New Siberian Chipmunk Mom... HELP!

[Salexx92]

Hello All! I am new to the squirrel board as I was in hopes some of you could help me...

I got my Siberian Chipmunk from Even Keel Exotics in Michigan and she was flown here (Maryland) on Tuesday. I picked her up promptly, she didn't have to wait around for my arrival, and brought her home and put her in her new house.

She eats when I put something in her little hiding spot. But won't leave said hiding spot. So she has not drank (that I have seen, I am a stay at home student) She has pooped, it is solid and normal color and size, but it has been over 24 hours since I know that she has drank..

Sleeping a lot- although I connected that to stress of travel & new environment..

My question is- Should I worry?? I stopped putting food in her hiding spot so she would come out and eat and hopefully drink. But have yet to see her do that..

Will she eat and drink more as she gets more comfortable??

At this point I am super worried as to she hasn't had water in over 24 hours. I have not found any pee spots, have only seen poop.

She is 8 weeks old and I am sure she is totally stressed out about all the new things but I can't help but freak because of dehydration, etc.

** When she is awake she has bright eyes and is alert, but sleeping a ton **

[farrelli]

Im sorry no one responded yet. First try sweetening the water. You can also give watermelon which most like and is almost all water. You do have to keep an eye on hydration because it can be deadly. You may even have to give water drop by drop if necessary. Dehydration causes a downward spiral.

Can you gently pinch the skin between the shoulders? It should go right back down like on the back of your hand. Dehydration causes it to tent.

[farrelli]

Btw, have you seen out healthy diet guide?

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...-Pet-Squirrels

Out chippie people can chime in about any tweaks needed for chippies.

[Salexx92]

Im sorry no one responded yet. First try sweetening the water. You can also give watermelon which most like and is almost all water. You do have to keep an eye on hydration because it can be deadly. You may even have to give water drop by drop if necessary. Dehydration causes a downward spiral.

Can you gently pinch the skin between the shoulders? It should go right back down like on the back of your hand. Dehydration causes it to tent.

Thank you so much! I will definitely try watermelon as I can get her to eat that... And I will pinch the skin gently to see. She is very ok with my handling her.

[Salexx92]

Btw, have you seen out healthy diet guide?

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...-Pet-Squirrels

Out chippie people can chime in about any tweaks needed for chippies.

And I researched her diet thoroughly before I got her.. And luckily everything I'm doing matches what this food triangle says! She gets minimal treats, lots of fruits and veggies, and so far white and red clover is her favorite! Along with sher rodent blocks. Hopefully I can get her to drink something soon. She has me very worried.

[farrelli]

Generally, this list is very active, so if you're worrying, come here and more people than me will probably throw out ideas.

If she starts to get lethargic, her blood sugar might be low, which impacts thirst. If that's the case, a little molasses, even if rubbed on the gums if she won't lick it, can really help. Maple syrup if you don't have that, then any other syrup or even jam.

I've got to run for an hour though. Good luck.