2 12 years old, became pretty lathargic 4-5 days and breathing thru mouth some

[mattb]

From what I read this may be pneumonia. I have some Baytril ordered from a bird place but it won't be here till next week. When we raised our 3 babies I was concerned about aspiration and pneumonia. Not sure that is what is going on now, but seems like similar symptoms. Sleeps in her house all day, seems to be opening and closing mouth regularly and yawning some. I guess mouth breathing. Sometimes when I hold her she is shaking, not always but sometimes. She makes a popping sound sometime when she breathes, but I don't hear a regular click. We worked hard to keep this runt alive. She was slow released but only made it outside for about 4 weeks before she was near dead and we decided to give her a home. She is now 2 1/2, can't jump much and has only half a tail. My daughter is a Dr and I could maybe get some human meds, but doseage will be an issue. Thanks for your help. I want to keep her going.

[CritterMom]

If your daughter could get you either Cipro or amoxicillin clavulanate - you would only need one pill of either.

Then, if you can provide us with the squirrel's weight, preferably in grams but we can do the math is we need to, and the size in milligrams of the antibiotic you get - both are available in different sizes - one of us can give you very precise directions to dilute and dose the human size med appropriately for your squirrel.

You WILL need a 1ml syringe with clear markings to do all of this.

[mattb]

I have amox-clav pills on hand but I can text her to see if she will get me one pill. Does it sound like pneumonia? Surprised, but she may be prone to lung stuff, she is small and was never real healthy.
I can weigh her.

thanks for your promptness

mb

[mattb]

My amoxclav bottle says 875-125 mg. I assume 125 mg pills

matt

[mattb]

She is 380 grams.

I am going to get a syringe will check in in a bit.

matt

[CritterMom]

I sent you the dosing by PM. Once you have gotten the first dose in, come back and give us some info on her background, diet, where and how she lives, etc.

[mattb]

Here is the background story on Rupert and his brother and sister we raised over 2 years ago. Rupert has had the first dose of amoxclav. thanks so much for this forum.


https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?68059-3-little-grays

Any advice on probiotic doseage after amoxclav med?

[SammysMom]

Can you post a picture of Rupert? Has his tail always been short?
If possible, offering a heating pad set on lowin a spot where he can't reach to chew it might be comforting.

[mattb]

Ruperts tail was chewed off twice while she was outside. She was attacked in her house twice in a week and each time part of her tail was chewed off. Not sure if this picture will appear or if it is the right one. Th peic showed up and the part of the tail with no hair dropped off.
328493

[SammysMom]

Poor sweetie... what is her every day diet?

[mattb]

This is the story of our rescues and the runt and her life and feeding today. I've tried to accomodate most everything I've read

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?68059-3-little-grays

[mattb]

I've done 3 treatments with the Amox-Clav. Rupe is still mouth breathing and no energy. When I get her out she stays out for a few minutes and gets her medicine. Pretty much stays in her box the rest of the time. Hoping to see some improvement in a day or two. Not eating much except fresh corn. 3-4 pieces a day. I cut the cob into 1 inch pieces. As long as she is eating it, I will keep giving it to her.

[CritterMom]

I read through your old thread. Is she eating the henry's blocks, and if so, how many a day? You do know how bad corn is for them, right? I would rather see her eating something else - even if you got a bottle of Ensure - the meal replacement shakes for people - and offered her some of that - try warming it.

[mattb]

This is fresh corn, not field corn. Is that still not good for squirrels? She picks around on maybe one block a day. I try to give her all types of foods since she never eats much of any one kind. Usually corn is 1 piece about an inch long per day. Only the last 4-5 days I have been giving her as much as she will eat. I've been worried about hydration and figured corn would give her moisture, too. Would she want the ensure like a baby? Should I try formula like we did the first 6-8 weeks? With a syringe? I welcome all info and tips.

thanks

[CritterMom]

It doesn't matter where the corn comes from - it isn't pesticides or anything like that that is the issue. Due to the enormous amount of phosphorus as compared to calcium in corn, it leaches calcium from the bones of the animal, causing metabolic bone disease, a huge problem for captive squirrels.

