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HumphreyBumphrey
08-30-2024, 03:49 PM
I rescued an abandoned baby squirrel that my husband found at work (he does tree work) long story short he brought the squirrel named Humphrey home. he is around 2 going on 3 weeks. I have had him for 2 weeks I got him when he was completely pink no fur. Anywho I noticed lately he has been ravaging during feedings and sometimes will tense up and it kind of freaks me out because I’m afraid he’s going to suck so much and aspirate. I use a miracle nipple on a 1cc syringe and slowly feed him. Part of me feels like he’s not getting enough but I am scared I am feeding him too much. Last I weighed him he weighed 42 grams so I feed him 2-2.5ccs every 2.5-3 hours from the time I wake up in the morning until I go to sleep. I know the shaking when sleeping is normal but when he tenses up and shakes during feeds it does concern me. I have never seen formula come from his nose and I do stop often to wipe away the mess from the formula because I’m scared it will go up his nose. This is my first time caring for a squirrel so to say I’m in over my head is an understatement but I love Humphrey to pieces.

TomahawkFlyers
08-31-2024, 12:57 AM
Hi there!

First, squirrels we've raised tend to be self regulating when they eat/take formula. They'll stop when they're full. Second, aspiration is much less likely if you hold the squirrel face and belly down, pointing at the ground. Can you tell us what you're feeding him? If it is cow's milk, stop now. He can't process it. Go to the pet store and get some Esbilac powdered puppy formula. We can be of more help when we learn what you're feeding him. In the meantime, go here to read a concise and comprehensive guide for helping baby squirrels: https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/ There are six pages - be sure to see them all.

We're thinking about you and your baby squirrel!

Jamie