Change in Junior's tail (flattened)

[Junior Squirrel]

This is my first post. My squirrel Maryin Luther King Junior was rescued after his mom was hit by a car on March 17. Not sure of his age at the time, but this is a photo of him from that time.


Recently, first noticed on June 4th, Junior's tail went from fluffy to completely flat. No other change in personality/diet. Here is a current pic of his tail, as well as a picture of his genitals, in case anyone can confirm for me if he is a boy.

[Sara in NW MS]

Congratulations... you have a girl!

Sometimes their tail will go through changes like that. It's normal as they start losing their winter coat and getting their summer coat. No worries about the tail.

Tell us more about this precious little one. What is her diet like? Thank you for saving her and giving her a chance at a happy life. Do you plan on releasing her to the trees?

We always enjoy seeing pics, the more you post the better.

[island rehabber]

You have a Martina Jr.

[Junior Squirrel]

Oh my a GIRL!!! My daughter is dismayed at this new development. She is currently running after Junior exclaiming over her "new" daughter.

Right now the bulk is a rat/mouse food mix called VitaNature Natural Foraging Formula which is described as grains, pellets, seeds, vegetables and fruit supplemented by the fruits and veggies that we keep around the house, and pecans for treats. I just ordered actual squirrel food from Henry's Pets after discovering this site. She also takes calcium carbonate.

Thank you for your help, I was hoping that was all it is, but it's a relief to get a second opinion.
And we haven't had to think about release plans until recently when she stopped wanting to cuddle/crawl all over us as much and wanted to speed around the house instead. Ive been reading threads to see what our options are.

Some more pictures:

[Junior Squirrel]

Any ideas how old she may of been when recused back in March? She was eating food by herself already, but the runt of her so siblings that was about half Junior's size had to be nursed. (My brother in law was caring for the runt but s/he didn't make it.) She also had 2 other siblings that were living in a neighbors tree (and the neighbors didn't want to let us take more than one) who died a few days after we took Junior in.

[Sara in NW MS]

I'd change the food... go online and get some block made for squirrels. Henry's healthy pets is the site. Keep it in the freezer and pull out a block at a time and let her have those (2 a day).
Find the thread on the healthy diet and get her started on that. Lots of leafy green veggies. Fruit and nuts should be given as a treat only.
You can buy rodent block at the pet store (oxbow or mazuri) and give her those as a filler.
Sorry, this message is all over the place. I'm in a hurry to go somewhere. Others will chime in soon.
Your little girl is precious!!!

[lennysmom]

Here is the link for the chart showing the healthy diet for squirrels :
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/s...-Pet-Squirrels

You defiantly want to make sure she is eating a healthy diet as squirrels have very specific nutritional needs in order for them to stay healthy while in captivity.
Looking at the picture from your first post, I would estimate her age when you found her at around 7-8 weeks old. She is quite adorable by the way. Thank you for caring enough to rescue and care for her.

[Grinderhead]

She sure is a sweetie. Here is the link to Henry's http://www.henryspets.com/
Please any questions feel free to ask.

[Junior Squirrel]

Thanks guys, as I mentioned before the food from Henry's is on its way, can't wait to give it a try. I really appreciate the help, this as an amazing resource and community.