I live more then 4 hours away from you; can't believe babies arrive so soon. This little one I believe is the same age as a litter of 7 ooops baby meeces (mice) one of my girls had. Not planned but so cute and already weaned and happily bouncing. Baby meeces, baby squirrel, cuteness overload here (had two clutches of oops babie parakeets last year around this time, 11 of 'em). Oops babies of course meaning not planned, but what the heck, babies, after all . I did get him to pee, I think, saw a few drops when I was wiping him. He didn't take as much, but does appear to be less dehydrated (skin doesn't stay tented as long). I think he's wondering when the real food comes, poor baby. He sleeps in the weirdest positions. He hates when the lovebirds squeak, also when the pigeons fly (yes, pigeons, two girls, each has her own story ). Makes that little scoldy sound and bats/kicks imaginary things away. Its too cute. I didn't know they started scolding this young. When I first heard it I thought he was coughing or sneezing but it's distinctly different (now that I have heard the other two sounds, lol).. Why are fox squirrels so exciting? Here they is all we have squirrelwise, and I admit they are pretty cool, when not raiding apple trees or sunflowers or corn or other garden plants :O. I remember someone got excited when I posted Star once because she has a bit of white on her. But are they not very common elsewhere? Just curious, as everyone seems so excited when I post pictures, lol. Funny how you said he looked like a rat, lol, cause Butch is a name I have used for two pet rats years ago. One in the 80s and another a few years back. We had a male squirrel hanging around a couple years ago my mom started calling Butch, probably related to this guy, in fact. Would explain this tykes attitude
03-13-2011, 11:36 AM
Thank you all. He is doing really well this morning, took some more soloution and seems less dehydrated. Is quite strong and peeing/pooing a bit. Squeaked at me when I was wiping his tummy. He takes two eyedroppers at a time when he does take the solution. When he is hydrated again can I start giving the formula? He us a very sound but active sleeper, if that makes sense? Twitches, stretches, etc in his sleep but sometimes when I do the skin test he sleeps right through it. When he is awake is is very alert and strong, not lethargic or limp at all. I will order the other formula today, so he will be on esbilac until that comes, maybe three to four days, will that be ok? Should I get yogurt to mix?
03-13-2011, 12:56 PM
Akk! the more I read the more my anxiety rises! He hasn't had formula yet but I want to be prepared so I don't mind the advice at all, thank you to all you have posted . I mixed one part powder to 4 parts hot (boiling) water and stirred well, there are some tiny lumps, is that normal? I think my mom has some greek yogurt that I could add when the formula has cooled. Would that work for now until I can get cream and full fat yogurt? I am mixing now because it says I will need to refrigerate for at least 4 hours and he will be hopefully able to start formula soon. It's almost 1pm here (hating the new time change!). Also, as "payment" for all your great replies, here are this morning's pictures, taken maybe an hour ago:
03-13-2011, 03:11 PM
Ok, I mixed one eyedropper of yogurt (mountain high vanilla original style, NOT non or low fat because we don't like it that way either and are careful to get the good stuff
), one eyedropper heavy whipping cream, and 3 eyedroppers goat's milk, because I saw a recipe on another link here and figured that he could have that till the esbilac mix is ready. I added a tiny bit of water to thin it a bit so it wouldn't be too rich at first? He got real excited and took 3/4 an eyedropper then decided that's good enough for now. He did pee a little but no poo this time. Pee is clear drops takes a while for him to go. I am guessing once he gets that little bit in his system he will take more of the formula (and subsequently pee and poo will increase). Skin when pinched goes back within seconds, much better then last night. And dummy me forgot to look for baby nipples, sigh.The eyedropper I am guessing is ml? Glass tube, black rubber bulb type; I may still have a package but not sure. Does anyone know the difference between ml and cc? I had thought they were pretty similar but am not sure. I will mix a fresh batch of the above recipe each time until the esbilac mix is ready, will this be ok? He is sleepy but when awake is very strong and alert. He moves back and forth in his box, usually near the bottom where it's cozy but not too hot, and he moves up sometimes, I am guessing if he gets too warm. Bottom of cardboard box is warm to the touch.
