Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 21 to 24 of 24

Thread: Found a pair of 8 week old orphaned babies-need help!

  1. #21
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    1,277
    Thanked: 733

    Default Re: Found a pair of 8 week old orphaned babies-need help!

    Wild squirrels are like a bio feedback device. They are most relaxed and compliant when you are relaxed, comfortable and confident.

    They prefer sleep in locations which are off the ground.

    They are wired to be observant, careful and cautious and if they sense trouble they have blazing speed. They are on the menu of many creatures and know full well that they just can't sit around lackadaisically and oblivious.

    Their play is practice for escaping the grasp of a predator and leaving the scene as quickly and erratically as possible. I first I thought something was wrong with her, but then I realized that it was practice for the most important moment in their lives. I never scold her for zipping around.

    They purr, a low ticking sound, and cuddle. They want to be independent, but they want to check in with their parents occasionally. If they can't get positive attention, they will take negative attention. If they like you, they will mind you when you redirect them. Always praise the desired behavior.

    Violent sound and actions disturb them profoundly but they can become accustomed to usual sounds. I would mimic the sound before doing the thing that would make the noise and that seemed to prepare them for what is to come. They are very smart and have awesome spatial memories.

    If they ever are on your shoulder and reach toward your mouth. They aren't trying to scratch you. They want to be taken somewhere. As baby squirrels mom grabs her babies by the folds of skin in their undersides and their job is to grasp her around the head and neck with front and back legs as she moves them to the new location, usually another nest.

    They are wired to build multiple nests and will do the same in captivity, behavior which often gets misconstrued as destructive behavior. It just needs to be redirected constructively with materials that you don't mind them shredding.

    The older they become, the more they want to be outside, leaping amongst the trees. This is hardwired. The will rather be outside than staying inside with you. They don't want a life of being your pets. You don't have to worry about that.

  2. 3 TSBers pass along the fuzzy thanks to Rock Monkey:

    Buddy (09-09-2020), KCullen (05-06-2021), squirrellymama (09-08-2020)

  3. #22
    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    Minnesota
    Posts
    9
    Thanked: 11

    Default Re: Found a pair of 8 week old orphaned babies-need help!

    Thank you to EVERYONE that replied to me and helped me this last week care for these 3 orphaned babies. I made some phone calls and no rehabilitator called me back to say they would take them. I ended up calling the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Roseville, MN and they called me back. I just dropped them off there as I want them to be wild and happy and not confused, thinking they are pets and reliant on me. It has been an eye opening experience, we will no longer live trap them (hey, it's humane right?) thinking we are doing a good thing as we may orphan baby rabbits or other baby critters. I was most upset with the DNR guy from the Cambridge office who told me to "put them back outside and let nature take its course." I'm sad that people think there are so many squirrels out there that they don't matter. This is a bitter-sweet moment as I'm kinda sad, they were so adorable but, I know I would get attached to them like a pet. I hope they make it.

  4. 4 TSBers pass along the fuzzy thanks to squirrellymama:

    KCullen (05-06-2021), Mel1959 (09-08-2020), Mialouise (09-09-2020), Rock Monkey (09-09-2020)

  5. #23
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    North Carolina
    Posts
    1,277
    Thanked: 733

    Default Re: Found a pair of 8 week old orphaned babies-need help!

    These aren't easy decisions, as you say.

    You don't realize how much soul they have until you are taking care of one and you realize you are what stands between them and life and death.

  6. #24
    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    Minnesota
    Posts
    9
    Thanked: 11

    Default Re: Found a pair of 8 week old orphaned babies-need help!

    So true, I felt very inadequate and they deserve a chance to be cared for as best as possible. It's so funny, I know I did the right thing but I'm sad, I miss the cute little stinkers!

Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •