Update on Vernon....baby squirrel

18 years ago

I didn't take him to Houston with me yesterday. I fed him the moment I left and rushed home and fed him the moment I got back.

I talked to a lady at the wildlife hospital who dontated the food I went to pick up. They have a lady who is a retired nurse and she specializes in squirrels and especially likes the pinkies, because she doesn't mind getting up every 2 hours to feed them.

I may end up taking him to her. I don't mind the getting up and feeding him. But I am paranoid about him over heating on his heating pad. I had two close calls with it yesterday. Even with lots of padding between it and him, sometimes it heats up too much, even on low. The modern heating pads have a tendency to shut off, and that's bad too, so I mostly use the old fashioned ones.

However, he is nursing very well...and making nice poops. :))

Someone asked how I can be sure he is a squirrel and not another kind of animal. I can tell by his little pug face and his teeny tiny ears. Also, his black claws and the shape of his back feet.

Someone also asked if it would be possible to find a foster mother for him...like a cat or other animal. At this stage, he is much too fragile, not having any hair at all. Feeding him is the easiest part of taking care of him. The formula seems to be agreeing with him and he nurses the nipple that I have attached to a small syringe.

The downside of all of this is that it takes so long for him to grow hair and get his eyes open. Only then would I consider him to be "out of the woods" as far as survival goes.

Another downside is squirrels raised by humans become very attached to them, and I will either have to find other squirrels for him to bond with or send him somewhere that he can be with other squirrels.

The rehabber I work closest with has squirrels, but I wouldn't send him to her because I don't believe she would do a good job with him. So, if he goes anywhere, he will go to the lady in Houston who rehabs squirrels and specializes in such tiny babies.

Thank you all for your interest in him and for your kind thoughts for him. He's trying hard.

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Comments (21)

FlamingO in AR
18 years ago
I am so pleased to hear that Vernon is doing well, Marilyn, what a tribute to YOUR skills. I hope your Houston lady takes him but I bet it'll be hard for you to send him away, I know you love your babies.
nodakgal
18 years ago
I am so glad he is hanging in there!
I know that you worry about each and everything animal you get, and will do the best you possibly can. If he goes with the Houston gal let us know how he does!
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summer_tx
18 years ago
Good news Marilyn. You really know you stuff gal! Although, I wouldn't blame you for wanting to turn the fragile little guy over to the Houston nurse. I'm sure you have enough on your plate as it is. We'll be anxious to hear what you chose to do and how little Vernon is getting along.
Linda Wayman
18 years ago
It's thanks to you Marilyn that Vernon is doing so well. You have so many responsibilities besides that baby squirrel. I think it would be good for you and for Vernon to send him to the nurse. God bless you Marilyn.
Linda
maryanntx
18 years ago
Thanks for the update Marilyn. I'm glad to hear that little Vernon is doing so well.

How are you getting any sleep at all??? I really admire your dedication and hope that the lady in Houston will be able to take Vernon.
stephmc72
18 years ago
Once again, you never cease to amaze me. You have such an amazing spirit. I really commend you for the sacrifice you make to take care of these little helpless animals.

Did you post a picture of him?
marilyn_c
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks. I just don't have enough sense to quit. I am fortunate that I wake up very fast and I fall asleep very easily.

I will probably take him to Houston tomorrow. I just hope the lady who takes him will give me updates on him.

Steph, there's a picture of him here.

Here is a link that might be useful: He Needs All the Help He Can Get....
stephmc72
18 years ago
Oh My Goodness, now that is TINY!!!! I was not expecting to see that. It looks minutes old!! It probably isn't much more than that though. Wow!!!!!! He looks like he could break!

Im glad to hear he's eating and pooping well because at this tiny, fragile age I'm sure that's the most important thing to help him grow.
ritamay91710
18 years ago
Glad to hear that he is is still with us!!
He's a little fighter for sure.
marilyn_c
Original Author
18 years ago
I think he was probably born on July 4th. I hope he grows up to be a firecracker. :))
hounds_x_two
18 years ago
Thank you for the update. I'm happy to know things are going well.
You're awesome!
molly109
18 years ago
I was afraid to open this post - but what great news
that he is doing so well.

You are special. Thanks for letting us "see" how
he does.
Happy_Go_Lucky_Gayle
18 years ago
Surprisingly good news! Hang in there Vernon!
Gayle
grammahony
18 years ago
Like Molly, I was afraid to read this. I'm so glad little Vernon is doing well, still. Eating and pooping is probably all they do for a while. It's great you have someone else who'll take him for you. I too hope we'll get some updates on him if he goes there.
Leslie
linda_in_iowa
18 years ago
Like Molly and Leslie, I was afraid to open this post. Thanks for the update.
flowerpotmama
18 years ago
You are awesome Marilyn! I'm glad he's doing well. That's a big relief. :)

Danielle
des_arc_ya_ya
18 years ago
Well, Yay for Vernon!! Thanks for letting us know.
gneegirl
18 years ago
I hadn't see the OP and don't know enough of the KTrs to know of your talents. You are an angle and this story is a miracle - it really took my breath for a moment. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being you!! My best to you and Vernon.

gneegirl
ivamae
18 years ago
I just can't believe how tiny he is. What a wonderful person you are. I love squirrels
sue36
18 years ago
"Another downside is squirrels raised by humans become very attached to them..."

When I was a kid my father's friend's dog came home with a baby squirrel. My father took it and we raised it. He lived as a pet in our house. He'd sit on the back of chairs when we sat in them, he ate a window sill or two. He was actually a great little pet. My father made a good sized cage for him that was in the house. Eventually he moved the cage outside and we'd put him in there at night or when we didn't want him loose in the house (it was summer). Then we started leaving the door to the cage open during the day. He'd stick close to the house but always would come back to use if we called and at night. He eventually spent less and less time with us but would still come up to us. Eventually he just blended in with the other squirrels.

Good luck raising the little guy.
jannie
18 years ago
Bless you, Marilyn, for taking such good care of this little one. I am keeping my fingers crossed. When he opens his eyes, please post another picture.

Update on Vernon....baby squirrel

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FlamingO in AR

nodakgal

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Update on Vernon....baby squirrel

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