I'm new; any help appreciated [Archive]

Craig

08-30-2024, 07:49 PM

Hello! My family has recently found a baby squirrel on the ground near a tree during a heat wave. My dad wanted to nurse the squirrel to full health but insisted on giving it cow milk from our fridge. I did a quick google and determined that wasn't a good idea. Long story short, I decided to take it upon myself to care for this baby squirrel.

I've considered bringing it to a wildlife rehabilitation center but from the reviews I've read, the ones near me euthanize animals frequently or don't provide adequate care. My dad said they would likely do what I'm doing for the squirrel if not less, as they would have other animals to care for as well. I've also grown attached to the squirrel and would like to care for it, as I would be very upset if I sent it away and found out later it was killed.

He (I think it is a he) was brought into our house on August 27th around 8 pm. On August 28th, I researched what I could and from what I was able to determine, I believe it is about 5 weeks old as his eyes are open and there is fur on his belly, though his tail is not fluffy. it seems to weigh quite a bit less than it should for it's age, at 17-18 grams. I believe it is a southern flying squirrel, as they are found in the area and it matches many of the features, including its "wingsuit" stretching from its from legs to its hind legs, most noticable once it stretches.

On August 28th in the evening, I tried to reunite it with its mother at the place it was picked up, but after only 30 minutes, it was terribly hot out and I worried he would succumb to the heat in the black Tupperware I had placed him in so I took him back home. I also purchased Esbilac puppy milk replacement liquid, and have been feeding him about 5-7% of his body weight in mL, or roughly 1 mL per feeding session. I feed him about 4 times a day from the time I wake up until I go to bed. Yesterday on August 29th, he threw up shortly after his feeding session so I've been careful to not feed him much more than a mL if even that much.

I'm using a 10 mL syringe, which I understand is more dangerous than a 1-3 mL syringe, so I've been careful to be very slow with feeding. He's made clicking sounds one night which worried me, and sometimes he seems to hiccup after feeding. I've started taking extra care feeding him, giving only a drop at a time and allowing him time to swallow. I have Fox Valley 20/50 ordered but it will not arrive until Tuesday, and as it is Friday today, I will have to continue using the Esbilac puppy milk replacement liquid for the next 4 days until then. I understand it can spoil after 3 days of the can being opened, I've frozen some in an lolly pop tray maker and the rest is in a air tight glass container and lid with a cloth on top to keep it from light when the fridge is opened. I hope this I'd good enough for the time being.

The squirrel is currently in a plastic storage container with a thin cloth overtop. I've included an old shirt for him to to crawl into. Under the shirt and half of the container is a heating pad that I keep on low. It does automatically shut off but I assume his fur and the shirt help to insulate heat. He is slowly gaining weight, weighing 17.45 grams 2 days ago, the same weight yesterday, but today he was about 17.8 before his first feeding, and 18 grams at his second feeding.

I know I've written a lot, but I am invested in this little guy and I hope he makes it. I would be devastated if he perished in my care. I've researched quite a bit, and I understand they are very sensitive and can pass away rather easily. This site and community has proved to be helpful so I'm hoping I may be able to get some additional help. Can I do anything differently? What forums might prove beneficial to me? What is a healthy daily weight gain for a flying squirrel? Is he 5 weeks or have I misjudged. Hopefully I will have included photos that may help in determining this.

I should mention that I have not been stimulating him to use the bathroom, as he has pooped before in my hand though it was more of just a flat brown smear when I noticed and I belive he has peed on his own as well already. If there is anything else you'd like to know, let me know and I would be happy to tell you what I know.

Craig

08-30-2024, 10:13 PM

I have been helping care for a baby southern flying squirrel found on the ground outside on a hot day. I believe it to be 5 weeks old on account of its eyes being open and fur on its belly, although from what I've read, southern flying squirrels should weigh around 10 grams more than this guy weighs (he weighs 17-18 grams). Is this OK? Have I misjudged his age? And what does an adequate amount of weight gain for him look like? He has gained a little less than half of a gram in the last 2 days. I am feeding him Esbilac puppy milk replacement liquid, will switch to Fox Valley 20/50 when it arrives on Tuesday. I feed him about 1 mL every 4 hours from when I wake up until I go to bed. Am I doing everything right? What might I need to do differently?

supersquirrelgirl

08-30-2024, 10:54 PM

Hang in there......There are TSB members who are real pros with Flyers here.

supersquirrelgirl

08-30-2024, 11:00 PM

Craig, Just responded on your other thread. Same Flyer ??

TSB has members very experienced in Flyers so they can help you. Hang on until they see this post.

Craig

08-30-2024, 11:18 PM

Craig, Just responded on your other thread. Same Flyer ??

TSB has members very experienced in Flyers so they can help you. Hang on until they see this post.

Yes same one! Thank you so much! I will stay tuned.

supersquirrelgirl

08-30-2024, 11:34 PM

Just read 10ml syringe.......no no no......please get a 1ml. ask pharmacy to give one....please! regardless how careful you are, big syringes are very dangerous to aspirate the little guy. In addition to you pushing plunger, squirrels also suck it!

1ml is 1st rule for Flyers.

There's TF, thank you for joining!

TomahawkFlyers

08-31-2024, 12:15 AM

TomahawkFlyers

08-31-2024, 12:23 AM

Craig

08-31-2024, 01:02 AM

My goodness, that is one sweet little kid - and you are being superhuman in your effort to bring him out of the woods. Having read what you've written, I'd say you are on the right path. A few things:

1. The 10ml syringe can easily be harmful and even fatal. It is very difficult, if not impossible to make it flow at the same rate as a 1ml syringe. If you don't have one and cannot get one at the pet store or a vet, PM me and I will overnight (no charge) several of them to you. The size of the syringe is important.
2. Is he still clicking? If he is, he may have aspiration pneumonia (AP). You will need to administer antibiotics ASAP. Time really is of the essence - If clicking is present, intermittent, or even recent, check your medicine cabinet and check with neighbors to see what antibiotics you can scrounge up. Reply to this thread with what you find, and one of the admins will provide dosing for you.
3. From the looks of things, he is still in the nursing stage. He's looking for a nipple. Most pet stores carry surrogate nipples - sometimes in a package with a syringe or two. If the syringes are 1ml, you are in business. If not, put them aside and see #1 above. The winning combination is the smallest nipple attached to a 1ml syringe. Henry's Healthy Pets sells the best surrogate nipples for flyers that I have been able to find.
4. As you feed your flyer, be certain that you are holding him with his face and belly facing the floor. Instinct suggests to us that we hold a squirrel as we would a human baby. This is wrong. Face and belly down. Always.
5. The heating pad should be on low, and only a portion of it should be under where he is sleeping and resting. He must have the ability to crawl to an area without the pad underneath so he can cool down when he's overheated.
6. Something opaque should be over his tub so he can be in darkness. Air needs to be able to pass. When you go to check on him, best to have the room lights on low. Those newly opened eyes are hypersensitive to light. With mama out of the picture, he's alone and frightened. If he can't see you, he's that much more frightened. As a human, you smell entirely strange to him. Sight helps him to judge. Speak softly and compassionately every time you feed him and whenever you check on him. He'll have no idea what you're saying, but you will help him sense that you are not a threat. He will come to associate you with food, drink, comfort, warmth, ... you will become Mom.

If you would like to speak over the phone or via videoconference, send us a PM with your phone number or we'll send you ours. We'll arrange a time with you. Please do keep all of us up to date on how things are going. Keep an eye out for other people who will provide additional guidance. For the moment, 1-6 above are important - especially antibiotics. They are, by far, the most time-sensitive.

Jamie

Thank you for the advice. All nearby pharmacies are closed so I will have to wait until tomorrow before I am able to get a 1 mL syringe unfortunately, but I will get one ASAP.

Fortunately, he hasn't seemed to make those clicking sounds since the single incident that I noticed. Not sure if maybe what I heard was another noise similar or if he may still potentially have aspiration pneumonia. He hasn't shown any other symptoms or signs of being unwell.

I've been feeding him with his head level but his body is usually prompt up in my hand. I can alter this and feed him on all fours next time to be safe. If I'm misunderstanding, please correct me.

I can put something thicker on top of his enclosure to block out more light so it's darker for him. This may sound silly, but I worried without enough light, he wouldn't be able to find his water dish, though I assume now it should be OK.

I have been talking gently with him and holding and petting him for long periods after each feeding, and he seems to feel safe and calm when cupped in my hands.

Is a surrogate nipple necessary by the way? He seems to latch fine without one and I worry about him choking if it comes loose. I will be sure to keep you updated. Thank you for taking an interest in his well-being.

Craig

08-31-2024, 05:04 AM

I was able to obtain a 1 mL syringe. I had to delay feeding him for 2 hours, so while I usually feed him every 4 hours, this time it had been 6 hours since his last feeding. Just thought I should update since it was requested.

Spanky

08-31-2024, 09:04 AM

Craig

08-31-2024, 03:10 PM

You are in great hands with TomahawkFlyers, but I would like to add that the Esbilac Liquid (pre-mixed liquid?) is not really great and almost always results in diarrhea. Seems you not had issues so far so *maybe* it will be okay until the Fox Valley arrives. I know it seems weird but the liquid version is quite a bit different from the powdered version.

It is the powdered Esbilac (the plain, not the Goat's milk) that works best with squirrels. The good news is that if you purchase some powder you can continue to feed that along with the Fox Valley 20/50... here is my standard feeding formula from 3.5 weeks until weaning: 50% Fox Valley 20/50 and 50% Esbilac.

Thank you for the advice. His stools do seem to be soft. Would you strongly recommended mixing the Fox Valley 20/50 with esbalic puppy formula powder, or would I be fine using only Fox Valley? I ask because I was unable to find the powder in a nearby petstore and I'm not sure if it's something that needs to be purchased online.

Also when I switch the formula, should I continue to feed him 5-7% of his body weight in mL? I also have some other things to mention that if you or someone could answer, would be greatly appreciated.

This last feeding session, after tapping out the air bubbles, I had about 0.75 mL to feed him. However, after I went to refill the syringe and place it in a bowl of warm water to heat it up, enough time had passed that he as no longer hungry when I brought it back. I believe he is supposed to have closer to a mL per feeding according to his size. Is there a better method of more quickly refilling the syringe so he is still hungry when I bring it back? I don't want to microwave a bowl of the liquid as I read the microwave can denature it and make it less effective.

Lastly, I recorded what sounded like clicking. I really do hope I've got it wrong and it's something else but he seems to make a clicking sound while his mouth moves. If I didn't know any better, I'd think he was just licking or something. Really hoping it isn't AP but if it is please let me know and I can scrounge up antibiotics.

https://imgur.com/a/S7Jhpob

Spanky

08-31-2024, 03:45 PM

You'll be fine with the FV 20/50 if the Esbilac is not readily available. And yes, continue the 5% - 7% guidelines.

Most of us use multiple syringes... so if you have 2 syringes, one can warm up while the other is being fed and the "swap" is just a few seconds.

Microwaving is NEVER a good idea... among other things like heat regulating it kills the probiotics which are so very important.

Scrounge up antibiotics and have them at the ready, because if you need them there will be very precious hours to find them in time to save a life.

AP click comes from the lungs, but it takes a lot of experience to tell the difference from a mouth click IMO. Every squirrel mouth clicks, especially after eating. AP click is persistent... it is like hiccups.. they cannot not click when breathing. Other symptoms include lethargy and loss of appetite. If they are clicking in their sleep is bad.

Spanky

08-31-2024, 03:47 PM

Craig

08-31-2024, 04:26 PM

Let's get multiple opinions... that clicking in the video seems like intermittent. Listen for this when he is asleep... I suspect since you are holding him he was not completely asleep. Cut the bottom out of a plastic solo cup and use that like a gramophone to listen while he is sleeping.

I did as you suggested and cut out the bottom to a red solo cup. When I entered the room to check on him though, he must've woken up or was up already as he was moving around. I pressed the cut out section of the solo cup to my ear and listened close once he stopped moving but heard no clicking noise, only hearing the small adjustments of my fingers around the cup. If it is AP, can the clicking come and go? How often should I check for clicking?

Craig

08-31-2024, 04:53 PM

Here is another video I took just now. I haven't heard clicking since the first video link I sent. Only sending this one to show it isn't constant and I've only noticed it twice before. I hope this can help clear things up. If they can't not click while breathing, I hope that means the sounds I heard before were something else, as here he is breathing without clicking. I should emphasize that him clicking is not he norm. I've only heard it twice and it lasts maybe a minute or two. Both times were shortly after feeding. Hoping for the best.

https://imgur.com/a/7z7x8m2

supersquirrelgirl

08-31-2024, 04:56 PM

Craig,

As mentioned by TF and Spanky, have the antibiotic readily available when time is important. I suggest you ask family and friends if they have any unused antibiotics. You only need 1 pill. Fore A/P, a good generic antibiotic is amoxicillin-clavulanate (brand name: Augmentin for human, Clavamox for animal). Amoxi-clava is very common prescription med. If not found, get whatever you can and check back.

Another thought is getting a few 1ml syringes for feeding. You can order on Amazon. Or maybe ask TF to send a few by regular mail. Always good to have extra.

If you can spare the extra cost, please get a heating pad that does NOT auto shutoff. Take no risk. Easily bought at Henrys.

Hang in there - You are getting help from some of the best TSB members.

Mr.SSG

supersquirrelgirl

08-31-2024, 05:04 PM

Hello ADMINs

This thread is duplicate with the active one in Introduce Yourself forum.

Delete this one ??

Craig

08-31-2024, 05:35 PM

Thank you. I can order a no auto shut off heating pad although it wouldn't arrive until September 10th, almost 2 weeks away. I will attempt to find one in a nearby store. I have a friend who will bring me a pill of amoxicillin tonight. I believe she said the dosage was 250 mg but I will double check when I've got it.

If I am able to get the pill, would I start dosing him as soon as the proper dose is determined, or is there still a chance I won't need to use it just yet. It just fills my stomach with a pit worrying that he may be terribly sick.

As for the syringe, I was thinking about taking a spoonful of his feeding and putting it in a sealed plastic bag, then putting that in a bowl of very warm water so I can refill the syringe more quickly after he finishes it. Would this be a viable solution?

Thank you for all the help.

Craig

08-31-2024, 07:28 PM

Update: I've fed him again. He ate about 1.2 mL before refusing more which I believe is within a healthy range for his current weight.

My friend has brought me a capsule of amoxicillin. She showed me a video of the bottle, which confirms it's name and its dosage of 250 MG. I also asked her to pick me up a no auto shutoff heating pad, which I have now.

I have the capsule and will await further instructions from your replies before doing anything with it.

I am also under the impression that he can start chewing on rodent blocks, and have been looking into purchasing a rodent block from Henry's pets. Before I do though, I wanted to ask if he would be ready for something like that as well as which one is preferred.

Is it also OK to put vegetable produce in a dish for him in his cage? I have been cutting up pieces of lettuce and cabbage into tiny sizes and putting them in his food bowl in his cage already. Should I stop?

TomahawkFlyers

08-31-2024, 07:30 PM

Excellent news on the syringe. Is the surrogate nipple necessary? No, but it will help him associate with you as his mom, and it helps to avoid aspiration if he's face down. He is then literally sucking the formula and self-regulating how much he ingests with each swallow. Those nipples have a flange that goes over your syringe. It would be impossible for your little guy to inhale or swallow that. Long story short? I would, but it is not absolutely necessary.

AP presents with constant clicking. It's a tricky thing, and mistaking constant with intermittent can lead to a misdiagnosis. Watch him like a hawk. If the clicking returns, post his weight here at the time he is newly clicking along with the antibiotics you have on hand and an admin will give you the proper dosage.

Your understanding of feeding position is correct. In that position, he is much less likely to aspirate. If he coughs while eating, the formula will go straight out and down to your lap or the floor - not back into his throat or nose for him to inhale and aspirate.

Flyers are nocturnal. They live their lives after dark (as many of us would like to do but can't!) and sleep through the daylight hours. With their eyes, they can see in close to total darkness what we can see on a bright, sunny day. Imagine being in a well-lit room and having a power failure with no emergency lighting. You can't see anything. Now reverse that. A flyer, whose natural up and about time is dark, cannot see much of anything if a room goes from dark to fully lit. They thrive in darkness. As you place something over the tub to achieve that darkness, please remember that fresh air must circulate for him.

