Re: New Squirrel Mama - Questions!
Originally Posted by
itsthejuless
Hey all! I'm a new squirrel mama to a 3-4 wk old male grey. He's fully furred, smooth but furred tail, eyes still closed. He was found on the sidewalk outside my office 5 days ago - couldn't find mom, couldn't find a nest. He was dehydrated and not moving in the midday Florida August heat
So took him home, got him hydrated with the unflavored pedialyte, and then switched to the 2:1 Esbilac every 3-4 hours. The first few days have been great. He snuggles well, pees and poops well with stimulation (poops about once a day so far). But the past day he's been lazier than normal, but not lethargic. He definitely hasn't been as hungry so I'm not forcing that - just making attempts every hour or two to see if he's hungry. He's closer to eating maybe 1cc tops at a time, and he's definitely still having clear pee both before and after he eats. No clicking, except for the mouth noises when he's actively eating, like a toddler chewing with their mouth open kinda sounds *lol*
I mean, it seems like he's doing well, but the decrease in appetite just has me slightly worried. Is this normal at all from what anyone has experienced with their babies?
Have you done the "pinch test" to see if fully hydrated? Dehydration will cut appetite.
If needing hydration, give water sweetened with a little sugar for taste in-between formula feedings.
Do you know babies weight? Knowing babies weight is important for knowing they are being fed between
the recommended 5-7% body weight per feeding. Also if meds are needed they are dosed according to
the squirrel's body weight. 3-4 week old should be eating up to 3-4cc's per feeding. Is the formula staying
close to hot throughout feeding? Keeping temps consistent is helpful, many babies tend to back off eating
when it starts to cool down.
You have passed some stages, others could be helpful.
Go to this link this could be a big help.
It's 6 pages long with the next button on the top right corner.
https://www.henryspets.com/1-basic-setup/
Step-N-Stone
State Licensed
Wildlife Master Rehabilitator