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Thread: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: Discussion Thread

  1. #1
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    Unhappy FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: Discussion Thread

    As a wildlife rehabilitator and admin here, I can't live in denial anymore.
    There IS a problem with FV and very young pinkies....LESS THAN 5 days old.

    For whatever reason, rehabbers all over the country are having difficulty with FV 32/40, even when combined with Ultra Boost, not being digested by very young pinky squirrels. The stuff stays in their gut for hours and hours....the milk line never moves. I saw it in my little Robbie, who died. Nancy in NY had the same experience with a pinky red, who died. UDoWhat had a similar experience and reported to me that others in her area were baffled by the same syndrome in their neonates on FV.

    First off: if you are NOT rehabbing squirrels younger than 5 days old please do not panic about this. In fact, all of my six came in at about a week old or older, except Robbie, and they have been on FV and Ultra Boost and are doing GREAT. This is strictly a neonate issue, which most of you will not encounter.


    I haven't spoken to Nick at FV yet, but I will. In the meantime, should you get in a very young pinky, it would be wise to start him on the Goat's milk formula and transition to FV at around 10 days old, to be on the safe side. (10 days is when the umbilical stump typically falls off. )

    I welcome comments, corrections and suggestions to this thread; this is an ongoing discussion about an extremely serious issue and we need everyone's input.


    IR
    Island Rehabber
    NY State Licensed
    Wildlife Rehabilitator


    "Ancora Imparo" (I am still learning)
    Michelangelo


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

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  2. #2
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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    Thank-you for posting this Maura! I have been watching and wondering if there was an issue.
    Squirrels, squirrels and more squirrels....
    Prayers for the people who make this a better world...
    savesquirrels@sbcglobal.net



  3. #3
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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    Quote Originally Posted by SammysMom View Post
    Thank-you for posting this Maura! I have been watching and wondering if there was an issue.
    It's happened too many times now for it to be a coincidence, or bad water, or rehabber error. SOMETHING is wrong....
    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. #4
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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    I do know there is a difference between wild animals and human animal
    so please don't beat me up over this, just throwing it out there...

    I'm wondering if what's happening with the pinkies is on the same lines as what happens with a
    "premature" infant in that the immature lining of the intestines makes it hard for them to digest fat?
    Many premature (human) babies have to start out on specialized formulas due to this issue.
    My younger brother and son both were put on a goat's milk formula until their digestive systems matured
    due to this very issue.

  5. #5
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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    Experienced the same thing with Moses.
    We had to keep him on goat's milk for some time, then slowly transition to FV.
    He has no issue with FV at this time. (7 weeks or so)

  6. #6
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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    OMG, I thought that it was just me and/or the pinkies. I stabilized three pinkies of about 12 grams each. I past one on to Lady Squirrelly that was doing great at first, then found dead. One I kept here for 4 days died, the third I past on to another one of my volunteers, it was dead in 3 days. All of us are experienced not anyone's first rodeo. All the pinkies I got this year past away in just a few days!
    Anne
    Wildlife and Squirrel Rescue,Inc.
    Rescuing Fl squirrels since 1979
    Moderator: NFSA Emergency Care
    Wildlife Intake Coordinator and Rehab Consultant at "The Ark Wildlife Care and Sanctuary Inc"
    http://www.thearkwildlifecareandsanctuary.com/

    Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but learning to how to dance in the rain"

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    George Bernard Shaw

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  7. #7
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    Question Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    OMG what about LG I give her it every morning
    Charley Chuckles gone from my arms FOREVER in my heart 8/14/04-3/7/13
    Simon, our time was too short together, but you gave us so much love, be with CC now 3/7/14


    The "CHARLEY CHUCKLES MEMORIAL RAIL TOUR" leaves the station choo chooo
    *Deland,FL. *Washington DC *Boston (Back Bay) *Boston (North Station) *Wells,Maine *Albany,NY *New York (Penn Station) *Back to Deland FL. "July 1- July 22" 2013

    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RIAL-RAIL-TOUR Check it out here
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...OW-A-NEW-MOMMY!!!!!
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RAINBOW-BRIDGE
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...e-called-Simon
    charleychuckles1@gmail.com

    I'm not poof reading any of this

  8. #8
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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    Quote Originally Posted by Charley Chuckles View Post
    OMG what about LG I give her it every morning
    She isn't a pinkie! It is just the wee neonates that seem to be having issues with straight FV.