The way you are handling him and communicating with him after feeding is perfect. His response tells the story. Before too long, you'll want a bonding pouch for him. Actually, now would be great! Position it over your heart. He rides around with you all day (while asleep, he is still actively growing closer to you,) coming out for feeding, cuddling, communication, and play. Many pouches come in, shall we say, less than manly prints. I'm 6'4", 270 pounds, and sport a ZZTop beard. When called for, I sport a bonding pouch. When someone gives me "the eye," I just look right in their eyes and silently invite them to comment. No takers yet. Seriously, if you are of a mind to be a life-long buddy to your squirrel, the pouch is the second half of the care equation and will help make him as much your buddy as you are his. You will not regret it.

Jamie

P.S. - I just saw your question about rodent blocks and vegetables. At this age, he is getting all the nutrients he needs from the powdered formula for puppies and/or 20/50. I would not consider solids at this point. First Esbilac, then 20/50, and then solid foods.

Thank you for the advice. All nearby pharmacies are closed so I will have to wait until tomorrow before I am able to get a 1 mL syringe unfortunately, but I will get one ASAP.

Fortunately, he hasn't seemed to make those clicking sounds since the single incident that I noticed. Not sure if maybe what I heard was another noise similar or if he may still potentially have aspiration pneumonia. He hasn't shown any other symptoms or signs of being unwell.
and
I've been feeding him with his head level but his body is usually prompt up in my hand. I can alter this and feed him on all fours next time to be safe. If I'm misunderstanding, please correct me.

I can put something thicker on top of his enclosure to block out more light so it's darker for him. This may sound silly, but I worried without enough light, he wouldn't be able to find his water dish, though I assume now it should be OK.

I have been talking gently with him and holding and petting him for long periods after each feeding, and he seems to feel safe and calm when cupped in my hands.

Is a surrogate nipple necessary by the way? He seems to latch fine without one and I worry about him choking if it comes loose. I will be sure to keep you updated. Thank you for taking an interest in his well-being.

supersquirrelgirl

08-31-2024, 07:38 PM

Craig

08-31-2024, 08:03 PM

Note that standard Amoxicillin and Amox-Clava is different. Hope your friend has Amox-clav ??? (its prefered for A/P)

==> Just read, its Amox 250mg capsule. Keep it dry and put in safe place.

Sounds like you are leaning toward NOT A/P at this moment. So that would mean holding off on AB, just have pill available.

I checked the bottle and unfortunately it is Amoxicillin, not Amox-Clava, it was from my friend's family member's unfinished prescription. It is currently sealed in a labeled plastic sandwich bag.

I am relieved to hear that A/P may not be the case. I will keep the antibiotic nearby in case I need it. Would normal amoxicillin still be fine if needed? Also, what signs should I watch out for? And as for administering the medication if he does require it, how would I go about that?

Craig

08-31-2024, 08:21 PM

Excellent news on the syringe. Is the surrogate nipple necessary? No, but it will help him associate with you as his mom, and it helps to avoid aspiration if he's face down. He is then literally sucking the formula and self-regulating how much he ingests with each swallow. Those nipples have a flange that goes over your syringe. It would be impossible for your little guy to inhale or swallow that. Long story short? I would, but it is not absolutely necessary.

AP presents with constant clicking. It's a tricky thing, and mistaking constant with intermittent can lead to a misdiagnosis. Watch him like a hawk. If the clicking returns, post his weight here at the time he is newly clicking along with the antibiotics you have on hand and an admin will give you the proper dosage.

Your understanding of feeding position is correct. In that position, he is much less likely to aspirate. If he coughs while eating, the formula will go straight out and down to your lap or the floor - not back into his throat or nose for him to inhale and aspirate.

Flyers are nocturnal. They live their lives after dark (as many of us would like to do but can't!) and sleep through the daylight hours. With their eyes, they can see in close to total darkness what we can see on a bright, sunny day. Imagine being in a well-lit room and having a power failure with no emergency lighting. You can't see anything. Now reverse that. A flyer, whose natural up and about time is dark, cannot see much of anything if a room goes from dark to fully lit. They thrive in darkness. As you place something over the tub to achieve that darkness, please remember that fresh air must circulate for him.

The way you are handling him and communicating with him after feeding is perfect. His response tells the story. Before too long, you'll want a bonding pouch for him. Actually, now would be great! Position it over your heart. He rides around with you all day (while asleep, he is still actively growing closer to you,) coming out for feeding, cuddling, communication, and play. Many pouches come in, shall we say, less than manly prints. I'm 6'4", 270 pounds, and sport a ZZTop beard. When called for, I sport a bonding pouch. When someone gives me "the eye," I just look right in their eyes and silently invite them to comment. No takers yet. Seriously, if you are of a mind to be a life-long buddy to your squirrel, the pouch is the second half of the care equation and will help make him as much your buddy as you are his. You will not regret it.

Jamie

P.S. - I just saw your question about rodent blocks and vegetables. At this age, he is getting all the nutrients he needs from the powdered formula for puppies and/or 20/50. I would not consider solids at this point. First Esbilac, then 20/50, and then solid foods.

Ok thank you, I will watch him closely to check for clicking. I do hope he is fine, as I worry I may not notice clicking if he does end up doing it again. I use a red solo cup to help try to listen for it but it makes it difficult as I can hear the cup adjusting under my grip and brushing against my hair as I do so. I have noticed that in the past, the clicking is accompanied by his mouth moving, which makes me think they could just be sounds he is making with his mouth but again I am unsure. If there are other warning signs to look out for, please let me know and I will stay vigilant.

I will keep those in mind regarding lighting and feeding position. As for a bonding pouch, is there any affordable ones you recommend? I was looking at this one on Amazon but some of the reviews and design choices have made me hesitant to purchase it quite yet. https://a.co/d/5ueUGz3

supersquirrelgirl

08-31-2024, 08:23 PM

Amox works but Amox-Clav is better. Maybe as you have time now, keep looking. You can start on Amox and transition to Amox-clav directly.

Signs to watch for: constant clicking during breathing, activity level going down to lethargic, feeding going down to low.

If AB dosing is needed, there are a few of us that can help. You just post the need on the open board, one of us will read and respond accordingly and then send dosing instruction by Private Message (PM). We don't post it on open board.

TomahawkFlyers

08-31-2024, 08:42 PM

I saw your question about bonding pouches. You could spend days going over all the options on Etsy. I just looked, and they actually have some with at least neutral prints ...

Craig

09-01-2024, 03:43 AM

I saw your question about bonding pouches. You could spend days going over all the options on Etsy. I just looked, and they actually have some with at least neutral prints ...

I've went ahead and ordered a pouch. It should arrive in a couple of days.

I've recorded two more videos of what might be clicking. I'm unsure if the sounds I'm hearing are A/P related or just normal squirrel sounds.

I only notice it after feeding. Also he hasn't shown any other symptoms that I can tell. Other than when I was slow refilling the syringe, he eats until I he's had close to his upper limit if I'm not cutting him off. He also seems to be active and I heard him running around his enclosure about an hour before feeding him. He also climbs on me and doesn't seem lethargic.

https://imgur.com/a/wC8SNQX

That was around an hour ago. As I was writing this, I heard what I believe to be potentially more clubbing. I quickie recorded some. He seems to be making quite a lot of noise now. It is late so I understand if I don't get a reply quickly. It's almost 3 am for me and I may fall asleep soon but I will await a response for a bit.

https://imgur.com/a/8nfy1hQ

He currently weighs 19.37 grams after feeding. The clicking worries me, though I've reread your post and overlooked that you said A/P is constant clicking. it is not constant, but the sounds did carry on for maybe a minute while I wrote those post.

supersquirrelgirl

09-01-2024, 12:42 PM

I've went ahead and ordered a pouch. It should arrive in a couple of days.

I've recorded two more videos of what might be clicking. I'm unsure if the sounds I'm hearing are A/P related or just normal squirrel sounds.

I only notice it after feeding. Also he hasn't shown any other symptoms that I can tell. Other than when I was slow refilling the syringe, he eats until I he's had close to his upper limit if I'm not cutting him off. He also seems to be active and I heard him running around his enclosure about an hour before feeding him. He also climbs on me and doesn't seem lethargic.

https://imgur.com/a/wC8SNQX

That was around an hour ago. As I was writing this, I heard what I believe to be potentially more clubbing. I quickie recorded some. He seems to be making quite a lot of noise now. It is late so I understand if I don't get a reply quickly. It's almost 3 am for me and I may fall asleep soon but I will await a response for a bit.

https://imgur.com/a/8nfy1hQ

He currently weighs 19.37 grams after feeding. The clicking worries me, though I've reread your post and overlooked that you said A/P is constant clicking. it is not constant, but the sounds did carry on for maybe a minute while I wrote those post.

Squirrel seems active and eating well so I would not suspect A/P at this time. Sounds like squirrel is active at night in cage. This gives you a good reference to watch for any changes. Nice to see 2g weight gain.

Craig

09-01-2024, 05:19 PM

Sounds good! I still have to wait until sometime September 3rd before Fox Valley 20/50 comes in so I've been using the same puppy milk replacement liquid until then. I did freeze some in a silicone container as I read that that may allow it to last longer, though I haven't used it yet as I haven't felt I needed to.

I did notice today however, after his last feeding session and holding, I put him back in his enclosure where he promptly used the bathroom. I did notice it was more of the consistency of diarrhea. I took a picture and wiped it up. Is this a big concern? I can start using the portion of the milk replacement I had frozen a few days ago if it's a result of the liquid having sat in the fridge for too long. I should also mention that I hadn't considered freezing it until it was already 2-3 days open.

He will only eat it for a few more feedings, rest of today and all tomorrow, as well as however long on Tuesday until the replacement arrives. Is this OK?

https://imgur.com/a/Gp3ei65

supersquirrelgirl

09-01-2024, 06:02 PM

Sorry, need the pro's to answer these questions. I thought this was mentioned above so reread the thread to see.

Craig

09-01-2024, 07:23 PM

Ok thank you, I will check back in every once in a while for a response. Until then, I've thawed out a section which I am warming up and about to feed him now. Wondering if his bowel movements warrant giving him rehydration fluid and how I would go about doing that if necessary. He has a cap full of water in his enclosure as well.

Craig

09-01-2024, 07:43 PM

Update: just finished feeding him. He had pooped shortly before or while being fed. It seemed soft and moist but had form and isn't accompanied by a puddle of water. Granted it was on a cloth but there doesn't seem to be a damp spot under it either. I looked up causes for diarrhea and overfeeding was listed as a potential reason. I fed him a little less than 7%, , giving him closer to 6% or around 1.2 mL instead of 1.3 mL. I can continue to limit his intake closer to 5% if it continues and it is necessary to do so. Wanted to detail this update in case it is relevant.

supersquirrelgirl

09-01-2024, 08:26 PM

Craig

09-01-2024, 11:38 PM

Good news is the little one is eating strong. I'm hoping tonight, the activity is also good running around the cage. This would be another datapoint where its not A/P. Keep up the good work! (really, really glad you changed to 1ml syringe! Just worked a case where 10ml was used and outcome was not good - nothing could be done.)

Oh I'm terribly sorry to hear that. I will monitor his activity tonight. He just fed recently and all is well. He is eager to eat and must be cut off once he's had enough.

It has come to my attention that I will need to purchase more items for him, such as a cage, proper bedding, a shallow ceramic drinking bowl, a nest cube, some toys etc.

While I was not initially anticipating to spend so much money, I am capable and will pay for what I need for his well-being.

That being said, when might be a good time to transfer him to a proper cage? He is currently in a large plastic storage bin. His water is currently in a well rinsed recycled plastic cap. I've added a small branch for him to climb on and have an old tshirt for bedding and shelter to crawl into. I understand this is not ideal, and it was only the quickest thing I could put together.

I've written down that I will eventually need to purchase a proper cage, a nest cube, Henry's Healthy blocks, potentially another syringe, wooden toys and rope commonly used for parrots, proper bedding and a proper water dish. This list is quite long and probably quite expensive. Which items should I purchase now and which items can wait until he is older? Also is there any recommended sites or stores where I can find the listed supplies at an affordable price? Lastly, is there anything else I should purchase for him, either now or later? Thank you.

TomahawkFlyers

09-02-2024, 12:21 AM

Hi Craig,

The liquid puppy formula is not ideal, but if your little guy is having reasonably solid poops, I'd guess he'll be ok until Tuesday. I wouldn't go longer that that. That formula does not have proper flyer nutrition. The reason he is ravenous is that he's not getting what he needs to feed his body's needs. It's kind of like having a family-size bag of Cheetos. You eat a bunch and feel full. A little while later you crave and eat more until you feel full. You might eat the entire bag in a day because though you feel full because of the mass of the Cheetos, your body gets zero nutrition and sends hunger signals over and over again. Then you make yourself sick eating yet more. You want to make sure he is well fed (appropriate and quality, not quantity) now, as his long term health (lifespan up too a decade or more) will be affected one way or another by how he develops now. You will notice a marked uptick in vitality once the 20/50 replaces the liquid puppy formula.

By far, the most expensive one-time item you buy will be his cage. Critter Nation (not the one for ferrets) is the standard. I suggest that you start looking at Craigslist etc. since these cages are often sold there for much less than new and they are often in very good shape. The next most costly item will be the ongoing expense of food. Henry's Blocks are the Gold Standard. If you can bake, Henry's sells vitamins packets and protein packets with which you can bake your own. If you are in an area with a Costco, the nuts for the blocks are ridiculously inexpensive there.

Keep at it Craig - you're doing a great job. The most pressing things now are being vigilant for AP and getting the liquid puppy formula out of his diet.

By the way, on many days I don't get online until late at night. If you are worried about something and you think it is time-sensitive, please do feel free to call me. Our number is in the PM I sent you.

Jamie

TomahawkFlyers

09-02-2024, 12:43 AM

Addendum.

Listening to your clip with headphones and the volume turned up, it sounds like baby chirping and not what I have come to recognize as AP. He's talking to you. Another observation. That kid is already bonding with you in a big way. I predict that you will be each other's best friends for a very, very long time. Welcome to the world of flyers. You are in for the time of your life!

Jamie

Craig

09-02-2024, 12:54 AM

Ok, I will keep that in mind. The 20/50 should arrive by Tuesday according to Amazon delivery, although it hasn't been labeled with having been shipped yet. However, I dont usually encounter shipping delays.

Just in case though, I would like to be safe. If it does happen to be delayed, do you have any recommendations on anything that might he better to feed him until then? To my knowledge, 20/50 can only be ordered online. If it is crucial, I do not mind having to go out and purchase something better that I can use for a few days if the 20/50 order ends up being delayed.

I will be sure to save your number in case I need a more urgent response, thank you.

supersquirrelgirl

09-02-2024, 01:02 AM

See Post # 11 by Spanky above if Fox 20/50 is delayed.

Craig

09-02-2024, 01:54 AM

See Post # 11 by Spanky above if Fox 20/50 is delayed.

I reread post #11 and I went ahead and found some esbilac puppy milk replacement powder online in a nearby store that can be delivered tomorrow around noon to 3. I figured I should order it regardless if the 20/50 is delayed as it would probably be best to mix the two as the post suggested. I can also switch to using it by itself until the 20/50 comes in. Thank you for the advice

Spanky

09-02-2024, 09:16 AM

I reread post #11 and I went ahead and found some esbilac puppy milk replacement powder online in a nearby store that can be delivered tomorrow around noon to 3. I figured I should order it regardless if the 20/50 is delayed as it would probably be best to mix the two as the post suggested. I can also switch to using it by itself until the 20/50 comes in. Thank you for the advice

Not surprising he is developing diarrhea... I was surprised he did not have it earlier which is why I was very cautious is saying it *may* be okay to continue with that). Switching formulas often can be hard on their little systems and thankfully this baby is older and *hopefully* will have less impact.

Since he is having diarrhea now I would strongly suggest switching to the temporary homemade goat's formula until and unless you get either the FV 20/50 or the Esbilac powder.

Homemade Goat Milk Formula (HGMF):

3 tablespoons goat milk

3 tablespoons plain yogurt

2 tablespoons heavy cream

These should be available at the local grocery store, and if the do not have goat's milk in a carton in the diary section they will have a powdered version on the shelf somewhere. The HGMF is usually tolerated very well, but is only a temporary fix since it lacks all the necessary nutrients (and the Esbilac liquid lacks them as well).

Craig

09-02-2024, 10:44 AM

Not surprising he is developing diarrhea... I was surprised he did not have it earlier which is why I was very cautious is saying it *may* be okay to continue with that). Switching formulas often can be hard on their little systems and thankfully this baby is older and *hopefully* will have less impact.