03-13-2011, 03:21 PM
Just now seeing recent replies; ** I do stimulate everytime I offer him something (every two hours at least). I keep on until he stops, then go a bit more in case because he does pee slow. Poo is faster. He didn't poo last time but did the time before, quite a bit considering he's just been on the rehydrating solution. I did start the feeding because I had read about the dangers of keeping on the solution too long and I have had him close to 24 hours now. Even if he doesn't take liquids I am careful to stimulate him to potty anyway; I worry about that. (Even my mom asked me if I was doing that, so I understand the importance
). He does not look bloated; I have had animals of various species with bloat and know the horrible look of it 
.I can weigh him and let you all know. Thank you so much, and Stacey too for your offer. I think I have enough to keep him going until the fox valley order comes; haven't ordered yet still looking at the websites offered. But I'd like to order it by tonight.
03-13-2011, 04:24 PM
Hey no problem: i understand the importance. So many peoples offering good advice and I'm trying to keep up with it. Information can get lost in the shuffle.
He took about two cc's I think (about 20 minutes ago). Weight I will wait on posting because I am not sure of the accuracy. Any idea on how much he should weigh at this point? How much he should gain per day? He is becoming a bit more active since starting the food. As far as using the eyedropper it's the only thing he will accept at this point. But I did find a 1cc syringe and will keep trying with that too. I feel so bad for him he really wants to just find a way to nurse. We will get a system soon. Once he is taking more at one feeding I can cut down on frequency, but because he is just starting out with a tiny bit at a time I want to make sure he is getting enough.
I've gone through this with baby birds; had Boo last year and had to hand feed for 11 days. Worked at that time and couldn't bring him with me so I gave feedings through the night so he would have his "fast spell" when I was gone. He was older which helped too and with parents during the day I think. And I went through this same anxiety and the little brat came out of it just fine
. Same with Butchie I know. I also be working on little sleep but will trade sleep for a live healthy critter any day!!
03-13-2011, 06:56 PM
Ok, weight taken on a kitchen scale. Weighed the bowl and towel and tared out, added 1 Butchie
. He weighs 69 grams/2.4 ounces. Sound right? Took approximately 2cc's of the goat milk mix at 6pm (49 minutes ago). Peed and pood while I was feeding him (yay!), so I cleaned him off and fed him a bit more then stimulated him again but that was all. Still peed a lot more then he has since he has been here. How much do I feed and how often? Guessing his age at the three to four week stage, correct?
Saw his mommy outside and gave her a treat cause Star got something too. Got pictures of Star again. Butchie's mommy is quite shy, but then again, so was Star once upon a time
. Had Butchie been Star's; I would have shown her; I know she would have taken him back in. But where his Mommy's tree is, is in a neighbor's backyard where another neighbor's cats roam. So not safe, especially with her being so wary. I hope she has other little tykes to come home to. Star raised 4 one year, very cute to see them all trundling after her
03-13-2011, 07:02 PM
Now that I read the weight your girl was I hope mine weighs enough? They are so individual. Mine I think would take to a nipple least I hope so. He chews before he swallows almost like he is criticing it lol. Did your girl do that? I thought cc and ml were about the same but wasn't sure. Did you successfully release her? I have heard single babies are tricky to release. Thank you for your reply
.
03-13-2011, 09:45 PM
He is taking 2cc's every 3 hours so far. Then I try and get him to pee/poo, then offer another. He is stopping at 2. I may need to offer every 2 hours instead? We are finally getting a system, and he is now accepting the syringe. Yes I was worried about the eyedropper method. Takes about 10 minutes or so, more with getting him to potty. But that's fine; I am thankful I have the time to care for him.
Makes sense about stimulating him to pee/poo before feeding. I can try before and after. I was actually wondering that same thing his last feeding.
The temp is very warm but not too hot. I recheck every time I refill the syringe. He always stops at the third, no matter what I try. But hey it's early and for this being his fourth shot at a formula, I think he will increase soon. He took one cc by syringe without stopping, and that was his second. First time for that. I am going to check with our vet on syringes and maybe nipples while waiting for the order.
I ordered the other formula re the advice from CritterMom. I can keep him on what he is on no problem. I wondered about the changing and don't want bloat or digestive issues. We are finally on track so will just keep on.
What about a glass tank? Has a screen type top, not very big and would fit nicely on the heating pad. If not I can get a rubbermaid type container tomorrow at the dollar store probably if that would work?
Thank you **, and everyone else as well
. Makes me less anxious with all your advice and now him being on formula. I was so worried about him earlier but now feel like I can breathe a bit easier. Had a nice snuggle time with him because I had to wipe him with a warm wet cloth as he smelled like formula and I didn't want him to be sticky. Snuggled him up in a towel and held him close and stroked his nose for a few minutes. Precious moments 
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