Pooping - 5 week squirrel

[magilla]

I have a 5 week old squirrel. He weighs approximately 102 grams and is eating between 4-5 hours between 5-7cc. He will pee after each feeding, however I don't think he is pooping enough and he doesn't go every feeding. He went some this morning around 5 a.m. but only 1 little one at 9:30 a.m. Is there something I can give him in between feedings to help him go better? Otherwise the little dude seems quite healthy.

[Spanky]

What formula are you feeding?

Giving some extra water... maybe 1ml-2ml, in between feedings can help.

[magilla]

What formula are you feeding?

Giving some extra water... maybe 1ml-2ml, in between feedings can help.


okay thank you. he is on Esbilac powder 2 scoops: 4 scoops water with a splash of cream. Also, how long can he go at night? and he won't really drink water I just tried.

[Spanky]

For me... 100grams is the bare minimum of what I consider a "healthy" baby when they open their eyes. This for my area... basically where SC, NC and Georgia all come together. Further North, bugger babies... further South, smaller babies.

I let healthy 5 week olds go 6 hours overnight... I'd continue to feed this one around the clock by my guidelines another week or so.

[magilla]

Sounds good, I will definitely keep feeding him around the clock. His eyes have not opened yet but I expect them to in another 3-4 days.

[magilla]

I weighed the little dude this morning and he is actually at 118g

[Cesta]

Someone please correct me if I’m wrong, but I’ve had luck with a small amount of sugar water between feedings for constipation.
-Cesta

[magilla]

What is the ratio of water to sugar? he is doing a little better with water in between but he doesn't like it. He will take a couple sips until he realizes what it is and then backs off the nipple. I can't get him to drink a full 1cc dropper but slowly manage about .5 cc.

[Cesta]

I use the guide on Henry’s Healthy Pets which is one TBS of sugar, molasses or honey to one cup warm water.
Make sure both the supplemental sugar water and his formula are quite warm- 110° is what they prefer.
This is a short term solution and can actually cause diarrhea if used too much.
Offer the water between feedings, do not mix it with his formula.
Good luck, it sounds like you’re doing a great job!
Cesta

[magilla]

Thank you very much! I am extremely grateful for this forum and all the help and knowledge you all bring. It can be tiring and stressful at times... the support here is priceless.

[Cesta]

Thank you for saving this little guy!
I know first hand how hard it can be to do night feedings and the stress of worrying if they are ok and you are doing everything right. It’s kind of like having a new human baby for the first time.
Hang in there, it definitely gets easier as they start to wean (make sure you start with blocks!)
Then they are a ton of fun and their little personalities are so cute.
You’ve got this!
Cesta

[Spanky]

Someone please correct me if I’m wrong, but I’ve had luck with a small amount of sugar water between feedings for constipation.
-Cesta

When using sugar water or juice (diluted), whatever, it is important that the it be used judiciously... it is very easy to use too much, for too long and get into a diarrhea / constipation cycle which is very hard on the both the squirrel and the human. Typically you only use enough sweet stuff to get / keep them interested in drinking a lot of water. Less is more sometimes...

[magilla]

that makes sense. I'll keep trying the water even if he takes some it seems to help a bit. thank you very much!