March 12 diary

03-12-2011, 09:18 PM

I have raised and released wild birds successfully, although most birds I come across now have serious cat injuries and don't make it . This little guy (I am pretty sure he is a boy, lol I know my rodent babies) was a few seconds from being a cat toy. I feed his Grandma (I think she is) quite often; Star is a moocher lol. She also has me well trained. I don't mind caring for him just wish he'd take the fluids better! He hates the syringe. I will go out looking for nipples tomorrow. Until then I am giving fluids drop by drop very slowly with an eyedropper, which he accepts a little. He stretches, twitches, moves around when he is awake, and even yawned (sooo cute!!), but I know he is dehydrated and am worried he will become lethargic. He squeaked once, several hours ago. Slight scrapes to his foot (you can see in the pictures), but no other obvious signs of injury, and he seems content, if that makes sense. I have hand fed adult mice hamsters etc who are sick but this guy is my first baby mammal. I thought they would be easier then birds, lol. I am a bit confused about ordering from fox valley. I may get both the 32/40 and 20/50 since the price is reasonable (also in case I come across more; anyone have an idea on shelf life of these powders?). Also considering the nurser teats, I am guessing small? I still want to see what's at the grocery store tomorrow. Is there harm in feeding Esbilac until the fox valley formula arrives? I have limited income -- lost my job in January, but I have a little from my tax refund. I am really getting attached to this little tyke; his Grandma may be Star (her daughter I think is Mommy; this might be a first litter for her?). Grampa may have been Butch, who I had posted about before (the little guy with the funny breathing). He disappeared last winter (2009-2010). Did well for quite a while and was quite a character. Star has me so trained its scary. She is the one with white on her chest; I think her pictures are in past posts. We have so many squirrels so for all I know he is a another generation removed, Star has got to be 3 or 4 at least. I think she's close to having little ones too; she has been stealing stuffing from the neighbors yard furniture . I know where her nest is, in our front yard maple, inside a dead branch, been there for years. Yes, I squirrel watch . Thanks to all! I will keep you posted. Prayers and good vibes he pulls through!! Checked him a bit ago and he seemed a little less dehydrated (did the skin test thingy). He seems a bit more active too. Still don't think he's had enough rehydrating solution but maybe he drank more then I thought. I will be up all night I am sure :O.


03-12-2011, 11:44 PM

 I have wiped him with a q-tip once; he may have peed; I am not sure. He also had some poo, very small amount.... I do wipe him off after offering the solution because he would get more on him then in him. Yes they are sores, but scabbed over a bit already by the time I found him. Nothing gaping or bleeding, no other marks on him. He took some of the rehydrating solution finall! About 45 minutes ago, maybe two and a half eyedroppers full. I offered very slow, he sucked a bit (noisy buggers they be!!) swallowed well, is sleeping soundly. checked his skin earlier (he slept through it) and its springing back quicker now. If he managed to avoid internal injuries and keeps taking what I offer him that well, I am hopeful. May name him Butch(ie), gotta go he just squeaked!