  9. #9
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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    Last year when I got Eve, I also got two of her sisters,
    who died on day 4 and 5 of them being here.
    No explanation, just died a day apart.
    They too were neonates.

    I recently got 4 neonate reds. One passed last night.
    None of the milk lines on any of them would go down.
    I started them off on FV with a ratio of 1 FV to 3 parts hot water,
    and I let mine sit, I make it up in advance.
    I have always added Ultra Boost
    and did so this time too.
    They were all keeping their milk lines after hours of being fed.

    Sunday night I started them all on the Goat Milk formula, with no transition.
    The thing that strikes me odd, is that with the GM formula, I hardly see any milk line
    at all, and definitely when I go to feed 2 hours later, it is totally gone.

    Here is little Robbie about an hour before he passed.
    He was last fed about 7 hours prior.
    I was hydrating him, but did not feel comfortable giving him more formula
    with such a huge milk line still visible.
    The milk line is going to his side and onto his back area too.

    Name:  2013-08-12 002.jpg
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Size:  1.14 MB

  10. #10
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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    Quote Originally Posted by CritterMom View Post
    She isn't a pinkie! It is just the wee neonates that seem to be having issues with straight FV.
    Charley Chuckles gone from my arms FOREVER in my heart 8/14/04-3/7/13
    Simon, our time was too short together, but you gave us so much love, be with CC now 3/7/14


    The "CHARLEY CHUCKLES MEMORIAL RAIL TOUR" leaves the station choo chooo
    *Deland,FL. *Washington DC *Boston (Back Bay) *Boston (North Station) *Wells,Maine *Albany,NY *New York (Penn Station) *Back to Deland FL. "July 1- July 22" 2013

    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RIAL-RAIL-TOUR Check it out here
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...OW-A-NEW-MOMMY!!!!!
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RAINBOW-BRIDGE
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...e-called-Simon
    charleychuckles1@gmail.com

    I'm not poof reading any of this

  11. #11
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    Unhappy Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    Quote Originally Posted by Nancy in New York View Post
    Last year when I got Eve, I also got two of her sisters,
    who died on day 4 and 5 of them being here.
    No explanation, just died a day apart.
    They too were neonates.

    I recently got 4 neonate reds. One passed last night.
    None of the milk lines on any of them would go down.
    I started them off on FV with a ratio of 1 FV to 3 parts hot water,
    and I let mine sit, I make it up in advance.
    I have always added Ultra Boost
    and did so this time too.
    They were all keeping their milk lines after hours of being fed.

    Sunday night I started them all on the Goat Milk formula, with no transition.
    The thing that strikes me odd, is that with the GM formula, I hardly see any milk line
    at all, and definitely when I go to feed 2 hours later, it is totally gone.

    Here is little Robbie about an hour before he passed.
    He was last fed about 7 hours prior.
    I was hydrating him, but did not feel comfortable giving him more formula
    with such a huge milk line still visible.
    The milk line is going to his side and onto his back area too.

    Name:  2013-08-12 002.jpg
Views: 1062
Size:  1.15 MBName:  2013-08-12 003.jpg
Views: 1118
Size:  1.14 MB
    Oh God Nancy, I know this just breaks your heart, it does mine as well
    Charley Chuckles gone from my arms FOREVER in my heart 8/14/04-3/7/13
    Simon, our time was too short together, but you gave us so much love, be with CC now 3/7/14


    The "CHARLEY CHUCKLES MEMORIAL RAIL TOUR" leaves the station choo chooo
    *Deland,FL. *Washington DC *Boston (Back Bay) *Boston (North Station) *Wells,Maine *Albany,NY *New York (Penn Station) *Back to Deland FL. "July 1- July 22" 2013

    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RIAL-RAIL-TOUR Check it out here
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...OW-A-NEW-MOMMY!!!!!
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...RAINBOW-BRIDGE
    http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...e-called-Simon
    charleychuckles1@gmail.com

    I'm not poof reading any of this

  12. #12
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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    Same thing was happening with Barney and Betty (about a week old when I got them) on 32/40 with Ultra Boost. I switched them 20/50 after no weight gain and now they're gaining like champs.


