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Thread: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Default FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    In light of the recent problems rehabbers have been experiencing with Fox Valley 32/40 formula in neonate - two-week-old baby squirrels (pinkies), , it has been decided that the best alternative is Esbilac Puppy formula (POWDERED), with Probiotics. The Esbilac should be used for at least the first 3-4 weeks, after which you may leave the baby on Esbilac if it's doing well, transition the baby gradually to a mix of Esbilac and FV 20/50, or go to straight FV 20/50 until weaning. The use of the FV32/40 is not recommended at this time for baby squirrels because of digestive issues, which can and HAVE been fatal in pinkies.

    Esbilac powdered puppy formula is easily available in pet stores and Walmarts everywhere. PLEASE do NOT use the canned Esbilac; it is not the same formula as the powder and may cause diarrhea.

    Should you need to make another temporary formula (you can find goat milk but no Esbilac), a former member of TSB
    developed this temporary replacement formula recipe:

    Jackie's Goat Milk Recipe
    1 cup goats milk
    1/3 cup heavy cream
    1/3 cup dannon all natural vanilla yogurt

    Mix well and keep in a covered plastic or glass container in the refrigerator. Replace after 48 hours.
    Last edited by island rehabber; 08-05-2015 at 03:46 AM. Reason: changes in formula; we adapt or they die!
    Island Rehabber
    NY State Licensed
    Wildlife Rehabilitator


    "Ancora Imparo" (I am still learning)
    Michelangelo


    *
    If you can't afford the vet,
    You can't afford a pet.
    NEGLECT IS ABUSE.

    "Better one day in the trees, than a lifetime in a cage."

    '...and the greatest of these, is Love. '

  2. #2
    semiferger Guest

    Default Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    Thanks for putting up this awesome guide.I have tried and want to thank you for sharing this guide Its easy to make.
    is there anything to add to the formula to help a four week old squirrel gain weight?

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Default Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    Fox Valley makes a product called Boost to supplement their squirrel formula; it provides more fat & calories and may help.
    Island Rehabber
    NY State Licensed
    Wildlife Rehabilitator


    "Ancora Imparo" (I am still learning)
    Michelangelo


    *
    If you can't afford the vet,
    You can't afford a pet.
    NEGLECT IS ABUSE.

    "Better one day in the trees, than a lifetime in a cage."

    '...and the greatest of these, is Love. '

  4. Serious fuzzy thank you's to island rehabber from:

    KCullen (08-20-2021)

  5. #4
    Giftee's Mom Guest

    Default Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    I've been using powdered Esbilac for several years and have experienced no problems. I remember hearing last year how some rehabbers' squirrels were having diarrhea even with the powder. I had babies at the time on powdered Esbilac and had not a hint of diarrhea, and everybody grew up happy and healthy and diarrhea-free. So for now, until it proves me wrong, I have to choose to continue to use Esbilac. But it's nice to know there's an alternative formula out there that's good for squirrels.

  6. #5
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    Default Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    FYI: The Esbilac in the can that has the golden retriever puppy is the OLD formula that nobody had problems with. The NEW stuff is in a can with a little fluffy white spitz/american eskimo type puppy. There is still lots of the old stuff out there.

  7. #6
    Conkers Guest

    Default Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    I went to the feed and seed today to pick up the Esbilac and they had none. Unimilk was recommended to me, so I bought it. My baby has been fed once with this milk, as the vet is closed for the weekend. Is this acceptable?

  8. #7
    Rainy9 Guest

    Default Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    Quote Originally Posted by Conkers
    I went to the feed and seed today to pick up the Esbilac and they had none. Unimilk was recommended to me, so I bought it. My baby has been fed once with this milk, as the vet is closed for the weekend. Is this acceptable?
    I have never heard of Unimilk, but I would strongly advise that you order some Fox Valley formula since it is made with squirrels in mind. You can get it from hernyspets.com or foxvalleynutrition.com . In the meantime, you might want to use the milk replacer recipe mentioned in the begging of this thread instead of the unimilk. I hope this helps and good luck with the squirrly!