I would continue the meds, but I would also do the following immediately. Begin the MBD treatment. You need plain calcium without added D (they need D but not in the high quantities that are put in human supplements). The fastest way to get your hands on it now is Tums - the tablets you take for indigestion. Get the fruit flavored tablets and absolutely use the store brand if you have it. You want TABLETS not gummies and get a fruit flavor, not peppermint.

https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?32122-MBD-Treatment

When you get the Tums please let us know what the strength is so we can advise how much to give daily.

And PLEASE order some Henry's blocks: https://henryspets.com/squirrel-blocks/ The Picky blocks and the Walnut are very popular. They should be stored in the freezer. She should be consuming 2-3 a day. They are designed to prevent and help resolve MBD and provide all of the vitamins and minerals they need.

Yes, by all means try giving her formula, as long as you have stored it in the freezer (it goes rancid at room temp in a fairly short time). Otherwse, buy new or try the ensure in a pinch. Try heating it and using a syringe, if not, see if she will lap it off a dish.

This may be unrelated to what she is going through or it may be a big part of the problem but regardless, it is an issue. Any time I see "corn" I worry - it is SO bad for them and they love it SO much...

[mattb]

Thanks for the info. I will try to modify her diet as you have reccomended. This morning she came out for quite awhile and ate a variety of foods I put in for her. I have picky blocks and hazelnut blocks. Henris mix and I found another food mix I ordered a few days ago that should be here in a couple days. I'll dig out what it is and post in a follow up. I did buy tums a couple days ago. I should mase them up? I will ty Ensure in a saucer to see how she does. My wife has chocolate on hand, is that OK. Should I just try it? Should I get some vanilla? I have tried to give her every food option I can, hoping she will get a variety of nutrients and vitamins.

thanks

[mattb]

My tums are 1000 mg calcium. I crushed up 2 and mixed with a big tablespoon of peanut butter. Put some on a picky bloc and some on a hazelnut block. Some on a rat pellet and some on a pecan. She took the pecan and looked like she was going to eat it in her house. I pulled out all other food and just left the blocs and pellet with peanut butter on them. I will either get vanilla insure today or pick up the formula mix we had for when the quirrels were babies. It was a dry puppy formula reccomended here. I think they also do a premix, which with only one squirrel is probably enough. I used to mix a batch as needed and keep it in the frig. She is more active and checking out anything going on instead of just hiding in her box. She is still mouth breathing and a small cough evry now and then.

[mattb]

https://www.kaytee.com/all-products/small-animal/forti-diet-pro-health-dental-mouse-rat

This is the other food I just got. I have henri's blocs, exotic nutrition complete squirrel food and hope to get her into this more than the other foods she eats. I also got some mixed salad fixins that includes cabbage and other greenery. I'll cut down corn to just a small taste every day and maybe she will eat more of these other foods.

[SammysMom]

If you look at the back of the Tums bottle, it will show how much "elemental calcium". Best to mix the tums with water and syringe it into her mouth. One whole Tums all at once and then one Tums stretched out over each 24 hours.

[mattb]

The tums had a 1000 for the calcium listed. To be honest I am not too concerned with this at the moment. There are too many other things I am changing and concerned with. I am dosing twice a day with the amoxclav. I think we are seeing some improvement. Definitely she is more active.

That dose is so small, I wonder if it is sufficient. .12 ml amounts to a couple drops it seems to me. I am filling to the black seal of the plunger to measurement line of .12. That isn't much.

All the food has been withdrawn, except a bowl with Exotic Nutrition squirrel mix. She has never done more than pick at this. I have given her picky blocks and hazelnut blocks. She had nothing to do with them for the first couple days. Yesterday she finally got interested in the picky blocks. I microwave for 5 seconds or so and she is eating 4 of more per day. I have walnut blocks coming today along with the calcium powder Henrys sells. I hope a bit of the powder on the picky block will fool her and she will continue to eat the blocks and get additiional calcium. I have the different pellets which so far she hasn't been interested in. I would sure like to find some kind of flavoring that would make some of this other stuff appealing. She has quit eating romaine lettuce which was our go to for green stuff and I have pulled fresh corn, allowing only a piece of cob about 1/2 inch wide cut in half. This as a treat and maybe a piece of pecan twice a day. Anybody have any tips for something to season up pellets so she would be interested in them? Walnut extract or anything similar??? Is there a limit to how many blocks she should be allowed? Probably 4-6 is where she seems to be.

