Squirrel baby 3 weeks old rescue and care that has fallen out of its nest. Episode 1

Описание: The first thing to do for a squirrel baby that has fallen out of its nest. is to try to reunite it with its mother, note: the mother will not pick up a wet, cold or injured baby.

Place the baby in an open box, make sure it's warm and dry and wait for the Mom to come, do not leave the baby unatended, and certainly do not leave it out at night.

if after several hours, no mother? take it home, then put the baby in a box preferably with a baby blanket so that its claws will not be entangled in it.

next put a heating pad next to the box, or place the box so that only half of the box is heated...the baby will move to the cooler side if it wants.


FEEDING FLUIDS
This is the most crucial step for the baby's survival.

usually an orphaned squirell may be dehydrated when found, therefore only Pedialyte fot the first 8 to 10 hours shoud be given to get the baby hydrated.

do the pinch test to see if the skin shrivels, the skin should smooth back without wrinkles, once properly hydrated.

once properly hydrated, use Esbilac puppy formula mixed with Pedialyte, 3 parts Pedialyte, 1 part Esbilac for the first two feedings then gradually introduce more formula until Pedialyte no longer needed.

when feeding formula, put the small container with the formula in a cup of hot water, make sure to test the water temperature by putting some on the inside of your wrist.

after every feeding, use tissue, roll it up and dip in warm water, then using a light feathery touch, gently stimulate the genitals to stimulate the little one to urinate/defecate.

check the weight of the baby frequently, as the formula quantity needs to be adjusted to its weight.
A good rule of thumb is use 5% of its body weight. then gradually increase to 5 to 7%, do not overfeed, as this may cause bloating of the stomach.
after feeding the tummy should be just slightly plump and not over extended.

FEEDING TIMES
hydration fluids may be given every hour then gradually to two hours.

Formula should be given every 2 hours for a four to six week old baby, then gradually increase to three hours intervals.

the eyes start opening at about four to six weeks, also the upper and lower front incisors should be present.

Formula should be fed every two or three hours depending on the age of the animal. A 5-week-old squirrel will be strictly on formula and not yet
on solid foods, so he will need to be fed every three hours.
A seven-week-old squirrel will be nibbling on solid foods, and will need formula about four times
a day, or every 4 hours.

At 7 weeks old, introduce rodent blocks for the baby to gnaw on as its very important to keep the growth of the incisors in check, later a tree branch can be given for it to gnaw on as the teeth never stops growing.