Concerns about behavior and care

[samsonwilliams]

Hello,

My friend brought me a baby squirrel who looks like he's approximately 6-8 weeks old. Apparently some cats were trying to get him. He looks very skinny and he bit me violently he would not let go of my thumb. I've had 2 squirrels in the past and never experienced such a bite. My 2 previous squirrels were females and this one is a male. Could it be that he was still in shock because of the cats? Are male squirrels different than females? Will he end up warming up to me? What can I give him to improve his weight and health? I am currently giving him Esbilac puppy formula powder.

I do not want to be afraid to pick him up and hold him.

[TomahawkFlyers]

Yes, indeed. Your little guy surely remembers his encounter with the cat, and when you went to touch him it is likely he viewed you as another predator. He bit you in an effort to save his life. It wasn't personal. Keep him warm and in a dark area if you can. If he has been bitten by the cat or if any of the cat's saliva made it into or onto him, he should get a course of antibiotics. Under the best of circumstances, you'd want to get him thoroughly washed off to eliminate bacteria transmitted by the cat. Since he has displayed aggression, he probably won't tolerate a "bath." With a situation like this, I wonder if his best bet is with a rehabber. What have you done for your own wound? Watch for further posts from others.

Jamie

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hello,

My friend brought me a baby squirrel who looks like he's approximately 6-8 weeks old. Apparently some cats were trying to get him. He looks very skinny and he bit me violently he would not let go of my thumb. I've had 2 squirrels in the past and never experienced such a bite. My 2 previous squirrels were females and this one is a male. Could it be that he was still in shock because of the cats? Are male squirrels different than females? Will he end up warming up to me? What can I give him to improve his weight and health? I am currently giving him Esbilac puppy formula powder.

I do not want to be afraid to pick him up and hold him.

Thank you for finding The Squirrel Board, SamsonWilliams and thank you for rescuing this little Squirrel! What are your plans for this baby Squirrel; are you planning on raising him for release, keep him as a pet or would you like to have his care taken over by a Rehabber. If you are looking in the direction of a Rehabber, we may be able to help you find one but we would need to know the general region of the country in which which you live to try to give you some ideas as to possibilities for Rehabbers nearby who are experienced with Squirrels.

Did you raise your other two Squirrels from babies and what became of them? Are you familiar with what is involved in raising and caring for a Squirrel. In order to give you quick Guidelines, I have pasted a link to Henry's Pets Webvsite for Baby Squirrel Care. There you will find concise, clear and encompassing instructions on caring for your Squirrel. The only issue that should be mentioned as an exception is that Henry's has not yet been updated and they may reference to using Fox Valley 32/40. Do NOT use this! Using Esbilac Puppy Milk POWDER as you are doing is fine. Assuming that his eyes are open, he should also be started on a quality Block such as Henry's Healthy Blocks (can be ordered from Henrys). Here is the link to Henry's Baby Squirrel Care Guidelines. Please take a few minutes to read this now! https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/

Your Squirrel's food should be the formula and if your Squirrel is as old as you say, it is time to transition completely to Fox Valley 20/50 or integrate FV 20/50 in with the Esbilac and make the formula a mixture of half Esbilac and half FV 20/50. If there is a concern about weight gain it would be fine to try some Fox Valley Ultraboost and mix 3/4 formula with 1/4 Ultraboost.

As far as this little one biting you; right now he doesn't know you from the cats who were tormenting him and he had a very frightening experience! He did NOT bite you because he doesn't like you, he bit you because he is a wild animal and was very stressed and frightened and he, at this moment, is truly unable to tell what is safe or threatening. He will most likely get used to you quickly as you are bringing the food and he will most likely begin to feel safe with you. Go easy with him and please be patient!

Is there any evidence of a cat bite or other injury from his recent cat encounter. Often, cat bite can be very difficult to discern and small but deep punctures from a cat's tooth often do not bleed. Many Rehabers (I do as well) would consider that a Squirrel who MAY have been bitten by a cat WAS bitten by the cat and would begin antibiotics presumptively. Cat's mouth harbor a particular bacterium among many that is called Pasteurella multocida and an infection by this "bug" can become obvious very quickly and it and other bacteria from the cat's mouth can result in a very serious infection and there can be associated deep punctures and resultant serious but hidden damage to a Squirrel body. Do you have any antibiotics or can get some from friends or family; please post what you have. An ideal antibiotic for a cat bite is amoxicillin plus Clavulanate. A brand for human use is Augmentin and most medications for humans can be dosed for Squirrels. An accurate weight preferably in Grams is necessary.

Would you please post some photos of your Squirrel. Please consider a Rehabber but if you intend to raise this Squirrel, you can do it! It just takes quite a bit of dedication!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[TomahawkFlyers]

Just following up on your own wound. If you've never had a tetanus shot; or, if you've had one and not had a tetanus booster shot within the past 10 years, you will do well to go to your doctor and ask for one.

Please, let us know how things are progressing!

Jamie