I'm new; any help appreciated

[Craig]

It's no problem at all! I'm really happy to update!

That is Tyrant sprawled out on my arm lol, he is very relaxed and always eager to be with me often.

Roofus was on the wheel again this morning, hopefully soon I will notice a difference in the sharpness of his claws lol. They are somewhat on different sleeping schedules right now, with Roofus being particularly more active in the morning and Tyrant waking up in the evening a bit before Roofus, so maybe I'm just asleep for a lot of Roofus' wheel time.

They both surprise me every day with new levels of trust within me and eachother being shown in their actions and behavior. I believe they're both very comfortable with one another and me as well.

I am very grateful for all of your help! I wouldn't be here without you. I will be sure to post more updates when I can , and I will be sure to take Pam's advice and do just that!

[Craig]

Tyrant and Roofus are both doing well! Roofus is more likely to deny the formula than Tyrant, but they are both still on it, which is just surprising to me. I imagine it should be fine as they can wean themselves off but I wonder if there is any adverse effects to keeping them on formula for "too long".

Roofus denied it both feeding sessions yesterday as well as this morning but ate some tonight, whereas Tyrant denied tonight's feeding but ate through every other one the last two days. They both usually have around two 1ml syringe fulls worth of formula when they do eat. I'd say Roofus is maybe to the point of denying 50% of feedings whereas Tyrant takes the formula around 90% of the time.

Tyrant's whiskers seem to be full once more. I tried making scrambled eggs yesterday but neither one seems to want anything to do with it. Since Roofus doesn't eat chicken, I will have to look into maybe trying wax worms for daily protien.

They do make a ruckus sometimes, although I think most of the noise comes from Tyrant telling Roofus to get off of him. Sometimes Tyrant will come to me with Roofus hanging on his back and I'll gently pull him off. I could be entirely wrong but I think Tyrant just gets fed up with it sometimes.

https://youtu.be/u_-Z4vWfKoA?si=vz9PFiwzo2s6FuPe

https://youtube.com/shorts/GmoD1ZmsK...eKHPjc2UGREjVf

[TomahawkFlyers]

Thanks for the really cool videos. If that wheel gets turning any faster, the whole cage is gonna launch! The shot of the little guy moving his paws and his mouth while dreaming is amazing. They don't look like us, but they are a LOT like us.

Speaking of that, folks here on TSB shared with me, long ago when I thought the boys had quite the attraction for each other, that the back riding is actually two things. First, it establishes Alpha status. Second, it is a fun thing (maybe for half of them) that keeps them busy. As far as I can tell, there isn't any X-Rated behavior going on there. You are correct - the fussing and noise start when the driver has had enough of the passenger. Notice that they still do just about everything together. If there was a problem, it wouldn't be like this.

Formula. Some just take longer than others, and your boys seem to be mimicking each other's behavior. Let them enjoy for as long as they like. And, boy oh boy, you've got a first rate Pavlovian situation going there with the shaker of treats. Wax worms. To each his own. Gliding. Wow! Fearless! What's up with the leaping at the fridge? Still trying to get it open for midnight snacks? Your boys are sure comfortable with you and with each other. What a happy home for all of you.

Craig, when I started here and was sharing my wonderment about how these flyers so quickly became comfortable around me, Bravo wrote a comment that is permanently etched in memory. "Animals just know." Your flyers clearly ""just know!" Keep it up and keep the updates coming, please!

Jamie

[Craig]

The days go by so fast sometimes! I meant to reply sooner. On the bright side, I've made enough clips to make another showcase.

https://youtube.com/shorts/qSQrdjZwF...dnQThLWlr8b6XK

I love the video I captured of him sleeping and moving his paws like he's dreaming! I read somewhere dogs have dreams of their owners. I wonder if squirrels do too.

Good to know that they're getting along still. I have noticed matted fur on the back of Tyrant and today, Roofus seemed to have it too (he's the one pictured with the feeding syringe). I imagine it's just from however they're sleeping together, such as they were when I pulled them out of the bird house in the video I sent. Just wanted to mention it.

[Craig]

Merry Christmas! I figured I'd share a little update. My brother had bought me a transport cage for the squirrels as a Christmas gift. He said it may offer more security than a hamper with a big dog in the car. I wonder if it will be big enough to keep them from going crazy on car rides.