Since he is having diarrhea now I would strongly suggest switching to the temporary homemade goat's formula until and unless you get either the FV 20/50 or the Esbilac powder.

Homemade Goat Milk Formula (HGMF):

3 tablespoons goat milk

3 tablespoons plain yogurt

2 tablespoons heavy cream

These should be available at the local grocery store, and if the do not have goat's milk in a carton in the diary section they will have a powdered version on the shelf somewhere. The HGMF is usually tolerated very well, but is only a temporary fix since it lacks all the necessary nutrients (and the Esbilac liquid lacks them as well).

I woke up and fed him using another frozen portion of the Esbilac puppy milk replacement liquid I thawed yesterday before checking this board. He may be handling the frozen stuff a bit better, either that or I just haven't noticed if his bowel movements have been continuing poorly.

This may be the case however, as both yesterday morning and this morning, his weight had dropped significantly from its high point during the end of the day previous. He went from weighing 20 grams last night to in the evening to only 18.5 this morning before feeding. Yesterday morning, he weighed closer to 18 when he was almost 20 the night before. Not sure if this is normal or a result of the poor quality formula.

Either way, I called the store I ordered the powder from, and they said it should be delivered by 1, which is his next feeding time so I will be sure to switch to that and be using it within the next 4 hours. Is there anything I should keep in mind when switching formula? Anything that might help then smoothly transition with minimal risk of problems arising?

Also he does seem to stay relatively active I believe which is good. This is the third day I've been woken up by him running around his enclosure, which I can't complain about as it indicates he isn't sick.

Craig

09-02-2024, 01:34 PM

The Esbilac powder has been delivered. I hope this is the right brand and product. There is a scoop included. I assume it is the same mixing ratio as labeled on the back, being 1 part esbilac powder and 2 parts warm water. Will feed him in less than 30 minutes

Craig

09-02-2024, 02:01 PM

I was reading online that this is the new version and isn't really recommended compared to the older one with a white puppy on the front. Would that mean I should switch entirely to 20/50 when it arrives or continue to use half of the Esbilac powde still? Is the risk of using this newer version detrimental?

Craig

09-02-2024, 04:11 PM

Chirps

09-02-2024, 05:42 PM

Hi Craig, there was a problem with Esbilac a couple of years ago, but it seems to be sorted now, and that is the puppy you want.

TomahawkFlyers

09-02-2024, 06:12 PM

Hello, just an update! I am very happy that I went ahead and purchased the Esbilac powder as I checked on the delivery for the 20/50 and sure enough it was delayed to Saturday! Almost a whole week away; and it still isn't even labeled as having been shipped. I am considering canceling it and ordering it from somewhere which will send it out sooner, though Im not sure where else might ship it sooner. Should I look into doing this? Is it ok to continue using the powder for another week until the 20/50 comes in or is it better to have the 20/50 sooner rather than later?

Hi Craig - the Esbilac will do just fine until the 20/50 arrives. In fact, your little guy might prefer to stay with the Esbilac for a bit. When you do make the switch, best to mix the two together to give his system a chance to keep up and not upset his digestive process. A selfish request? More pictures, please!

Jamie

Craig

09-02-2024, 08:49 PM

Hi Craig - the Esbilac will do just fine until the 20/50 arrives. In fact, your little guy might prefer to stay with the Esbilac for a bit. When you do make the switch, best to mix the two together to give his system a chance to keep up and not upset his digestive process. A selfish request? More pictures, please!

Jamie

I can absolutely send more pictures!

Also his bonding pouch came in today so I ran it through the wash quickly and air dried it. He hasn't tried to climb out but I am under the impression he could if he wanted to. If not, I can pull him out once he's up and moving about. Also was wondering if there is any risk involved with dehydration or overheating in the pouch. Is there a recommended time like pull them out for 5 minutes every 30 minutes or is it more lenient than that?

He has been napping quite a bit today, and hasn't climbed up my shirt as much as he was the days previous, instead choosing to stay cupped in my hands. I imagine this is just a result of his body getting used to the formula switch.

I did also notice in his most recent feeding that the 1 mL syringe was becoming difficult to push, and I had to rock it back and forth. I played around with it after finishing feeding testing the resistance with the plunger. On some tests, it went down relatively smooth, while other times, it would quickly sink down over half of the syringes length. I imagine that is very much not an ideal thing to happen when feeding, so I attempted to pick up some new 1 mL syringes with o rings instead of the thicker plunger. Unfortunately pharmacies are closed for tonight so I will have to go tomorrow. In the meantime, I looked up what to do and saw that I can potentially smear a small amount of coconut oil on the rubber plunger and pump it a few times to lessen the resistance. Just wanted to include this to see if the coconut oil would in fact be a good temporary solution for a few more feedings until I can get more syringes tomorrow.

Anyways, here are some pictures. I have videos too, though I'm not sure if it will let me send them through or not, and imgur links aren't working for me for some reason.

https://imgur.com/a/XxYFuFt
https://imgur.com/a/wzFlMqr
These may or may not work

Craig

09-02-2024, 10:13 PM

I went ahead and put a bit of coconut oil on it but it doesn't seem to help. If anything, it's even more finicky. Not too sure what to do, or if I should even possibly skip a feeding or two until I can get my hands on a safer syringe

Craig

09-02-2024, 11:03 PM

I washed out some of the oil and got the syringe to a more stable resistance. I've just finished feeding him, and for the most part, the syringe pushed down slow and steady. Once it got down to the final 0.3 mL however, it did start to jolt forward about 0.05 mL at a time which concerns me. In addition to this, there was dribbles of the formula on the tissue paper he was sat on while I fed him. From what I've noticed, there usually is but there might've been a bit more this time.

I also noticed he refused more once he had finished the first syringe, only having about 0.95 mL instead of upwards of 1.3 mL. Not sure if this is the result of switching to a more filling formula or if this is because of the jolting of the syringe making it hard for him to feed

Again, all pharmacies near me are closed, and I am really hoping I will have better luck finding one tomorrow before his first feeding in the morning. However, I usually also feed him at 1 am. His last feeding was around 9:45 as I tried to fix the syringe issue first. Any recommendations on what I should do would be greatly appreciated. I feel as if I am stuck between a rock and a hard place.

After some consideration, I've decided unless I can ensure the syringe is stable to a significant degree, I will skip his 1 am feeding. I know it is not ideal, but I think that would be better than to potentially aspirate him. I will get a new one as soon as I can tomorrow. I will work to try to fix the syringe I currently have in the meantime. It is currently 10 pm. I will check back for replies throughout the night.

TomahawkFlyers

09-02-2024, 11:08 PM

Craig

09-02-2024, 11:51 PM

I don't see the first part of this, but am assuming your syringe has become erratic/unsmooth. Coconut oil becomes sticky when exposed to air. If you have some olive oil, wash the syringe with warm soapy water to get rid of the coconut oil, dry it well, and then use just the tiniest bit of olive oil to lubricate the rubber ring. Do not, please, do not skip feedings.

Craig, I have literally hundreds of brand new 1ml syringes. You can have a fistful of them, no charge at all, not even postage. Let me know where to send them?

Jamie

Ah! Now I see it. If you are pushing the plunger down, toward the floor, your little guy must be feeding face up. Don't forget to feed him face down. If the plunger jolts, he'll have a good chance of not inhaling the formula. And yes, he will eat less as he becomes more nourished. It is entirely possible that as his diet is changed to the powdered formula, his tummy might be a little upset. Change is a big deal for these kids. Anyway, if you want a bunch of syringes, just let me know. I'll put them in the mail first thing in the morning.

By the way, nice pouch. If you have a Walmart or a Menards nearby, a couple dozen 2" squares cut from a $3 fleece blanket will give your kid the comfort of kings. Flyers like to bury themselves.

Thank you for the response! I do not have olive oil but I do have grapeseed oil if that works as well. I will wash it out and try that if so. If it really isn't a bother, I can PM you with my address. I would happily take any syringes you offer.

I typically have the syringe rotated at roughly 45 upwards, and have him sitting on the edge of the table with the syringe off to the side pointed toward the roof of his mouth. He usually ends up grabbing the syringe with his paws and I lower the syringe so his head is angled slightly downwards, around 15 degrees down from looking straight ahead if that makes sense, though sometimes he likes to roll over while feeding. If he does, I immediately stop and put him back on all fours. Is this how I am supposed to do it or should he be in a different position? Also I noticed later that there was some grit in the end of the syringe, so I now suspect he may have rejected the rest of his feed because it wasn't fully mixed and had a bad aftertaste.

I wasn't aware of the importance of not missing a feeding. Just to be clear, I have been feeding him every 4 hours from the time I wake up until the time I go to sleep, or 5 times a day. I am currently under the impression that I do not have to get up in the middle of the night or break up my sleep to continue feeding him. Is this OK as well or should I be feeding him around the clock? Thank you! I will be sure to PM you

TomahawkFlyers

09-03-2024, 12:42 AM

Syringes on the way. Will get you a tracking number in the morning.

I've never tried grape seed oil. Best bet is as little as needed to lightly coat the ring. I'd like to know if it works. If it does, I can add it to my own bag of tricks.

Position sounds great! Regularity is important. These little guys are so danged sensitive to every little thing. I think we're in the same time zone - it's almost midnight here. Our flyers are rockin' the room. Time for this old man to turn in!.

Jamie

Craig

09-03-2024, 09:04 PM

Just an update:

The little guy is eating well. He still eats to his maximum amount and I have to cut him off once he's had enough. I have noticed however that he has exhibited some new habits this evening which may potentially be of some concern, though I could be overanalyzing it as well.

I noticed his claws have been getting caught in my shirt, though I've never worn this shirt since I've had him so it could be the material it is made of. Today, I also noticed him sometimes resting at the top of the pouch but when I hold my hand for him to climb on, he prefers to stay inside near the top zipper. He was climbing up my shirt earlier today and seemed to have exploratory behavior, but now when I put him on my shirt, he just wants to sit still and curl in my hand. If I set him on the table and hold my hands at the end of it, he moves slowly into my hands and rests there. His eyes are usually closed when resting and when I place him down, he wakes and opens them but only slightly and not big and wide. I last fed him around 2 and a half hours ago. He is currently in bottom of the bonding pouch cleaning himself. I had small cuts of fleece filling the bonding pouch but I pulled them out as I wasn't sure if his body was feeling cold or not when I picked him up out of it, as my mind was already running wild looking for more symptoms. I believe it was more so his feet and claws that I was feeling, but it still worried me. I looked up what the cause of these symptoms could be but have only found results for MBD.

After feeding, he also used the bathroom and his stools seemed to be flattened, maybe liquid and without form, though he did not go much either, and it was only a few spots. When I picked him up, his feet were cold but I believe it was because he had peed a puddle on my desk and dampened them in it. I happened to pick up "e-cuttlebone" for birds at the store today which I read can be given to squirrels as well and help with calcium deficiency. It is still in the package however, as I'm not sure if I can just give him the whole thing or not, or if its even necessary at this time. To my knowledge, Esbilac powder has calcium in it, so I'm hesitant to assume he has MDB. He has opened his eyes wider but mostly keeps them shut or close to shut. I also noticed stains on his back feet which I'm hoping is not blood or bruising. I tried dabbing it with a wet kleenex but he kicked me away and I don't want to potentially be hurting him.

I am hoping I am overreacting, and a big part of me thinks I am, but I wanted to post what has been going on in case it isn't nothing. I'm hoping he is just being lazy because he is nocturnal and his belly is actually full of nutritious formula, though it's almost been 3 hours since he last fed.

Craig

09-03-2024, 10:49 PM

Just fed him and he does seem to be just about back to his normal self. He is also warm. I did notice my hands were cold themselves earlier which may have confused me. I'd added the fleece I have back to the bonding pouch.

TomahawkFlyers

09-03-2024, 11:04 PM

Craig, your little guy is just being a flyer. Everything you have described is normal, including the flattened poop - he is in transition from one type of formula to another. That equals soft poop. When he feels safe, he won't open his eyes very much during the day any more than you would yours if your dad woke you at 3:30 a.m. to go mow the lawn.When he gets old enough, your guy will absolutely want and need a cage-mounted wheel. There are several types out there, some dangerous, some mediocre, and at least one really good one. We've tried several and all of ours are now Freedom Wheels from myfreerunner.com. One of the accessories is called TrimTrax - when your guy runs, his nails are automatically and gently kept a little blunt and at a reasonable length. Not cheap, but you will only buy one for his approximately 10-year lifetime. Any wheel with a lip or fancy partially open enclosure on the front can injure your kid, and a wheel that is too small can harm his back. A cheap one will make noise, not spin freely for very long, and might even come off its hub and hurt or kill your friend. Flyers are not cheap to keep - but they are worth every penny in the loving companionship they share with you. You, Craig, are a special guy for having put yourself out there for this baby. Good on you!

Jamie

TomahawkFlyers

09-05-2024, 06:44 PM

Hi Craig!

How about an update? How is your little guy doing? Do you need anything?

Jamie

Craig

09-05-2024, 07:52 PM

Hello! He is doing well! He has found he likes to be under my shirt on my shoulder most. He is back to crawling all over me, sometimes it's actually difficult to keep him in the pouch when I have to use my hands to do something, so luckily it has that zipper.

I received my shipment of Fox Valley 20/50. I was wondering when might a good time be to make the switch? I was also wondering how long until he can be moved into a proper cage. I haven't bought one just yet but I am curious. He is currently in a large plastic storage bin and my main concern is he may be able to crawl out at night, though he hasn't yet. The plastic walls of the container may be too slick for him but I would like to get a cage soon just to be safe.

Also if you are able to send photos or links to some of the cage designs you reccomend for flyers, that would be very helpful. There are quite a few sizes and designs for Critter Nation cages and I'm not sure which are for ferrets and which are for squirrels, etc.

Craig

09-05-2024, 10:39 PM

Also I just finished feeding him and I did have some questions about mixing the formula. It seems when I mix it, it doesn't always mix well and there are what seems to be solids or foam caked on the sides of the container and the mixing utensil. If I mix it using warm water, this helps, but some sources have given me the impression that once it has been warmed, it must be used for the immediate feeding and any remaining warm formula is to be tossed out. Am I misunderstanding this? Can I use warm water to prepare the formula or should I only use cold?

TomahawkFlyers

09-05-2024, 11:49 PM

Yay Craig!!!

For the formula, we mix ours with very warm (not hot) water and we shake it. We do not stir it. That helps a lot with clumping. It is perfectly OK to refrigerate the remainder, fill the next syringe, put your finger over the opening, and run the syringe under hot water until the formula is very warm. Voila! No waste. The remainder in the container that gets shaken will be OK for 24 hours. Pam has some syringe tips that you can put on the end of 1ml syringes. We'll send you a few and you can fill 2 or 3 syringes at a time, use one, put the others in the fridge, and heat them under the running hot water as you need them.

Regarding when to move to 20/50, under normal circumstances, you're in that zone now. However, given the little guy's rough start, I'd give him another week or so. Don't forget to transition and not ask the kid to go cold turkey. Cold turkey is hard on these little ones' digestive system.

When you write about your flyer's favorite place to be, you take me back to fond memories of our first rescue flyer, Louie. That's exactly where he liked to stay. Your guy is really, REALLY attached to you.

I'll hunt down a picture of the Critter Nation cage. Ferret Nation (made by the same company) is the wrong one. Your little guy, even as an adult, will wiggle right through the bars of a Ferret Nation cage. Warning, Craig, hold onto your wallet. A Midwest Critter Nation cage is expensive. Flyers like high places (safety from predators instincts.) A double with the ceiling of the bottom and floor of the top removed is ideal. They like the space to glide. I encourage you to start watching Craigslist for a good used one. We have 2 double units and a triple (a double with an add-on single). They're all in use. We bought them all used, scrubbed and disinfected them with vet spray, and they are just as good as new for pennies on the dollar. Watch for a picture from me. If you had one now, it would be fine to use it now instead off the tub. Just hang his pouch from one of the shelves. He'll sleep in there, have fresh air, and the ability to run around and "gain his legs."

