March 29 -- includes youtube video links :)

Note: this was the day that Butchie's and Joey's posts were merged :)

 

03-29-2011, 04:08 PM

Butchie is doing very well; I am just very behind on posts. My computer has been difficult lately and I have been trying to catch up on non-squirrelly stuff .

I hope to answer posts soon, but for now you will all have to be content with a video .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNn9xAiYuQM  -- (Butchie's eyes are open!!)

03-29-2011, 04:09 PM


Joey is doing very well; I am just very behind on posts. My computer has been difficult lately and I have been trying to catch up on non-squirrelly stuff .

I hope to answer posts soon, but for now you will all have to be content with a video .


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-MH_pRKKCc  -- (Joey playing with a stuffed elephant)

March 27 diary

03-27-2011, 11:41 AM


Hi everyone, just a quick update that both boys are doing good. Joey is on 3:1 and will move to 2:1 fv later today. He is a great eater . I had an original weight of 162 grams but think that was incorrect. Yesterday he weighed 189, but this morning he is down to 183? Should I be concerned? Didn't realise till writing this his weight was lower. He was on 4:1 yesterday and we switched to 3:1 yesterday afternoon. He takes usually no more then 8cc's but sometimes up to 10. Likes his formula warm, just like Butchie. Alert and active and such a character already. He met my mom last night and got all quiet lol, but he is really vocal and seems to be a happy kid. Peeing and pooping on his own. He took 44.8 cc's total for yesterday -- too much/not enough? Maybe he will gain once on the fv full strength? I did introduce them once and they did seem to like each other but the size difference makes me nervous. I think when Butchie's eyes open it will be a little better. Butchie got really excited and crawled under Joey; actually Butchie's appetite picked up after that meeting. I will post pictures of both and update on Butchie's thread in a bit. Got up late and playing catch up this morning!!

March 25 diary -- INTRODUCING JOEY!!!!

03-25-2011, 12:29 AM


Hi Marty, Butchie's appetite did pick up a bit his last three feedings, and ended up taking 21.8 total cc's for the day  (and yeah, Butchie seems to love those uneven numbers  . 

Maybe I am feeding him too often? His weight gain sounds fine, then? I also had to rewarm the mug with his formula tonight; maybe his formula wasn't warm enough before? He had seven feedings today; that's about right, I think. I adopted him (or he adopted me??) March 12, so a little over 12 days now . I hope that guy does call, but mostly I hope the baby will be ok. He seemed kinda quiet for an eyes open baby, unless he was just overwhelmed? I do hope that you are right and he will call.

During peaceful feeding sessions, I think of someday rehabbing. Then he sputters on a bit of food and my stomach does that turn thing and I think "or maybe not!" Lol. But when he snuggles in my hands, there is nothing like that. Seeing him all curled up tight with his tail wrapped around himself, or my fingers    .

I'm not even sure I live in a squirrel friendly state. May try googling that, as I can't get in the section on this board to find out. Island Rehabber told me there is one rehabber "nearby" but she's actually quite a distance. My friend who works at a vet's office says they steer people toward rehabbers, but didn't have specifics, and never hears anything more. But not all rehabbers take in squirrels, right?

Thank you again for all your help . Oh, and I will try to get some pictures up tomorrow. I try to take at least one a day of him, and got some already this morning after his feeding. He is so photogenic!! I showed his pictures to the feed store owner and she really thought he was just the cutest little guy, and thought it was so cool how I found him and am raising him. She was hoping that guy would give me the baby too.

I will add your smooches to the MANY he gets every day .




03-25-2011, 08:51 AM


Well, you called it! He just called asking if I can take him. More details to come as he is on his way right now!




03-25-2011, 10:39 AM


Oh!!!!! And Butchie weighed 100 grams this morning!!!!!!

      


 03-25-2011, 10:57 AM


I GOT HIM! 

Ok! He called this morning, just as ** predicted (wow you are GOOD!!).

He is alert and active. Nice guy said they just couldn't get him to eat. I figured he is dehydrated though I can't seem to do the pinch test on him; his skin isn't as loose as Butchie's was. BUT I did go ahead and start him on pedialyte and he took 3 cc's very well . Sat up, and took the syringe in his HUGE paws and just drank away! How much should I offer and how often? He is 162 grams (makes Butchie seem so very tiny!). When can I start formula? He is scared, I can feel him shaking. But he likes to snuggle, like the guy said, and he took to the syringe and nipple so easily. The only problem I had is he kinda chews on the nipple. I discouraged him then reoffered and he seems to figure out that's not ok. He tasted me, lol he's got teeth . I lightly said no and that was that, so he is one smart bugger.

I have pictures; hoping someone could give me a guesstimate of his age. I am thinking 6 weeks?










These are phone camera pictures, kinda fuzzy. Of course I shall get regular camera pictures later today .
NOW, for right now he is separate from Butchie. When could they be introduced? Will I need to wait for Butchie's eyes to open? He outweighs Butchie by 62 grams; Butchie just hit the 100 gram mark today .

I'm gonna hafta come up with a name for this tyke too. He is quite snuggly and seems pretty healthy. A bit scared but curious. Already thinks I am a tree .

