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Thread: Not sure if going to the toilet

  1. #1
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    Question Not sure if going to the toilet

    Hi,

    I recently rescued a squirrel from outside my flat and he is quite possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen, I think he's about 6 weeks old I've been giving him rehydration formula (salt, water and sugar) and puppy milk ( ratio of 2:1 water to formula)and he's been nibbling on fruits and nuts he seems to be fine apart from a slight sneeze? and he itches himself every so often so I've got him some de-flea stuff

    My main concern is that I'm not sure if he is going to the bathroom, I've seen him poo a couple of times but the are like hamster droppings and I read somewhere that that could mean that he's dehydrated? and I'm not sure if he's going for a wee? is there any way of telling? should he be going on his own at this age?

    I tried stimulating him yesterday but he seemed to hate it and was getting very distressed so didn't want to continue and put him in any more stress, I'm also from the UK so not a lot I can do for getting him checked over by a vet and I know the legal implications of him being with me but I couldn't just leave him to die out there!

  2. Serious fuzzy thank you's to Nutella from:

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  3. #2
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    Default Re: Not sure if going to the toilet

    Welcome to The Squirrel Board

    Yes, a 6 week old will go to the potty by themselves. They don’t need stimulating. They do have tiny poops like a hamster. When they dry they are even smaller. I’m sure the baby is pottying in the bedding.

    Are the eyes open? You should discontinue the hydration if it has been more than a day.

    This is a helpful guide with baby squirrel care information.
    https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-sq...hoCMdEQAvD_BwE

    Yes, I know about the harsh laws in the UK regarding grey squirrels. You will need to keep the baby a secret so as to not put it in jeopardy of being confiscated.

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  5. #3
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    Default Re: Not sure if going to the toilet

    Thank you for your response, yeah his eyes are open and his wondering around my flat when he's up although he does seem to be sleeping a lot after his milk is that normal?, I've got him in a guinea pig cage at the minute with a water bottle some hamster food ( i have a dwarf hamster as well) a climbing rope, sticks for chewing, hammock and a blanket with a hot water bottle is there anything else that I need for him?

    Do you have any idea why he might be snuffling/ sneezing? talked to someone who said it might be a falling injury is there anything I can do to help him? or will it sort itself out?

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    Default Re: Not sure if going to the toilet

    It is normal for them to sleep after eating. We call it a ‘milk coma’.

    Guinea pig food is not the appropriate food for a squirrel. You should buy a rodent (rat) block. You can usually buy it at places that sell pet food. Of course you wouldn’t mention it’s for a squirrel. Guinea pigs are hay eaters so their food pellets have grasses and hays. Squirrels are not hay eaters so their food is different.

    I’m not sure why he is sniffling? Sometimes they do fall on their nose and that will irritate the nasal passages. I would watch it and see if it gets better. If not, we can help you with treatment options.

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  8. #5
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    Default Re: Not sure if going to the toilet

    haha, milk coma I love it! Sorry, he's in a guinea pig cage but he's getting hamster food is that ok for him? he's got a mineral block in his cage is that the same thing? How much milk should he be drinking I'm doing it every 4 hours but he seems to drink about 5 syringes (1.0 ml each) is that ok for him?

    That great thank you so much for your help!

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    Default Re: Not sure if going to the toilet

    also, would he be ok being introduced to the dwarf hamster? ( hamster in his ball or his cage) or would they just fight and stress each other out?

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    Default Re: Not sure if going to the toilet

    No, I wouldn’t put the dwarf hamster with the baby squirrel.

    The hamster food is similar to guinea pig food so it’s not the right food for baby squirrels.
    Some people have pet rats. Rat food (block) is the type you want.

    You need a scale to weigh the baby. The amount of formula is based on the weight. We feed 5-7% of the body weight per feeding when they are young. As they get older, they will take more.
    Example: a 100g baby would take between 5-7ml per feeding,

  11. #8
    Squirrelagirl Guest

    Default Re: Not sure if going to the toilet

    Whatever you do DO NOT put the squirrel in n a hampsterball. Im sure the termjnoligy that im about to use isnt the most scientific but a hampster is a bent back rjdent and a grey squirrel is a hump back rodent. This being said the ball or even a hsmpster wheel will damage the squirrels spine because it will make his body bend in as n un natural manner.also im sure hes u ssd's ing the potty... ive raised several baby squirrels and as long as th here pooping there peeing... idk if they sell this in the UK bug the best m I'll lk you co uh ld be giving him to help preventing him from developing metabolic bone d iui sease is Esbalic goats milk powder...make sure its the goats milk one because the regular has been kolling baby squirrels...its sold at petco and petsmart. Its in a c as n with a picture of a black n white pug.

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    Default Re: Not sure if going to the toilet

    Thanks, I thought not! ok ill try and get down to the shop and get him some rat food

    he weighs about 130g when I weighed him a couple of days ago so that sounds about right! is there any type of food I shouldn't be giving him? I know citrus isn't great for him

    And what should I do for getting him ready for release?

  13. #10
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    Default Re: Not sure if going to the toilet

    Quote Originally Posted by Squirrelagirl View Post
    Whatever you do DO NOT put the squirrel in n a hampsterball. Im sure the termjnoligy that im about to use isnt the most scientific but a hampster is a bent back rjdent and a grey squirrel is a hump back rodent. This being said the ball or even a hsmpster wheel will damage the squirrels spine because it will make his body bend in as n un natural manner.also im sure hes u ssd's ing the potty... ive raised several baby squirrels and as long as th here pooping there peeing... idk if they sell this in the UK bug the best m I'll lk you co uh ld be giving him to help preventing him from developing metabolic bone d iui sease is Esbalic goats milk powder...make sure its the goats milk one because the regular has been kolling baby squirrels...its sold at petco and petsmart. Its in a c as n with a picture of a black n white pug.
    Hes getting something called Lactol as its the only stuff they sold int he pet store I went to

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    Default Re: Not sure if going to the toilet

    Quote Originally Posted by Nutella View Post
    Hes getting something called Lactol as its the only stuff they sold int he pet store I went to
    Hi Nutella, and thanks for caring for this baby! Is Lactol the formula you're using? Maybe someone who knows will weigh in as to its suitability, but if it's not a good formula, be on the lookout for Royal Canin Babydog. If you can find that it's reported to be excellent.
    "I hope everyone got or gets their Baby Love today"~Shewhosweptforest

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

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    Default Re: Not sure if going to the toilet

    Quote Originally Posted by Chirps View Post
    Hi Nutella, and thanks for caring for this baby! Is Lactol the formula you're using? Maybe someone who knows will weigh in as to its suitability, but if it's not a good formula, be on the lookout for Royal Canin Babydog. If you can find that it's reported to be excellent.
    Hi,

    Yeah lactol is the formula

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