Jamie

A double is usually about $325, maybe more. Here is a new one on sale for $215. https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807369151477.html?src=google&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=708-803-3821&isdl=y&slnk=&plac=&mtctp=&albbt=Google_7_shopping&aff_platform=google&aff_short_key=UneMJZVf&gclsrc=aw.ds&albagn=888888&ds_e_adid=&ds_e_matchtype=&ds_e_device=c&ds_e_network=x&ds_e_product_group_id=&ds_e_product_id=en3256807369151477&ds_e_product_merchant_id=5388675826&ds_e_product_country=US&ds_e_product_language=en&ds_e_product_channel=online&ds_e_product_store_id=&ds_url_v=2&albcp=20536623837&albag=&isSmbAutoCall=false&needSmbHouyi=false&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD6I-hFk_bczK-Bk5TisgAeCPW218&gclid=CjwKCAjwreW2BhBhEiwAavLwfAGjiPSst5vH_ntyMPgd _aDyL4Oi0ZL-JBgYxWQJdNhbNpHk4_i6HBoCL4kQAvD_BwE&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa Craigslist has been between $50 and $100. Picture coming up.

TomahawkFlyers

09-06-2024, 12:09 AM

OK! Found them. Midwest makes two double models. The first is the Ferret Nation. It is model 182 and has vertical bars. This is NOT the one you need.
The second is the Critter Nation. It is model 162 and has horizontal bars. This is the one you need.

327917327918

Happy Hunting!

Jamie

Craig

09-06-2024, 01:19 AM

Thank you! I looked around for some cages on craigslist and Facebook marketplace. I only found one however that is within 15 miles of me. The next closest ones are over 200 miles away. It is pricier than some of the other options listed, but it also comes with accessories. I am interested in purchasing it, though I wanted to make sure it was the right model. I also wanted to see if you knew anything about the "XTRA soundless spinner" included in the listing. I know you mentioned some wheels can be dangerous and wanted to know if it would be okay to use this one or not.

Craig

09-06-2024, 10:37 AM

Just finished weighing and feeding him. I've started tracking his weight each morning before feeding, and it's had steady growth, about a 0.3 gram increase each day. For some reason though, he spiked today, increasing from 19.52 grams yesterday to 20.82 grams today. Is this much fluctuation normal? Is it a result of him absorbing more nutrients from the powder formula? Or maybe he just hadn't used the bathroom?

Craig

09-06-2024, 10:56 AM

I hope the cage is the right kind. I've negotiated with him and am set to pick it up tonight at 6

TomahawkFlyers

09-06-2024, 11:01 AM

Craig

09-06-2024, 11:13 AM

"Is it a result of him absorbing more nutrients from the powder formula?" Bingo! In addition, he is a growing boy. You'll get spurts of growth from time to time.
Regarding that cage, it looks great! The contents are pricey to buy separately. You'll definitely want to disinfect everything - you never know what microscopic nasties could be left over from whatever creature was in there. I'm checking on the wheel now. Never heard of it. Looks big, looks heavy, and I cant see a mesh for your kids hands to get a grip. That's just an impression from a small photo. Let me do some checking and I'll get right back.

Jamie

Great to hear that! Thank you! I figure even if the wheel is not compatible, there are other accessories that would still make the price worth while, not to mention I don't have too many other available options. I do not mind tossing out the wheel if it is not safe or effective

TomahawkFlyers

09-06-2024, 11:19 AM

I hope the cage is the right kind. I've negotiated with him and am set to pick it up tonight at 6

OK! The cage is the right kind. Perfect! The wheel seems quite large, and might be a little much for your kid even when he's grown. It looks really nice and solid. It is the largest one they make and is designed for chinchillas, hedgehogs, gray and red squirrels, etc. Your flyer is soooo much smaller. He might not be able to get it started or keep it going. It also appears that there is nothing on the running surface for your flyer to get a grip. It looks smooth. Also nothing for keeping nails trimmed. I question whether this wheel will work. You might end up needing to get a different wheel. I could be wrong! Try it and see.

SO! BIG QUESTION! Have you named him?

Jamie

Craig

09-06-2024, 11:41 AM

Ok I will keep that in mind! He has a name, though it may confuse anyone outside of me and my friend who helped name him.

I'm a big fan of the Resident Evil series and I just recently got my friend to play Resident Evil 2. He recommended the name Tyrant after the big enemy that chases and torments the protagonist throughout the game, and I found the irony of calling a small animal Tyrant very funny, so that's his name. I'll probably shorten to Ty if anyone asks and I don't feel like explaining it.

TomahawkFlyers

09-06-2024, 11:56 AM

"Tyrant" AWESOME!!! I've occasionally wanted to name a little guy "Brutus" but Pam won't let me. Shortening to Ty seems to me to be like shortening King Henry VIII to "Hank." Think about that, and about the idea that addressing him that way might well have got your head separated from your shoulders. Tyrant. What a great name!

Jamie

TomahawkFlyers

09-06-2024, 04:54 PM

Craig, I ran the name "Tyrant" past my wife, Pam. She thoroughly and entirely disapproves. This is the best sign I can imagine that you have chosen a GREAT name!

Jamie

Craig

09-06-2024, 06:39 PM

Craig, I ran the name "Tyrant" past my wife, Pam. She thoroughly and entirely disapproves. This is the best sign I can imagine that you have chosen a GREAT name!

Jamie

Hahaha, I imagined she would view it on the same level as Brutus, which I think would also be an awesome name. Going to pick up Tyrant's new cage now!

Craig

09-06-2024, 07:23 PM

I just picked up the cage. I think you are absolutely right about the wheel that comes with it. It is absolutely massive. The cage is pretty big as well. Do you have any recommendations on how to deep clean it? I planned on disassembling it and scrubbing it down with soap, vinager and bleach baths one after the other, making sure to let it sit on there for a while to get rid of any pathogens. I plan to look at some videos when I get home to see what methods they use as well. Is there anything specific you would recommend?

Craig

09-06-2024, 08:02 PM

I've been advised that vinager is sufficient, and bleach or soap could leave harmful residue. I intend to soak and scrub each piece in a 50/50 vinager water solution and then use warm water to wash it off and dry it. Is this sufficient or should I use other disinfectants as well?

Craig

09-06-2024, 09:24 PM

Just looked it up and apparently vinegar is a good cleaner but a poor disinfectant. My friend suggested I use rubbing alcohol or soap and just rinse off the residue. I will probably start disinfecting it tonight after I've fed Tyrant. I wanted to take a shower after handling it and didn't want to wait until right before feeding to do so in case I smell strongly of soap and shampoo, so I won't handle it again until after I've fed him just in case pathogens get on my hands from the unwashed cage.

The cage is still in one piece but all the accessories inside have been taken out and laid out on the porch. The cage seems to be split into two sections, with a small hole in the corner connecting them. I know you recommend I remove the middle grate to fully connect them, though upon first glance, I wasn't sure if I was able to pull it apart that much. I will take another look when I go back out there to disassemble and clean it.

TomahawkFlyers

09-07-2024, 01:32 AM

Craig

09-07-2024, 02:47 AM

Congrats! you got a chance to get dirty! Bleach, rubbing alcohol - no. Soap leaves residue. This is the stuff we use: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EZMPD4W/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00EZMPD4W&pd_rd_w=sjJ5T&content-id=amzn1.sym.386c274b-4bfe-4421-9052-a1a56db557ab&pf_rd_p=386c274b-4bfe-4421-9052-a1a56db557ab&pf_rd_r=33JJ23QCV4W34X731109&pd_rd_wg=474Nm&pd_rd_r=5cc2977a-5a92-4541-8cfe-d45ce52e5ca7&s=pet-supplies&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM

Wash the cage first with Nature's Miracle. You'll only need to do the disinfectant part once. You'll need to clean the cage once per week, laundering any fleece, blankets, etc. and cleaning up nut dust/poop/pee. Every 3 months we give the cages and the walls next to the cages a thorough cleaning with Nature's Miracle.

A couple of other things. Some states frown on keeping flyers. You might consider checking up on that and avoid being too "loud" about your new friend. In my experience, DNR people don't like making trouble for you and will only visit if there is a complaint. Talk this over with your Dad. On the cage, it comes apart easily. Go to Midwest's site and download the assembly manual. When Tyrant is ready for solids, he'll need blocks as the main part of his diet. Look up the food pyramid on Henry's Healthy Pets site. Making your own blocks is far less expensive than buying them premade. I have a trusty recipe if you want it. Read up on MBD and what causes it and then feed Tyrant to avoid MBD. MBD will kill him. Also, at some point in his life, Tyrant may need emergency medical care. It is best to seek out a trustworthy vet now so you won't be scrambling when Tyrant needs help. Many vets (depending on which state, will not see flyers. Post here to see if anyone knows a trusted vet in your area. The Coast Guard motto is appropriate for you here ... Semper Paratus.

Time to hit the sack here. Keep us updated, please.

Jamie

Unfortunately I was a bit hasty and began to clean the cage around 2-3 hours ago. I'vejust now seen your response. I did not use bleach or alcohol however, I did use a vinegar and water mixture and scrubbed it down with rags and a brush. I then used soapy hot water and scrubbed down the cage with that as well as submerged the smaller pieces in the bucket. After that I hosed it all off really good. I hope this is alright. It is currently sitting on the back porch to dry overnight. I can rinse it off again tomorrow to remove any extra soap or vinegar residue that may still be there, or I can try any other methods to remove residue if recommended. Would this clean be sufficient or would you still recommend I get Nature's Miracle and wipe it down real good again before using it?

Also what would you recommend I fill the bottom of the cage with to ensure a safe landing if he falls? I can look at the manual and take it apart tomorrow to remove that middle grate.

I can check around for vets that can help with flyers. To my knowledge, they are legal where I live if purchased by a reputable breeder, so you may be right with making sure to not be "too loud" about him.

If you are able to share the recipe you use, that would be very helpful. I have 2 cuttlebones made for birds I can put in his cage for him to chew on as well to help prevent MBD. I just haven't yet as I don't know if it is okay to put the whole thing in there or if he will eat too much if I let him.

Lastly, how long should be until I start introducing solid foods to him? And how long should I be feeding him formula before I begin weaning him off? Not too sure how I would go about that. That is all I have for now. Will check in for what to do with the cage and if it is still OK with the products I used.

Craig

09-07-2024, 11:32 AM

From what I was able to learn about MBD in squirrels, I understand that it is caused by a calcium/phosphous deficiency. Calcium can be introduced into their diet through leafy greens as well as supplements such as cuttlebone or calcium powder poured on their food. I also understand that lack of vitamin D and too much phosphorus as found in nuts can inhibit their ability to absorb calcium effectively. The symptoms seem to be weakness, reluctance to climb or eat as much, nails catching in fabric and lethargy. I hope I have a good basic understanding of MBD, if there is anything I've gotten incorrect or have omitted?

Also, what would be some good ways of introducing vitamin D? I understand sunlight is a great source of vitamin D but that flyers are also sensitive to light. Would it be OK to sit outside with him in the shade during the day or would it be better to introduce vitamin D through other means such as including mushrooms into his diet? Also is MBD something I should be vigilant about even now as he is on formula, or does the esbilac and later fox valley contain the proper nutrients needed to prevent such deficiencies?

He is doing well and eating well, though sometimes one of his claws stick and lift the fabric he is on when I lift him. He continues to grow, and weighed 21.06 grams this morning before feeding.

TomahawkFlyers

09-07-2024, 05:25 PM

Hi Craig,

Sorry about the delay, we have company coming for dinner (a LOT of company) and my wife has had me hard at work since early a.m. In 45 minutes, the company will arrive, a good time will be had by all, and then I'll get to participate in cleanup. It is all entirely worth it. Good friends are hard to come by, and a happy wife is priceless.

Regarding the cleaning, if there is no sticky residue, you should be OK. Vinegar does work well, but - as you have discovered - it requires you to reach back for that last 90mph fastball at the end of a 9 inning game. You must have been tired when you were finished. Regarding disinfection, personally, I'd take care of that rather than worrying about it or taking the chance of exposing Tyrant to some nasty virus or bacteria that lived beyond the vinegar scrub. As you know, vinegar cleans but does not disinfect.

Excellent, excellent research on MBD. Are you a student? If so, it shows. If not, you surely spent your days as a student doing well. In flyers and squirrels in general, MBD results in an imbalance in system phosphorous and system calcium. In most cases, we deal with squirrels with MBD because their owners, assuming it to be the most natural thing in the world, feed their squirrels a diet high in nuts. Without having been properly mixed with appropriate vitamins, minerals, and protein, these nuts present phosphorus it quantities that leach calcium from the squirrel's bones. They become lethargic, their bones can break just from moving, and their entire body is wracked with continuous pain something equivalent to the worst cramp or Charlie horse you've ever experienced. They can't tolerate much, and if not treated immediately, they die. Do read that pyramid along with what is good or bad to feed. Base the diet on blocks. You'll never have to worry about MBD. Note that it is ok to feed a portion of a nut on occasion as a treat. Nothing more than that and never Brazil nuts. The Selenium in Brazil nuts is bad - to - deadly for squirrels, especially flyers who are so small. By the way, vitamin D is not a concern in an Esbilac/20/50/adult block-centric diet. You will see on that food list many vegetables that are great for flyers and that flyers really like to eat. Mushrooms are, in fact, a favored treat around here. There is a lot of experience around that list. Take it to heart and be worry-free. His claws WILL stick to fabric. He hangs on to you because he trusts you. Just be slow and gentle when moving him off of you. I suspect you already are.

When new, the cage comes with a thick, textured plastic tray for the bottom shelf. Place on the tray one of those cheap fleece blankets, folded to fit the tray. Wrap a second blanket around that.Happy and safe landings will ensue.

There's the doorbell - I'll get to the rest of this tonight or in the morning. Meantime, you better get your wings. You very well might end up teaching Tyrant to glide.

Jamie

Craig

09-07-2024, 06:39 PM

No worries! I hope you and your company have an excellent dinner and time together! Those are words to live by, I will have to remember that quote. Happy wife, happy life, right?

You are right about scrubbing the cage and accessories to be tiring process. I'm lucky I had a friend who was more than willing to help with the process, effectively cutting the time in half, and even then it still took around 2 hours. I can certainly wait until the disinfectants you recommend come in; REScue disinfectant spray as well as Nature's Miracle wipes, and ensure it's safe for my little buddy.

I am actually a student currently living at home while studying business. With any luck, I will have my bachelor's by Spring. I can't lie though, I've put more effort into raising Tyrant since I got him than I have been into this semester. No worry though, as I'm quite use to juggling my studies. I'll be sure to study their food pyramid and base their diet around that.

I have received the package of feeding syringes you sent out today. Thank you again for that!! I will be sure to take photos of the cage once I've finished disinfecting it and setting it up to ensure everything looks okay.

Also I have noticed his tail is starting to widen! I expected this as it is detailed as a part of the development process for flying squirrels so it can act as a rudder when they glide. I'm just happy to see and share his new developments.

TomahawkFlyers

09-07-2024, 11:24 PM

Craig - those are beautiful pictures. what a bond you two are forming. You are correct - the tail becomes the rudder. Since his mother is out of the picture, you will probably have to help him learn how to glide. When he's on solids, you can start by standing close to a soft chair, extending your hand with Tyrant in it, and letting him decide to jump onto the chair. He will find this quite fun, and will want to jump into your hand and do it again. Increase distance to the chair by no more than one foot every 3 or 4 jumps. Not too many jumps per night - he's developing muscles he's not used before. Like an athlete, he can sustain an injury if he's playing while tired. After a few nights, when he jumps, he'll have to glide to get where he's going. Fear not - you will see him bobbing his head in the direction of the chair before he jumps. He is actually calculating distance and energy needed to get there. Really, he is. The first several glides that employ the rudder will not be very accurate. Distance will be fine, but left and right will be all over the ... chair. That will sharpen quickly and he'll be a pro in no time. He'll bug you to practice gliding (it is his personal, intimate game with you) and he will seek out high places and leap, gliding to the floor. He'll land with a tiny thud. No worries - by this time he is a hardy little guy, made of rubber. He will almost immediately want to get back up to where he was and do it all over again. You both have a lot to look forward to.

Regarding the cuttle bones - flyers are self-regulating eaters. They'll stop on their own when they are comfortably full. As far as the extra calcium goes, at the point where he's maxed out his system will stop absorbing it. His poops will turn white with unprocessed calcium. Looks scary - but it is harmless. Just cut back on the calcium at that point.

Our kids usually go onto solids at about 9-10 weeks. It doesn't happen on a human schedule. You will experience Tyrant start to reduce his intake of 20/50 because he craves something more. when this happens, give him nibbles of block and other foods on the "good" list. He will find this delightful, and over a short time he will want nothing but solids and deny the 20/50. Be sure clean water is constantly available during this time.

