Dont worry.... not dead!
Just sunbathing, the stones were really warm this lunchtime.
Penultimate photo today, because tomorrow I have to go home and squirrel will be looked after by my other half, who is a bit of a hero to me :-)
Today's world for the little one is the discovery was more food choices... He was introduced to banana (yuck), special K (yuck), currants (okay-ish), hazelnuts (yum), red grapes (yum, but not as good as the while ones!).. and pecans (UBER yum!). Absolutely loves pecans :-)
Can not for the life of me get him to drink goats milk or animal milk formula, even with pipette. He's been offered it warmed up countless of times, but boy, it stinks, so not shocked he's not keen on the idea! I guess as long as he eats a varied diet, and can drink the water with the infant vitamin drop I put in, hopefully be a healthy adult. Bought him a rabbit waterbottle which he is kind of interested in, not figured out how to drink from it yet.
He's even more wary of me as he grows stronger and less desperate. He knows where the food and shelter is, and I am much less appealing to him now, which I love.
Awwww!!! That is sooo cute! Love hearing his feelings about various foods! I'm thinking with the fruit he should be getting enough liquids, who knows. Maybe he will figure out the rabbit bottle. Also glad he is starting to accept help at more of a distance. Sorry the dropper didn't work. Maybe he loves the food choices!!
You and your husband have done such a good job of rising your orphaned charge and documented the process for us. I feel like I'm right there with you. So glad for the reassurance when I saw today's picture. I really was afraid he was on the way out so your opening sentence was great. Can't wait for your next chapter!
You have done really well befriending this squirrel, and doing all the right things. I am enjoying reading your updates. I have three baby squirrels in my next door neighbours chimney but mum is still around. They are all healthy and poor mum is looking quite skinny so I throw her seeded bread from time to time. Like you i dont want them to get dependent on the food I am giving them so they continue to hang around and rely on what I am giving them instead of foraging for food themselves. This is the right time of year to help your baby get strong and then less dependent on the food but I wouldn't be surprized if it continues to hang around - so you may have to start nameing him soon!
awww i love this , i really thought he was dead and i was thinking why would someone put it up ... then read ur first line ... so makes it oh so very cute , he looks so relaxed !!! great find xxx
I'm so delighted you and your baby squirrel have such a strong following! It sounds as though you couldn't be more committed to him, and lovely that he's responding in a healthy way...both eating heartily some of your food choices and wanting to be a bit wild. Another food choice might be pine nuts, the kind we'd roast for garnish, but he might like plain. I assume they'd originally be from (a French, I believe) pine cone. I think the guy's going to make it now under your good care. Is your "other half" going to keep sending us pictures?
Whilst showing this to a few people, one informed me that, as part of the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, it's actually illegal to release into the wild hand-reared animals. So, y'know, just passing that on, and that is why the RSPCA wouldn't do anything about it either, they're bound by law.
Yes, I heard about that law, but doesnt make it a good one in my honest opinion, not every situation is black and white?
And yep, I was threatened on the phone by the RSPCA about releasing him - but apparently as long as he doesnt go indoors, he's still classed as wild, and he's free to go whenever he pleases. We are providing food and warmth whenever he needs it, but I think its very lucky for him and us that he's quite an old baby and already good at a lot of things.
this is super i love it ( ; a fav for sure
this is SOOOOOOOOO cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love it!
Making this a fav!
I also adore the photo :)
Yes, I heard about that law, but doesnt make it a good one in my honest opinion, not every situation is black and white?
And yep, I was threatened on the phone by the RSPCA about releasing him - but apparently as long as he doesnt go indoors, he's still classed as wild, and he's free to go whenever he pleases. We are providing food and warmth whenever he needs it, but I think its very lucky for him and us that he's quite an old baby and already good at a lot of things.
(But yes...it looks a bit dead though. ;-))) )
I had a pet squirrel once, his name was Rocky.