Actually, the squirrel makers have been in business since winter (that was breeding season) and now, since February, the production line has been rolling out the latest spring models (birth season seems to get longer each year).
Two of this season's current models are in residence here: both are female and both arrived, separately, but within 2 days of one another. One is 5 weeks old; the other, closer to 6 weeks of age. Angel, the younger one, arrived bloodied about the nose, with a split and equally bloody lower lip. Her teeth, thank goodness, remained straight an
d intact despite what I presume was a fall with full frontal impact upon her beautiful face. So far, no signs of neurologic damage - something we dread with this kind of injury. She is nursing nicely, she is eating solids and she is being very squirrelly.
The older one, Massa, is still a bit of a mystery. The homeowners said she was on the ground for a few days, unable to climb, and had a "leg injury" but I suspected it was not so much a leg injury but perhaps a neurologic impairment. Now that I see her, she is not so terribly neurologic (she is twitchy and nervous but that is understandable). Something's up though. For one thing, the suspect leg - right rear leg - has SEVEN digits on it. A squirrel's rear leg should only have five.
Stay tuned on this one. I would like to put them together in the next day or so once I am convinced there is nothing contagious going on (I routinely quarantine new admissions.)
It could be that the squirrel factory turned out a little baby that grew to have defects and Momma didn't honor the warranty.
She'll be safe here. They both will be.
Two of this season's current models are in residence here: both are female and both arrived, separately, but within 2 days of one another. One is 5 weeks old; the other, closer to 6 weeks of age. Angel, the younger one, arrived bloodied about the nose, with a split and equally bloody lower lip. Her teeth, thank goodness, remained straight an
d intact despite what I presume was a fall with full frontal impact upon her beautiful face. So far, no signs of neurologic damage - something we dread with this kind of injury. She is nursing nicely, she is eating solids and she is being very squirrelly.The older one, Massa, is still a bit of a mystery. The homeowners said she was on the ground for a few days, unable to climb, and had a "leg injury" but I suspected it was not so much a leg injury but perhaps a neurologic impairment. Now that I see her, she is not so terribly neurologic (she is twitchy and nervous but that is understandable). Something's up though. For one thing, the suspect leg - right rear leg - has SEVEN digits on it. A squirrel's rear leg should only have five.
Stay tuned on this one. I would like to put them together in the next day or so once I am convinced there is nothing contagious going on (I routinely quarantine new admissions.)
It could be that the squirrel factory turned out a little baby that grew to have defects and Momma didn't honor the warranty.
She'll be safe here. They both will be.
7 comments:
I will be anxiously waiting the next update.
Squirrels are cool. Almost as cool as birds. Cute little guys!
So how are you two little cuties doing?
LGS, Baba and my backyard, thanks for your posts. I will be adding some photos shortly. The two girls have both gained a bit of weight and are growing more lively - and at long last have decided they do like my cooking (they nurse their formula with a lot more enthusiasm now) and are eating the special rodent weaning biscuits I have put in to get them started on a balance solid-food diet. Watch this space for updates, I promise NOT to hold you in suspense.
Aww! They look just like our little Pip! That must have been quite the discovery to find the extra digits. I had no idea it could make such a difference to their health and well-being.
Clever use of the automotive industry simile. Especially the part about the warranty.
I'd rather have a squirrel than a car any day!
Kat
um...yeah. Interesting blog. I used to like squirrels...but u just ruined that cute little image. *sigh*
Aw, don't you think these two baby girls are cute?
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