-Lac and its listed as do not use.
- When ever I bring the syringe into his mouth, he doesnt suck, and only swallows a tiny bit when his mouth is full, making feeding slow, and most of it not ending up in his stomach
-does he not want to eat because im using the wrong formula? Or because my homemade nipple syringe?

[Marchy]

Setup picture file:

[Spanky]

Setup picture file:

That syringe is way too large... you'll want a (or a few) 1ml syringes. Ask at the Pharmacy... telling them you are feeding a neonate kitten simplifies things (everyone loves kittens).

[Marchy]

i made the goat milk recipe, do i have to refrigerate the recipe overnight, or can i feed him without. If not what should i feed him with?

also general update, i went out trying to find royal canin, couldnt, settled for the goat milk recipe. Asked the pharmacy for 1mL syringe, they only had those that go up to 5mL. So I took that with me

[Marchy]

That syringe is way too large... you'll want a (or a few) 1ml syringes. Ask at the Pharmacy... telling them you are feeding a neonate kitten simplifies things (everyone loves kittens).

HELP

im pressing very slowly with the syringe even though its not a 1mL one. But it doesn't seem to want to eat. When it feels the syringe, it opens its mouth and can I drop milk on its tongue, after that nothing happens. Some times when i nudge its head a bit it'll swallow or move the milk around with its tongue(im not really sure which one). Also it constantly yawns, which is terrifying when it has milk sitting in its mouth.


the things ive done: milk is warm, squirrel is warm, rubbed genitals for potty, am holding it upright, syringe is pointed up towards at an angle

325440

[Spanky]

i made the goat milk recipe, do i have to refrigerate the recipe overnight, or can i feed him without. If not what should i feed him with?

also general update, i went out trying to find royal canin, couldnt, settled for the goat milk recipe. Asked the pharmacy for 1mL syringe, they only had those that go up to 5mL. So I took that with me

Ugh. A 1ml syringe is really needed and would make things mush easier for you... 5ml syringes are dangerous with these tiny babies. You can feed it right away but it must be refrigerated to prevent it from spoiling. Letting it sit does allow it to more fully dissolve.

The Goat Milk Recipe is a temporary formula that is used until Esbilac or Royale Canin can be obtained.


HELP

im pressing very slowly with the syringe even though its not a 1mL one. But it doesn't seem to want to eat. When it feels the syringe, it opens its mouth and can I drop milk on its tongue, after that nothing happens. Some times when i nudge its head a bit it'll swallow or move the milk around with its tongue(im not really sure which one). Also it constantly yawns, which is terrifying when it has milk sitting in its mouth.


the things ive done: milk is warm, squirrel is warm, rubbed genitals for potty, am holding it upright, syringe is pointed up towards at an angle

325440

Hold the baby up to your ear and see if you here a persistent "clicking" sound with each breath?

Feeding it drop by drop, if that is what has to be done. Try warming up the formula more, they prefer it pretty warm (hot)... warmer than we'd feed a human baby for sure.

[Marchy]

Ugh. A 1ml syringe is really needed and would make things mush easier for you... 5ml syringes are dangerous with these tiny babies. You can feed it right away but it must be refrigerated to prevent it from spoiling. Letting it sit does allow it to more fully dissolve.

The Goat Milk Recipe is a temporary formula that is used until Esbilac or Royale Canin can be obtained.



Hold the baby up to your ear and see if you here a persistent "clicking" sound with each breath?

Feeding it drop by drop, if that is what has to be done. Try warming up the formula more, they prefer it pretty warm (hot)... warmer than we'd feed a human baby for sure.



Ive listened, and there is clicking sounds, im not sure how to tell if its from the breathing. But I have read about AP and im quite overwhelmed and not sure where to start finding things.

have you got a hold of the rehabber you contacted?

[Spanky]

Ive listened, and there is clicking sounds, im not sure how to tell if its from the breathing. But I have read about AP and im quite overwhelmed and not sure where to start finding things.

have you got a hold of the rehabber you contacted?

