Help-New Worrisome Behavior

[wellsie7]

Can anyone tell us what is going on with one of our beloved yard squirrels. Video is here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/BtfzSyVrzaoq9a9m9

We’re so worried about her. She seemed to have left the hole in our tree where we thought she had babies, but she has been coming by once a day for a short visit for a few nuts (so still has some appetite) but then does this before she leaves.

Thanks for any help.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Squirrel looks drugged with labored breathing. May be vomiting ??

Like this all day or was fine then acting strange ?? History ??

[Spanky]

She looks to have a burst of movement at the end of the video.. does she run off like a normal squirrel or does the quirky movements continue?

[CritterMom]

This looks like really exaggerated peeing to me. The squat, the rocking forward and back - my boy gray does this, my previous boy gray did it and my flyer does it REALLY obviously - it cracks me up. What about a UTI? As someone who suffered from UTIs through most of my adulthood, I can tell you that feeling like you have to pee ALL the time including right after you have peed is one of the symptoms. If you look, the backs of her thighs are all wet.

When I first looked at her it was clear that she is trying to expel something - it is almost like she is trying to give birth. I was concerned about a retained fetus or something horrible like that and then the rocking broke through my brain. I vote urinary tract infection.

If this is the case, antibiotics are in order. Can you check your medicine cabinet, ask friends, family, and get a list of all of the antibiotics available to you and their size in milligrams. You would only need one pill, and don't worry about the expiration dates (with the exception of doxycycline - get that one). All you would need to dose this will be a 1ml syringe (no needle).

I saw you feeding what looked like a hazelnut. The meds would have to be gotten to her by treat as I doubt she will let you stick a syringe in her mouth! So the foods she loves the very most would be very helpful to know. I usually hide meds in a ball of super finely chopped nuts mixed with enough peanut butter or nutella (or both) that is required to stick it all together so it can be rolled into a little ball.

I could be absolutely wrong here but getting meds and a dosing syringe together would probably be a good first step.

[wellsie7]

Thanks both of you. Background is that she had one round of babies in a tree in our yard, and if I'm recalling correctly she has always been a little wobbly and runs a bit leaning to one side, but seemed fantastic otherwise. Good appetite, very energetic and able to climb, would come by regularly for nuts. Then in February, she fell out of a tree (video in this folder: https://photos.app.goo.gl/BtfzSyVrzaoq9a9m9) and I called rehabbers from a local sanctuary, but they couldn't get her and said that since she was still able to run and climb up trees easily (which she did), they couldn't do much.

She has gotten more wobbly since, but still had a lot of energy and a good appetite and seemed good otherwise. She'd often come by and get into a nut burying frenzy. Then as I mentioned, about a month ago she returned to the hole in a tree in our yard and was behaving like she had babies. She stayed close to the tree, would only come at limited times and would chase any squirrel who got near that tree. Aside of her wobbliness and little 'dab' move (she would kind of always do a little move to the side as she stopped to eat or get a nut), she seemed pretty well. Then a little over a week ago, she seemed to disappear from the tree, we didn't see her for a day or two and then she started only coming back for a quick visit about once a day, eating just a few nuts and doing that odd behavior after eating a few nuts. After that she'd leave and head for the woods behind our house. I don't know if this is something we can get her antibiotics or steroids for or if we should call the rehabber (but I think they'd have a hard time getting here while she was still here).

[wellsie7]

Squirrel looks drugged with labored breathing. May be vomiting ??

Like this all day or was fine then acting strange ?? History ??

I provided more info in a recent post but want to answer you directly. Just see her once a day now for a quick visit, and while most of the time she seems 'with it' she does sometimes seem to space out for a minute or two, usually before this odd peeing/whatever it is routine. She doesn't seem to be vomiting.

Thanks for taking the time. We love this little girl and we're worried about her.

[wellsie7]

She looks to have a burst of movement at the end of the video.. does she run off like a normal squirrel or does the quirky movements continue?

I provided more info in a recent post but want to answer you directly.

