2 week old acting different

[Jinny]

Hello! I have had a baby grey in my care for ten days. I am assuming she is about 14 days old today. The person that found her said a dog brought her to the back porch. She attempted to reunite with no luck. Essentially she posted on FB that she had the baby and since she had to work the next day it would probably just…die. ANYHOW, I’ve never even touched a squirrel but thought OH MY and went and got her. Luckily, I found this site and immediately implemented everything it said to do. Warm, Rehydrate, formula, etc. The next day I ordered the baby squirrel kit and got her a new enclosure with wireless thermometer… the whole works. Anyhow, she has been doing very good. Eating by weight every 2 hours day/night, peeing/pooping with assistance… Weighed 18g when I got her and 33g this morning. More active every day. When she smells me she gets feisty and knows food is close by. Essentially she was active enough to twirl her self out of my hand if I wasn’t careful (which I was).

Well… Yesterday I noticed something was “different”. Not remarkably but noticeable only to me. Today that was amplified. She’s very slow moving, not interested in eating, and doesn’t get excited when she smells me. Still going to the bathroom and its all normal from what I can tell. She would start feeding and then stop and it was almost like she didn’t want to open her mouth. She’s also not “talking” to me as much. Where as she would squeak a lot, now she isn’t. Tummy isn’t distended or hard. Doesn’t seem to be in respiratory distress… no clicking noises (I even got my stethoscope out to listen)… She’s very, twitchy and tends to want to curl under into a ball. I have a digital thermometer and I am constantly checking her temp and it has been with in normal limits the entire time. So anyhow, I know SOMETHING is wrong I just don’t know what.

Editing to add: She took 2ml of pedalyte two hours ago and another 0.5 about 30 minutes ago. I want to say she is a tiny bit more active but not by much. I know this is a long shot but any advice would be appreciated.

I am in East Texas, the rehab place couldn’t take her and I was informed I probably should NOT take her to a vet…

Thanks,
Jinny

[SamtheSquirrel2018]

Hello! I have had a baby grey in my care for ten days. I am assuming she is about 14 days old today. The person that found her said a dog brought her to the back porch. She attempted to reunite with no luck. Essentially she posted on FB that she had the baby and since she had to work the next day it would probably just…die. ANYHOW, I’ve never even touched a squirrel but thought OH MY and went and got her. Luckily, I found this site and immediately implemented everything it said to do. Warm, Rehydrate, formula, etc. The next day I ordered the baby squirrel kit and got her a new enclosure with wireless thermometer… the whole works. Anyhow, she has been doing very good. Eating by weight every 2 hours day/night, peeing/pooping with assistance… Weighed 18g when I got her and 33g this morning. More active every day. When she smells me she gets feisty and knows food is close by. Essentially she was active enough to twirl her self out of my hand if I wasn’t careful (which I was).

Well… Yesterday I noticed something was “different”. Not remarkably but noticeable only to me. Today that was amplified. She’s very slow moving, not interested in eating, and doesn’t get excited when she smells me. Still going to the bathroom and its all normal from what I can tell. She would start feeding and then stop and it was almost like she didn’t want to open her mouth. She’s also not “talking” to me as much. Where as she would squeak a lot, now she isn’t. Tummy isn’t distended or hard. Doesn’t seem to be in respiratory distress… no clicking noises (I even got my stethoscope out to listen)… She’s very, twitchy and tends to want to curl under into a ball. I have a digital thermometer and I am constantly checking her temp and it has been with in normal limits the entire time. So anyhow, I know SOMETHING is wrong I just don’t know what.

Editing to add: She took 2ml of pedalyte two hours ago and another 0.5 about 30 minutes ago. I want to say she is a tiny bit more active but not by much. I know this is a long shot but any advice would be appreciated.