As MBD inviting as nuts are, they do have their place in keeping Tyrant's teeth trim and healthy. Hazelnuts, pecans and walnuts (hilarious to watch,) and almonds, all in the shell, should be available to Tyrant once or twice a week. Without these, his teeth will overgrow to the point where he can't open and close his mouth to eat. These nuts in the shell are an easy, inexpensive, safe, and delicious way to keep Tyrant's teeth in top shape.

The dinner was terrific! Barbecued bacon cheeseburgers, homemade onion rings, salad, and cold drinks. Then cheesecake. The very best part was the company. After dark, we took everyone up to the flyer's room to meet Jet - the most social of all our kids. He jumped on each of them several times, climbed up on their heads, crawled into hoodies, let them pet him, and he won every heart in the room. Jet was enchanted, and had a terrific time meeting a big piece of his curiosity. He will have extraordinary dreams in the morning.

Well, Craig, I am exhausted and ready to greet the sandman. Have I answered everything? If not, let me know and I'll pick this up again in the morning. Here's the block recipe:

Squirrel Block Recipe Squirrel Refuge Version
Preheat oven to 205 degrees Fahrenheit Prep time 25 Minutes, Bake time 90 Minutes
Ingredients:

3 cups nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds, filberts, or a mix of these.
Mixing Pecans and Walnuts with one of the other nuts ensures
balanced Vitamin E.)

150 grams or 1/3 bag Henry�s Healthy Protein powder

3 Large Eggs (50g each, total 150g)

2/3 Cup Whole Wheat Flour

2 tsp Vanilla

2 tsp Aluminum-Free Baking Powder

1to2Tbswater

33 grams/1/3 bag Henry�s Vita-mins
Required Recipe Tools

Grinder or food processor to finely grind nuts

Electric Mixer (standing mixer works great with the bread hook)

Gram scale and or measuring cup

Rolling Pin

Plastic sheet or pastry cloth (preferred) or oiled surface

Parchment paper (preferred) or lightly greased cooking sheet

Pizza cutter (preferred) or sharp knife
Preparation
1. In bowl number 1, measure out whey protein and set aside.
2. In bowl number 2, break open the three eggs and add vanilla.
3. In bowl number 3, add the baking powder and Vita-mins.
4. Grind the nuts as finely as possible (without turning into nut butter). 5. In bowl number 4, add whole wheat flour and ground nuts.
Mixing
5. Place the contents of bowl number 2 into the mixer and mix on medium- high speed until eggs and vanilla are thoroughly combined.
6. Add the contents of bowl number into the mixer.
7. Mix medium-high speed, scraping the sides as needed, until smooth.

Note: the baking powder will begin to bubble when added to the wet ingredients and tend to clot until fully combined.
8. Add the contents of bowl number 1 to the mixer and mix on medium speed until mixed well and fairly smooth. Mixture should be sticky.
9. Slowly add the contents of bowl number 4 to the mixer, mix on low speed, scraping the sides. The mixture will be dry. If too dry, add a small amount of water.
Rolling
10. Roll out dough to 1/3� to 1/2� inch thick and shape into rectangle with your hands. The dough is very thick and somewhat stiff. You did it right if the dough is difficult to roll and shape!
11. Place the dough on parchment paper or lightly greased baking sheet. Tip: Roll it out on a plastic sheet so it easily transfers to the baking sheet.
Baking
12. Bake in oven at 205 degrees Fahrenheit for 90 minutes. The low baking temperature helps keep the vitamin and mineral chemical structure intact making a healthier block.
13. When done, remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes.
14. Using a pizza cutter or sharp knife cut lengthwise 1/2 to 3/4 in apart.
15. After making all lengthwise cuts, turn and cut crosswise until small cubes are formed.
16. After cutting, let cool for two hours.
17. Place on a paper towel to help absorb additional nut oils, if desired. Storage
18. Once completely cool, place block in bag or closed container in the refrigerator (lasts for two to three weeks) or the freezer for longer storage.

Jamie

Craig

09-08-2024, 03:18 PM

What you described with eventually teaching Tyrant how to glide sounds amazing and I'm very excited to reach that point! What would be a good range of jumps to not pass when he does start learning how to jump? Or would I be able to determine when he's tired by his movement.

I have noticed he is getting more comfortable crawling all over me, and he's crawled down my legs onto the floor before. I haven't proofed my room yet, and intend to block entrances under my desk and dresser, etc. Do you have any recommendations for how I would go about that? Also is there any reliable ways to coax him out if he does go under the couch or my dresser? I hope it doesn't happen but I feel as if it is an inevitability.

As for the cuttlebone, would you then recommend I wait until he is eating solid foods at around 9-10 weeks before putting it in his cage, or does it matter?

Also I got the cleaning supplies for his cage today, so with any luck, he will be moved in late tonight or tomorrow. I will be sure to update once I get around to cleaning it. I've been a bit busy today studying for class.

Approximately how long does one batch of squirrel block last? I'm just curious as I'm trying to estimate the expenses. So far I've calculated it to cost around $20 per batch with the pure protien isolate (is this the Henry's protein powder you were referring to?) at $5 per batch, the vita-mins at $7 a batch, and and mixed nuts at $6 a batch, with the other longer lasting ingredients adding in a few more dollars per serving.

I'm glad to hear your dinner went well! That's really cool that your flyer Jet was so social with your guests! I was under the impression that as they gold older, they would become less social to anyone other than their owners. I hope Tyrant stays social with other people when he is older, as my friends like to see him.

TomahawkFlyers

09-08-2024, 07:38 PM

Studying? NOT as fun as raising a flyer. You are to be commended for following through on your schoolwork.

OK! Jumping/gliding. Start close, as described. If he bobs his head at the back cushion of a cushioned chair and does not jump, he knows it's too far for him. Move a little closer until he jumps to the back cushion, then tell him softly, "Good boy!" or something like it and leave your hand in place until he jumps back. When the game is new, it will take a while for him to get his bearings and gather his wits after the thrill of the jump. He will be excited! Give him several jumps at the same distance before moving back a little. Again, if he bobs his head and doesn't jump, you've moved too far. If HE misjudges and doesn't make it to the back cushion, he'll just land on the seat cushion - a fun experience for him all by itself. He will let you know when he gets too tired to continue. First you'll see him slowing down, then he'll bob and not jump for a while, and then he'll stop playing altogether and climb up into your shirt, his pouch, or, his cage. Be advised - our little guys will play this game in excess of an hour. YOU will wear out before he does - after he's a little older and stronger.

I cannot TELL you how many times we have torn apart the room looking for a kid. No amount of calling, clicking your tongue, or even offers of treats will coax them out. Then, after we've looked everywhere and sat down to worry, the missing kid jumps onto us from the ether and looks at us as if to ask: "Wasn't that fun?" To ensure Tyrant doesn't do a runner, check the room carefully with one thing in mind: Flyers can wiggle through any hole 1/2" or wider. Seal those up and everyone will be fine. Flyers chew, and screen windows can be a treat for them. If they just climb, great! If they chew through, well they will be outside and not know how to get back. Just inspect any screens in that room regularly and repair them if he chews. Put a few drops of peppermint oil around the chew area and he'll get the message without being harmed. Get in the habit of looking to the floor where the door opens and closes when you enter and leave the room, check for Tyrant's presence. Also, start now and make it part of your core to always, without exception, do two things: Keep the door to Tyrant's room closed at all times; and, put the lid of the toilet down every single time you use it and whenever you see that someone has left it up. Advise roommates, visitors, family, etc. of this critical rule. If Tyrant gets loose, he'll eventually look for water. He'll jump right in for a drink and drown.

The cuttle bone won't hurt him - let him at it. He'll decide for himself when to chew on it.

One batch of homemade blocks makes about 2 1/2 Henry's Blocks sized bags. With one guy, that batch should last you in the neighborhood of a month or more. I will check with Pam on this since I do the squirrel play/exercise and habitat cleaning and she does the baking and feeding. We feed anywhere from 6-7 to more than a dozen kids, and we go through about 2 double batches a month. Averaging out the kids to 10/4 single batches, reducing that to one kid comes out to 4/10 of a batch for him. Math calculated by a public school graduate - don't bet anything important on it. I As I recall, our Louie ate something more than that, but he was a little porker. I'll check with Pam.

Later, Craig!

TomahawkFlyers

09-08-2024, 07:56 PM

I checked with Pam - she says one batch per month is maybe a little bore than you need. Today is block day. Here's a photo, as well as a photo of two of our kids (Ollie and Jet) enjoying one of those occasional nut treats:

327945327946

Also, Pam says she'd be thrilled to send you a batch of homemade blocks so you can gauge how much you'll need each month. In addition, she'll write to you here to give you some tips on dressing the cage so it is super comfy and super easy to clean. Let us know?

Jamie

Craig

09-08-2024, 08:22 PM

I've finished wiping down the cage and its accessories using REScue wipes. It took me longer than anticipated though, and by the time I had finished, I only had 10-15 minutes before I had to feed Tyrant. I washed my hands off as best as I could, but my fingers still shine in the light and feel glossy. In hindsight, I should have worn gloves. They were wrinkled earlier but it seems to be slowly going away on its own. I tried to account for this and used a piece of shirt cloth to pick Tyrant up to feed him and all went well for the most part. I noticed when he got loose and crawled into my chair however, upon attempting to pick him up with my hands, he would let out a distressed squeak. He did it twice before I got him and I put him back in his enclosure in case the chemicals on me were strong enough to irritate him being right next to me. I've taken a shower, used soap and water, even a little bit of vinegar but my fingers still feel waxed over with a tingling sensation on contact with things, almost similar to a numbing anesthetic. I hope I haven't irritated Tyrant too much with the limited handling I did have with him. I don't feed him again for almost another 2 hours, so I am hoping it will continue to evaporate off of my fingers before his next meal time.

As for the cage, I intend to spray it with stain and odor remover to clean it up just a bit more. I also intend on hosing it down after one last time as I read on the REScue container that it is only recommended for non-porous surfaces. As many of the accessories are made of wood or other more porous material, I am hoping that by hosing it down to dilute any chemicals trapped inside and then letting it sit outside to evaporate in the sun for a few days will minimize or ideally eliminate the concern of using the disinfectant on any porous material.

If you have any recommendations for quick ways to clean my hands of these chemicals, let me know and I will be happy to try them. If they still feel coated in two hours, I will be careful to use a piece of cut up t-shirt to handle him, and throwing the piece I use in the wash after just to be safe.

I'd just seen your post. I'd happily accept your offer if you are willing to do so. I will watch for advice on how to properly dress the cage to make it comfortable and easy to clean. Also your flyers are adorable!

TomahawkFlyers

09-08-2024, 10:07 PM

Hi Craig,

Sorry to hear about the condition of your fingers after disinfecting the cage. I'm afraid we'll have to arrange for amputation.

Nah! The disinfectant is as effective as it is because it is strong and astringent. I failed in not warning you to wear a pair of nitrile or rubber gloves. I'm sorry. Do you have some Bergen's, Vaseline, or other hand lotion? Anything like that will quicken the return of texture to your fingers and get rid of any pruning or wrinkling. Tonight you discovered just how much flyers rely on their sense of smell. At the moment, parts of you don't smell like you. Break out the hand lotion, let it sit, and then wash your hands with warm soapy water once again. It might not be a bad idea to handle Tyrant with a towel for tonight. You may no longer smell the residue, but he sure does. The extra cage cleaning is perfect. Make sure Tyrant knows about all you've done to provide a comfy, safe home for him!

Let me know how it all goes?

Jamie

Craig

09-08-2024, 10:25 PM

Haha! I got a good chuckle from that. I can apply some lotion and see if that helps. My fingers are still glistening but do not smell of anything at least to me. Tyrant may still be able to smell the cleaning fluid, but he came right up to me when I held my hand down in his enclosure to pick him up for feeding. I do think he is avoiding my fingers though, which are still glistening the most. I have been careful to limit my contact with him using my hands.

It's funny you mentioned the head bobbing earlier. As I typed that first paragraph, I looked down at Tyrant still on my desk in front of me and thought he wanted in my pouch. I held it open and positioned it off the side of my desk so he could crawl in. I saw his head bob once and he leaped over it onto my shirt collar. He actually surprised me and I flinched a bit, but not hard. The jump was only a few inches away, but he also managed to get a few inches off of the desk before landing on me as well. I thought that was really neat to see.

TomahawkFlyers

09-08-2024, 11:27 PM

Craig,

Pam here! For the cage, you will want to get 2 fleece throws (aka, "blankie") (the kind you get rolled up
for about $3.50 each from Walmart (or nearer Christmas, from Menards - see picture that Jamie will load) - the cheap ones are actually better than the more expensive ones so don't worry that it isn't super plush.) Get a print you think Tyrant will like! (I'm a girl, I have to make it look nice) Wash and dry them (see instructions below). You will fold one of these in half, take out the bottom plastic shelf in the cage, and fold it under all 4 sides, and then replace the shelf (in essence, making a shelf cover). YOu can put masking tape on the bottom if you need to to hold the blanket in place. This shelf will have two thicknesses of blankie on it because you folded it in half.

The higher, half-size shelf will get the other blankie. This one you will need to fold in fourths and you will still be able to fold the edges over that shelf. But here's the special trick for this one. The longer side facing the inside of the rest of the cage should stay loose (not be folded over the side nor tucked underneath) and the blanket sides there should be open. The idea here is that if he wants, Ty can crawl in between the layers and still have blankie over him and under him. We have one squirrel, Ollie, that sleeps like this every night. You look in the cage and you can't see her and then you see a Ollie sized bump in the far corner of the blankie. It is also fun to watch them go in and out - sort of like a blanket tunnel! Obviously it is important that this side stay open so he can easily get in and get out. He may or may not choose to crawl under but it is nice to give him a choice.

Once he is eating solid food, you will end up with "block dust" and "nut dust" all over the blankie. Plus of course some poops and pees. Once a week, remove the blankies, take them outside (being careful NOT to take Ty too!)and shake them (or shake them inside over a LARGE garbage can) and then throw them in the washer and dryer. Try to use laundry soap that is free from scent (like Tide Free and Gentle or All Free and Clear) and do not use fabric softner or dryer sheets. This helps avoid irritation to Ty's skin. (I had to learn this one the hard way after our squirrels kept scratching themselves).

Later on, you can always get a second set of two blankies so that you can put the clean set in and not have to immediately shake out, wash and dry the dirty ones, but they wash/dry really fast so it isn't a big deal just to have one set.

Please let me know if you have questions! Pamela

TomahawkFlyers

09-08-2024, 11:29 PM

Picture to go with cage dressing post from Pam:

Craig

09-09-2024, 11:28 AM

Awesome! Thank you so much! I think I have a good understanding of the setup you described. I will be sure to take a photo of it with the blankets in place to make sure it's correct. It may not be until tomorrow. I still intend to spray odor and stain remover on the cage and hose it down really good after to rid of any residue. I will keep you updated!

Craig

09-10-2024, 09:56 PM

I've begun to set up the cage. I wasn't able to go to the store today but when I bought the cage, it came with two fleece throws. I've washed them and set them outside to dry, and I've just finished setting them in place now. I've included pictures to ensure I've set it up correctly.

I did notice when I bought the cage that 1 bar is broken and the one beneath that is gone completely. I placed one of the wooden perches against the wall where the missing bar is to hopefully prevent Tyrant from squeezing through. I've included pictures of this as well. Now I only need to put in the rest of the accessories and it will be ready!

TomahawkFlyers

09-10-2024, 10:27 PM

Craig! Pam wants to reply to this.

TomahawkFlyers

09-10-2024, 10:38 PM

Craig,

The cage blankies look PERFECT!! You did a great job, and I think it is ingenious how how you make the cage safe by installing the perch the way you did. I hope Tyrant will appreciate all the care and love you are putting into his home ... he should!

Pamela

Craig

09-11-2024, 12:41 AM

Thank you! I really hope he enjoys it as well! I did have one question that I hadn't thought of until now. Where might the heating pad go for the cage? I imagine I can feed the cord through the bars, but I'm unsure if I should put it on the bottom shelf or the half shelf. I also don't know if I should put it on the tray but under the blanket, or under the tray as well. I imagine it should go under the bottom shelf on half of the cage, but I can do it differently if advised.

TomahawkFlyers

09-11-2024, 12:50 PM

Terrific!