I have not heard back yet...

All baby squirrels "click" at some point, especially after eating. Usually that is a click that orginates in the mouth... AP click is from the lungs. It takes lots of experience to be able to tell them apart from one another.

But here is a trick of sorts. If you have a plastic cup, like a solo cup, cut out the bottom to make a "megaphone" of sorts. When the baby is all snuggled down and sleeping hold the large opening over the baby and the smaller over your ear. If the baby has AP, they will click in their sleep.... I'll be praying you do not hear this while she is sleeping.

[Marchy]

I have not heard back yet...

All baby squirrels "click" at some point, especially after eating. Usually that is a click that orginates in the mouth... AP click is from the lungs. It takes lots of experience to be able to tell them apart from one another.

But here is a trick of sorts. If you have a plastic cup, like a solo cup, cut out the bottom to make a "megaphone" of sorts. When the baby is all snuggled down and sleeping hold the large opening over the baby and the smaller over your ear. If the baby has AP, they will click in their sleep.... I'll be praying you do not hear this while she is sleeping.

I think it is AP, i hear the rhythmic clicking, not sure if its sleeping here:

325443

but there have been twice where liquid came out of its nose. because of our inexperience with feeding, is there anything i can do?

[Spanky]

If it is AP, she will need anti-biotics. A single pill would be enough to treat her entirely. Medications that are effective include Cipro (vet med Baytril), Augmentin (Clavamox), Bactrim (SMP-TMZ) but there are quite a few other antibiotics that cona be used. Do you have ANY antibiotics in your medicine cabinet? If not, ask family, friends and neighbors...

[Marchy]

If it is AP, she will need anti-biotics. A single pill would be enough to treat her entirely. Medications that are effective include Cipro (vet med Baytril), Augmentin (Clavamox), Bactrim (SMP-TMZ) but there are quite a few other antibiotics that cona be used. Do you have ANY antibiotics in your medicine cabinet? If not, ask family, friends and neighbors...

im in the process of finding asking around, they are all saying i should have taken it to the vet or asking why i didnt call wildlife services

[Tashahaven]

When I first began helping my squirrel when she was a tiny pinky like yours, I was terrified she had AP too. I’m hoping it’s not! But as Spanky said, you are listening for the clicking sound with EACH breathe. As opposed to being more intermittent, few clicks with breathing, then no clicks, and so on.

Regardless, I hope you locate antibiotics.

As for finding a smaller syringe…pharmacies carry them for people with diabetes, and for giving to people for measuring out liquid medicine. Spanky suggested telling them you are caring for a newborn kitten, cause people Love kittens, but unfortunately not as many love squirrels.

I love that you improvised a feeding nipple! How clever! You clearly care deeply about this sweet baby! I wonder what might happen if you removed it? It may be too large, or too unfamiliar for him, which might cause the feeding behavior you are experiencing? It might be worth trying without and see if anything changes? Also, how often are you giving formula? And how much at a time?

Other than making sure the formula is warm (warmer than you would think), is making sure the baby is warm, and preferably that they remain warm throughout feeding. When they are so tiny, it is so easy for them to chill quickly. Plus they need to be warm in order to properly digest the formula. Try keeping her wrapped in a piece of fleece, flannel or even an old sweatshirt, while feeding and see if that helps.

It looks like you have a heating pad now, yay! Do you have a small bin you keep them in? It definitely helps to provide multiple layers in the bin for them to borrow in, or out of to get warmer, or cooler depending on what they want, and also helps them feel more safe and secure, as opposed to exposed.

Hang in there! Thank you for rescuing this little one. It’s obvious how much you care and want to help them! So glad you found TSB! You are doing the best you can! You are NOT alone! You are asking the right questions! Stay strong, and stay on TSB. We will guide you as best we can along the way. Whether it be until you find a rehabber, or not. 🥰🥰🥰

[Tashahaven]

I was typing when you made your last post.

