RELEASING BABIES TO WILD

[Nancy in New York]

What kind of light (imitates sunlight) do I get so they receive enough while we are transitioning them....

I know that CritterMom recommends a great one, and for the life of me, I can't remember which one.
I'll look for the thread.

[Nancy in New York]

Here you go:

If you held Ott's feet to the fire, they would tell you that their bulbs are "visible" full spectrum - that is they have the COLOR of full spectrum. They are made for crafting and sewing and really should not be marketed to critter people looking for UVA/UVB for calcium absorbsion because THEY DON'T DO THAT. And yes, I spent much money on them for my parrots before I researched them in depth.

The only real full spectrum bulbs are made for the reptile trade. Repti-sun is well known; they are followed by a number - 2.0; 5.0; 10.0. That number tells you how far in inches below the bulb the UVA/UVB penetrated when the bulb is brand new. That means 10" is the max available.

If you are feeding a good rodent block with calcium, vitamin D and magnesium, unfiltered sun is not required for calcium absorbsion. That said, if you can give your baby a nice sun bask he will love it - but the D it provides can be achieved through diet.

[farrelli]

I might give a bit of Tums every day to try to make up for what they lacked growing up. Did they have a good formula? What kind?

[CMOSCINSKI]

I might give a bit of Tums every day to try to make up for what they lacked growing up. Did they have a good formula? What kind?

We got them on formula right away same night we got them they were on it for several weeks...maybe 6 I'd say before we even introduced any solids. 3x day feedings. Esbilac --link is below for nutrition value.

http://www.healthypets.com/puppymilk...FSVgMgodEToAQg

[farrelli]

Did you use this liquid, or did you use the powder? The liquid isn't as good. Also, we recommend that they be given formula for as long as they can be convinced to do so so as to ward against MBD. What age did they stop?

[CMOSCINSKI]

Yes we used the canned liquid not powder. And fed 3x day about 4-6 weeks approx...they had to be at lease 2-3 mos old

[farrelli]

Why do you think they were 2-3 months old when you got them? They usually would not take formula at that age.

In any event, it sounds like these guys haven't gotten the best nutrition throughout their life. I would correct that for awhile and give supplemental calcium before release.

[Saverywood]

We got them on formula right away same night we got them they were on it for several weeks...maybe 6 I'd say before we even introduced any solids. 3x day feedings. Esbilac --link is below for nutrition value.

http://www.healthypets.com/puppymilk...FSVgMgodEToAQg

Some of the peeps giving out advice have never even held a HHB or rehabbed a single squrrel...

You and Hubby have raised two beauriful boys,
you did the best you could
looks like you did some homework & research,
so stop ... beating yourself up and move forward.

[farrelli]

Btw, no one is shaming you. Some mistakes were made and a fix is at hand. Some people think that making people feel good is the the way to go, but that solves no problems at all. Most of us are more interested in helping squirrels than ingratiating ourselves to users and making everyone feel good. It is standard procedure around here that in cases where there has been a nutritional deficit (and it sounds like your guys got lesser quality formula and no blocks) that this deficit be addressed before release. I don't really know how that could be interpreted as being hurtful.

[Charley Chuckles]

Btw, no one is shaming you. Some mistakes were made and a fix is at hand. Some people think that making people feel good is the the way to go, but that solves no problems at all. Most of us are more interested in helping squirrels than ingratiating ourselves to users and making everyone feel good. It is standard procedure around here that in cases where there has been a nutritional deficit (and it sounds like your guys got lesser quality formula and no blocks) that this deficit be addressed before release. I don't really know how that could be interpreted as being hurtful.

Hi Chris I'm sorry but I just happened to see this post I am sorry if I didn't get a chance to read all the other posts/ HOWEVER , I just want, as a member, to say...PLEASE tone it down a notch I would hate for you to chase a newbie away...who needs help I know Chris you can do better than rude...LOVE YOU QUACK DOC

[farrelli]

What is with the southern women here? They all think I'm rude while at the same time I get PMs from other people, even about this very thread, who think I do a service by being direct. CC, how have I in any way been rude to Cmos? Please tell me. She came here looking for advice, and the fact of the matter is that her squirrel has been raised with sub-par formula and then didn't get any blocks. Does that help or hurt a squirrel? Should I instead be telling her, like others, that everything is just peachy? Or should I be telling her the truth, the truth which has been told to so many others in the same situation, that her squirrels would be better off having a corrected diet and probably supplemental calcium before their release to make up for the deficit? CC, if you're one of the people who thinks that it's better to just tell people what they want to hear, I'm sorry, but that isn't what TSB is all about.

Just the other day, in relation to another thread, the question was asked in the Triage Room, since when has TSB become so concerned with being "the nice board". Facts are facts and squirrels need help. When all some members do is made "isn't he cute" pics, and tell people who have made mistakes that "you've tried your best" and then move on without telling them that these were mistakes and how to correct them, they're doing this board a disservice and are actively hurting squirrels. I haven't badmouthed Cmos, I haven't badgered or name called, I pointed out a mistake and how it could be corrected, like so many others have done in similar circumstances. Cmos came here for advice, so she should get it, not just be essentially told that everything is A-OK. I'm sure she's a big girl and not only can bare to hear the truth, but actively wants to hear it in order to help her charges.