I am also going to need to think about caging sooner; I have very limited funds and was thinking of building something for outside. I may have a couple options for an inside cage already. They would need to be inside at night; we have cats, raccoons and skunks as well as the occasional fox. A coyote was spotted last year.

Thanks to all in advance!!

03-25-2011, 12:47 PM

Holy cow, really?? He is that old already? 

He looks scared in the pictures but this guy (now named Joey) has an attitude!! Doesn't like his temp quarters, and was fussing and scolding and throwing a squirrelly tantrum, lol. So when I offer him pedialyte again I will move him to a bin with a mesh top (1/4 inch hardware cloth). I guess I better put a tree branch in there? Or can I? He probably doesn't need supplemental heat then, right? I have him half on and half off, and he is snuggled over the heated part. 

Butchie smelled him on my shirt!! Maybe supervised visits for now as Butchies still has the heating pad (1/2 on 1/2 off)? But boy was Butchie interested; he really sniffed my shirt after lunch. Usually he snuggles up and falls asleep pretty quick. Should I wait till Butchie's eyes to open, or go ahead and let them visit during/after feeding times? Joey wouldn't attack him would he? They are both fox squirrels.

Joey would be eating solid food or formula or both? What can I give him as I have no rodent blocks right now? Cheerios? Tiny chopped up fruits? Salad mix chopped up? Would he be taking the FV 20/50? (Butchie is still on 32/40.) Haven't fed him any formula yet still with pedialyte and he took 8 more cc's about an hour and a half ago.

I told my mom; oddly enough she seemed fine with another squirrelly, as long as they are released . I think at this stage and decades now of me bringing home critters she accepts such  .

 03-25-2011, 01:36 PM

Thank you for the great info! I will try the fruits then, maybe a slice of apple to start and some mashed banana? What about baby food? I might have some of that as well. Or can get some. What about yogurt? I can mix fv powder in with the fruits or yogurt too, right?


Also he is due for a feeding. Should I stay with pedialyte or can I offer formula? How much? Is 1 part formula to 2 parts water ok (with yogurt mixed in)? Or should I dilute it the first couple of times?

03-25-2011, 02:24 PM

Akk, ok. I offered mashed banana mixed with formula, he didn't go for that. So offered the formula but it was 2:1; he took 5cc's. So next time I dilute? Should I offer a couple cc's warm water? He is getting all sleepy, explored a bit and now is fixing up his nest   . How many cc's should he get at once? I fed him maybe 10 minutes ago. Other then me feeling him shaking he doesn't seem scared. Maybe the shaking means he is cold instead? He seems pretty content, considering he was just thrown into an alien world just a little over 24 hours ago!

03-25-2011, 02:43 PM

Thank you **, for your quick reply via pm  . I will dilute next time. Posting this so that others know I got an answer .

03-25-2011, 05:08 PM

Joey just took 7.5 cc's diluted formula (4:1). He eats nice and slow . He also stopped on his own. How much can he have at one feeding? How often should he be fed? And about how many cc's per day should he be taking? Also, what should I expect in daily weight gain? Butchie averages 4 grams/day. He hasn't peed or poo'd yet but given the circumstances I was figuring that is normal, till he gets some food and water in him? Should he be going on his own?

March 24 diary -- OR Be Careful What You Wish For!!!!

 03-24-2011, 01:01 PM


Butchie is doing great; eating pretty well and up to 96 grams. No sign of eyes opening just yet. Thank you again, for all the great info, Marty, and also SR&BT .

I am just back from a trip to the feed store and hoping hoping hoping a guy calls me back about a baby he just found. Eyes open (not sure if boy/girl). He said the baby walked right up to him and climbed up his pant leg. I told him about the one I have, special formula. Feed store owner asked about goat's milk so I told this guy about that recipe. He was leaning toward giving me the baby, but wanted his wife to see him first  . Didn't seem to think she would want to raise a little one. Says he comes across them from time to time; I got the impression he is a tree trimmer? Seems like he had a soft heart; he told me of feral kittens they find and raise sometimes and how sweet they are. How many guys raise baby kittens? Anyway I am hoping to hear from him. I would guestimate this one he found as 6 weeks maybe? Eyes were open he was much bigger then Butchie (seemed that way, though Butchie is growing fast), and if this one can climb pant legs he is almost to the stage where he'd be coming out of the nest, right?


Akk, this is driving me crazy. I really wanted this baby right then and there, but didn't get his phone number. Prayers and good vibes he calls me soon. This little one looked a bit scared and tired but otherwise good. He was laying on his side in the box just resting and was looking around a bit. Now I am wondering if he fell, but if he had would he have been able to climb this guy's pant leg??  

IF I do get a call I will give him his own thread cause I will have a slew of questions! Like if he can be with Butchie yet or should I wait till Butchie opens his eyes, etc. I imagine he would need rehydrating etc, dang it I didn't even mention that to the guy. He mentioned a friend of his had one as a pet at one time and this squirrel was just the best critter, but then got a hold of the friend's cigarette one day  .