Yes, she runs off pretty normally once she's done doing this. And the fact that she's seeking us out for nuts seems hopeful.

Thanks for taking the time. We love this little girl and we're worried about her.

[wellsie7]

This looks like really exaggerated peeing to me. The squat, the rocking forward and back - my boy gray does this, my previous boy gray did it and my flyer does it REALLY obviously - it cracks me up. What about a UTI? As someone who suffered from UTIs through most of my adulthood, I can tell you that feeling like you have to pee ALL the time including right after you have peed is one of the symptoms. If you look, the backs of her thighs are all wet.

When I first looked at her it was clear that she is trying to expel something - it is almost like she is trying to give birth. I was concerned about a retained fetus or something horrible like that and then the rocking broke through my brain. I vote urinary tract infection.

If this is the case, antibiotics are in order. Can you check your medicine cabinet, ask friends, family, and get a list of all of the antibiotics available to you and their size in milligrams. You would only need one pill, and don't worry about the expiration dates (with the exception of doxycycline - get that one). All you would need to dose this will be a 1ml syringe (no needle).

I saw you feeding what looked like a hazelnut. The meds would have to be gotten to her by treat as I doubt she will let you stick a syringe in her mouth! So the foods she loves the very most would be very helpful to know. I usually hide meds in a ball of super finely chopped nuts mixed with enough peanut butter or nutella (or both) that is required to stick it all together so it can be rolled into a little ball.

I could be absolutely wrong here but getting meds and a dosing syringe together would probably be a good first step.


Thanks so much! I think that could maybe be it. I will try your suggestion. It's been going on a bit and she seems in distress, so I would like to see if we can get her some relief. I'll keep you all posted! 🤞🏼

[CritterMom]

Make sure you come back and tell us which antibiotics you can find, so we can suggest the best one to you. And we don't do estimates, we can help you very easily prepare this so they are getting not an estimate, but the correct amount of meds in each dose.

Just please stay on THIS thread, don't start a new one!

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi Again,

I believe CritterMom's thinking is the most likely (UTI or Retained Fetus). Knowing the squirrel does this behavior and then runs away normally (Spanky's question). Watching video again, sure does look like squatting and straining her backend in addition to her labored breathing. Does she look bigger leading up to the 1 month ago birthing possibility ??

Over here, we have all wild squirrels and they run & jump all over between the trees, fences, houses, etc... I have seen many falls from all different heights. Only one time did the fallen squirrel remain on the ground stunned. I sat down about 10 feet away and waited. A few minutes later, squirrel got up and climbed back up the same tree. No injury from fall. (lucky guys using parachute tail) In your fall video, looks like squirrel lost her grip and fell to the soft grass below. Happens alot around here.

See my posting on giving antibiotics (AB) to wild squirrel Mo. I'm using the CritterMom method of given crushed-up walnut pieces in a half shell (no way for a syringe). Works good for a while but I think Mo is on to me and has rejected the shell in last few days.

[CritterMom]

This stuff is pretty much what you need. If I had my hope of meds you could find to rapidly clear a UTI, my choice in human meds would have been Cipro. This is the veterinary version of that drug, enrofloxacin, sold by brand name Baytril. This place has the best pricing I have found, it does not require an Rx, and since it is a liquid, part of the work in dosing has been done already. It is a little pricey, and I have no idea how long the shipping takes, but wanted to throw it out there: https://www.springwateravian.farm/product/enrofloxacin-10-50ml/

[wellsie7]

Thanks so much CritterMom & supersquirrelgirl. When we get home from work, the first thing we'll do is check the medicine cabinet and see what we have. If I don't see much there I'll order the suggested antibiotic. If I do see some options I'll post all the info in this thread. I will keep you posted either way. I'm relieved somewhat now. Hopefully this is treatable. She's a sweetheart and I hate to see her suffering.