  9. #8
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    Default Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    ^^:wott :wott

  10. #9
    joy2behere Guest

    Talking Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    Hey YA'LL!!! My 1st post here. Found it early last wk while researching about what "age" my 4 baby squirrels were (5-6 wks then). Eyes were closed when I got them but the very next day, they opened their eyes. They'd already started weaning also. I can honestly say that a LOT more info on squirrels is available since I started at age 15 periodically rehabbing/raising squirrels & this site was referred by several other sites so when I got here I couldn't leave!!! I LOVE that ya'll get to share all the fun times & heartbreaks b/c knowledge & experience helps! There's nobody I know in my area that has it with squirrels & they're quite abundant in GA so this forum is gonna be great for me. I've been reading all these cool stories ya'll have here before signing up & I'm soooo glad I'm not the only weirdo - LOL - J/K!!! After this many yrs, ppl remember "ya did it before" so they search ya out when babies are found. I read in the forum (somewhere) it takes special ppl to do this for the long haul & it REALLY DOES! So like it or not, 2 stayed with me (Alvin & Brittany) & this past Saturday, 2 went home with my brother (Simon & Theodore)... what can I say... I'm a music buff with kids & always had some sort of naming theme when there are multiple babies... LOL.

    Anyhow, what caught my eye on this post is the formula at the top. It's close to what I've used since the very 1st pair (Chip & Dale). A family friend worked for an animal shelter, they were brought in & he asked us if we'd be up for the task so we took them to a vet who told us that "most vets won't look at squirrels b/c they're wild animals & therefore can't charge $ to ppl for bringing them in". Things may be diff now b/c it's been a LONG time since 1988! Here is the formula he gave us & I'd love to get a pro opinion but can't "afford" one - LOL...
    ==============================
    1 can Evaporated Goat's Milk (white w/ green letters - found in grocery stores right beside regular evap. milk)

    1 can water (I empty milk first into container & use hot water in the can b/c they seem to LOVE a fresh batch like that)

    1 Tbsp of Light White Karo Syrup (Vet said gives it just a hint of sweet & the sugar in it would help with energy.... AS IF squirrels need more! hahaha)

    1 Egg Yolk - SEPARATE WHITE (Per vet & my experience - Be sure to REMOVE as much of the egg white as possible b/c they can choke on the thickness. Vet said this would give them vitamins & nutrients.)
    ==============================

    Let me know opinions on the formula cuz it seems to work fine, although there've been times where I've wondered if there was something out there somewhere that's made specifically for squirrels. I'll probably check out that website link ya'll mentioned up at the top. Well that's it for now.... glad I found this special place for all us special people... I'm know I'll be back to read & share some of my experiences too!

    Joyce

  11. #10
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    Default Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    Hello, Nidia here. I have 2 babies myself and am not really experiencing any issues yet, but Dale’s poo is a bit soft where Chips is not. Its little tiny balls, is that normal? Also, I believe they are about 5 weeks a few days. Their eyes opened 3 days ago. Am I supposed to feed them other foods accept the esbilac? Need advice please, thanks! mjs
    Quote Originally Posted by Giftee's Mom
    I've been using powdered Esbilac for several years and have experienced no problems. I remember hearing last year how some rehabbers' squirrels were having diarrhea even with the powder. I had babies at the time on powdered Esbilac and had not a hint of diarrhea, and everybody grew up happy and healthy and diarrhea-free. So for now, until it proves me wrong, I have to choose to continue to use Esbilac. But it's nice to know there's an alternative formula out there that's good for squirrels.
    Last edited by leenidia; 04-23-2011 at 08:50 PM. Reason: spelling error

  12. #11
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    Default Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    i have been using esbilac for yrs now and have not had a problem with it.
    You can love them, raise them and let them go.....after that, they are in mother nature's care...........Welcome to the nut house!

