Southern Ontario Help. A home needed to over winter 2 boy eastern greys

[kymmi4]

Hello. I have had the pleasure of taking care of these two boys since late summer. They were very young when I found them, still not using their back legs. They were pretty tame and loving and cuddled often but since moving to their big enclosure do not like to be picked up but still enjoy being pet. Sadly, there have been some problems popping up that make me feel this isn't the best place for them. First, I don't have a ton of experience, I have over-wintered once, a single red squirrel but I feel like these two boys need a bigger space, since they have started pacing. Unfortunately , I don't have a big space for a bigger cage so that won't be an option. I can no longer add fresh sticks in the enclosure because when I do my daughters asthma acts up. They do have wooden panks to run across but no stick. I know they need to chew fresh bark. The next problem is that my toddler grand-daughter has been bitten twice, not serious but it's hard to keep her away since the squirrels are living in our living space. Next, is they have started to loose hair across their backs. There is no agitated skin or sores just hair loss. At first I thought maybe they rubbing the fur from each other because of the way they play but now. I'm wondering if it's a nutrition problem. I feed them a variety of fruits , vegetables and nuts , the same as when i had the red squirrel. I'm just thinking with everything put together, maybe I'm just not able to give them everything they need.
Is there anyone in southern ontario that feel they could help out?

[Shewhosweptforest]

Well thank you first off for taking these boys on....sounds like you have a handful....we do have members in Canada, but not sure how close they are to you...hopefully someone will chime in...perhaps one of our admins can put your location in the title also I think you are spot on about the nutrition....less nuts.....nuts should just be treats...they need to have some additional supplements to their diet...a lot of us here feed Henry's Blocks....but you can also use a good rodent block..like Mazuri or Tekland? not sure if that's the right brand...but close anyway, the hair loss could be from the nutrition....but there are far worse problems from the diet...primarily MBD...so I'd get on that right away while you're waiting for placement. The hair loss could also be from being in the smaller enclosure...they may be running around and rubbing against wood and wire

Thank you again for caring for these boys...and then caring enough to try and find them a placement where they will be happier I know this can be hard Good Luck

[Shewhosweptforest]

Hey admins could we maybe put Southern Ontario in the title thanks

[Nancy in New York]

Hey admins could we maybe put Southern Ontario in the title thanks

Thank you sweeper!

[kymmi4]

Thanks for the tips re:rodent block. I will pick some up tomorrow . I am still crossing my fingers that someone in my neck of the woods is able to help. I would really love to see them thrive.

[Shewhosweptforest]

Thanks for the tips re:rodent block. I will pick some up tomorrow . I am still crossing my fingers that someone in my neck of the woods is able to help. I would really love to see them thrive.

I would come on a couple times a day morning, afternoon, and evening and just post something....this way it gets seen....this site is very busy and inactive threads fall back and do not get as much exposure I will pm a few members I know live in Canada it's a huge country...but maybe one of them is close or know someone who is

[kymmi4]

Thanks for that tip!!

[Shewhosweptforest]

I've sent your thread to three of our Canadian members ...hopefully someone will be close or know of someone to help they are amazing and have been known to move mountains to help Hang tight

[Shewhosweptforest]

Thank you Astra for your pm....I messaged back ...but you're full

Hopefully kymmi4 and squirrelfriend can work something out

I hope we can find some help for these rambunctious boys I will pm Milo'sMom also as you suggested.

As always

[kymmi4]

I received great news last night...the boys found a new home!! They will be getting a new Bigger enclosure made first and when it's ready they will be moving to the next town over! I'm so happy for them. Thanks everyone!

[Shewhosweptforest]

Oh that's wonderful I'm very happy for you and the boys I know it's bittersweet...but for the best

[kymmi4]

It is bittersweet. My 14 year old is really attached, she has helped with their care from day one, even formula feeding them after school. I was worried she would be devastated when I gave her the news but even she gave a little cheer. We still have them for a bit so we will spoil them in the meantime.

[Shewhosweptforest]

I'm glad she was ok they really do tug at your heart you guys spoil them rotten....and remind your daughter that they are alive and well today because she cared enough to help...both of you

[kymmi4]

I thought I would share a few baby pictures of the boys.

[Shewhosweptforest]

Oh they are so cute....they're little Blinky's ....black eastern greys just precious

[kymmi4]

I miss those cuddles. A few years we fostered a black squirrel we named Joey. He would always curl up and sleep in the crook of my arm even after his backyard release. Squirrels are funny little animals!

[Shewhosweptforest]

Yes they are....you are blessed to have one that would curl up in your arm after he was released once my guys get mobile I have to fight for any cuddles and they usually win

[lovesmice]

What a beautiful story of compassion and love. Thank you, kymmi4 and daughter, for saving these Black Eastern, Grey brothers. These oh-so handsome squirrels were oh-so lucky the day they crossed paths with you.

Wow, Sweeps, you were unwavering in your efforts to help kymmi4 locate a rehabber in Canada for these brothers. That was a great idea, too, changing the title.