These guys like heights. If you can put the heating pad half on and half off the top shelf tray and under the fleece blanket and run the cord immediately out of the cage and beyond the bars to prevent chewing, it will be fine. Watch for signs of chewing - reposition immediately if you see any chewing on the cord. That said, the end of the need for a heating pad is approaching. Once you get to solids, there is no need for supplemental heat. Some kids want access to heating pads longer than others. Remove it at solids and you can't hurt him.

Jamie

Craig

09-12-2024, 11:55 AM

Tyrant spent his first night in the new cage last night! I put him on the high-up, half shelf and included pieces of fleece shirt and blanket from his last enclosure for him to crawl into. I also put his water dish up top for easy access.

I did notice when I put him in that he did not explore the top level much. He crawled under the fleece pile and I assume he stayed there all night, as that is where I found him this morning. I wondered if he was unable to descend the platforms I have set up for him. I should mention that there isn't too much to explore up there anyways other than the multicolored house/tunnel.

When I had put him in the cage briefly yesterday, he ran the perimeter of the bottom level and crawled into the structures (the house and the log) set up on that level, exploring them. He has not attempted to climb the perches from one level to the other by himself, but I did put him on individual perches today to see what he would do, and he was able to traverse them, albeit slowly and hesitantly. He was able to go both up and down though I had not tested every perch, only putting him on a couple instead. He would find the fastest route to either the top or bottom platform and make his way to it. He was able to make what I could classify as the hardest jumps so I do think he is capable of traversing his cage and perches. Might it just take a few days before he is more comfortable and running around it?

I've ordered two proper ceramic bowls for small pets, and I intend to put one on each level just in case he has problems getting from one level to the next. I've placed the accessories in a spiral staircase pattern going up roughly 2 1/2 sides of the cage walls. I've also positioned his house and log on the first level under the half platform so if he does fall, it will be onto the fleece blanket and not a hard wooden top. I've ordered more perches in case they are needed, otherwise I can use them to make an alternative route. Is there any changes you'd recommend?

Also I believe it has been about a week since I first asked about slowly transitioning over to Fox Valley 20/50 and you suggested giving it a bit more time given his rough start. Just wondering if you think I would be closer to making the switch now. He weighed 23.89 grams this morning.

TomahawkFlyers

09-12-2024, 07:17 PM

This is all just fabulous progress. Tyrant does, indeed, need time to adjust. He is also at the point where he can start the transition to 20/50. Five days - mix small batches of both separately. Day 1 - 20/80 FV to Esbilac. Day 2 - 40/60 FV to Esbilac, and so on. When he gets to 28-30 grams, start putting a block or two out for him to nibble on. Also put out water to replace FV that he'll start to turn down as he figures out blocks are really quite tasty. We need to get your package of homemade blocks out to you sooner than later. I think Monday. He's currently getting all the water he needs from his formula, and won't need separate water until he starts on solids. Careful with the exploring - at this age he's just developing his skills and isn't as coordinated as he needs to be to be at big flyer play. He sounds anxious to get to it, though. You two make quite the pair! You both need to come to this year's Gathering of the Nuts in February. We'd all like to meet of you!

Jamie

Craig

09-12-2024, 09:15 PM

Okay, sounds good! I will start transitioning him to the FV 20/50 tomorrow, replacing 20% of his formula with FV each day for five days until it is 100% FV 20/50. I really appreciate all the help !! I'd be happy to Venmo or Cashapp or otherwise wire you the costs of the blocks plus shipping.

I will have to make sure I am not pushing him past his limits too soon. Would you recommend I temporarily move the heating pad to the bottom level and place him there at night so he doesn't accidently fall if he ends up exploring more, or do you think he will be fine on the half shelf during the night? Also, the event you mentioned sounds exciting! I haven't ever heard of it before and would like to know more. If I'm able, I'd love to be able to go!

Craig

09-12-2024, 10:31 PM

I did have a quick question/ slight concern I wanted to mention. I have noticed that before this most recent feeding and before his 5 pm feeding, he was shaking or trembling in my hands. It seems to be about a second of trembling, then it stops for half a second, then continues again. One second on, half a second off, again and again. This is confusing and a bit concerning as I had pulled him straight out of his bonding pouch, and would imagine him to be warm. In the document you sent me, it mentioned this is normal but it still worried me enough that I thought I should mention it in case it is something else. Both times, he seemed to immediately stop trembling once the feeding syringe was put in front of him and he started feeding without problem. He is under his bonding pouch now and it hasn't seemed to return, only happening shortly before feeding both times. Is this a cause for concern? I've taken a video, hopefully the link works. It my be a bit hard to see in the video but it felt like shivers that one would expect when cold.

https://imgur.com/a/bUSMsG7

Craig

09-12-2024, 11:13 PM

The link seemed to stop working. Hopefully this is more stable.

https://youtu.be/GBLBb3-UEsY?si=UE3xoU9TJHGepBbY

TomahawkFlyers

09-12-2024, 11:41 PM

Another reason for trembling is shivering. If he was just straight out of his pouch, he was toasty warm in there. Just like us, he might have been shivering to get warm. Has he stopped now?

TomahawkFlyers

09-12-2024, 11:47 PM

Craig, we would never ask for or accept payment for any help we are able to provide. We appreciate your offer - it says a lot about who you are. You are a college senior. Keep as much $ in your bank account as you can!

If you feel more comfortable with his setup on the lower, larger shelf, go for it. Search for Gathering of the Nuts to see more on the get together. It won't be long now before we'll see the start of arrangements for the 2025 event.

Okay, sounds good! I will start transitioning him to the FV 20/50 tomorrow, replacing 20% of his formula with FV each day for five days until it is 100% FV 20/50. I really appreciate all the help !! I'd be happy to Venmo or Cashapp or otherwise wire you the costs of the blocks plus shipping.

I will have to make sure I am not pushing him past his limits too soon. Would you recommend I temporarily move the heating pad to the bottom level and place him there at night so he doesn't accidently fall if he ends up exploring more, or do you think he will be fine on the half shelf during the night? Also, the event you mentioned sounds exciting! I haven't ever heard of it before and would like to know more. If I'm able, I'd love to be able to go!

Craig

09-13-2024, 12:10 AM

Another reason for trembling is shivering. If he was just straight out of his pouch, he was toasty warm in there. Just like us, he might have been shivering to get warm. Has he stopped now?

Thank you! He has stopped, and I haven't noticed it start up again since I wrote that post.

Craig

09-13-2024, 08:34 PM

Hello! I was looking online in hopes of purchasing a Freedom Wheel, and I noticed on the specifications that it is 13 inches in diameter. Would Tyrant be able to spin it ok? I recall you mentioning the other wheel which came with the cage seemed a little too big, and I was wondering if this one may have the same problem. Is there a smaller version I've missed or would the 13 inch diameter wheel work fine? Also is he old enough for it or should I wait until he is a bit bigger first?

TomahawkFlyers

09-14-2024, 01:30 AM

Hello right back! The 13" wheel is perfect. The walls are a plastic grid, and Tyrant can get a grip. The wheel is also super light and spins on a shaft that is supported by ball bearings. You can blow on it and it will turn. Then there's the added benefit of TrimTrax. When the original abrasive wears out (after a looooong time) you can replace it with parts of 1/3 sheets of 600 grit wet or dry sandpaper (the black stuff that doesn't really feel like sand paper at all).

You've heard the term "high tail," as in "He high tailed it out of town?" You will see Tyrant in the wheel and know where that phrase comes from. And make some popcorn and get ready for a show. He'll get that thing going a mile a minute - his tail straight up, his legs and arms moving in a blur, his head up and proud, and his body looking as if it is frozen. He'll then kick his limbs out from under him, land belly down with his arms and legs stretched out with his patagia unfurled and stretched to the wind, and you will be able to imagine him yelling "Wheeeee!" as he spins (glides!) through the air in the safety of the wheel. Save a popped kernel of unbuttered and unsalted to share.

It should be safe to introduce him to this joy when he's entirely on solids.

Jamie

Craig

09-17-2024, 01:07 AM

That will truly be a sight to see! I believe he will be ready for solids soon, as he weighed 26.3 grams this morning, and if my initial estimate of his age was correct, then he may be about 8 weeks old now. I meant to write this message out earlier today but I've been busy and forgot.

I've been transitioning him onto Fox Valley for the last 4 days. Today, the mixture was 80% Fox Valley and 20% Esbilac. Tomorrow morning, he will be on 100% Fox Valley.

When I went to get him this morning, he gave me a scare. I wasn't able to find him and pulled out each piece of fleece bedding one at a time as well as the large wooden structures. I started to check the sides of the cage fearing he found a gap he could fit through and got out. I began to pull up the trays and found him on the side underneath the large bottom tray. I believe he was able to get under it as there appears to be a hole on the tray's side chewed through by its previous inhabitant(s). Do you have any recommendations on how to patch that up? I am very reluctant to use duct tape or anything else he could possibly chew through that would prove toxic. Currently, I am siding on leaving it there and hoping he doesn't make a habit of crawling under there, or just checking there when I can't find him elsewhere. Here are some more photos just for fun.

island rehabber

09-17-2024, 08:06 AM

Aaaaack the cuteness of this boy!!!! Hoping for video when he does get on that wheel. 😁

Craig

09-17-2024, 10:36 AM

Haha I'll be sure to take some good videos!

I woke up this morning and he was under the tray again. After today, I am now more inclined to patch up that hole for his safety. Sometimes it can be hard to pull out that tray carefully and he seemed pretty shaken up this time around. Any ideas?

TomahawkFlyers

09-17-2024, 03:53 PM

Yeah - that happens. When we overwintered the original 18 Tomahawk Flyers, spring came around and all the trays looked like that. Cost a fair penny to replace them all. Here is an option:

https://www.chewy.com/midwest-nation-bottom-unit-ferret/dp/249398?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=20908059015&utm_content=160401460754&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADmQ2V37eK-n3MkvuBURYZl4Xn7gK&gclid=CjwKCAjw0aS3BhA3EiwAKaD2ZTNpON-LSY1OjbAoZYNkt61MN0IXLjsO8yDZb4MnmGgtZTkGzOoOCBoC6-8QAvD_BwE

On this one, I'm SHOCKED at the now-high price, but if you can find something else there to bump the sale to $50, you'll get a $20 coupon and free shipping. That is definitely an oversize package ($hipping,) so that's a good deal.

In the meantime, just be aware that he is in new territory and is looking for a safe dark place to hide while he sleeps. Put something a bit heavy to block that area and put a blanket - rolled up like a loose jelly roll - in the immediate vicinity of where he's been hiding. He's aiming for pitch black. He'll likely prefer that jelly roll to the cold, hard cage and the sharp surfaces of what's left of the tray. You might need to show him with two fingers how to start an opening in the end of the roll so he gets the idea. We have a drawerful of hideaway hammocks. We'll put one in the box with your homemade block kit. That will be in the mail probably Thursday morning. Your instincts on not using tape to mend are perfect.

Thanks for the pictures. They are terrific and help to remind us that you and Tyrant are thriving together.

Jamie

Craig

09-18-2024, 08:59 PM

Sounds good! I can look into purchasing a new tray if it continues. He didn't seem to do it last night, instead going between the blankets on the top shelf.

I did notice just now however that he has bald spots on the sides of his mouth. I noticed this when I was looking at him in his pouch and he was rolled on his back, letting me see his chin. I noticed the spot and tried to hold him still to take a picture and some videos. I used an empty syringe so he'd hold still while I took the videos, as he wasn't fond of me trying to flip him over and hold him on his back obviously.

Is this the result of milk burn? I've been careful to use kleenex to dab and lightly wipe away milk after each feeding. Is it the result of the lotion in the kleenex? Should I apply some type of ointment to it?

https://youtube.com/shorts/1HhL0E6zxME?si=mj5hQxmv-DdYQvWa
https://youtube.com/shorts/AwLLHgxJE6M?si=75jOgzpilaLvQFW4

TomahawkFlyers

09-18-2024, 10:07 PM

The picture shows residual formula over a good portion of his mouth. Not sure how that could not cause formula scald. Whatever you're wiping him with, put it aside and use two paper towels. The first one is wet - not damp - and use it to remove all residual formula and all current formula that just started accumulating so that not a sign of any of it is left. He won't like it. Tough. Then wipe dry with the 2nd paper towel. He won't like that either. Double tough. Based on no scientific evidence or practical experience whatsoever, I steer clear of tissues with added lotion or any such thing that is not "plain." It works for our crew.

Here's a picture of our Jet when he was a baby being rehabbed by 10xMama in Florida:

328036

Craig

09-18-2024, 10:11 PM

Ok thank you I will try that. How long should it take before it shows improvement?

Craig

09-18-2024, 10:32 PM

I used paper towels to clean him up. I actually went back and did it two more times after noticing some more residue possibly on his whiskers. Would I continue to do this after every feeding session?

Here's a video of him cleaned up

https://youtu.be/3yECqWAY9bk?si=DeFqcbmUTh94-kmM

TomahawkFlyers

09-18-2024, 11:04 PM

Muy Bueno! You do need to clean him up after each meal. The good news is that cleanup while the formula is still fresh is quick and easy, and usually does not annoy the squirrel ... very much. In a few days, redness/irritation should subside - a few more days and peach fuzz should start appearing. Be patient - a watched kettle never boils.

Jamie

TomahawkFlyers

09-19-2024, 11:04 PM

Craig,

Jamie forgot to put the hammock in the package he sent today with the block kit. He'll send it under separate cover - just didn't want you to be looking for it in the box!

Pamela

Craig

09-20-2024, 12:01 AM

Ok thank you so much! I've received the tracking number for the block kit. It should be here in 4 days so I will be on the lookout for that. I really appreciate all that you guys have done! I really hope these shipping costs are not too taxing on the two of you. Thank you so much!

Craig

09-20-2024, 01:57 AM

I just wanted to make quick post to see if this is okay and if it is not, see what I can do to address it. I put Tyrant in his cage for around 30 minutes and when I came back, he was in the blanket fold under the upper tray next to the heating pad with only his tail sticking out. I understand that if they are too close to the heating pad it can be too hot, and wasn't sure if this might be an issue as he would've been very close to it.

TomahawkFlyers

09-20-2024, 10:46 AM

Hi Craig! The picture in your post scared the bejeebers out of me. Then I looked closer and saw that what looks like dried blood stains is actually part of the print design. Phew! Tyrant is old enough now that he can figure out for himself how warm he wants to be. Keep a blanket on top of the heating pad, and never higher than the lowest setting. It's all good.

Don't worry at all about shipping and other costs. We're fine. Doing these things for you and others is much more rewarding than shoveling money into the tax man's bag.

Jamie

Craig

09-21-2024, 10:38 AM

I hope the picture didn't give you too much of a fright! Thank you again!

I have noticed today and yesterday that Tyrant has begun to reduce his intake for formula. At the last one or two feedings yesterday, while he finished it, I didn't have to pull the syringe away from him and he wasn't latched to it as he usually is. He also ate slower and at times seemed disinterested, walking away from the syringe but when I would pick him up and put him in front of it again, he'd start eating more. He ate 2 full 1 mL syringes worth of formula. Yesterday he weighed 31.4 grams, today he weighed 33.12 grams. At his weight today, 5-7% should be 1.65-2.32 mL, and I actually intended to give him closer to 2.3 mL this time as for the last couple days, I've capped it at 2mL for my own ease of only using two syringes and not having to fill one back up mid feeding session.

When he ate today, he did not eat "greedily" as he did the days prior. His paws were not active this time in continuously gripping and repositioning on the syringe, and he did not lean into it as much either, simply eating without much enthusiasm. I should note that he was enthusiastic at first, but after about the first syringe, he had calmed down and started to seem disinterested. When he finished about 1.3 mL, he ran off behind my monitor. I went to grab him and put him back, and he continued to eat more, going to 1.6 and stopping. I offered it to him again and he got to 1.9 mL, but the next time I put it in front of him, he did not latch or want any more. This is the first time I've seen this as he usually eats the upper limit that I will allow him and even then, I have to cut him off.

Is this the result of him getting older and beginning to crave something more? Or is this signs of illness or perhaps has he begun to associate feeding time with me wiping his mouth which he doesn't like? I am careful to be gentle with both the wet and dry paper towel, though I imagine with the patches on his chin, it probably doesn't feel good regardless. He gives me some trouble when I wipe his mouth after feeding, retreating into my shirt several times each time I have to clean him. At the same time though, he will let me wipe his face and won't move much other than trying to hold his head low.