I am thankful for this board and the advice and help I've got here.

mattb

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hello, dose is correct. By now you should have giving 10 doses.

Make sure you refrigerate solution and shake well before pulling a dose. As you draw up on syringe, measure to bottom of black plunger seal for dose. (post picture if you are unsure)

My main concern is has the squirrel stopped mouth breathing ?? (increased activity is also good sign)

Mr.SSG

[mattb]

I'm not sure, but mouth breathing may be less or gone. I thought yesterday it was less. I still hear a pop/exhale/cough some when she is on my shoulder. I have occaisionally heard this for a long time, I thought yesterday evening that the noise may not be as frequent.

I will try to pay more attention as the day goes on and report back later.
thanks

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi Matt,

Sounds like some progress. Less mouth breathing and more active are good signs.

Ms Rupert is very lucky to have your care! Thank you.

[mattb]

I think we still have mouth breathing, maybe not all the time.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Is she eating better than a few days ago ??

You indicated activity has increased.

Mouth Breathing - would you say gasping for air or slow inhales ??

Did you still order the Baytril ?? If yes, when does it deliver ?? Strength (10% ??)

[mattb]

Pretty sure mouth breathing is still there along with alittle cough every 10-15 seconds. I did get the packet of Enroflaxin today. It says 10% powder. Eating most of 4-5 blocks today, either walnut or picky.

I can probably get a script for cipro if that is better.

Here is a pic of the package
328522

[mattb]

Not gasping unless that is what she is doing when she looks to be yawning. I see her mouth appears open just a little or else it is moving like she is chewing something. All advice is very welcome

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi Matt,

Enro packet is for animals and cipro is for humans - so you are covered for now. I was just checking since these are different antibiotic than the amox/clav she on now. No change AB and follow the PM instructions.

At rest or quiet time, I hope she is normal breathing. When active or excited, maybe a little mouth breathing since she is winded and lungs are still clearing.

I'm glad she is eating and active - signs of improvement.

Keep posting updates. Other TSB folks might chime in with their thoughts.

MrSSG

[mattb]

Does seem to breath normal some of the time. Eating is much better and that is all healthy blocks. I hope it is ok and I am going to try walnut flavoring or oil to maybe stimulate her eating some of the food pellets. maybe just put a little oil in my palm and work a mixture of exotic squirrel blend and pellets around between my palms. Maybe the little taste and scent will encourage munching on this during the day. In the past she would dig out pecans and munch on them, but leave the rest of the exotic food alone.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Will defer your food questions to other TSB folks.

Any way you can put up a video and post link here ??

(TSB does not have capability for direct posting of video - only pics)

[mattb]

I might be able to do a video, not sure. Threw out old med today and mixed a fresh batch. Still doing .12ml twice a day. Feeding blocks, only. Eating them better than in the psst, but that is al she has except the exotic nutrition squirrel mix which she doesn't really eat much. More later on breathing.

[mattb]

I think, maybe, breathing is better. I didn't hear any gasping,popping sounds when I had her out for meds this morning. Usually she sets on my shoulder and I can hear this little pop/gasp/cough every5-10 seconds. I didn't notice that this morn. My syringe is dark color and hard to see contents clearly. I have a feeling that my .12 dose has been short several times. I noticed yesterday that there may have been some air in the mix. Today I am going to pick up a clear syringe to solve this.

Mon she ate 4-5 tasty blocks. Tues she got 4-5 but I think she probably only ate a little. She didn't at them like she did Monday. I hope I can get her eating them and healthy pellets or mix. I did get some black walnut oil yesterday. I put a bit in my palm and rolled the pellets around in it. She was intersted right away and I think was more interested in licking the oil then crunching the pellet. Oil is probably not good for more than some flavor. Today I may try working oil into the pellets and then baking them for a few minutes. Don't know what this will achieve, but I would feel a lot better if I knew she was nibbling on this during the day and was actually eating healthy foods.

