Need Help asap! baby squirre with no appetite

[sbetz16]

hello, I just joined this website today because you all seem to know what you're talking about from the threads I have been reading, and I need help. i have what i believe to be a 6 week old baby squirrel, and it doesnt seem to have much of an appetite. i was giving her pedialyte to rehydrate her when i first got her. ive been reading up on various things that are safe for baby squirrels and ive tried several different things but shes not too interested in any of it. ive tried the scalded milk method, fruit baby food, heavy whipping cream, pedialyte, and everything i try to give her, there is no real interest. i dont want to force feed her and make her more sick but i also dont want to starve her. the girl that brought her to me was feeding her with an eye dropper which ive heard is a no-no because of aspirated pneumonia and im worried that this is what she might have because i can hear a faint clicking in her chest when she breathes. she is pooping fine when i stimulate her, but today is the first time i have gotten her to actually potty for me in the two days ive had her but it wasnt much. does anyone know what could be wrong or how to help her or what to do?

[pappy1264]

I posted a link to this post in the emergency section, to try to get you some help. How much does she weigh? Is she on heat? And are you heating up the pedialyte before trying to give it?

BABY SQUIRREL CARE:

First thing needed is to warm the squirrel.
Now check for any injuries and/ or wounds.
Hydrate the squirrel right away (use a 1cc syringe) and go slow.
Give homemade pedialyte every hour for eight hours (max 24 hours).
Once hydrated make Goats Milk formula, feed 5-7% of their body weight every 4 hours.

IMPORTANT: Babies must be kept WARM --NEVER feed a cold baby.
_______

+ Emergency Care for Baby Squirrels +

1. Warm the squirrel (never feed a cold squirrel)
2. Place in plastic container or box w/ pieces of fleece
3. Rehydrate the squirrel (feed pedialyte first 24 hours)

Homemade Pedialyte
1 cup warm water
1/4 tsp salt (teaspoon)
1 Tbsp sugar (tablespoon)

4. Slowly feed with a 1cc syringe - head UP tail DOWN
5. Keep warm at all time - fill bottle with hot water (cover bottle with sock)
__________

Homemade Goats Milk Recipe:
1 cup Goats Milk * (if can - dilute)
1/3 cup Full Fat Vanilla Yogurt
1/3 cup Heavy Cream (frig section)

(lasts 72 hours in frig)
__________

WARMTH:

1. Heating Pad, on low with a fleece blanket on top --place the squirrel in the blanket.
2. Rice Buddy --put rice in sock (tie off) microwave for 30 sec - place next to the squirrel.
3. Fill empty water bottles with hot water and slide into a single sock (each) place next to squirrel.
_______

Once the squirrel is settled in and doing well take some time to order Fox Valley formula:
http://www.henryspets.com/
http://www.foxvalleynutrition.com/main/home.asp (32/40 birth to 4 wks – 20/50 4 wks & older)
__________________

[pappy1264]

Also, if you are hearing clicking, it is most likely pneumonia and she will need to be started on meds asap (baytril is drug of choice.) Hopefully, someone is close to you that can help with that.

[grampyngramy]

Where at in Indiana? I am in southetn Indiana across the rivet from Louisville, ky. If close enough I can give some items such formula and cipro.

[grampyngramy]

Any word? Will be heading to clarksville in a bit.

[farrelli]

If you hear clicking, you will need to treat with antibiotics immediately. Cipro and Baytril are the best to use, but others can be used. If we don;t have anyone near to help, you will need to get your hands on some antibiotics. Call your friends and ask around. This takes them down very quickly. One pill will usually be sufficient for the full course. If you tell us what you have access to, how much he weighs, and the strength of the drug, we can tell you how much to give. The fact that he's lost his appetite is an indication that this is very far along and death may happen very soon, like tonight, if this isn't treated immediately.

[lilidukes]

Let me say no more pedialyte!! Sugar water is fine after
24 hours if still hydrating. Lots of sodium in pedialyte and
swelling can happen. Which leads to other problems.

Many babies especially the older eyes open ones will
take go 24-36 hours refusing food. I honestly think they
are willing to wait for mamma squirrel but then real hunger
takes over and they willingly eat.

Bless babies heart you have offered so many things she
is probably very confused. Get some Esbalic puppy formula
the kind with probiotics and prebiotics. Use a 1 or 3 cc syringe.


Pneumonia is a non stop clicking. Clicking when awake and
asleep.
Was this baby caught by a cat???

Best wishes to you both.

[Nancy in New York]

I just saw this post now.
I sent them an email telling them we are here offering
help and to please come back.

And yes farrelli, I gave them the new link to this thread
since I moved it to the emergency section.

[SammysMom]

I also emailed them this morning. Hoping they are going to be back asap!

[sbetz16]

good news!! Thank you for all of the responses, i havent had the time to get back on in a few days. this little baby that had me so worried is finally eating, and very hungrily eating at that. after about 4-5 1cc syringes she acts full and wont eat anymore. progress! yes, she is being kept warm. i havent heard the clicking in the past couple days so im not sure?? maybe i was hearing clicking in her mouth, maybe she could be teething and nibbling, she only has the 2 bottom teeth, no uppers? she has also been peeing more and more after each feeding of which i am also relieved. is it possible she was just scared and not used to her surroundings that she refused to eat? also is it normal for her to just hide all day? ive seen youtube videos of other baby squirrels just playing and out and about but this little girl just hides in her tshirt all day and wont come out. what can i do to help her get used to this new life and help her not to be as skiddish?

[sbetz16]

also i forgot to include, she wasnt attacked by a cat, a friend said she was helping cut down a tree and she came down with it. she didnt know what to do so she took her in and then needed to get rid of her because of the people she was living with so she brought her to me. and i am located in northwest indiana, a town called morocco. thank you again for all of your responses and concern for my baby

[Nancy in New York]

Can you post a picture of your little one?
How much is she eating and what are you feeding?
Would you want us to try to find someone to raise her?
It's always best to raise them with others.
Glad to see you back on!

[Saverywood]

is it possible she was just scared and not used to her surroundings that she refused to eat? also is it normal for her to just hide all day? ive seen youtube videos of other baby squirrels just playing and out and about but this little girl just hides in her tshirt all day and wont come out.

Yes, that is pretty normal behavior and hiding is a very good defense reflex for babies. It is a scary world out there!
Squirrels have different personalities, some are explorers, brave and bold, some are timid and shy,
and it is always best to raise them in a pack with other squirrels, when possible.
No domestic pets please.
Quite, gentle voice is very reassuring to them.
A dedicated quite room with a little sunshine, and a large safe cage with branches,
nest box, fleece cube or hammock, stuffes (toys), with a water source, are a must.
At six weeks, they are still cutting teeth
so adding safe branch twigs (for chewing)
or applewood sticks are nice for teething.
Are you at home during the day or gone most all day?
Mine always take afternoon naps.

Pictures, please! We want to see her!

[redwuff]

sbetz,

How is your baby doing? Welcome to the board.