How to Care For Sickly Baby Flying Squirrel in Florida
In Florida, orphaned and illly flying squirrels need immediate help. They should be placed in a perforated-lid box and bedding made of non-terry cloth cotton. You can place heating pads on low under half of the box, or you can use temporary hot water bottles. If you notice a squirrel is dehydrated, you can administer an electrolyte replacer such as Pedialyte (c). Professional help is recommended if you notice signs of injury or the need for a more extensive medical treatment.
Treatment of a sickly baby flying squirrel
If you notice that your flying squirrel has a cold, it may be a sign of a more serious problem. This type of illness can cause a squirrel to die if not treated quickly. You should never feed a squirrel when it is cold, as this can cause entanglement and death. It is best to protect your baby from these situations by keeping it in a box with a perforated lid. Use bedding made of cotton, but avoid terry cloth or fleece. These types of fabrics can easily become thread-like. Another method of treatment involves placing the squirrel’s bedding on top of a heating pad on low, with half on and half off. This can be done for up to 45 minutes at a time.
If you’re unsure about the best method for treating a squirrel, consult a veterinarian first. You can also ask for advice on The Squirl Board. If your flying squirrel has a severe condition, don’t try to treat it yourself; seek medical advice from a licensed veterinarian or licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Always follow state and local laws when caring for an exotic pet.
Diet of a flying squirrel
If you find a sickly baby flying squirrel in Florida, you can help it recover quickly by following a few basic steps. First, make sure to feed it an all-natural yogurt with bacterial culture. You can find such yogurt in a health food store or grocery store. Some brands are Dannon, Brown Cow, and Stonyfield Farms. The amount of yogurt should be proportional to the baby’s age. For instance, a one-week-old baby might take one c.c. per feeding. If the squirrel is over one week old, you can feed him or her two or three c.c. per feeding.
The diet of a sickly baby flying squirrel in Florida can be complicated by a number of different factors. A baby flying squirrel’s intestines are prone to infections and disease. Because they live in an outdoor environment with lots of insects and other pests, they are exposed to a number of harmful contaminants in their diet. Raw meat, cat feces, and other toxins in the environment can pose serious health risks to a flying squirrel.
A southern flying squirrel is susceptible to calcium deficiency, so it’s important to supplement with calcium and vitamin D3. These vitamins are important for a healthy body. Similarly, you should limit the amount of phosphorous in the diet, which binds calcium in the body. A calcium block and mineral block can be provided, which doubles as a tooth file. Southern flying squirrels grow their teeth continuously.
Grooming a flying squirrel
A very sickly baby flying squirrel can be difficult to handle. The animal may urinate, and may not enjoy petting or belly rubs. But if you are determined to get your sickly baby flying squirrel back into a healthy state, grooming is an excellent way to start. The first step to grooming is to play with the animal, and supervise it closely. Never try to scold or punish the squirrel for biting, as it may feel threatened or hurt. Never attempt to force the animal to groom itself. Rather, use a spot-cleaning solution like baby wipes or baby powder. Keeping your squirrel clean is an important part of caring for your pet, but remember to only feed the animal treats after the grooming session.
If you are interested in adopting a baby flying squirrel, make sure you obtain it at an appropriate age. After the baby is eight weeks old, hold it in your shirt pocket or a bonding pouch to become familiar with your scent and voice. Spend your evenings feeding and playing with the animal. Once the baby feels comfortable, he or she will feel safe and secure. A few minutes of cuddling and playing every day will go a long way.
How can you tell if a baby flying squirrel is sick?
If the baby squirrel is lethargic has diarrhea is vomiting or has a runny nose it may be sick.
What should you do if you find a sick baby squirrel?
If possible capture the squirrel and take it to a rehabilitation center.
What should you feed a sick baby squirrel?
A sick baby squirrel should be given a mixture of 50% kitten formula and 50% Pedialyte.
How often should you feed a sick baby squirrel?
A sick baby squirrel should be fed every 2-3 hours.
What is the best way to keep a sick baby squirrel warm?
The best way to keep a sick baby squirrel warm is to place it in a sock and tuck it into your shirt close to your body.
How can you help a baby squirrel eliminate?
Gently rub the baby squirrel’s tummy in a clockwise direction.
What should you do if a baby squirrel has diarrhea?
If the baby squirrel has diarrhea stop giving it food and only give it Pedialyte until the diarrhea has stopped.
What should you do if a baby squirrel is vomiting?
If the baby squirrel is vomiting stop giving it food and only give it Pedialyte until the vomiting has stopped.
How can you help a baby squirrel breathe if it is having trouble?
Clear any obstruction from the squirrel’s nose and mouth and then hold the squirrel upright and gently rub its back.
What is the danger of aspiration pneumonia?
Aspiration pneumonia is a danger if a baby squirrel is allowed to drink too much at once or if it is allowed to drink while it is lying down as the liquid can then enter the lungs.
How can you help a baby squirrel urinate?
Gently rub the baby squirrel’s tummy in a clockwise direction.
What should you do if a baby squirrel is constipated?
If the baby squirrel is constipated give it a quarter teaspoon of olive oil mixed with Pedialyte.
What is the danger of dehydration?
Dehydration is a danger for all sick animals as they can become too weak to take in enough fluids on their own.
If a baby squirrel is allowed to become dehydrated it could die.
What are the signs of dehydration in a baby squirrel?
The signs of dehydration in a baby squirrel are a dry mouth sunken eyes lethargy and cold paws.
What is the best way to prevent a baby squirrel from becoming dehydrated?
The best way to prevent dehydration is to make sure the baby squirrel is taking in enough fluids.
This can be done by feeding it every 2-3 hours and offering it Pedialyte in between feedings.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