I am in East Texas, the rehab place couldn’t take her and I was informed I probably should NOT take her to a vet…

Thanks,
Jinny

Hi Jinny:
Thanks for finding The Squirrel Board! I have on a moment as I am at work but I would like to ask a couple of questions to have available for our members with experience raising pinkies who will be monitoring the forum and can give you more advice and suggestions. Incase you have not looed at the recommendations from Henry's pets on raising babies, this is the link. It is only 6 pages and very thorough while being quite concise: https://www.henryspets.com/1-baby-squirrel-care-guide/

First of all, do you have your Squirrel a plastic bin with holes cut in the top and and fleece or flannel on the bottom? Have you obtained an always on heating pad with the temperature on low (babies cannot regulate their temperature and they must be kept warm at all times? What formula are you feeding your baby and how are you mixing it? You mentioned having given Pedialyte recently. Just in case you may be mixing the formula with Pedialyte or adding Pedialyte to the formula; this should stop immediately as formula should NEVER be mixed with anything but clean fresh water! It should never be mixed with Pedialyte! How much are you feeding? The amount of formula for EACH feeding should be based upon an DAILY early morning (prior to eating) weighings and the amount of formula in cc's (milliliters) should be 5-7% of the Squirrels morning weight (in grams).

It may be that your Squirrel needs fluids (is dehydrated to some extent) but I would NOT recommend using Pedialyte. This has a relatively high concentration of electrolytes such as sodium and chloride and unless your Squirrel has diarrhea or other reason to be losing electrolytes, he only need plain water to regain normal hydration. You can use plain water and flavor ir with a drop or two of honey, molasses or syrup. Using Pedialyte instead of plain water for dehydration can result in excessive levels of electrolytes and this can cause some very severe problems! We do use Pedisalyte or some other similar rehydrating fluid if the baby is profoundly dehydrated because an electrolyte solution tends to increase the fluid circulating in the blood stream and will help treat or prevent shock but again, this is an emergency and most likely if your Squirrel needs fluids, he will do best with just plain water! We also use an electrolyte solution with diarrhea for part of the rehydration as diarrhea tends to cause loss of some electrolytes.

I will try to monitor your thread as best I can with my work responsibilities. Hopefully others will be here soon!

Regards,
SamtheSquirrel

[Jinny]

I appreciate you getting back with me and for the invaluable information provided.

1. I've chosen a 5-gallon glass reptile enclosure with a full mesh lid for the baby squirrel. Half of it has a heating pad underneath. The base is lined with fleece, and I've installed a wireless thermometer inside to monitor the temperature. Her temperature remains consistent between 98-100 degrees, although it tends to be warmer when she burrows.

2. I've invested in two always-on heating pads to ensure I have a backup if one fails.

3. Initially, I began with Esbilac puppy milk replacement but gradually transitioned her to Fox Valley 32/40 over several feedings. Following the advice that it reconstitutes best over time, I prepare it ahead (2 tablespoons of formula mixed with 4 tablespoons of very hot water) and let it settle in the fridge. I then warm the required amount in hot water before feeding.

4. I've never mixed the formula with Pedialyte. She was only given Pedialyte upon her arrival and the 2.5 ml last night when she seemed less active. Thanks for your guidance on this, especially regarding the alternative hydration solution. I'll certainly use water with a hint of honey if needed in the future.

5 & 6. I'm consistent with weighing her early in the morning post her bathroom routine and prior to feeding, basing her feed on this weight.

7. I calculate her feeding quantity by multiplying her weight in grams by both 0.05 and 0.07. I aim to feed her the larger quantity but ensure she gets at least the smaller amount. For instance, when she weighed 33g, I aimed to feed between 1.65cc and 2.3cc, based on her willingness.

Interestingly, even after a lower intake yesterday and last night, she weighed 35g this morning. However, she only managed about 1cc this morning. Her movements concern me. Instead of the gentle twitches you'd associate with dreams, she has pronounced, jerky movements. Her feeding vigor has also noticeably reduced.

Your assistance means a lot. I'll keep checking for any updates and advice.

[Spanky]

3. Initially, I began with Esbilac puppy milk replacement but gradually transitioned her to Fox Valley 32/40 over several feedings. Following the advice that it reconstitutes best over time, I prepare it ahead (2 tablespoons of formula mixed with 4 tablespoons of very hot water) and let it settle in the fridge. I then warm the required amount in hot water before feeding.

