Constipated baby

[Zed]

I have had two baby red squirrels in my care for eight days. I believe they are ten days old. They weigh 11 grams this morning. I have been feeding them Esbilac Puppy with some heavy cream added. The day before yesterday I switched them to the HGMF for two feedings but found that it was a bit clotted (maybe the egg cooking in the water I heated the syringes in?) So at the overnight feeding I switched back to the Esbilac. Late yesterday I noticed the male was very bloated. I bathed him and rubbed his tummy for 45 minutes and his condition improved greatly. I eliminated the overnight feeding. This morning he was not enthusastic, but I did get some formula into him. (I am aiming for .7 ml per feeding, every 3 hours). I am having a great deal of difficulty getting either of these babies to pee and poo, despite stimulating them during and after feeding. Last night the little female finally had a good poo - kind of a light brown colour. I have yet to see the little guy poo, except one tiny nugget several days ago. Their bedding is rabbit fur, so if they are eliminating when they are in the incubator, I wouldn't see any evidence. I just bought some apple juice, some prune juice, and some Gas-X extra strength chewable tablets (which is what our store has in stock). I would like to use one of these as a laxative. Can you tell me which would be the best choice, and how much, and whether it should be diluted? Or do I put some in the formula? Thank you!

[Spanky]

Do not mix the meds with the formula. As a general rule, do not mix anything with the formula.

At this age and size they do need the overnight feedings IMO.

Hydration is very often a contributing factor with constipation, so ensure they are adequately hydrated. I'd give plain water for a feeding or two to the bloated baby.

Make sure the expiration on the Esbilac is 10/2021 or later. There were some bad lots not suitable for very small mammals that were cleared out by lots expiring 10/2021 or later.

Infant's Liquid Gas-X (simethicone) can be very helpful in these situations. I would not attempt to use the tables on pinkies, I think the solids from the tablets may make things worse.

Also, make sure you are mixing up the Esbilac powder hours ahead of using it. I mix it using a shaker bottle with one of those spring balls inside. Mix 2 parts hot water from the tap (about 180 degrees F), 1 part Esbilac Powder. Adding the powder to the liquid is the way the experts recommend. Then I shake 100 times. Let it stand, shake again every 15 minutes or so over an hour. Then place in the refrigerator. Let it sit over night. The smaller the baby, the more critical to getting the formula fully dissolved becomes. 11 grams is about the smallest gray I have cared for, though I have cared for smaller flyers. No reds where I live now.