I ran out of and made a new batch of block two days ago as well as refilled the jar of nut pieces. I sent my friend some videos of the squirrels and he remarked that it seems as if they are becoming fat and pudgy. I personally don't see it but I told him I'd mention it to see if others notice as well since them being overweight can obviously be problematic to their long term health. Roofus is still bigger than Tyrant in weight, but they are closer to the same, with Tyrant weighing in at 56.81 on the 23rd and Roofus weighing 57.81 on the 23rd.

Merry Christmas to all!

https://youtube.com/shorts/6yfRnpPXe...C7hMoe2cLJX3nW

https://youtube.com/shorts/Vwc-wj_cS...VyWahM1ThEeU-4

[TomahawkFlyers]

Craig, Merry Christmas to you, too! Your boys certainly have grown up. They are now full-fledged adults, and they clearly like hanging out with you. A great thing about flyers is that they are gentle and playful at the same time.

Regarding weight - your boss are both in the sweet spot - and they are clearly active. If they seem a little "full-figured," they're likely just looking super healthy. We know what you feed them - so I'd say don't give it another thought.

And the videos! That bit where you're looking down into the pouch and the kid is laying on his back sawing logs is priceless. You have a way with a camera. As you can tell by the number of views this thread gets, a LOT of people are enjoying your adventure with you. What a terrific journey you are on!

Jamie

[Craig]

That's great to hear! I've taken some more videos I can share. Roofus and Tyrant take turns being bigger than to other. Today, Tyrant was bigger than Roofus by about 2 grams. A lot of the videos I took this time around are of them sleeping, so that comprises most of the footage you see here.

I will need to get more footage of them gliding. They do really well now, losing almost no height at all from my hand to the chair several feet away.

https://youtube.com/shorts/zBemAIfYi...xIla6dmO1Bit62

https://youtube.com/shorts/HxzzrdK-p...uEEHQ9IJsGlkZn

[TomahawkFlyers]

Sleeping does not compromise anything. Those are pricelessly intimate images of something that almost no one will ever be privileged to witness. You are a lucky man and we are fortunate that you share with us. Thank you for this!

Jamie

[Craig]

I agree, I am very lucky to be able to care for these two! Here is another line of videos, including Roofus ruffling up Tyrant at the end.

https://youtube.com/shorts/J9OjT90cH...CfDbt0dZpOrWOf

[Craig]

https://youtube.com/shorts/0l79wD0mn...GbU4kmPIU7me3j

Here is another video. They do seem to be sort of weaning off formula, slowly but surely. Roofus takes less than Tyrant and denies it more than Tyrant. They are less likely to take formula in the mornings it seems as they are going to bed rather than waking up.

I like to feed them at the edge of my desk so I can point the syringe up properly and wipe up any messes when I'm done. While I can usually coax them out using the syringe, today was one of the days it didn't work. I will offer them another feeding tonight. If history repeats, I'd place my wager that Tyrant will take around 2 syringes, and Roofus will take around half a syringe.

I scaled Tyrant yesterday and he was at 60.71 grams. Roofus is a bit harder to get to sit still. Last I scaled him out was on the 6th. He weighed 60.48 grams.

[TomahawkFlyers]

Those are two healthy, happy boys. I hope others are following along to see how you have made such a magnificent home for these kids and how the two of them have become a colony onto themselves!

[Craig]

They do seem rather content. I'm happy they're seemingly happy!

They continue to take formula, again, Tyrant more than Roofus, although both of them denied tonight's feeding. They both weigh around 64 grams now (Tyrant weighs 64.49, Roofus weighs 63.29, both as of this morning).

Also about three quarters through the video when videoing Roofus on the roof of his house, while it looks friendly, that is him attacking and biting my phone. Either he did not find it amusing that I put my phone in his cage or he just has a very strange playing ritual.

https://youtube.com/shorts/EyJz4_pVC...LXZvMy29od2MER

[TomahawkFlyers]

Yeah - those boys have it made. I think Roofus was either startled by the phone, which he might not have recognized right away, or - equally likely - he was so excited he lost control of himself. The shot of Tyrant(?) stretched out and sound asleep is priceless. Thanks, Craig. These are wonderful updates and the videos and photos are icing on the cake.