BUT if it makes you feel better (and I surely HOPE it DOES)… Even in “squirrel friendly states” (and there are not very many at all) it is still QUITE difficult to locate a vet who will treat/see squirrels! AND typically, contacting department of wildlife, anywhere, is almost ALWAYS a guaranteed death sentence for these amazing creatures! So Know this, and I hope it provides some comfort!

Stepping up, and doing what you have done thus far is amazingly commendable! Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise! It takes a special person, with a big heart to try to save these critters, and it speaks volumes to your sense of compassion, and your strength of character. Don’t let their words discourage you. ❤️

[Marchy]

If it is AP, she will need anti-biotics. A single pill would be enough to treat her entirely. Medications that are effective include Cipro (vet med Baytril), Augmentin (Clavamox), Bactrim (SMP-TMZ) but there are quite a few other antibiotics that cona be used. Do you have ANY antibiotics in your medicine cabinet? If not, ask family, friends and neighbors...

found friend with clavamox--how should i continue, what is the dose?

[Marchy]

When I first began helping my squirrel when she was a tiny pinky like yours, I was terrified she had AP too. I’m hoping it’s not! But as Spanky said, you are listening for the clicking sound with EACH breathe. As opposed to being more intermittent, few clicks with breathing, then no clicks, and so on.

Regardless, I hope you locate antibiotics.

As for finding a smaller syringe…pharmacies carry them for people with diabetes, and for giving to people for measuring out liquid medicine. Spanky suggested telling them you are caring for a newborn kitten, cause people Love kittens, but unfortunately not as many love squirrels.

I love that you improvised a feeding nipple! How clever! You clearly care deeply about this sweet baby! I wonder what might happen if you removed it? It may be too large, or too unfamiliar for him, which might cause the feeding behavior you are experiencing? It might be worth trying without and see if anything changes? Also, how often are you giving formula? And how much at a time?

Other than making sure the formula is warm (warmer than you would think), is making sure the baby is warm, and preferably that they remain warm throughout feeding. When they are so tiny, it is so easy for them to chill quickly. Plus they need to be warm in order to properly digest the formula. Try keeping her wrapped in a piece of fleece, flannel or even an old sweatshirt, while feeding and see if that helps.

It looks like you have a heating pad now, yay! Do you have a small bin you keep them in? It definitely helps to provide multiple layers in the bin for them to borrow in, or out of to get warmer, or cooler depending on what they want, and also helps them feel more safe and secure, as opposed to exposed.

Hang in there! Thank you for rescuing this little one. It’s obvious how much you care and want to help them! So glad you found TSB! You are doing the best you can! You are NOT alone! You are asking the right questions! Stay strong, and stay on TSB. We will guide you as best we can along the way. Whether it be until you find a rehabber, or not. 🥰🥰🥰

thank you so much for your kind words, i found friend with clavamox, how should i continue?

[Spanky]

We need to know the strength of the clavamox and the weight of the squirrel...

[Marchy]

We need to know the strength of the clavamox and the weight of the squirrel...

weigh and of clavamox strength im not sure. Ive been facing my moms phobia of the animal the entire time. She does not want it touching the kitchen scale.
my friend estimated the dosage according to the relationship of clavamox mL to the weight of their cat and estimating the weight of the squirrel, from that i gave a dose last night

the clicking seems to be louder, is that a bad sign?

another concern is the lack of consistent warm at night. I bought a heated pad thinking the auto turn off was a optional feature, and because of my moms phobia of it i have to leave it in the garage, this leading to the heat source only available for 2 hours. I just snuck the squirrel into my bed room so i have greater access to the control of the heat pad, but theres no telling how long it gets to stay here. Ive see people break into the remote, getting to the circuit, to undo the auto turn off, i dont think i can do that.

Any advice on sustainable heating through the night?

[Marchy]

Ive contacted Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge, they referred me to markham wildlife services, they told me that they would come at pick the squirrel up...also not to feed it lol

[Marchy]

animal services has taken it, said that they have a person to best deal with this. I think its for the best.

thank you all for the help <3