Even if he keeps him, I hope he calls. Maybe he has internet and I can guide him here? I dunno; I think he was a farmer type; they had come in to buy two bags of oats. Seemed they were regulars as the feed store owner called the younger lady by name. He was familiar with the area I live in, so that was good at least. I got the impression he would call, so hopefully!!


 03-24-2011, 04:15 PM


Well, I guess he decided not to call  . I"m a bit bummed; had hoped to have a release buddy for Butchie. I do hope that whatever hapens to the baby he or she does well. I realise too I didn't give them any advice other then the goat milk formula recipe; I should have mentioned about rehydrating and keeping the baby warm etc. I wonder too if this little one was blown out of the nest? We have had some horrible wind as of late and it's supposed to be windy again tonight  .


On the homefront, Butchie seems a bit quieter about food today. I can't get him to take his usual 4 cc's each feeding (4 cc's is the most he will take per feeding). He is taking between 2 and 3. I don't know if I should feed him more less often or less more often. I am home all day and perfectly ok with feeding him more often. He can go 5-6 hours at night, though I often will get up halfway through and feed him (again, I don't mind since I am unemployeed). He normally takes 3-4 cc's every 3-4 hours, with 5-6 hours in between night feedings.

He did gain his normal 4 grams; he takes 20 - 24 cc's everyday. It's just after 4pm here and he has had 12.5 cc's total so far today, so maybe he is ok? It's just odd because normally he will take 4 each feeding. Bugger boy just wants to create drama for this week perhaps?? Last night I was an hour later with food and he squeaked once! Got my attention, lol. He was roaming around wondering where I was with his food. He is very active and his breathing is still good. He did sputter a bit yesterday during a feeding but I am so quick with the "tilt nose down and wipe his nose/mouth with tissue" deal that he turned out fine. Sneezed a bit and that was it. I do have baytril now; it arrived yesterday. But his breathing sounds great. He is quite a vocal baby and seems normal (for a squirrel??) otherwise?

March 22 diary

03-22-2011, 11:11 AM


I give it several days. My lovebird, Binny, for example, is still getting some mixed in his water. Down to the part now where tomorrow I will have to strain out the herb as it all sinks to the bottom of the container. He has perked up. He didn't have respiratory just was a bit quiet and wanting to sleep. It helps him somehow . He is 12; we rescued him and his sister Bunny 6 years ago from people who grew tired of them, go figure.. I lost Bunny to liver issues I think, about 3 years ago. I think she was 9 or 10; she may have been a few months older then Binny. 

Butchie weighed 84 grams yesterday morning and weighed in this morning at 89!! He's gonna be a Butch lol .

Oh! I have more pictures coming including some of Butchie's Mommy . She's a pretty little girl.




 03-22-2011, 12:37 PM


Wow, I am sorry about your little Gus; sounds like he had a great home with you at least. My two were neglected, thankfully I don't believe they were abused as both came to me very tame. Binny still comes over to talk to me, even though he has a new buddy (not tame). He begs for his "crunchies" (cereal) in the morning and even says "thank you" in his own little chirpy way as he is munching his treats . Sooo cute. He could fill a thread of his own  .






03-22-2011, 07:51 PM

Picture Time :










Pictures of his Mommy  :








Have I mentioned how quickly he falls asleep after he eats? He literally falls asleep ANYWHERE!!

03-22-2011, 09:08 PM


I think Butchie's mommy is nursing still. Plus she still really protects the tree I found Butchie under. Time will tell; I expect they will be out in April, same as Star's. My niece texted me a list of names; I may try the name Heidi? She's in MD but getting ready to move soon. Maybe the cold winter got to her as she is now moving south .

Binny is great; such a character!! I don't get it either. I have adopted a lot of critter "throwaways". They come with attitude sometimes but that's ok . We tend to keep our pets for life; save for the occasional critter who we think may do better somewhere else. Hard decision to make but I am careful where they go.

No sign yet of Butchie seeing the world  . He's gonna be confused that his "mommy" isn't a squirrelly . My mom (crazy thinker she is) told me I will have to get a squirrel suit, like they do for the wild condors  . Ahh, Moms .

Speaking of which, how much do I have to worry that Butchie will imprint on me too much? Being a singleton is gonna make it hard for his release, but I want to do right by him. Will snuggling and playing with him mess up his chances at "wilding up" or will he just take off one day? I almost wish I could find another baby, just so he has someone to explore the great outdoors with. And I still worry about the neighbor cats but by 4 months he will be pretty good size, right? I know to keep him completely away from my dogs and indoor only cats; I don't want him to even see them. We have a lot of dogs in this neighborhood who would try for him too.

Akk, too much thinking. Gotta go watch him sleep for a bit   .




03-22-2011, 11:57 PM


Oh that's good to know!! He nuzzled me back tonight and wanted to be petted after his last feeding of the night   . Sos I can spoil him all I want. I do pet him and cuddle him after feedings, cause I figure he will get lonely otherwise. I just want to make sure what he wants is what I give him. Not sure what I'd do about keeping him as a pet, but if that's what HE decided then I could make it work for him. For now I shall snuggle and spoil and worry later. He is so much fun; I can't wait for his eyes to open  .