Other than this, he seems completely fine. Both this morning and yesterday morning, I did not have to even search for him in his cage as he was running around and at the gate, ready to be picked up. He seems relatively active for being nocturnal, if course sleeping in the pouch most of the day but showing signs of activity as well. He is still very quick, I joke with my friends that he is a teleporting squirrel with some of the videos I send them. Just wanted to list this out to make sure it is nothing major, which I don't suspect. I do think it is him wanting to ween off of formula, as I believe he would be about that age.

TomahawkFlyers

09-21-2024, 12:01 PM

Hi Craig - this is all as it should be. Tyrant's little body is telling him that there is something else out there beyond formula. He's bored with the formula. The block should show up today or Monday. His first solid food should be that block so he gets a taste for it. If he hesitates at the newness, just squirt a little formula on it (kind of like the way we dunk cookies in milk) and he'll get to is soon enough. Gotta say, there are few things around here that bring more joy and comfort than our kids waiting for us and jumping on us when we open their doors. You are experiencing that now. We are so happy for you!

Any peach fuzz starting to show up at the formula scald area?

Jamie

Craig

09-21-2024, 01:10 PM

That's really good news! I will be sure to let him try the block as soon as it arrives, and I can try putting formula on it if he is hesitant to try it.

I know what you mean about the joy that is felt when I see him at the edge of his cage waiting for me. It makes me so happy to see how much he trusts me.

Also, if peach fuzz has started to show, it is very hard to tell with the lighting. I've tried holding him toward more direct light but even then, the shadows cast make it hard to tell. I've included some videos. Maybe you might be able to see it better.

https://youtu.be/wsVrOi9ZrBc?si=d3DiwqHCT06MoXXK
https://youtube.com/shorts/R6tYIGJqrZs?si=yEPQj9k6phLJ5yZc

TomahawkFlyers

09-21-2024, 11:47 PM

I see what you mean. Hard to see. However, it looks less irritated. That is a good sign. Good night, young man. Good night, Tyrant!

Jamie

Craig

09-26-2024, 01:17 AM

I do think peach fuzz is starting to grow in. Wanted to show progress as well as just share photos/videos.

https://youtube.com/shorts/4GELAoUiVV8?si=--FdwgjE33V3Dmwu

https://youtube.com/shorts/c5PEXc_KnNk?si=jwQX3Zqp0VUiE3e1

https://youtube.com/shorts/c0abS2NlpkA?si=q9LmVqyUpnONhAGk

https://youtube.com/shorts/0ULuq3T1JCI?si=_nk-9UC184-38H9d

TomahawkFlyers

09-26-2024, 01:25 AM

Right on schedule! It does not look irritated at all. It'll be furred out before you know it.

We DO appreciate the pictures and videos. Tyrant is a beautiful boy. (You can tell him "handsome.")

Video 1 - Cute beyond words. He is at genuine play with you. Bonded!
Video 2 - "How come there's no milk coming out of this giant nipple???!!!
Video 3 - What a yawn! Time to play!
Video 4 - "Nope! Nope! Nooooope!!! Last time anything like this happened, I got a BATH! I'm outa here!"

Jamie

Craig

09-28-2024, 04:28 PM

Lol he is a very handsome boy!

I am making the squirrel block now. Just wanted to make sure these is about the right consistency for the ground nuts. I was hesitant to grind them more as they seemed like nut butter was their next step.

The two cups in the big bowl are walnuts and in the mixing cup is pecans. I found the walnuts were able to be ground just a bit easier than the pecans. I used a pulse method of grinding them for a few seconds at a time to try and prevent them from turning to butter.

Craig

09-28-2024, 05:33 PM

Finished making it. Took a bit longer than anticipated but I have the time. Going to bake it now!

TomahawkFlyers

09-28-2024, 07:21 PM

Looking good!!!!! I can't wait to hear how Tyrant likes them. I hope you have a dishwasher - it does make a lot of dishes! Pam

Craig

09-28-2024, 10:09 PM

Haha! Yeah, my sink was full of dishes after! I gave him a cube and he started eating it without any problem! I'm watching him eat it now as I write this. He seems to love it!

How many cubes would he need a day by the way? And is there anything I should do to help wean him off or will he do that all on his own? Any specific time I should feed him as well? I gave it to him now as I intended to drop formula on it if he didn't want it. I suppose I will wait until he finishes it before offering formula.

https://youtube.com/shorts/0Je86zSWmXs?si=Nfayy2NYBcy4ocvw

https://youtube.com/shorts/s7ZJteqMjF0?si=OgJwNlm2Dl2brYdt

TomahawkFlyers

09-28-2024, 10:51 PM

Thank you SO much for the pictures and the videos. Wow! He took right to it! I hope your family members were there to witness this momentous occasion. Regarding quantity. Flyers are self-regulating. Unlike humans, who will eat until we make ourselves sick, flyers know when enough is enough. You can put three blocks out for him each evening. He'll have his dinner with the first one or two, and will have a wee-hour snack while you're sound asleep. You can offer him formula after he eats his dinner, and just before you go to bed. Don't be surprised when he starts turning away from the formula. Given the eagerness of his block eating, I suspect he'll wean quickly.

Important! Place daily fresh water in a non-tip bowl next to his blocks. He'll need that for hydration as he weans from formula. Don't forget his in-shell nuts for his teeth. Hazelnuts are a good starter - he'll have to work at it awhile to get at the nut inside. If you're lucky, you'll be around when he finally gets at it. He will be delighted and so will you! Keep up the extraordinary work, Craig. You are doing so very well.

Jamie

Craig

09-28-2024, 11:26 PM

Of course! And yes, my mom and brother were there anyways, and they thought it was really cool.

He ate nearly the whole block, but held the rest in his mouth as he jumped onto me. He kept crawling onto the chair and over me with it, eventually crawling into his pouch. He was in there for but a second and when he came out, what was left of the block was gone. I guess he was trying to cache it as I looked in and found it shortly after.

I offered him formula after and he took 1.1 mL, refusing more. Should I still offer formula to him every 4 hours?

I have two ceramic water bowls in his cage, one on the top tray and one on the bottom level. He seems to use both. Would I put his food on the bottom or top level? Also with him on solid foods, should I remove the heating pad/ start teaching him to glide or would I wait until he is fully on solids and off the formula?

I think he really liked his food. He is sleeping sound in his pouch now. I will put the rest of the one he didn't finish along with 2 more in his cage for him to enjoy later.

TomahawkFlyers

09-29-2024, 06:40 PM

GO Tyrant!

Answers first, then a hint.

He has a solid start on blocks, and there is no longer a need to feed him formula every four hours. He's awake all night, so he will visit his "dining room Uupper lever, please, Garcon!) for block and water when he gets hungry. Your breakfast time and dinner time are about right for formula now, and Tyrant will soon turn his head away from the offer. This is good - he is weaning and turning into a "toddler."

Flyers instinctively know that they are sought after by predators. The higher they can be, the better. Eating and drinking are particularly vulnerable times in nature, so they avoid low areas and the ground as much as possible. Their natural habitat is stands of trees where leaves and branches hide them and prevent straight line attacks from airborne predators. So, feed and sleep as high in the cage as possible - Tyrant will be calmer and happier.

Gliding. To be safe, I've always waited until formula intake has completely stopped to begin with very gentle and protective gliding "lessons." When he reaches this stage, he is well on the way to becoming extraordinarily resilient. When he's a teenager, he'll glide from here to there, sometimes landing hard enough to convince you that he must have hurt himself. The thing is that he develops the ability to use his entire body as a heavy duty shock absorber. The action is so fast that we can barely see it. A naturalist took som stop action photos of this maneuver. Look below to see how these kids perform safe landing after safe landing. They must figure out how to do this - and they will - but they need baby steps toward this goal.

Hint: Yes, indeed. He did stash that piece of block. He will soon learn to place it under something he considers safe and then pat everything down as if he was packing sand on the beach. You will learn to hear that sound and know that when he is coming to you every minute or so trying to make you think he hasn't eaten in a week, he's grabbing what you offer and stashing it "for later." Unlike ground squirrels, flyers remember where they bury stuff. In addition to recognizing you as "Mom," he will conclude that you make a nifty tree and a wonderful place to stash things. You'll stand up and a nugget of something or another will fall from under your shirt onto the floor. Just another thing that will further endear the boy to you.

Why Flyers Appear to Crash Hard but Really Don't:
328121
From right:

Using patagia (flaps between arms and legs) as a parachute to slow down.
Creating a loaded spring out of the entire body.
After landing, moving on to the opposite side of the tree without missing a step.

Interesting fact - in one fluid motion that includes the landing, these guys will run as fast as they can to the opposite side of the tree whether they need to or not to avoid being killed by an airborne predator who might be chasing.

Later!

island rehabber

09-29-2024, 06:52 PM

Excellent pix & info, Jamie. This makes me miss my Avia, the one and only flyer I ever rehabbed. And released.:Love_Icon

TomahawkFlyers

09-29-2024, 07:48 PM

Excellent pix & info, Jamie. This makes me miss my Avia, the one and only flyer I ever rehabbed. And released.:Love_Icon

Maura, there is just something about flyers. They steal your heart and never give it back.

Of course, they could be creatures from a distant galaxy who send our hearts to their home planet because that is all their civilization can eat. "Heartthrob Cafe" "There's More Where That Came From."

Jamie

Craig

10-03-2024, 05:29 PM

Tyrant's wheel came in today! I've just finished wiping it down with soap, then water, then RESCUE disinfectant and then another wet rag with only water to wipe that up. I was careful to avoid any mechanical or moving parts. I am letting it sit now to evaporate any remaining disinfectant. It is just about ready to be put in his cage, I just need to put the trim trax onto it. I haven't looked into how to install the trim trax but upon first glance at the bag's contents, it seems pretty straightforward. I hope I'm right about that.

He has been decreasing his intake on formula, sometimes only having little more than 1 mL, sometimes making it past 2, and rarely but sometimes still takes 3 mL or even his upper limit of 7% his body weight. I've been feeding him formula twice a day now, around breakfast and dinner time as recommended, and he has continued to show weight gain, weighing the most he ever has this morning at his most recent weigh-in, weighing 46.97 grams. I did notice a small 0.16 gram drop the day after I stopped feeding him formula every 4 hours. He has not had any other recent weight decreases. I suspect the drop I saw was the result of his belly no longer being full of both formula and block, as I had continued to feed him every 4 hours for the first day he had block in his cage before I was instructed to decrease feedings. This morning, he almost entirely denied the formula. I offered it to him about 5-7 times before giving up. He mostly ran away from it. At one point, he tasted a drop before denying it. I will offer him formula again around 5-6 when I put 3 more pieces of squirrel block into his cage.

I'm not sure if I should let him eat in his cage or on me, so if I think I will be moving around a bit, I put him in his cage when I give him the blocks, as I don't want him choking by me moving him around while he's eating. Sometimes he will hold the block in his mouth and jump from his cage onto me, crawling into the pouch to eat it. I will let him if I'm going to sit down, so often I do let him.

How many times should he deny the formula until I should stop offering it to him and consider him weaned? Also, should I wait to install the wheel until he is fully weaned as it is for flying lessons?

I ordered in the in-shell hazlenuts for his teeth. I ordered them online for convenience, but the lowest amount they had available was a 4 lb bag, which is a rather large bag. I imagine it'd last years if they never went bad. When should I offer him one of those? Also, they seem rather big, hopefully not too big for him.

Lastly, I've stored the nuts I plan to use for his future squirrel blocks in the freezer as I understand this keeps them fresh the longest. I've stored the vitamins and protien powder in a drawer (not in cold storage, only dry storage) as the package recommends. Are these storage methods accurate? Also, would I want to store the in-shell hazlenuts in the freezer as well?

I've mentioned a lot of points, hopefully it isn't too much of a pain to scroll back and forth as you write your response. Cheers!

TomahawkFlyers

10-03-2024, 06:54 PM

Craig! So good to hear from you. What a great list of activities and questions. For the record and ever more, I am never frustrated by or too busy to answer questions. Ever. Let's see, now ...

1. It sounds as if Tyrant is pretty much weaned. It is that turning of the head, turning/running away that is your signal to call it a day with the formula. The boy is getting every last nutrient he needs from the blocks. For old times' sake, give him another go tonight and in the morning. My guess that without coaxing he won't take more than a few ml. He might just say "No thanks, blocks please! Squeak squeak!" Make sure you actually see him drinking water before you put the formula aside for your next flyer. His food and water bowls should be in the cage is the same place every day. He is about at that age where he is doing what squirrels naturally do. This includes running and jumping from place to place with food in his mouth. You can't stop him. It's ok, it is what he is meant to do.

2. Trim Trax. Easy peasy. It's good that you are installing them before first use of the wheel - Tyrant won't have to get used to two different things at two different times. To him, it will be one big discovery party. If you listen close enough, you'll be able to hear the "Wheeeee!" as he runs a mile a minute, throws his legs out from under him, plops belly down onto the spinning wheel as he pretends he's gliding.

3. Wheel? Gliding practice? Tyrant is 15 grams away from earning his "big boy pants." You can start with this really fun stuff now. Just remember gliding practice happens over the bed onto a pillow or over a chair where if he misses the back he lands on the seat cushion.

4. Hazelnuts. 4#. That is hilarious! Well, Halloween and Thanksgiving are coming around soon enough. Offer your mom 3 pounds to put out on the coffee table along with a nut cracker and a dish for shells. Sorry - I can't stop laughing. 4#! You do know that most grocery stores carry unshelled nuts in the produce department? Either in 1# bags or in bushel baskets from which you scoop and weigh your own. OK, I'll stop picking on ya.

5. Back to the wheel for a second - the sterilization procedure is not necessary for that or for most things. The cage you bought housed other critters, undoubtedly almost as cool as Tyrant. With those critters came a possibility of bacteria, virus, or other stuff that could have harmed Tyrant. That cage was really the only target for the sterilization. I should have been more specific. Sorry. If you're planning to rob a bank, do it now while your fingerprints are gone.

6. Block ingredient storage - you are correct on all counts. Rule of thumb: Shelled nuts, up to six months in the freezer. Unshelled nuts, two to three months in the produce drawer of the fridge. Freezing unshelled nuts worries me - and it is a personal and unproven fear. When a nut is frozen in its shell, its moisture freezes and expands. When it thaws, the nut contracts and leaves the moisture on the surface of the meat of the nut. The shell, while microporous, doesn't seem (to me) to allow timely dissipation of the moisture. Moisture+air+microporosity=(to me!) spoiled nuts. Spoiled nuts=aflatoxins. Aflatoxins+pet squirrels=death. Wild squirrels won't eat bad nuts. Pet squirrels see owners as "Mom!" They completely trust mom to put safe things on their plate. This is also why there should be no acorns, ever.

7. Weight loss and weight gain. Craig, don't drive yourself crazy. Tyrant will be a different weight in the morning and at night, before he's pooped and peed and afterwards, before he eats and after. Keep in mind we're talking grams and not pounds. A little heads up before Tyrant is introduced to his wheel. He might lose a little weight from all the exercise. Nothing to be worried about. Also, once he gets used to the wheel, there will be some nights when he will be running when you go to bed and he'll still be running when you wake up. He'll also grab a block or a hazelnut and run in the wheel like someone or something is going to catch him and take it away. All part of squirrelhood. No worries.

Ha! I hope there is enough info here for you to read without dozing off. Ha Ha! A new nickname is rattling around - Craig "Four Pound" Brown. "4#" for short. Tell your mom - she'll be thrilled! Pictures/video of Tyrant's first foray in the wheel?

Jamie

Craig

10-03-2024, 08:54 PM

Thank you for the response! Regarding point 3, just to be clear, are you saying I can put the wheel in his cage and begin to teach him to glide now, or should I wait until he is 15 grams heavier? I just don't want to have misread your reply and start too early.

Also, yeah, the 4 lb bag is kind of nuts (pun intended). I asked my mom if she thought the store might have them and she said no and suggested I buy some online, but I guess I shouldn't always take what other say as 100% accurate. I'm sure I can find something to do with my surplus of shelled hazelnuts.

No worries about the misunderstanding regarding the disinfectant. I was sure to use thick gardening gloves to hopefully keep it off my fingers. I guess I will have to find out if it worked tomorrow. Though I will be sure to make note of that from now on and not go crazy disinfecting everything. Should soap and water be enough to clean what I need to if I bought more perches at the store?

Also, I might have just missed it, but should I give Tyrant his first shelled hazelnut to crack open now or wait until he is a big bigger?