She is really wary of me taking her out now!!! She knows it means medicine is coming!!! I have always tried to not take her out of her box. I like her to be out when I pick her up. Think it's good she can always feel secure in her box with no threats.

Any tips for getting her to eat other healthy foods? How long can a picky block be available? Couple hours? 8 hours? I keep them frozen and microwave for 7-8 seconds, check temp and break them in half.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi Matt,

You are doing great and glad to hear that breathing is better. Rupert is very lucky!

I know its hard measuring to the 1/100th on a syringe. You are close to the end of dosing treatment. Clear syringe is easier to see markings. Using the dark syringe, you can over draw a little (say to 0.2) then point syringe up and tap with finger to get air out. Then push plunger up to dose amount. (honestly, its hard to get exact 0.12 so get close.)

Another tip is after shaking the solution container initially, do a slow stir since some powder sticks to the container bottom. Then shake again before pulling a dose in the syringe.

Sorry I can't help on your food question but hope someone on TSB jumps in.

Keep up with updates. Thank you!

Mr.SSG

[mattb]

I think she's doing better. I don't see mouth open like I have. I still hear a little pop/gasp when she is close enough for me to hear it. Maybe every 10-15 seconds. She is coming out more and not just sleeping in her box all day. She does sleep a lot anyway, and always has.

Today she didn't want to eat any blocks. I finally got a small handful of the Exotic Squirrel mix and put in her little bowl. As soon as I did she started picking thru it and carrying pieces up on top of her cage. She is picky and was obviously hungry. I wish I could figure out how to get her to eat the blocks. I don't think starving her is the answer. She is already thin. Of the 3 babies, she was the runt and never put on weight. Anybody have any feeding tips, I am anxious to hear them.

I did gt a clear syringe today which will make correct dosages easier.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi Matt,

All sounds good and I'm so glad. Keep up the good work.

Someone will answer your nutrition questions soon.

Mr.SSG

[TubeDriver]

You can try making boo balls. Boo balls are a ground up mixture of rodent block and nuts. So for example, finely grind up block and some unsalted almonds. Mix them together, 80% block and 20% almonds. Use unsweetened apple sauce as a binder. Make up a baseball sized amount and keep stored in the fridge. You can scoop out a spoon sized amount for each feeding.

The advantage of boo balls is that the good stuff (rodent block) and the bad but tasty stuff (unsalted almonds/pecans) are mixed and she can't just pick out the nuts. You can adjust the mixture (more nuts for taste and to get her started on boo balls) and then less nuts in the mix so it is more healthy. There are other recipes too, some people add formula or other ingredients.




I think she's doing better. I don't see mouth open like I have. I still hear a little pop/gasp when she is close enough for me to hear it. Maybe every 10-15 seconds. She is coming out more and not just sleeping in her box all day. She does sleep a lot anyway, and always has.

Today she didn't want to eat any blocks. I finally got a small handful of the Exotic Squirrel mix and put in her little bowl. As soon as I did she started picking thru it and carrying pieces up on top of her cage. She is picky and was obviously hungry. I wish I could figure out how to get her to eat the blocks. I don't think starving her is the answer. She is already thin. Of the 3 babies, she was the runt and never put on weight. Anybody have any feeding tips, I am anxious to hear them.

I did gt a clear syringe today which will make correct dosages easier.

[mattb]

Great info, I actually was going to pound some pellets and a few pecans to not quite powder. Then I was going to experiment with what us for a binder. I was hoping to make some individual small servings and maybe let them air dry to a solid state. I will try doing at as you say. That might work good. Will the pellets work to do this? The pellets are forti-diet for rats, mice and hamsters. Do you think a mix of pecans and pellets will work?

thanks for your answer.

[Charley Chuckles]

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[supersquirrelgirl]

Guess we need Admin help to delete to keep the noise down.......