    Home to Leroy & Lisa ... ...some just know they have it good I guess!

  13. #12
    RandoM LogiC II Guest

    Default Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    I ordered some fox valley and it came a week later, but I don't know where to send my check to pay for it , anyone know the address I should send it to?

  14. #13
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    Default Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    Quote Originally Posted by RandoM LogiC II
    I ordered some fox valley and it came a week later, but I don't know where to send my check to pay for it , anyone know the address I should send it to?
    fox valley nutrition
    po box 1666
    sun city, arizona, 85372
    u.s.a.

    it's on the invoice.... the formula comes from illinois but the payments go to sun city, arizona...


    Silvana..

    *************************************

    tip for flyer parents.... Flying Squirrels need meat every single day (mealworms/waxworms/cooked chicken breast)

  15. #14
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    Smile Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    Hi, I was told on countless occassions that goat milk will kill the babies. I'm so confused. Also, at what age does weaning begin and what do I feed them during that stage? They are potty trained already! Chip and Dale are 5 weeks old and they know where their designated spot is for their business. Thanks! Nidia
    Quote Originally Posted by joy2behere
    Hey YA'LL!!! My 1st post here. Found it early last wk while researching about what "age" my 4 baby squirrels were (5-6 wks then). Eyes were closed when I got them but the very next day, they opened their eyes. They'd already started weaning also. I can honestly say that a LOT more info on squirrels is available since I started at age 15 periodically rehabbing/raising squirrels & this site was referred by several other sites so when I got here I couldn't leave!!! I LOVE that ya'll get to share all the fun times & heartbreaks b/c knowledge & experience helps! There's nobody I know in my area that has it with squirrels & they're quite abundant in GA so this forum is gonna be great for me. I've been reading all these cool stories ya'll have here before signing up & I'm soooo glad I'm not the only weirdo - LOL - J/K!!! After this many yrs, ppl remember "ya did it before" so they search ya out when babies are found. I read in the forum (somewhere) it takes special ppl to do this for the long haul & it REALLY DOES! So like it or not, 2 stayed with me (Alvin & Brittany) & this past Saturday, 2 went home with my brother (Simon & Theodore)... what can I say... I'm a music buff with kids & always had some sort of naming theme when there are multiple babies... LOL.

    Anyhow, what caught my eye on this post is the formula at the top. It's close to what I've used since the very 1st pair (Chip & Dale). A family friend worked for an animal shelter, they were brought in & he asked us if we'd be up for the task so we took them to a vet who told us that "most vets won't look at squirrels b/c they're wild animals & therefore can't charge $ to ppl for bringing them in". Things may be diff now b/c it's been a LONG time since 1988! Here is the formula he gave us & I'd love to get a pro opinion but can't "afford" one - LOL...
    ==============================
    1 can Evaporated Goat's Milk (white w/ green letters - found in grocery stores right beside regular evap. milk)

    1 can water (I empty milk first into container & use hot water in the can b/c they seem to LOVE a fresh batch like that)

    1 Tbsp of Light White Karo Syrup (Vet said gives it just a hint of sweet & the sugar in it would help with energy.... AS IF squirrels need more! hahaha)

    1 Egg Yolk - SEPARATE WHITE (Per vet & my experience - Be sure to REMOVE as much of the egg white as possible b/c they can choke on the thickness. Vet said this would give them vitamins & nutrients.)
    ==============================

    Let me know opinions on the formula cuz it seems to work fine, although there've been times where I've wondered if there was something out there somewhere that's made specifically for squirrels. I'll probably check out that website link ya'll mentioned up at the top. Well that's it for now.... glad I found this special place for all us special people... I'm know I'll be back to read & share some of my experiences too!

    Joyce

  16. #15
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    Smile Heating Pad question

    When do I take the heating pad out of their bed? Thanks. Nidia

  17. #16
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    Default Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    First of all, if the heating pad is actually IN their bed, PLEASE take it out. Heating pads should always be UNDER the container or the cage -- never in with the babies.