    Sometimes the best way to honor the life of a beloved pet you lost
    is to save the life of another....



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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    Quote Originally Posted by keetz1205 View Post
    Same thing was happening with Barney and Betty (about a week old when I got them) on 32/40 with Ultra Boost. I switched them 20/50 after no weight gain and now they're gaining like champs.
    Then I wonder if it's with the 32/40 as some members were discussing this in Jackie's thread this morning. I will find the links, and post them here.

  14. #14
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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    Actually I am just going to post what Jackie said this morning rather than give the links, you can read it right here, instead of searching.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jackie in Tampa View Post
    good morning KW... here's my mini mosh...
    had to switch to Goatsmilk formula... the FV isn't cutting it anymore... done with it.
    Just sits there in the gut, no digestion... can't have slow development due to formula and poop issues...
    they are all doing better!...even my sick little coma baby.
    See ya this afternoon?

    Then Kelly Brady posted this.

    Quote Originally Posted by Kelly Brady View Post
    Jackie you look like a million bucks girl. Love the hair.

    Of course the squirrels always look like a million

    Recently tried to change Stelly to 32/40. It did not go well. Not only did she not like the change which is normal (even done gradually), but it gave her tummy problems.

    We went back to 20/50 and all resumed normal. It believe it is the reason that I switched Stelly to 20/50 as a baby. My 32/40 didn't do well with her as a pinky.

    Long story shorter 32/40 FV has not been great at my house either. My 20/50 is great and Stelly was raised on the 20/50 from a pink up. Also current cute fur balls, Gage and Tucker are lovin their 20/50

  15. #15
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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    If you're looking for input, I have a pinkie here and for 3 days now, the milk line has not gone away. I've been watering down the formula trying to get rid of the line, but to no avail. Didn't know what to do - but now I do! Luckily, I do have 20/50 here, so will switch at the next feeding. hopefully I'm not too late.

    I'm so so glad that I decided to browse the threads!! Endless thanks for bringing this up!

  16. #16
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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    I'm having trouble with it too. Mine all still have their umbilical stump. I got Dysen a week ago today and Lyra and Lynk 5 days ago. It takes at least 5 hrs for them to digest. I've had to massage and massage and massage and massage their little tummies. The yogurt added was ALL I found that helped... I know they're over 5 days old now but they are apparently under 10 days. Scary, glad we made it through ok...

    IR, I just opened my bag of 32/40. Do you think I should call Henry's and ask for them to exchange it?!? I have enough 20/50 to get us through...or just stick with it since we seem ok for now?!?

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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    Uni, can you just switch to GM for a week or two and then switch back later?

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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    I'm not sure farrelli. I'm kind of nervous now. Keeping a VERY close eye on them. Milk line from 11 pm hasn't moved, but it's usually gone after about 5 hours. They're crying now as though they're hungry. I'm thinking about going to get the Goat's Milk ingredients now. Feeling like it's better safe than sorry. I would be terribly upset if anything happened to my angels.

  19. #19
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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    I have never lost a pinkie to FV 32/40 that was younger than 5 days old..... and the only thing I can
    see that I do differently is that I mixed my formula as needed, therefore, it is fresh at every feeding
    and never has to sit (or settle) in between each feedings.

    I dont add any thing to their FV until they are 4 weeks old. (no boost, no yogurt, no cream)

  20. #20
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    Default Re: FOX VALLEY & PINKIES: I NEVER thought I'd have to post this....

    Apparently this is a recent issue. Mine still have a milk line but are smacking and squeaking to eat. I only mix 4 teaspoons at a time for all 3 and Darby. It only lasts maybe 2-3 feedings. All I know for sure is that I need for you guys that have done this for years to tell me for sure what I need to do. We need a standard before we lose more babies please...

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