Re: 9 weeks suddenly turning away from formula
Originally Posted by
Bettie
My 9 week old little man has been doing great, steadily gaining weight and is happy and vivacious. He had been taking his formula great up until 2 days ago. Now he will only lick at the nipple rather than swallowing it, and is only taking about 6cc's that way 2-3 times a day with a lot of effort on my part chasing him around with it. Before he was readily taking 15-20cc's 3-5 times a day. He eats his Henry's blocks for the most part but stashes crumbs in his bed. I offered formula in a shallow dish, he came up and took a drink but then sneezed and walked away and hasn't shown interest since. I think he stuck his nose in it and didn't like that, so now he has an aversion to drinking it that way. Lung sounds are clear. But I'm worried he's not getting enough nutrition.
Any suggestions?
Could it be the temp of formula? I have one that likes it fairly hot while the other prefers luke warm.
It can get cold pretty fast especially having to chase them around to take it.
Have you been feeding too often, too close? 3 x per day spaced out properly should be fine for a 9
week old. I would expect him to back off formula a bit with eating block but I would continue to push
the formula at this age.
Step-N-Stone
State Licensed
Wildlife Master Rehabilitator