[mattb]

It has been a week since I started the amox-clav. Rupe is definitely more active. Does not have mouth open all the time and doesn't appear to be breathing thru her mouth. I think realizing the old syringe wasn't holding a full dose, may have slowed down her recovery. The clear one is definitely easier to see that there is no air in the dose.

This morning I got some apple juice and crushed about an equal part pecans and forti-rat pellets, mixed a little apple juice in and made a ball of it. She has devoured 3 teaspoons of it so far. Of course not eating all the pellets, but still she is eating it some. I made a patty of the mixture and left it out on the counter. Experimenting to see if it hardens a bit, maybe should be open in the fridg, or sealed in the fridg. Maybe I will make up a batch and make smaller balls an just give her a small ball a couple times a day. I will continue with this and cut down the amount of pecans as I go forward. This was a good tip and I am thankful for all this help.
Maybe I will also add the picky blocks in this mix. Getting her to eat only healthy food is the next goal. I do still have a bowl of the exotic pets squirrel mix in her cage, but she just picks a couple things from it. 90% she doesn't eat. This forum has been a great help to me, now and 3 years ago when I found these babies and thought I would just call a rehabber to take them. Not, we became rehabbers for those 3. Of course Rupe was the runt and ended up back with us, but having solid advice makes this journey so much easier for humans and safer for the squirrels.

Thanks to all, I will continue to update. This is her setting on top of her cage munching a little while ago.
328532

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi Matt,

Sounds good and Thank you for praise of TSB. Id dosing complete or have a few more days ?? (yes, clear syringe is much easier to read)

Pic of Ms Rupert looks very nice. You're both lucky to have each other.

Mr.SSG

[mattb]

I think I ought to continue treatment for a couple more days, 10 days total. Seeing that I might not have given very accurate doses a few times and that we're just seeing her doing better, I think another 2 days is probably not a bad plan.

Today she has ate about 5 of the food balls I made up. This is also making us feel better now that she is eating food that is high in nutrients and vitamins. I will continue making these balls and will cut down the amount of pecans and walnuts as we go along.

Thanks for all the help.

[CritterMom]

Very good idea. You can go further than that if need be. I would like to see her symptom free.

[mattb]

I will continue at least another 5-7 days, then. We'll see how it works out.
thanks

[mattb]

I've been dosing for 10 days now. Rupert is doing much better and is more active. I don't think she is breathing thru her mouth any more. I still her a pop/gasp every 5-10 seconds. I've heard this in the past. Not sure if it has always been like this or if it has come and gone at times. I think I will treat her for another 2-3 days. Thoughts about this??

Eating better food, not as many nuts in her diet. I am making some food balls as has been previously mentioned. Still put the exotic squirrel mix in so she has something to nibble. A little fresh produce that she will eat from time to time.

I have a pack of Exotic Beneficial blocks. This seems to be mostly nuts. They are advertised as healthy. Any opinions on this?

Mattb

[CritterMom]

My opinion on ALL of the food at Exotic Nutrition is a big thumbs down. Lots of the stuff seems to be what squirrels WANT to eat, not what they SHOULD eat. I strongly recommend the Henry's foods. They even make treats that are all nutritionally balanced.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi Matt,

Great to hear Rupert is doing good. Agree you should continue AB to include day-14. This should more than enough cover any short-dosing you did early on.

Mr.SSG

[mattb]

Thanks for your opinion of the Exotic foods. I didn't see how anything so full of seeds and nuts could be healthy. I will stick to Henrys blocks, the mix I make up and fresh produce.

I'm going to continue meds for 2 more days.

I think she is much better, still have a popping/gasp every 5-10 seconds, but I've noticed that for over a year, so I guess it's not something that will get better.

thanks all.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi Matt,

Good work! So glad Ms. Rupert is doing good thanks to your loving care.

TSB is here if you need anything. I'll remove you from my care sheet.

Take Care,

Mr.SSG

[Mel1959]

If they are Henry�s blocks they are to have 2-3 per day�.maybe 4 if it�s a very large squirrel. You could try adding a little coconut oil or mashed avocado to the block. There is also a walnut oil available. I hope others will post with alternative well liked flavorings that can be added.