TomahawkFlyers

10-03-2024, 11:05 PM

Hey there 4#,

You and Tyrant are cleared for takeoff. You can begin both activities now. Be super gentle with the gliding. If you are buying things that are packaged and have not been used by other critters, there is no need to even wash with soap and water. It is use by other critters that presents risk to Tyrant. If something has been exposed to other critters, then sterilize. Tyrant is chowing down on block. He can have a hazelnut in the shell (so he has to chew through the shell to get at the nut) now. Two things. The hazelnut will be approximately the size of his head. Hilarity will ensue when he moves around with it in his mouth. Also, he will need days or weeks to get through that shell. When he does, he will have made a perfectly round hole the size of the nut and the nut will be gone. The event is kind of like an honorary Bar Mitzvah (doesn't matter whether Tyrant is Jewish) and that shell should become a keepsake for the two of you.

Jamie

TomahawkFlyers

10-03-2024, 11:27 PM

https://henryspets.com/fresh-hazelnuts-in-the-shell-squirrel-treats/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACsmfZYZ8v4KbjczLor_y_POAxGV0&gclid=CjwKCAjwgfm3BhBeEiwAFfxrG43rNp8LiZqLLqPDZFuE khotphI_KwYffWoysGdDUIE1JM2eJ0tw6hoCEJYQAvD_BwE

https://www.amazon.com/Nuts-com-Hazelnuts-Shell-Bag-Harvested/dp/B0D8CJZ47H/ref=sr_1_7_sspa?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KHVa517Nto2tVnJJ1 w1PAHu5DXFp7ugvKWFb2vQHxZ1gb0xv3yEtNQEw4miMGuq-vrU_BUCUo6D3FHU5OQ0GwCSopEX4ovwsewGmkeRzhxegfRjaCQ OonJoCWb-27W7TWdhbTzEZf38qtx-ZQjO4VAjiOb52EJVPabtMa4Sd6L_lq5S0WhfpGbtyb-RKa9oy_k-rJsBQOxgRVRe7YasWfYENvx08ZGIJv8Bc58xbiWs.WkJhOopIh 4GV1ioXlxoVHXv0cYycJfKWqGZIyZ5qaOg&dib_tag=se&hvadid=178563964786&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9019196&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=1141949433803954634&hvtargid=kwd-16552721&hydadcr=7343_9609001&keywords=hazelnuts&qid=1728012253&sr=8-7-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

https://www.anuts.com/nuts/hazelnuts-filberts/filberts-in-shell-per-lb/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD6G_fxlwM_kUsjoceH1oNy9CJBfh&gclid=CjwKCAjwgfm3BhBeEiwAFfxrGy9cRl5GtUNr0okOjb2X-G7rM7olGdxZAoh0wuRfPqUwP0wjDasxQBoCIkQQAvD_BwE Low price - not sure about shipping. They have in the shell walnuts and almonds.

Craig

10-04-2024, 01:18 AM

Wow, I could've sworn I looked all over Amazon. Good to know now at least.

I've installed the wheel after a wee bit of trouble. I put Tyrant on it but he hasn't seemed too interested in running and keeps trying to chew on the trim trax. It's a work in progress. I'll be sure to send videos once he figures out how to use it. And I'll give him a shelled hazelnut here soon.

Craig

10-09-2024, 12:00 AM

I meant to update sooner but I've been quite busy with school lately. He seems to like his wheel a lot but it's hard to get video of it as I usually hear him running on it after I put him in his cage while I'm going to bed, so the footage I have is from a distance away from him, and isn't the best quality.

He is still taking formula, sometimes 1 mL, sometimes 3 mL, so I've continued to offer it to him. After re-reading your reply now though, I may have misjudged in continuing with the formula.

Also should I start incorporating other foods into his diet soon? I was going to wait until he was off formula but didn't think he'd continue to take it for so long.

Him eating: https://youtube.com/shorts/_afvs42lvIQ?si=iZtzNGLR3AYiZyoD

https://youtube.com/shorts/Xz__kLG-MK0?si=P4YrQOqeWrl8VqOW

Wheel: https://youtube.com/shorts/3d2Z1JBLZ_o?si=0ZUyKBDhqpcTzxxy

https://youtube.com/shorts/G5O1ROXCxRc?si=uOE0FjQzGA_VUvjV

TomahawkFlyers

10-09-2024, 01:11 AM

Oh, man! Craig, Tyrant is truly one of the most precious flyers I've ever encountered. These photos and videos fill an already happy life with such great joy. You are an amazing flyer dad. You two deserve each other in the very best way. Wow. Just wow.

By all means, keep providing the formula until he turns away from it. At this point, Tyrant can eat anything at all from the good/safe foods list. Just keep in mind the pyramid. Blocks at the foundation, supplemental foods in the middle, and treats at the top. Most, less, least; and, as you know already, always fresh clean water. Keep it up, Craig - you are both doing so very well!

We both hope school is going well for you and that prospects for life after school are shaping up. We both hope to meet you, perhaps at the 2025 Gathering of the Nuts.

Jamie

Craig

10-11-2024, 12:40 PM

Thank you so much! He is still taking the formula, he took 2 mL at this morning's feeding. I offered him lettuce yesterday and he ate some; he seemed to really like it. As far as quantity goes, how often /how much should he be able to eat of fruit? I make sure his water bowl is full of clean water every day, and I put his food blocks next to his water in his cage. Should I invest in a small food dish/bowl? I imagine that may make it easier for him to know what to look for when going to get his food. Sometimes when I put his block in the cage and leave him in there with it for a bit, I notice he hasn't moved it or tried to hide it, but when I put him in front of it and hold it up for him, he takes it and eats it or runs off with it without any problem.

I hope to meet you both as well! Is the Gathering of the Nuts event always held in the same place? I'd love to go, but Virginia is quite the drive away, and I worry I won't be able to find the time for the trip. Do you have a link to a forum post with more information regarding the 2025 Gathering of the Nuts? I've tried to look for information regarding the event but have been unsuccessful.

Also, I was combing through various videos I took of Tyrant that I thought would be nice to share here, and finally found the time to sit through them all and upload the ones I thought were best. Most of these videos were taken around the same time I took the other videos that I had shared one comment earlier. I've also noticed a bit ago that he seems to have a white end to his tail. About 1/3 or maybe more of his tail seems to be white actually. I think you can see it clearest in the first video I've linked and in the last link of him playing with the fleece blanket (3rd from the last link overall). I've looked it up and it seems to be a recessive genetic trait some squirrels possess. I just thought it was neat and wanted to share.

General:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3Xxa1VB7-os

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/eIsQq4ldBI4

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/x-lzGltL7QI

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/F5dUZR6J-Wk

Playing with a piece of fleece blanket

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A9QHMN65jg8

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qZ-BOCm1eps

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4Mxe1qkEvc0

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_fY2i1bjUxk

Eating

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3DQ7FKduf6k

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/MYBBP95oY3M

Craig

10-13-2024, 01:11 AM

I had a quick concern. Tyrant seems fine now, but while we were playing and he was jumping to the chair, he began squeaking as he ran around to the chair's back. I didn't want to move him in case he was injured. I took a quick video so I could post it here. He stopped squeaking shortly after and I carefully removed his claws from the chair, placing him back in his cage.

He didn't display any unusual behavior and seems fine now. He's back on me now, though I'm going to let the jumping rest for tonight. Hoping to get some information on what caused it.

https://youtube.com/shorts/MPn0AgxOp3c?si=u2G7GS2H0XmbvVlv

TomahawkFlyers

10-13-2024, 02:38 PM

Hi Craig - sorry for the late reply. It has been crazy around here - getting all the outdoor stuff finished (as much as possible) and buttoned up before the snow flies. The Tomahawk Flyers colony is starting to show up in their winter digs in our flyer room. Some old faces, some new - glad to have them all. They are wild and free to come and go, but as it gets really cold they mostly come and not so much go. Block production will increase!

Tyrant is not squeaking. He is chirping. It is a way for flyers to alert their colony mates that there is something new there or happening and everyone needs to know about it to be safe. Gliding is so new to Tyrant, and he is undoubtedly having a great time and pleased with himself over this new activity, that his "wild" got tickled and he chirped. Absolutely normal. No harm done.

Thanks so much for the previous videos. We are so delighted to be able to be part of Tyrant's growing up and into his deep, deep relationship with you. If you think about it, your relationship with Tyrant is a small and ever-so-real taste of what it is to be a father with a son who means everything to you. We could hear it in your voice when you were worried that Tyrant had hurt himself.

Nothing on the 2025 Gathering yet. We usually hear something after the new year.

Keep at it, Craig. You are a natural!

Jamie

Craig

10-14-2024, 10:34 AM

That is a relief! I showed one of my friends the video and he said he thought Tyrant was vocalizing excitement. Glad to know it's normal and not of concern. No worries about any late replies! I completely understand being busy or not being able to get around to it.

If you don't mind me asking, are all of your flyers free to come and go? I was under the impression you had some flyers completely in your care. I was just curious as I enjoy telling my parents about you guys.

I think you're right about having Tyrant being a small taste of fatherhood. I recall explaining to my friend one time how I felt responsible for caring for Tyrant and was anxious to see him do well, worried about any suffering he might endure if I failed. He responded and said that it seemed as if my paternal instinct was kicking in.

As far as diet goes, I want to ensure I'm using the proper amounts. If blocks are 40% diet, would that be calculated by weight? Should I pick an assortment of vegetables and weigh them to be the other 60% of diet or more-or-less offer vegetables to Tyrant throughout the day as well as leave some in his cage at night? He's mostly just eaten block and lettuce so far; he doesn't seem to want celery. I've given him two crumb-sized bits of apple but don't really know how much or often fruits can be given to flyers.

TomahawkFlyers

10-14-2024, 12:57 PM

What a glorious thing it is to have a joyful little friend!

Regarding coming and going as they please, we have three groups of flyers, plus one mouse.

Group 1 includes our three non-release kids. Ollie is a rescued cat-caught who has been so terrified of anything that moves that we've kept her indoors where she can learn that something like the cat trauma will never happen again. That has worked well, since she is becoming less timid and will actually approach us and jump on us when she gets the chance, She has become "domesticated" and would not survive in the wild. Jet is a rescue from a hurricane in Florida. The family that found him (an astoundingly loving and large family) kept him safe until he had grown out of infancy. They were going to hand him off to a rehabber. We were concerned that he had been around humans for awhile, had a LOT of interactions with parents and 10(!) kids. He was likely to scurry over to a hawk in the wild to make friends and become lunch. We flew down to get him and we drove back in a rental car that was far too nice for what we paid. Franky came rushing in to the house from the attic one day a few months ago. Something had to have been chasing him - he cowered in a corner in the bathroom for several hours. We eventually tried to pick him up and he let us. That is unheard of in a wild flyer. He was literally frozen in fear. We quarantined him, fed and watered him, and then let him interact with Jet. Those two have become inseparable partners in crime, so we have made room for Franky. Mys, our mouse, was a tiny, eyes-still-closed baby when we found him on our basement stairs. I picked him up, raised him on the baby squirrel protocol, and now he is the healthiest and luckiest mouse in Wisconsin. He lives in a mansion, interacts marginally with us, and eats a diet that should give him life well beyond that given most little guys like him. Each of these kids is a full member of our family.
Groups 2 and 3 include our "Attic" and backyard/lake Squirrels. Early in the construction of this house, we checked on some rustling in the batt insulation in the attic and discovered that a colony of 18 had made their home up there. The DNR told us the flyers would freeze to death if we removed them and looked away while we overwintered them that winter. We kept them in a four story Critter Nation cage, and 18 became 26. In the spring, I drilled a hole in the outside wall of an upstairs porch room and placed a PVC pipe from the cage, through the wall, and into an outdoor nest box on the side of the house. we opened that tube in the spring and some of the kids left to become group 3 and some circled back to the attic. Most have come and gone as they please, and the females make full use of the "maternity wards" built into the giant cage to carry, give birth to, and raise their babies while protecting them from male flyers. When we closed up the soffits that spring, we left a small hole for any flyers who wanted to come and go through the attic. That has become a well-traveled route and we provide food and water every night where they come down into the house from the attic. We love our little creatures, and we think the feeling is returned. No animal is ever turned away from here, or turned out if they choose to stay. At present, the total count including the non-release crew is between ten and twelve. We experience new generations every spring and fall. It is a gift like no other and the experience has profoundly affected our lives.

Regarding diet, I wouldn't worry so much about percentages as I would about adhering to the shape of the triangle. Mostly block, then somewhat less vegetables, then somewhat less protein and very carefully picked over food from the wild (no acorns, ever!) and then treats like fruit and nuts. No junk food. He'll eventually try to guilt you into sharing a bite of candy or a chip - don't succumb. Sugar and salt are really hard on his tiny body. A good rule of thumb for fruit/nut treats is to provide them after the block and vegetables have been consumed. He'll enjoy the treat, but only eat until he is full. He'll leave some of the treat behind or try to stash it. Take it away when he has finished eating it.

Thanks for keeping us in the loop on your journey with Tyrant. It is a bright spot every time we hear from you.

Jamie

Craig

10-16-2024, 04:03 PM

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing that! I've read it aloud to my mom, I plan to read it to my dad later today.

As far as diet goes, how much variation or different types of produce would you recommend I mix into his diet a day? And would a little bit of fruit/nuts every day be okay or should it be spaced out more such as every 2-3 days?

TomahawkFlyers

10-16-2024, 09:34 PM

I'm glad you enjoyed that, Craig.

Regarding varieties of food, the pyramid is your (and Tyrant's!) friend. Whatever you feed him, be sure it is in proportions shown on the pyramid and that it is on the list of known good foods. Variety is a good (great!) thing, and unlike human toddlers who often fuss at new foods, flyers will sniff it and then, provided they're hungry, almost always dig in. Fruit, nuts, and other treats are fine every day - as long as the amount you provide matches the pyramid. Remember, it's a treat - not a meal, and you and Tyrant will be fine. In wouldn't hurt to get some powdered calcium citrate, put the proposed nuts in a bag with a tablespoon of the calcium, and shake it up before giving Tyrant a piece.

Take Good Care, Craig!

Jamie

Craig

10-27-2024, 10:04 PM

It's been a while since I've given an update. I actually had a short list of things I wanted to mention, but it can wait for now as I can't seem to get this one thing off my mind. Tyrant seems to be developing more of a personality, and some of that seems to include more independence, which is fine. Though he does seem to vocalize his distaste when I go to grab him when he is seemingly not wanting to be grabbed.

I encountered it again today when he was in his cage for a short time and I went to grab him again for feeding. I put him back in his cage a little while after and did some homework with him in his cage for a few minutes before going to grab him again while recording. Here is that video.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/im9N-40PXIg

Is this normal behavior? Was I wrong to continue picking him up when he was wanting to be left alone? Should I leave him be when he does this and wait for him to willingly come to me? Is this the result of him not being handled enough? He is with me for most of my waking day, though he is mostly in his pouch, my shirt, or my pocket. I've never had him make those noises when I pick him up out of my pocket or shirt, he has done it before in his pouch, typically if he has food he is protecting. I play with him at night, though some nights I can only play for a bit because I am tired by the time he is awake. Just wondering if there is anything I can do so prevent this behavior if possible. Thank you!

TomahawkFlyers

10-27-2024, 11:31 PM

Craig! It is terrific to hear from you and to know that Tyrant is growing normally and doing well. Let's discuss Tyrant's new sound. First, close your eyes and imagine you are at Walmart. Are you there? Good! Now, do you see that little 2 year-old kid standing in the cereal aisle holding onto that box of Count Chocula? The one labeled "New and improved! Now with extra sugar!" Mom, who has three other kids with her, is trying to take that cereal away from the kid. The kid starts screaming as if the Devil himself is right there, pulling the kid feet first into the blast ovens of Hell. Mom is reaching for her almost empty bottle of Valium. Can you hear that kid's screams? Now, open your eyes and compare that to the sound on the recording you made. Through a Universal Translator, that little kid and Tyrant are making exactly the same sound, with the same pent-up juvenile rage behind it. Displeasure? Expressed!

There isn't a thing you can or should do in response to that noise, other than to give Tyrant a little more space as he grows through his youth into adulthood. Unless he's a Democrat, his childish protestations will level out. You had it right as you slowly put your hand in his hut. You went too far when you picked him up. He is now of an age when communing with you sometimes needs to be his idea. He doesn't love you any less. He is just developing independence. Don't force him - he'll come to you. It's all good!

Jamie