New ones not taking formula

[AverageJoe]

We got another set of squirrels (our 3rd in the last year). High winds last week must have dehomed a set of triplets, but one didn't survive. We got 2 grays, estimated to be about 6 weeks...eyes open, fully furred, tail is fuzzy and flipped. We got them Friday at noon, and of course they were stressed.

They look small, but overall healthy, and they weighed 111 and 105 grams. They turned their noses up to water, formula (esbilic and fv), veggies and nuts. They didn't eat at noon, that afternoon, before bedtime, nor when I got up around 4am to try. I'm not sure how long the people who reached out to us had them, but we know they were going on over 24 hrs without eating. We did leave a water bottle in the cage along with some veggies overnight.

Upon advice from a rehabber, and after a trip to the store, we gave them a couple of honey-nut cheerios. This was Saturday around noon, and they took one, but not a lot. Weight on Saturday 106 and 101 grams.

Despite not eating much, they are curious, climbing around in the cage, climb in our laps and up the back. They don't appear malnourished.

They must be getting more at ease, because today (Sunday), they took more offerings of the cheerios (a few...not a lot) and took pieces of blueberries, pear, sweet potato, and carrots. They have discovered the water bottle and we have watched them use it. And this afternoon, they each took the syringe and got about 1.5cc down each. But they still won't take the formula.

Sunday's weight was 105 and 102 grams. Holding steady, but I'm concerned for how long

I've tried mixing the eisbilic with fv, as well as trying it without. After drinking the water via syringe, I immediately offered the formula, and I think he gagged...lol. He did not like it. The other didn't attempt to taste it.

So any recommendations to get them to drink formula? I mixed according to directions. Should I change the recipe? Add anything? Alternatives? We keep a bowl with a variety of veggies and fruit in the cage in hopes that they are getting something even if we aren't seeing it.

Any advice would be appreciated

[island rehabber]

6 weeks old and older makes it challenging to get babies to take formula. They've known mamma's milk for a month and a half, so what is this awful stuff you're trying to give them? Most, however, will eventually break down and take some. In the meantime I suggest two Henry's blocks per day so they will be getting all the nutrients they need for their age. Make sure formula is very warm; cool formula is a dead giveaway that it's not mamma's.
Good luck!

[AverageJoe]

6 weeks old and older makes it challenging to get babies to take formula. They've known mamma's milk for a month and a half, so what is this awful stuff you're trying to give them? Most, however, will eventually break down and take some. In the meantime I suggest two Henry's blocks per day so they will be getting all the nutrients they need for their age. Make sure formula is very warm; cool formula is a dead giveaway that it's not mamma's.
Good luck!

Thanks for the reply. We've offered the blocks too with not much luck.

We'll keep at them and hopefully they'll come around.

[AverageJoe]

So we're a week out...here's where we are.

Both the little fellas are adjusting to their new surroundings very well. They interact with us, the climb around, they wrestle. They act and appear healthy....but...

They just will not take formula. They are eating solids. I just left them, and this morning they ate some avocado, cauliflower, sweet potato and grapes. I left them with a bowl that also has blueberries, carrots, broccoli, cucumber, and apple. They also get some blocks. They do rummage through the bowl throughout the day.

But their weight gain is not there. The initial weight last Friday was 111 and 105 grams. The days following, that dropped to a low of 105 and 102, respectively. They made a little gain, but yesterday at weigh in, they were both 109. So we are beginning to trend the right way, but is it enough? Am I expecting too much too soon?

Like I said, if you didn't know the weight, you would even think there's a potential problem. They really do act very curious and feisty...jumping around, climbing, exploring, grunting like little hogs, and look healthy...just a bit small, at least in my eyes.

So should we not be concerned about the formula? Could we try adding something to it to entice them to take it, such as honey or cream, etc? Any advice would be appreciated

Thanks,
Joe

[Spanky]

I would continue to work on getting them to like the formula. Are you sure of the age? If not, or even for confirmation, maybe post a pic or two? If they really are 6 weeks, the formula is very critical for giving them their best chances.

And keep in mind they like the formula very warm, more hot than warm. Hotter than human babies for sure.

Dipping the nipple into some honey to entice them is a good idea.

[AverageJoe]

Here’s Brutus and Cletus. My daughter said they look like a Brutus and Cletus, so that’s what they are. Cletus is more adventurous and carefree. Brutus is a little more reserved and the first to hide with sudden unexpected movements.

[AverageJoe]

Don’t know why that’s upside down. Brutus has the fluffier tail

[olorin19]

While I am no expert in aging, your estimate seems reasonable to me.

Here is a photo of Kate and Sun (sisters who I overwintered 2023-24) on the day their eyes opened.

So, a pretty good reference point for about five weeks, if that helps.

[Spanky]

They also get some blocks.

What type of block and how much are they eating of the block each day. Be very specific.

[Spanky]

I'd guess 7-8 weeks old... looks like their undercoats might be coming in?

Here are a couple o references on aging babies:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeuafsgpmmI

https://www.instagram.com/nwrfcanada/p/CblogP9gyNW/

[AverageJoe]

I'd guess 7-8 weeks old... looks like their undercoats might be coming in?

Here are a couple o references on aging babies:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeuafsgpmmI

https://www.instagram.com/nwrfcanada/p/CblogP9gyNW/

So we were fairly accurate with our guestimate of 6 weeks when we got them a week ago.

We were using the Henrys Picky blocks as we had some left over from our previous released pair. We used our last one today, and just received a new package this afternoon. Henry's had a baby squirrel kit that included the 'healthy blocks', so we'll use those.

We take a block, cut it into 1/4 pieces so they can handle that portion better. They'll usually take a 1/4 piece each (sometimes 2). But if we can't get them interested in another piece, we will leave them in the cage easily accessible. Sometimes the pieces will be gone, and we resupply, other times, they don't come back for them. Can't force em to eat them.

They are currently enjoying their new 'cozy pocket' that came with the kit.

[Spanky]

Henry's had a baby squirrel kit that included the 'healthy blocks', so we'll use those.

The Healthy (and Hi Protein) versions are less well liked (in my experience) than the Picky (which may be why you had the Picky version previously?)... I am mentioned this in case they don't take to them, I'd recommend getting the Picky/Hazelnut/Walnut/Wild Bites or combination there of...