Have you considered making boo balls? There are recipes in the squirrel nutrition section. Basically it�s ground up hard extruded rodent block, I use Harlan Teklad. To the ground block I add ground nuts (to encourage them to eat it), powdered FV 20/50 formula (provides extra nutrition), calcium powder can also be added, then to hold it all together I mix in veggie/fruit baby food and some coconut or avocado oil. The mixture should be able to be rolled into balls and stay stuck together without being sticky. I can even get the wild squirrels to eat these and they prefer them over Henry�s Wild Bites.

[mattb]

Thanks for the feeding tips. I give her Picky blocks which she eats occaisionally. I do have walnut oil which I have seasoned them with. Per and earlier post, I have mashed up forti rodent pellets, pecans and walnuts, sprinkled with calcium and with some walnut oil and some apple juice. Maybe baby food works better than apple juice? She has ate and picked thru the balls I made and leaves a mess, but does eat a bit of everything.
I leave this in her cage all the time. I made the balls and let them air dry, then put in the fridg.

I have several bags of the squirrel mix from exotic, she only picks a few things from this, but I keep a small bowl of it in the bottom of the cage.

She eats broccoli, cauliflower and mushrooms some, so I usually put a bit of that in every morning and throw out whats left at nite.

I like the idea of making balls with most everything needed for a healthy diet and being able to have that available to her most of the day. I am going to continue to experiment with the formula and will try baby food next.

thanks

[Mel1959]

Yes, the hard extruded block like Harland is 100% complete nutrition. It’s the only thing fed to lab rats. Adding the powdered formula just ups the ante as they eat the balls and consume bits and pieces. I think Exotic Nutrition provides inferior nutrition compared to other food sources. Regal Rat made by oxbow and Mazuri Rat block are both recommended. Zupreem makes a monkey block that is also ok.

Have you tried kale, escarole, chicory, endive, dandelion greens and arugula? I’ve had squirrels prefer these types of lettuce.

[mattb]

Gonna do meds tomorrow and then stop it or mybe just go to one morning dose for another day or two. I have the forti diet for rats and it has most of what we look for in squirrel food. I'm going to try a mix with baby food as was suggested along with some pecans and walnuts. I hope I can come up with something she really likes and that is good for her. She nibbles and picks on the balls I made up and I will keep up with the picky blocks.
She just doesn't go after any one thing. Maybe a little of this today and then something else tomorrow.

I guess I think she should eat like my outside squirrels. I have 6-8 that won't leave you alone when you go out the back door. I give them all Rupies leftovers and they eat it all, right now. These guys live in the houses I put up when I first released Rupes brother and sister. They are close to the house and the squirrels just set and watch for somebody to come out. I keep thinking she should eat like they do. Maybe because she only scavenged for food the month or so she was outside, she isn't worried about eating like them. She is a runt and has never been fat.

We also feed a few deer at the edge of the yard. My wife has seen this a guy a few times, today is the first time I've seen him. The deer that have grown up here stand at the fence and just look at the house if the food bucket is empty. When you go out to fill it, they back up about 5 foot and as soon as you turn your back they came back to the bucket.
328577328577

[supersquirrelgirl]

You have a wonderful back yard!

My backyard has all wild squirrels (mostly foxers and 2 greys) that look in and tap the backdoor for food. We have a food box for seeds but now they just bang the cover lid like a doorbell. The come everyday and lay around. Some will sit next to you and chatter.

Good luck with Ms. Rupert.

[mattb]

I've enjoyed all types of anumals since I was a kid looking for crawdads in the creek. I've had quite a few small animals and alwys tried to learn about them. Internet has really opened up a lot of that info.

The squirrels are fun to fool with. I put peanuts in the kitchen window and they will climb to window and look in until they get attention and when you open the door they are on the step. I cut a small tree off about 3 foot above ground. It is nesx to the porch and about 5 foot from a big window in the family room. The tree with one of the boxes is about 5 foot farther out. A squirrel will just set on the stump staring in the house. When he sees you looking out he runs right to the back door! Usually there will be another 1 or 2 on the tree watching. Next thing yo set down and there are 5-6 begging for something.