When was her formula transitioned?

[Jinny]

About 7 days after I got her, so 4 days ago.

[CritterMom]

I will tell you that we have had problems with the Fox Valley 32/40. It was digestive in nature and in very young babies but given the timing I wonder if something else is a problem with it. The Fox Valley 20/50 is okay, and many people mix the powdered Esbilac and FV 20/50 half and half and feed that through weaning.

I think I would continue with some hydration - perhaps plain water if she will, and go back to the Esbilac.

I will also tell you that the lethargy and refusal to eat are both strong EARLY signs of aspiration pneumonia. The clicking comes a little later. If I were you I would check your leftover antibiotics and see what you can find. Get a list - you will only need one pill. We can tell you if it will work. It is nice to have something when you need it.

[Spanky]

I think I would continue with some hydration - perhaps plain water if she will, and go back to the Esbilac.

... this was my exact thoughts as well. Both the FV 32/40 and the Esbilac are nutritional balanced for young baby squirrels but the Esbilac is more easily digested by babies under 4 weeks or so...

[Jinny]

Update: so she is eating, just not as much. She will drink about 1cc and then she is done. I’ve tried rewarming the syringe and keeping her warm but neither help. So I’ve just been feeding her more often to make up the difference. Still going to the bathroom, all is well in that department. Yet, something still isn’t right. It’s almost as if she won’t latch on anymore… she kind of laps the formula or puts the syringe in the side of her mouth (previously she was latching on and aggressively sucking).
I’m going to attach a video of her movements. I have no idea if this is normal or not but from the videos I have seen… doesn’t seem so. She’s suddenly so spastic and the twitching/ jerking constantly is still occurring. https://youtube.com/shorts/b10rg-Mq2...2IuRRuQHqIkgUN

[Spanky]

The movement in the video is normal... in this case she is searching for her mom or siblings to snuggle up. She is exposed and feels terrible vulnerable being uncovered. Providing fleece to cover her up will help her feel more secure.

That looks like a Styrofoam sheet she is crawling on... if that is what it is I strong suggest you get her off of that. First, it creates static electricity. Second, the fumes are toxic (Styrofoam is a known carcinogen... drinking acidic drinks like lemonade from a Styrofoam cup is unwise FWIW). Fleece and flannel are perfect fabrics for bedding. When Styrofoam melts it release toxic gases, so using with a heating pad is not a good idea.

Some formula hygiene... since she was eating well and now has stopped eating well...

1) The opened bag of powdered formula should be stored in the freezer, the fridge at a minimum (disregard the labeling, it WILL go rancid if left at room temperature).

2) Mix formula with plain tap or bottled water (never distilled water or anything like Pedialyte); mix it up several hours before using whenever possible as this allows the particles to dissolve more fully making it easier to digest. Use warm or hot water, not boiling hot water (boiling hot water kills the probiotics).

3) Mixed formula is kept in the fridge

4) Never reheat formula: Formula that has been warmed up for feeding and not used should be discarded.

5) Formula should be used within 36 hours, 48 hours max... toss it after that.

Wrapping her up / holding her with a piece of fleece can help during feeding. I keep a piece on the heating pad at the ready for feeding times.

[Jinny]

Thank you for the information. To put your mind at ease I had just taken her out of her enclosure and laid her on a soft throw blanket for the purpose of showing her movement.
This is her enclosure.
Appreciate the advice on formula storage.

[Spanky]

To put your mind at ease I had just taken her out of her enclosure and laid her on a soft throw blanket for the purpose of showing her movement.

Thanks for letting us know... I was not sure, but we see all kinds of crazy thing and I find it best to ask when something seems it might be a bit off!

[Jinny]

Just wanted to give a little update. Baby girl is back to her very active state. She’s up to 42g and all the symptoms previously mentioned are gone. I appreciate everyone that offered advice! 🥹🐿️🖤