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Thread: Just became a squirrel parent, hello!

  1. #1
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    Red face Just became a squirrel parent, hello!

    Hi everyone. I'm so glad I stumbled across this forum, it's fabulous! Thank you for the amazing resource I was so relieved to find you!

    We've had a busy Easter weekend finding not choccy eggs but a 4 week old grey out on our lockdown-permitted daily walk! When we found her she was already cold and lethargic, and there was no sign of a nest or mummy at all, so it was put her in my jumper, fleas and all, or leave her to a certain end.

    Once she got warm she was gasping for hydration, and was aggressively grabbing the syringe (homemade pedialyte), but got lethargic again later, but we realised she needed to sleep for longer stretches. We made it overnight, and in the morning we were very sad to take her to a local wildlife rehab.. when we got there the sign said that they euthanize squirrels (uk law ) so we cheekily asked if we could get some milk.. Easter Sunday in a lockdown NOWHERE was open, so we were panicking a bit. Luckily we were able to get some Royal Canin Baby Dog.

    Yesterday afternoon I started her on 1:2 formula, between 5-7ml every 4hrs, but I've dropped that down to 1:3 as of last night and will build back up. She's urinating before and after feeds with a rub, but no poop yet (just a fleck of dark brown.. so maybe there's a fallen poo somewhere.) She weighs 86g. I'm reading around here a lot, and I think we're doing ok! Anything to watch out for?

    I have to admit it's been a dream of mine to rear a squirrel. Ever since a park ranger introduced me to her little one when I was about 10 years old!

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    Last edited by HuskyTail; 04-13-2020 at 04:52 AM. Reason: added pictures

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  3. #2
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    Default Re: Just became a squirrel parent, hello!

    Hi from sc. Thanks for helping the baby. There are awesome files on here. One is called taking care of a baby squirrel under fortnum. Which formula is awesome too. You should post a pic if you want. We are all squirrel lovers here.
    Sincerely mary.

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  5. #3
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    Default Re: Just became a squirrel parent, hello!

    Thanks, Mary! I just went back to add a picture

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  7. #4
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    Default Re: Just became a squirrel parent, hello!

    Hello, UK!

    Very good baby guide here: https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/

    It is about 6 or so pages, the "next page" link is at the top of the page instead of the bottom...

    Your scored exactly the formula you need over there, which is a stroke of luck.

    It has likely been a while since she ate so don't worry about no poops - it has to go in before it will come out!

    Come back and ask any questions you have after you read the guide.

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  9. #5
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    Default Re: Just became a squirrel parent, hello!

    Turned out my husband didn't tell me, he got her to poop on her overnight feed! It was normal, formed mid brown. Then today she's had a soft yellow-beige poo, but I expect a couple of funny ones for her adapting to the formula and not being fed for a day.

    I'll check out those pages, thanks.


    ETA: Also, she now has a name, it's Maggie

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  11. #6
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    Default Re: Just became a squirrel parent, hello!

    Commercial formula poops are always golden brown.

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  13. #7
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    Default Re: Just became a squirrel parent, hello!

    Quote Originally Posted by CritterMom View Post
    Commercial formula poops are always golden brown.
    Yes and can even go to yellow-beige when one is using Fox Valley products, in particular. So long as you don't see white poops, you're fine. White poop can mean overfeeding and diarrhea is next after that.
    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. '

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  15. #8
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    Default Re: Just became a squirrel parent, hello!

    Congratulations, and thanks for being an angel to this baby in need! She was surely meant to be with you based on how things lined up for her to come to you, and then for you to "score exactly the formula you need" as CritterMom said. I grasp at every piece of news that gives hope and a lift, as this surely has! Best wishes, looking forward to following your and Maggie's progress.

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  17. #9
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    Default Re: Just became a squirrel parent, hello!

    Maggie is just beautiful!

    Thank you for loving her!

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  19. #10
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    Default Re: Just became a squirrel parent, hello!

    Update on Maggie..

    We were getting some loose stools, so reduced her down to 6ml. She's NOT happy but her poops are way better! Both her eyes are open now, and she's getting really feisty.

    She's still itchy from the fleas, and after food and toilet she loves a good scritch and is rolling over for more! It's absolutely amazing. I was a bit hesitant about it, but I think that touch is important to healthy development, so since she's a singleton it's part of rearing her. I took a video

    https://youtu.be/uMpyzKoGizA

  20. #11
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    Default Re: Just became a squirrel parent, hello!

    He or she is very cute. I just want to kiss that cute nose

    Sincerely mary

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