We have a small chipmonk population. They went from being really scared to finally not minding being around you if they think they get something to eat. I give them sunflower seeds. Of course the squirrels will eat them all, but I made a feeder from 2 inch pvc pipe that the chips can get in, but not the squirrels. We got 5-6 every now and then. I have a cat problem and hawk problem, but I have warned the local cat owners I will catch and move their cats if I find them laying in wait on my porch. Twice the cats have caught chipmonks and took them home as a kill or food. I let them know that we've worked hard to get them established, but we don't let them go to the neighbors yards and kill their cats or birds.328583328584

[supersquirrelgirl]

Sounds like a great wildlife backyard or maybe a big acres lot ??

We live near a wilderness ridge and there's all kinds of animals up there. Seen mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, wild turkeys, hawks, owls, rabbits, and of course, the big crows. Many times, these animals patrol the neighborhood at late nights and early mornings. They jump fences and come into backyards quite often.

I can tell something is up when the squirrels jump to trees and the house roof all start barking out the alert. It gets very loud!

Sometimes a big hawk sits on the fence just waiting for squirrel to make a mistake. Hawks are so patient when hunting.

[mattb]

We are actually in a subdivision. Last house at a dead end. Woods runs behind us and trails along for 5 miles or so to thousands of acres of wooded hills. The other direction the woods runs into 150 acres of grass under radio towers and beyond it another 100 acres of woods that is isolated from roads. We do have foxes, turkeys, coyotes (rarely) but no Bobcats or mountain lions. The band of woods is no more than 100-150 yards wide.
It makes a nice backyard especially being the last house on the street.

[mattb]

Rupe is eatng a lot better, some fresh, some of the stuff I made up. She is more active and wanting out and happy to go downstairs where I let her run and she can climb and investigate every corner!

She still has a gasp/popping sound from her mouth every 5 seconds or so. I think she is probably still mouth breathing some. Sometimes she moves her mouth like she is chewing on something. Might be my imagination, but she sometimes looks like her mouth is open just a bit. Not sure if there is more I can do. Opinions.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Some thoughts....

When she is gasping, does her mid-body follow ?? Like taking a deep breath with her lungs move big ??

Any chance you can do a video ??

Could popping be from mouth or teeth ?? How loud is it ?? (need to be right next to her or hear a few feet away?)

Mr.SSG

[mattb]

I hear the popping when she is on my shoulder. Just a small gasp (air she kind of pops out). I see no other issues when she does this and I know she's done this off and on for a year or more. She is eating good, today mushrooms, snap peas, broccoli, nibbled on home made food block. Not bothering with Henry's blocks. She is more active. Still not always going, but she is over 2 years old and food is always there, she doesn't have to work for it. She sleeps 1/2 to 2/3 of the day. I might try to do some video. Kind of tricky, but maybe I could get her making the noise.

[mattb]

Rupie seems to be doing good now, active a lot more and eating a variety of foods. I don't hear the popping from her as she breathes like I was. Maybe still some but not as regularly as it has been. Looks like we got thru this pneumonia or respiratory infection and she is the best she has been for awhile. She is even jumping some, a foot or so. Back legs will never be right, but they are certainly better than a year or so.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Rupie seems to be doing good now, active a lot more and eating a variety of foods. I don't hear the popping from her as she breathes like I was. Maybe still some but not as regularly as it has been. Looks like we got thru this pneumonia or respiratory infection and she is the best she has been for awhile. She is even jumping some, a foot or so. Back legs will never be right, but they are certainly better than a year or so.

Always great to hear good news. Thanks for keeping us updated.

[island rehabber]

Very good news!!

[mattb]

Thought I would post some updated info. Too often we get answers we want and then never reply about it.

Rupert is doing great. She still has a small pop/gasp/release of air out of her mouth every 10-20 seconds most all the time when I have her out and she is close enough for me to hear it. She may be mouth breathing some, but I can't tell. Her mouth is not open much, but maybe a little, I just can't tell.

Her activity has increased greatly. She is active at least half the day or so. She has started jumping 2-3 feet which she hasn't been able to do for a long time. She still has weakness in her back legs, but they are stronger than ever. I did have the top of her cage open to a sheet of plywood that extended over the edge by 6 inches. She got strong enough to be able to climb off that and get loose. I've put another cage on top now so she can still climb up there but no longer get loose. I built her a two story house on this top level.

Her eating is greatly improved. Daily eating fresh mushrooms and snap peas. At least 4-5 pieces of what I call squirrel brownies. I make these based on info provided by a previous poster. I mash nuts and rat pellets about a 2 to 1 mix, less than half nuts. I add apple baby food, calcium supplement and bake on a cookie sheet for 20-30 minutes, till they look Ok. Cool and slice up or break into pieces. She eats 70% or more of this pretty much as often as I give it to her.

She is nearly 3 years old and I don't know how long this little runt will live, but she is doing so much better than 2 months ago and I'd like to thank all of you for your help.
mattb328656

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hi Matt,

Thank you for coming back with updates. This is wonderful news and you have done a great job helping Rupert recover. Thank you so much!

Happy Holidays!

Mr.SSG

[mattb]

Rupert is doing great. I bet she's gained 10-20 grams in the last few months. Eating a variety of fresh foods and brownies I bake for her. I noticed her mouth seemed to be open a bit and looking closely, I am pretty certain she needs her teeth trimmed. This is my fault for not having something for her to chew on. I have kept antler in her cage for a while and also gave her walnuts I picked up. She quit chewing the antler so I gave it to outside squirrels and I asked my son in law for a leg bone or antler and he forgot and is been to busy to remember, he lives 40 miles away. I've watched videos and read up on teeth cutting here on the board and asked my daughter to help me. It will be a chore, but I can hold her firm and also keep a stick behind her teeth. My daughter is a Dr and has that attude that she can do anything, so I'll let her cut!!! I think we'll do it this weekend. I have about 6 pair of diagonal pliers and will find the smallest pair. I have "new" toenail clippers that are like larger size of fingernail clippers. I'll use whatever seems to cut easiest and cleanest. I'll do some trial cuts on wood dowels and see which cuts best. More to come

[TomahawkFlyers]

Just saw the Christmas squirrel picture. What a great shot! Your daughter will know that there are nerve bundles in those teeth and to not cut too much so they don't get exposed. Your daughter is brave. Remind her that Rupert can crack a pecan in one bite. Having "Dr. Stumpy" on her name tag would be bad for business. Watch those fingers! https://www.squirrelstore.com/teeth-cutters/ These are called flush-cut diagonal cutters and are available at any hardware store or hobby shop. They are SHARP so they won't crush and rigid so the blades don't deflect and you can maintain control. Medium size. The ones in the 2 for $5 bin will get you nowhere. A brand name like Knipex, Klein, Tsunoda, WIHA, etc. is worth the extra few dollars to be sure Rupert doesn't get hurt.

Jamie

[mattb]

I'll hold Rupert firmly and keep a stick behind her teeth. All my daughter will ahve to do is clip at the appropriate place. I think we'll error on the not enough side. I took this picture from another post, is this what we should strive for?328768

I may be able to get a good picture if I can find some help. thanks for the reply

[TomahawkFlyers]

That looks safe and maybe just the tiniest bit long. Better a little longer and more often than too short. Rupert should be able to close her mouth all the way with a small bit of space left over. Location of the cut and a good, appropriate cutter are key. too short + bad/wrong cutter = bad cut = miserable, scared, p.o.'d Rupert. Douse the cutter in alcohol before the procedure.

[mattb]

Rupe was climbing and playing today and I sat her down and looked at her teeth pretty clear. I had a pair if cutters ready and was able to cut one upper tooth. I could see that it was growing backward and was touching the roof of her mouth. I managed to snip it off and leave it about 1/8 inch long. I cut off this piece about 3/8 inch long. I need to cut theother upper, also. It isn't even half as long as the piece I cut, but I will need to even it up. Bottom teeth both need cutting, but one lookis like it has already broke off. Should be no big deal, especially with help. Hope this isn't an ongoing problem. I will be sure there is plenty to chew on and maybe it will stay under control. This is the first time in 3 years this has happened.328781328781