HELP: Overfeeding Symptoms on Seemingly Underweight Pinky

[Mikeythesquirrel]

Hi everyone! I’m new.

I found this little bugger Mikey a little less than a week ago and at first he was nice pink and fluffed. He’s only about a week old and I initially had him on the esbilac liquid (I know, BAD.). After a couple days, I noticed he was getting rather thin and switched to the powder with whipping cream.

His energy has improved a little bit, but after one or two days now, he’s still boney and lethargic. He had diarrhea for two days and that’s what initially prompted his formula switch. The diarrhea seems to be gone but he’s on the skinny side. I cut bad on feeding for a little and did rehydration instead to see if it’s help him perk back up (energy wise and appearance wise).

I’m not sure if he’s recovering from the bad formula or possibly overeaten? But someone please help. I’m not sure what I need to do to help him or know if he’s actually getting better. Thank you so much

I WILL SEND PICTURES IF NEEDED. THANK YOU XX

[Spanky]

Do you know the signs of Aspiration Pneumonia (AP)? Hold the baby to your ear and listen for a clicking sound as they breath. All babies click some, especially after eating, but an AP click is persistent... lethargy and lack of appetite are also symptoms.

If she has AP, antibiotics are needed to save her life.

Posting pics would be helpful.

[Mikeythesquirrel]

Do you know the signs of Aspiration Pneumonia (AP)? Hold the baby to your ear and listen for a clicking sound as they breath. All babies click some, especially after eating, but an AP click is persistent... lethargy and lack of appetite are also symptoms.

If she has AP, antibiotics are needed to save her life.

Posting pics would be helpful.

No clicking thankfully. I’ll try to post photos
No clicking thankfully. I’ll try to post photos

[Spanky]

Here is how you do it )upload pics). It is not as difficult as these instructions make it seem. I just wanted to list all of the steps for you....

1) on the new message (new post) page (clicking on the Reply to Thread or Reply with Quote buttons will bring up a new page with a blank area to start your post) there is a button with a paperclip icon on it toward the right side of the top row of the three rows of buttons used to edit your post.
Click on that.
2) You will then have a pop-up with a button toward the right upper corner that says; "Add Files."
Click on that
3) A small pop-up will then show up near there that says, "Choose File."
Click on that.
4) You will then have a File Explorer window and within this, you then choose the file(s) you would like to upload by clicking on it. These files can certainly be photos of Bella!
5) Click on the Upload button and that file will be uploaded into the top section of the upload window.
6) The uploading can continue until all the files you would like to upload are uploaded.
7) the click the left mouse button and hold it down while the cursor is over one of the files you would like to put in your post drag this file into the lower part of the window and lift your finger to release the left mouse button and leave the file where you dragged it. You do the same with any other files you would like to put in your post.
8) next you should look at the files you have placed in the lower half of the download window to ensure that your are not uploading something you did not want to upload and when you are satisfied in that respect; click on the Insert Inline button and those files will be in your post!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

Credit to StS!

[Mikeythesquirrel]

Is this able to be done on a cell phone? Uploading

Also some side notes, he’s licking my hand like he wants to eat and is peeing a good lot (clear, no odor)

[Mikeythesquirrel]

I just saw my posting permissions say I can’t share attachments. Any way to change that?

Thank you all so much for your help

[Spanky]

I just saw my posting permissions say I can’t share attachments. Any way to change that?

Thank you all so much for your help

Done

[Mikeythesquirrel]

Thank you so much! These photos are from the 1st day (he’s on the right, unfortunately the other didn’t make it) over the course of the last week. Thank you all! Please let me know if it worked haha

[Spanky]

Yes, substitute hydration instead of formula for the next few feedings. They are dehydrated and feeding a dehydrated baby formula does little good.

The one that passed looks cold in the picture, these pinkies need a heating pad as they do not produce any heat themselves for a few weeks. Here is a 6 page long primer on baby squirrel care that has lots of good information

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

[Mikeythesquirrel]

Okay I will try and update you!

About how many feedings should I skip or am I doing it until certain symptoms/behaviors go away? Do I completely stop formula feeding during this time?

I appreciate all the help!

[Spanky]

About how many feedings should I skip or am I doing it until certain symptoms/behaviors go away? Do I completely stop formula feeding during this time?

Instead of formula feeding for the next 2 feedings, feed hydration...
Homemade Rehydration fluid:

• 1 cup warm water
  
• 1 teaspoon molasses, honey, syrup or sugar (in order of preference)
  
• Small pinch of salt
  

[Mikeythesquirrel]

Instead of formula feeding for the next 2 feedings, feed hydration...
Homemade Rehydration fluid:

• 1 cup warm water
  
• 1 teaspoon molasses, honey, syrup or sugar (in order of preference)
  
• Small pinch of salt
  

Okay! So do you not recommend the 50-50 pedialyte/water mix?

[Tashahaven]

Only substitute formula with hydration for 3 - 4 feedings…

Afterwards It is ok to continue to offer hydration fluids BETWEEN formula feedings (not at the same time)

not all “hydration formulas” are created equally.

Plain, unflavored pedialyte should only be given for NO LONGER THAN 24HR.

Pedialyte has A LOT of salt, which can be VERY hard on the squirrels body.

IF hydration fluid is necessary beyond 24HR, please dilute it 50/50 with a slightly sweetened (for taste/more palatable) water. Using molasses’s, honey, agave syrup, or a pinch of sugar.

[Spanky]

Okay! So do you not recommend the 50-50 pedialyte/water mix?

That 50-50 pedialyte/water mix is okay, but opened Pedialyte must be stored in the fridge and tossed after 48 hours.