Nancy in New York (04-02-2017)
Here's a great link to read about the rule of thumb.
I suggest that for now you stay within the guidelines until
you get a better feel for her.
If you increase, go slowly so that she doesn't bloat.
How was she handling the 9 mLs?
At her weight and according to the "rule of thumb" she could be taking 8 mLs of formula
if you fed the 7% so I think you are doing fantastic!
I think that since you're cutting her back to only 4 feedings this will work out well.
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/...=rule+of+thumb
Mel1959 (04-02-2017)
Covel3 (04-02-2017)
Mel1959 (04-02-2017), Nancy in New York (04-02-2017)
Covel3 (04-02-2017), Nancy in New York (04-02-2017)
2 more questions.
#1. Jenny tried to bite me for the first time tonight while I was stimulating her to urinate. Is there anything I should know about squirrel bites?
#2. I found a little maggot sized brownish wormy thing in her bedding. I looked her over and I can't find anything on her, but I have seen her scratching. Should I be worried about that? It did not look like an intestinal worm.
Squirrels are not a vector for rabies so you don't need to worry about that. I don't know how hard she will bite since she's still young. But be on alert....the bites do hurt.
I'm not sure what the worm might be. Make sure you look in her ears to be sure she doesn't have any maggots on her. If you find anything you will need to remove them ASAP.
Covel3 (04-02-2017), Nancy in New York (04-02-2017)
She really can't hurt you at this age but no you don't have to concern yourself over a squirrel bite
outside the fact depending on age of squirrel and the bite they can hurt. Clean it up like any other
cut you might get and you'd be fine. They will at some point like to nibble on your skin, it's scary to
some people at first but they all do it and they don't hurt you, it's like they are removing dry skin.
Squirrel fleas and cat/dog fleas are different, considering it must have been dead/dried up could it have
looked similar to pic below?
Step-N-Stone
State Licensed
Wildlife Master Rehabilitator
Covel3 (04-02-2017), Mel1959 (04-02-2017), Nancy in New York (04-02-2017)
Mel1959 (04-03-2017)
The flea pic is exaggerated, they are only 1/8th to 3/16" if that.
They can't jump and basically "swim" through the fur.
Wormy, fatter and shorter can be concerning, if it were a maggot
it would be unusual to just see or have one. I'd keep a close check
on her bedding to see if you find any others and make sure you have
examined her closely for any cuts or scabby areas. Keep a check on
her poop's too. If you see another try to get a picture.
In the meantime you can wipe her down with a damp cloth with a little
liquid dawn unscented dish soap included, that will kill any fleas if she
were to have any. Maggots would be another issue and we can cross
that bridge when and if necessary.
Step-N-Stone
State Licensed
Wildlife Master Rehabilitator
Update on Jenny
She's doing well, consistently drinking 8ml of formula, but doesn't seem to be gaining weight. She's a lot more active, scampers and climbs all over the place. How long will she need heat for?
I usually keep the heat available on one side of the bin they are in - that way if they get too hot, they can move off of the heat source. When I see a little one consistently moving away from the heat source, it is usually a good indication that it is no longer needed. So glad to hear that little cutie is doing well!
Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
"Don't cry because it's over - smile because it happened." Dr. Seuss
Covel3 (04-03-2017), Mel1959 (04-03-2017), Nancy in New York (04-03-2017), stepnstone (04-03-2017)
As she grows you can increase her formula intake to above the 7% a little at a time, if she still seems hungry. You want to watch her belly and be sure it doesn't get hard. Some days she may not gain any weight and then another day she will gain several grams. You want to be sure she's not losing weight, though.
I believe you mentioned that you have ordered the Fox Valley 20/50? Did you also order some Henrys hi-protein blocks? Or another good quality rodent block? That is the first solid food you will want to offer her. You want her to be eating her blocks really well before you introduce any veggies. She will probably just gnaw at the block initially, but will eventually start to eat it. You can introduce the block in a couple of weeks.
Nancy in New York (04-03-2017)
Are you seeing a weight gain? As she gets older she can use the additional fat that the Fox Valley20/50 provides. This is why many folks on here mix Fox Valley and Esbilac in a 50/50 combination.
Also, a lot of people give the Henrys Healthy blocks to their squirrels because they only need two a day, with assorted veggies to provide complete nutrition. They are ordered online from Henrys Healthy Pets. Henrys also sells the Fox Valley formula and the Ultraboost which provides extra fat and calories if your little isn't gaining weight. There is a flat $5.99 shipping fee for all that you purchase.
Please weigh each morning to know how much to feed at each feeding and to be sure she's gaining adequately.
Covel3 (04-04-2017), Nancy in New York (04-04-2017)