[wellsie7]

Hi Again,

I believe CritterMom's thinking is the most likely (UTI or Retained Fetus). Knowing the squirrel does this behavior and then runs away normally (Spanky's question). Watching video again, sure does look like squatting and straining her backend in addition to her labored breathing. Does she look bigger leading up to the 1 month ago birthing possibility ??

Over here, we have all wild squirrels and they run & jump all over between the trees, fences, houses, etc... I have seen many falls from all different heights. Only one time did the fallen squirrel remain on the ground stunned. I sat down about 10 feet away and waited. A few minutes later, squirrel got up and climbed back up the same tree. No injury from fall. (lucky guys using parachute tail) In your fall video, looks like squirrel lost her grip and fell to the soft grass below. Happens alot around here.

See my posting on giving antibiotics (AB) to wild squirrel Mo. I'm using the CritterMom method of given crushed-up walnut pieces in a half shell (no way for a syringe). Works good for a while but I think Mo is on to me and has rejected the shell in last few days.


She does not look bigger - if anything thinner. I hope it's not a retained fetus. It seemed like she had already had babies - the way she was so protective of the tree hole and wouldn't venture far from it. But due to her kind of tilt, and the fact she always wanted to face the tree when she ate, we could never get a look to see if she was nursing and had teats.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Thanks so much CritterMom & supersquirrelgirl. When we get home from work, the first thing we'll do is check the medicine cabinet and see what we have. If I don't see much there I'll order the suggested antibiotic. If I do see some options I'll post all the info in this thread. I will keep you posted either way. I'm relieved somewhat now. Hopefully this is treatable. She's a sweetheart and I hate to see her suffering.

Quick comment - Cipro as CritterMom suggested is very common prescription for human UTI. As you ask friends, family,etc... get whatever but key eye for this AB. (Enro is animal equivalent used by Vets.)

[supersquirrelgirl]

She does not look bigger - if anything thinner. I hope it's not a retained fetus. It seemed like she had already had babies - the way she was so protective of the tree hole and wouldn't venture far from it. But due to her kind of tilt, and the fact she always wanted to face the tree when she ate, we could never get a look to see if she was nursing and had teats.

Keep trying to get a look. At 4~5 weeks out, Mom would still have plucked nippiles for nursing. She might have moved the babies from the tree hole. Mom squirrel has her own mind. Nursing Moms here come all the time for a quick meal and run back to nest. Our squirrels like to back up to wall or face the trees in case of quick getaway.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Thanks so much CritterMom & supersquirrelgirl. When we get home from work, the first thing we'll do is check the medicine cabinet and see what we have. If I don't see much there I'll order the suggested antibiotic. If I do see some options I'll post all the info in this thread. I will keep you posted either way. I'm relieved somewhat now. Hopefully this is treatable. She's a sweetheart and I hate to see her suffering.

You come to the best squirrel resource around. People here have endless experience and skills that will help your squirrel in many ways. (btw -i'm not one of the skilled people - just a member)

[wellsie7]

This stuff is pretty much what you need. If I had my hope of meds you could find to rapidly clear a UTI, my choice in human meds would have been Cipro. This is the veterinary version of that drug, enrofloxacin, sold by brand name Baytril. This place has the best pricing I have found, it does not require an Rx, and since it is a liquid, part of the work in dosing has been done already. It is a little pricey, and I have no idea how long the shipping takes, but wanted to throw it out there: https://www.springwateravian.farm/product/enrofloxacin-10-50ml/

I think I may order it - it said $19 which is not bad at all. I was prepared for a lot more. Thanks again!

[CritterMom]

I think I may order it - it said $19 which is not bad at all. I was prepared for a lot more. Thanks again!

When I found out the avian sites were selling it, I started hunting and this is the best price by far.

I would store it in the refrigerator. It isn't mixed with something that will go bad like the sugary syrups they mix things with at the vet, but I like to store everything that wants a steady temperature in the fridge.

[wellsie7]

When I found out the avian sites were selling it, I started hunting and this is the best price by far.

I would store it in the refrigerator. It isn't mixed with something that will go bad like the sugary syrups they mix things with at the vet, but I like to store everything that wants a steady temperature in the fridge.