    SO, as for taking them off heat altogether, I usually wait until about a week or two after their eyes open. Depends on how warm or drafty/chilly your room is. I have actually had a 7-wk old baby get pneumonia because I took her off heat too early.
    Island Rehabber
    NY State Licensed
    Wildlife Rehabilitator


    "Ancora Imparo" (I am still learning)
    Michelangelo


    *
    If you can't afford the vet,
    You can't afford a pet.
    NEGLECT IS ABUSE.

    "Better one day in the trees, than a lifetime in a cage."

    '...and the greatest of these, is Love. '

  18. #17
    Join Date
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    Default Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    No plain water yet. 1-2 wk old squirrels should only be given hydration (Pedialyte, homemade pedialyte or Electrostat, for example) and formula. We may have a member in your area with experience who can take them for you -- where are you located?
    Island Rehabber
    NY State Licensed
    Wildlife Rehabilitator


    "Ancora Imparo" (I am still learning)
    Michelangelo


    *
    If you can't afford the vet,
    You can't afford a pet.
    NEGLECT IS ABUSE.

    "Better one day in the trees, than a lifetime in a cage."

    '...and the greatest of these, is Love. '

  19. #18
    Tickle's Mom Guest

    Default Re: New Sq. babies

    Quote Originally Posted by uno
    Just took 2 babies home. cat got the Mom. Can I give them water right now. Just tried it to their lips for a sec but their really young and there was no mouth movement at all. About 1 or 2 at the most weeks old.
    Until you can get to a rehabber, start reading this thread.

    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=255


    And, where are you located?

  20. #19
    Join Date
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    Missouri
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    Default Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    Uno check out these links there are rehabbers in Nova Scotia
    http://www.hopeforwildlife.org/pages/home
    (902) 407-WILD (9453)

    or
    http://www.martock.ca/vwrrc/mission.html
    1-902-678-9750

    or
    Wildlife Rehabilitation Ctr
    5909 Hwy 207, Halifax, NS, Canada
    +1 902-452-3339 ‎

  21. #20
    vickyjhnsn Guest

    Default Re: FEEDING BABY SQUIRRELS

    I am new to this forum and new to raising baby squirrels so I have a few questions.

    Two days ago we found a 3 1/2 week old boy (I think). My husband cuts down trees for a living and he was hanging on a limb he already cut down. Pretty tuff little guy. My husband checked all the nests in the tree and no babies and he always does but this one must have been hiding. He said the tree was covered in vines it must have been in the brush of the tree.

    I immediately went to Pet Smart and picked up 21st Century puppy formula. They did not have Fox Valley and no stores around me do. I've been giving him the 21st Century formula with the whipping cream and water and so far all looks good. He is perfectly healthy. He is pooping pellet looking poop that is a light brown almost yellow color. Is that ok? He urinates very well too after being stimulated. As of last night he urinates and poops a lot every time I stimulate him which is every time I feed him. I'm feeding him 3 cc every two hours, day and night. His stomach does not look puffy but I'm posting a picture so you all can be the judge of that. I'm keeping him warm with a heating pad under his little box and constantly check it to make sure it is not too warm or cold.

    My questions are, does the squirrel look healthy. To me, he looks wonderful. Second question, has anyone ever used the 21st Century puppy formula? Should I order the Fox Valley online or just stick to what I've been using since it is working? Last question, the poop, should it be light brown to yellow? It is not runny and it is small little long pellets. Its hard in consistency but not too hard. Can anyone tell me if he is a boy or a girl. You could kind of see his genitals. To me it looks like a boy. My son named him Alvin already so I hope he is.

    I don't want to do anything wrong. I want to make sure this little guy has a chance. I'm not a rehabilitation specialist but I have done this with infant kittens that were abandoned and they all thrived.

    Thanks in advance for your help.


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