Diarrhea

[PukiePukie]

Adaline is 5-6 weeks old. She is on fox valley formula mixed with goat milk. Recently she has had diarrhea. It is the suggest color of normal poop, but it is a thick liquid. What do I do? She has been on her formula for over a week.

[Spanky]

Adaline is 5-6 weeks old. She is on fox valley formula mixed with goat milk. Recently she has had diarrhea. It is the suggest color of normal poop, but it is a thick liquid. What do I do? She has been on her formula for over a week.

Which Fox Valley formula?

Why is it being mixed with goat milk... that is a new one for me?

The powder should be kept in the freezer after opening... it can go rancid and cause issues.

[PukiePukie]

It’s the day one powder formula, the packaging doesn’t say to store in freezer. When I 1st got her all I could get was goat milk, I’m still weaning her onto just the powder water mix but right now I have the water powder mix with goat milk. If you have any other ideas pls

[Shellysfriend]

Hello PukiePukie, welcome. I think what Spanky is referring to is the ratio on the front of the Fox Valley formula bag. There is several products that share the “Day One” label on them. There is a preferred 20/50 that seems to have the least amount of problems. Then Fox Valley has a 32/40 that is sold for squirrels 4 weeks and under, however has caused issues and is pretty universally avoided. Please check the front of the bag for the ratio as it’s very important information for them to assist you.

[Spanky]

It’s the day one powder formula, the packaging doesn’t say to store in freezer. When I 1st got her all I could get was goat milk, I’m still weaning her onto just the powder water mix but right now I have the water powder mix with goat milk. If you have any other ideas pls

I realize the packaging does not say to keep in the fridge, but we have seen it go rancid over and over and over again... could be a variance in what room temperature really is, or humidity or some other variable, but I give my assurances is often goes rancid at room temperatures and storing in the freezer (or fridge) is a safe guard against that.

"Formula hygiene" for lack of a better term.
- Never reuse formula that was heated for a feeding but not used. Anything that was heated but they did not eat should be thrown out. Most of use use a cup of hot water and submerge the syringe full of formula into the hot water for a few minutes before feeding. Having 2 syringes to rotate is helpful.
- The formula should be mixed up a few hours before feeding. I'll mix mine, then let it sit for about 30 - 45 minutes on the countertop mixing it every 10 to 15 minutes, then put it in the fridge. Letting it sit 4 hours or more (ideally overnight) allows the powder to more fully dissolve making it easier to digest for the baby.
- Despite the label, the opened can of powdered Esbilac (or any formula FWIW) should be stored in the freezer (or minimally the fridge). Otherwise it can go rancid pretty quickly

[Spanky]

I should have included not to warm the formula using a microwave... the intensity in the way microwave ovens work will kill off the probiotics in the formula, and ht probiotics are important in preventing diarrhea. Using a cup of very hot water and bathing the formula filled syringes for 1.5 - 2 minutes works well. Having multiple syringe allows them to be rotating, feeding one while the other(s) soak in the hot water.

[PukiePukie]

I realize the packaging does not say to keep in the fridge, but we have seen it go rancid over and over and over again... could be a variance in what room temperature really is, or humidity or some other variable, but I give my assurances is often goes rancid at room temperatures and storing in the freezer (or fridge) is a safe guard against that.

"Formula hygiene" for lack of a better term.
- Never reuse formula that was heated for a feeding but not used. Anything that was heated but they did not eat should be thrown out. Most of use use a cup of hot water and submerge the syringe full of formula into the hot water for a few minutes before feeding. Having 2 syringes to rotate is helpful.
- The formula should be mixed up a few hours before feeding. I'll mix mine, then let it sit for about 30 - 45 minutes on the countertop mixing it every 10 to 15 minutes, then put it in the fridge. Letting it sit 4 hours or more (ideally overnight) allows the powder to more fully dissolve making it easier to digest for the baby.
- Despite the label, the opened can of powdered Esbilac (or any formula FWIW) should be stored in the freezer (or minimally the fridge). Otherwise it can go rancid pretty quickly

I have been following the rules you sent, she still has diarrhea, is there something else that might be wrong.

[Spanky]

There are many versions of Fox Valley "Day One" formulas that are formulated for various species.

There are 2 typically used for squirrels.. 32/40 and 20/50. It may be helpful to know which formula she is on precisely. And if she is still getting Fox Valley and Goat Milk mix, knowing precisely what that is.... is this powdered Goat's Milk? Fresh Goat's Milk? Some other Goat's milk? And the ration of Fox Valley (after mixed 2 to 1 with water) and the goat's milk.

She can be given a drop of Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate... her stools will get very dark if this is given, just giving a heads up.