[island rehabber]

Cmos, you have gotten excellent advice throughout this thread from all concerned. I agree that since your boys did not eat rodent block they could stand a boost of calcium in their diet prior to being released. The stress of release often causes whatever weaknesses in a squirrel's system to weaken further and we don't want to risk that.

As for WHY BLOCKS, the fact is that squirrels in the wild have an incredibly varied, seasonally and geographically-dependent diet. They do not eat the same things all year round. They do not eat the same things in New York that they eat in Texas or Florida. It is virtually impossible to reproduce their natural diet when they are in our home, so rodent block takes care of as much of that as possible by supplying the various minerals and vitamins they would normally get from SO MANY things outside. Whoever told y ou they don't need it is -- I'm sorry -- GROSSLY misinformed. Every respected squirrel expert, from Shirley Casey to Sarah Rowe to Christina Clark will tell you that blocks are essential. To make matters more dicey, the foods we tend to give squirrels in our homes (nuts, oxalates like spinach, corn) boost their phosphorous levels so that their calcium levels drop dangerously low. That's why we're always harping on this dietary stuff -- not to make anyone feel bad, but to protect the squirrel.

okay, that said, your boys are adorable and you sound like a person who will do whatever needs to be done. Take the info presented and use it -- it's free! -- and it's very good info. If the tone of some of the posts bothers you, remember that this is the internet and all we have is cold type. Take the WHAT is being said, not the HOW.

[CMOSCINSKI]

Why do you think they were 2-3 months old when you got them? They usually would not take formula at that age.

In any event, it sounds like these guys haven't gotten the best nutrition throughout their life. I would correct that for awhile and give supplemental calcium before release.

No we got them as babies - their eyes weren't even open...we fed them thru to approx. 3mos of age then introduced solids. I have pictures here in my folder, you can see how small they were when we got them.

[CMOSCINSKI]

Cmos, you have gotten excellent advice throughout this thread from all concerned. I agree that since your boys did not eat rodent block they could stand a boost of calcium in their diet prior to being released. The stress of release often causes whatever weaknesses in a squirrel's system to weaken further and we don't want to risk that.

As for WHY BLOCKS, the fact is that squirrels in the wild have an incredibly varied, seasonally and geographically-dependent diet. They do not eat the same things all year round. They do not eat the same things in New York that they eat in Texas or Florida. It is virtually impossible to reproduce their natural diet when they are in our home, so rodent block takes care of as much of that as possible by supplying the various minerals and vitamins they would normally get from SO MANY things outside. Whoever told y ou they don't need it is -- I'm sorry -- GROSSLY misinformed. Every respected squirrel expert, from Shirley Casey to Sarah Rowe to Christina Clark will tell you that blocks are essential. To make matters more dicey, the foods we tend to give squirrels in our homes (nuts, oxalates like spinach, corn) boost their phosphorous levels so that their calcium levels drop dangerously low. That's why we're always harping on this dietary stuff -- not to make anyone feel bad, but to protect the squirrel.

okay, that said, your boys are adorable and you sound like a person who will do whatever needs to be done. Take the info presented and use it -- it's free! -- and it's very good info. If the tone of some of the posts bothers you, remember that this is the internet and all we have is cold type. Take the WHAT is being said, not the HOW.

I know you haven't prob read all the thread, but I took all advice given and ordered block. I just want to know the whys and hows etc. That's why I asked all the questions. Thank you all for your advice!!

[farrelli]

Are you going to also give them supplemental calcium?

[CMOSCINSKI]

Well we have been acclimating the boys to the yard and trees and surroundings for two weeks. Keeping a cage in yard and only allowing them out when we are present to "babysit" while they play. Ben (the bigger one) has left our yard last Sunday came back but has left for good I think.

I initially seen him with the other baby squirrels just around the corner from my house. They all hang by the large pine trees but found him by himself hoping around and feeding at my neighbors house down the block because she has a feeder there, I think he is comfortable being his own "man". I have attached Jerry's picture from this last weekend eating fresh coconut for to keep immune system in check. He and other squirrels I still feed the blocks that were recommended to me as well as fresh veggies. I don't feel Jerrry will be leaving us. He stays in the yard near the garage and even attached himself to my husband so he now lets him pet him and feed by hand with no problem (which I did not want to happen but Oh well...if he is happy here, he can stay as long as he wants). The door is open and cage is unlocked for him to come and go as he pleases.

My question during this season to keep the squirrels healthy (mosquitoes, ticks, fungi, etc.), what can I feed them to keep their immune system in check and free from ticks or mange? Any help appreciated!!

[farrelli]

Perhaps you should put up a squirrel box for him to make his permanent home.

[CMOSCINSKI]

Actually Jerry left yesterday!! He is living in my neighbors tree across the yard from mine :0 there are about 10 squirrels there so he will be fine. He will follow their lead. I am feeding them blocks and seeing about asking neighbor to put a squirrel box up there for him. My neighborhood has not many squirrels at all and I am wondering if someone killed them off

He's good! My husband saw him and gave him food & he ran back up the tree to eat

[CMOSCINSKI]

Well looks like Jerry is back home again! For visit??

Left for the night played with his squirrel friends and brother and stopped by to eat

He knows where his true home is....