To Pee or Not to Pee!

[CritterKeeper]

First, let me commend you all for this informative board! As this is not my first time to rescue squirrels, I'm wishing I had found it years ago.

Some background: I recently found myself in charge of two southern gray squirrel babies, now named Bonnie and Clyde. They were about 3.5 wks old when my daughter's dog "gifted" them to her after a storm, unharmed. Being retired and "so much time on my hands," she conned me into becoming primary caregiver. After hydrating for a day, I had difficulty getting them to intake enough Esbilac at first (powdered type). Fox Valley formula should arrive day after tomorrow. They are now eager eaters and are gaining rapidly. Both are full of energy and spunky. Going on five weeks old, Clyde opened his eyes yesterday and Bonnie did so today. She is urinating on her own but still needs stimulating once in a while. He is the one I'm struggling with.

Here is my dilemma... I began noticing about five days ago that his penis was getting very irritated and the pee volume was decreasing. Assuming I was not handling him delicately enough while stimulating to pee, I moved forward attempting to remedy the situation. (Sidenote: I just read the small paintbrush tip to stimulate... love the idea and plan to give it a try!) A few days passed with gentle stimulation and no gains were seen. I then began to observe more closely and realized that Bonnie was mistaking Clyde's penis for a teet! Searched this board and saw that I should immediately separate them, which I did as of yesterday afternoon. There is no scabbing but he is very red and irritated; however, it does not seem to bother him when I attempt to stimulate (I think he rather enjoys it)!

Since separating them, I have found little evidence of him urinating on his own or by stimulation. I was able to get a couple drops last night and then a bit more today; however, not near the volume he had prior to the mistaken teet discovery. The drops Clyde evidenced have been clear and odorless, which calmed me somewhat. He does not seem to be in distress and does not appear bloated when time for a feed. Am I worrying for no concern and this situation will likely resolve itself? Is there more I should be doing?

[Spanky]

How much does he weigh, how much are you feeding per feeding and how frequently?

You might start giving 1ml of water, or water with just a small touch of molasses/honey/syrup/sugar (in my order of preference) to keep him interested.

And Clyde may just need a day or so for the swelling and irritation to subside before he can go more normally. Stimulate before and after feeding (even during feeding if they are being fussy... often they will go and not having to "go" resolves the fussiness).

All baby squirrel require stimulation to potty... that should continue for a while even after eyes open. In fact i continue stimulating until they no longer "tolerate" me stimulating them if for now other reason than to make bed cleaning easier.

[CritterKeeper]

Thank you. Weight as of yesterday evening:
Bonnie: 99 g
Clyde: 92 g

They are eating appx 7.5 grams each per feeding. I try to stop them around 7 grams. She wants more. He is satisfied.

I appreciate your advice. Will continue stimulating both.

[Spanky]

They are eating appx 7.5 grams each per feeding. I try to stop them around 7 grams. She wants more. He is satisfied.

How frequently are they being fed?

[CritterKeeper]

I shoot for every four hours; however, at night it might be 4 1/2 or 5 hours.

[CritterKeeper]

Just finished feeding him. Urine volume is increasing each time! Still clear and no smell... I think we are on the road to recovery. How long do I keep them separated?