I ordered it and I think they’ll ship it tomorrow. I think they send it by Priority Mail so hopefully we’ll get it soon. The only antibiotics we could get our hands are doxycycline, 100mg - one expired in 2014 and one in 2020. So I’m thinking I should wait to get the order.

Unfortunately we didn’t see her (Mother) today. Got home from work late and either we missed her or she didn’t come. I’ll be WFH tomorrow so hopefully I’ll see her then. Thanks for the tip about the fridge and your guidance in general. 🙏🏼

[wellsie7]

You come to the best squirrel resource around. People here have endless experience and skills that will help your squirrel in many ways. (btw -i'm not one of the skilled people - just a member)

💜💚💙💛🧡

[supersquirrelgirl]

Were you lucky today to get a look at momma ??

[wellsie7]

Just to update you kind and caring people, Mother did come by twice today. She seems about the same as in the video, and we’re waiting for the meds to get here.

I’ll let you know when it arrives. I may need some handholding to dispense it with confidence.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Just to update you kind and caring people, Mother did come by twice today. She seems about the same as in the video, and we’re waiting for the meds to get here.

I’ll let you know when it arrives. I may need some handholding to dispense it with confidence.

Same as in the video = squat and heavy breathing ??

Any signs of nursing ??

[wellsie7]

Same as in the video = squat and heavy breathing ??

Any signs of nursing ??

Yes, squat, trying to expel (or successfully expelling) urine or something else, and then running off.

I still can’t get a good luck at her underside, it usually it’s pretty obvious when they’re nursing, so my guess would be no.

[wellsie7]

Checking in. Medicine should arrive sometime tomorrow. Busy weekend tending to elderly parents, etc. But things with Mother are status quo.

[CritterMom]

At some point, you want to pick up some nuts - I use walnuts for this just because my wilds like them and they are a lot easier to chop up, but if she has a clear favorite, try those. You will also want some "glue" so get some peanut butter and maybe even some nutella.

What I suggest is just making a small dish of "dough" out of very finely chopped or ground nuts - you can even use several different ones if you have them and small amounts of either the peanut butter or the nutella - or both - mixed into the ground nuts to turn it into a dough that will stick together when rolled into a ball but isn't sticky and gooey. Add a little bit of the "glue" at a time and mix and test the consistency until it is right - sort of like cookie dough. You will be adding the meds to this dough.

I will send you some dosing information by PM.

[wellsie7]

Hi again:

We tested a non-medicated 'medicine ball', but she just explored it and left. And the medicine arrived, so I'm not sure what to do. Should I try it again, or is there another way to get the meds into her?

That said - some (I think) promising news. She hasn't be doing the behavior (at least not in front of us), and for the first time this morning she came back right after leaving with the first nut we gave her. Came back a few times as a matter of fact! :grin2 Actually made us late for work because we didn't want to leave when she was still looking for nuts.

Can the antibiotic do any harm if she doesn't have an infection? I am thinking of giving it to her just to prevent whatever was going on from coming back, but not sure if that's how things work.

And again - my sincerest thanks for your help. You've been a Godsend.

[CritterMom]

Have you tried the nutella?

It would be a quick course of meds - last time I was put on it for a UTI it was 3 days. But if she is back to normal...?? Maybe try the nutella to see if she has any interest and watch her behavior.

[wellsie7]

Have you tried the nutella?

It would be a quick course of meds - last time I was put on it for a UTI it was 3 days. But if she is back to normal...?? Maybe try the nutella to see if she has any interest and watch her behavior.

We made the proper medicine balls tonight (as best we could) and will give it a try tomorrow. As long as I know it won’t hurt her it’s worth a try I think. If she doesn’t take it, I’ll buy some Nutella and try that.

So grateful for your guidance.

[wellsie7]

Great news! Mother seems to be doing SO much better. No squatting and spacing behaviors. We’re so appreciative of your help. 💙🙏🏼😁 Thanks again!