Jamie

[Craig]

https://youtube.com/shorts/23Z23dZp2...O3XROA6WMY3pom

So happy to share these updates! They are nestled in their pouch now as I write this. I had trouble finding Roofus this morning. Turns out he had crawled between the blanket folds on the top shelf.

I bought dried mealworms to give them as treats also, I believe they should be in by today. They refused formula last night. Tyrant took a little bit this morning. Happy to report all is well.

[TomahawkFlyers]

Wow, Craig. Tyrant and Roofus are such beautiful, joyful boys. Not a care in the world, all thanks to you. When you serve worms, it will go one of two ways: "WORMS! Munch munch snarf munch munch, burp); or, "You first, Dad." We're all wondering!

Jamie

[Craig]

Whoops. Just now noticed this reply. Roofus did not like them at first, turning his nose up and even squeaking once as he ran off. I offered each one just now to record it but to my surprise, Roofus took this one from me! I'm not sure if he ate it all or tried it and spit it out as he bolted under a pile of fleece once he got it. I imagine he ate it though, as it was a big difference to his usual reaction of turning his head and bolting.

https://youtu.be/MT4nENSRr1M?si=FwudiqKMpzvXpLhV

[TomahawkFlyers]

I'm with Roofus. He is one smart boy. If he's smart, he's spit on it and stashed it deep in the friendly confines so you can wonder later, "What's that smell?!" Some here will remember this little ditty from childhood (ok, adulthood too):

"Nobody loves me
Everybody hates me
I'm gonna eat worms and die
Then you'll all be sorry
Nah nah nah nah naaaaan naaaaah!"

Jamie

[Craig]

Haha! I didn't even consider them spitting it out! Although I haven't smelled anything funky lately. I will be on the lookout for half eaten mealworms when I clean out the cage today.

The squirrels played a coordinated attack on me last night! One dove into the couch and when I got down to look for him, the other darted off! After 10 or so minutes of stressing looking for him, I found him upstairs hanging to a bathrobe.

They've also began to expand their hiding spots, trying to hide nut caches around my room instead of just in their cage. I've found pecan and walnut pieces stashed in my window sill, under my bed, etc, and there's probably more I'm missing. Because of this, it's easier to close the door first and slide the pieces through the slots. I will have to video it next time I do it as sometimes they are impatient and reach out through the cage bars for the nut piece.

https://youtube.com/shorts/ryKjbWzrb...ssdLDKRFQBM0Tq

https://youtube.com/shorts/A5DE5lGaQ...MZPITkUu4_JtRK

[TomahawkFlyers]

Craig - how do you hold the camera still while filming the boys' antics? You have to be laughing as you watch lumps move around under the bedspread and tiny little footprints move up and down the inside of the curtains. And then, after the laughter, the deep peace and connection with your boys as you peek into their slumbers. You are one helluva squirrel dad. Tyrant and Roofus are two great and LUCKY squirrels.

Jamie

[Craig]

I admit, sometimes it is difficult to keep a straight face when watching them running and jumping around!

Roofus is all but through with the formula. He almost never takes it anymore and I've nearly stopped offering it to him altogether. When he does take the formula, it is done without enthusiasm as compared to Tyrant. Tyrant still takes about 1 mL or 1 syringe usually in the mornings, but he denies it in the evenings when he knows I'll fill their food bowls right after. I used to pull them out of the cage before offering them formula but now I offer it to them inside their cage and use it to guide them out so I can properly feed them.

I noticed recently that Roofus sometimes begins chirping so seemingly no reason. Used to when I'd check on him to see if he was alright, he'd run away and keep chirping, but recently when I've gone to check on him, he just stops and comes up to me so I'm pretty sure he's figured out he can do it to get attention. Lastly, as far as new behavior goes, they (at least Tyrant, but I think both) have began to jump up and bite at my ears. Quite annoying to say the least, and sometimes I even cover my ears when they jump onto my shoulders. I'm not sure what else to do other than pull away, sternly say bad and shake a finger at them when they do it.

https://youtube.com/shorts/jYn5mWUPr...XbcxWfqn3rrHDR

https://youtube.com/shorts/dLrVyWlow...5X47lrDB_9eb2-