Encounters with Wildlife / CBC Today

On their noon program, there's going to be a phone-in about encounters with wildlife. I wonder how Oscar's story would fit in.

Not exactly an encounter of a third kind although for the first month, he suspiciously looked like an alien.

If I'm around and can get through, I'll give them a call. If asked why the name Oscar, I might have to say that I named him for the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile.

I'd been reading a story in early July about this quirky vehicle and the name stuck in my head. When Oscar arrived on my doorstep, seemed fitting.

Feed Me, I'm Yours

Here's Oscar enjoying breakfast. I use a Q-Tip to clean him up before and after, simulating a mother squirrel's attention. He seems to like this but he does not like having his tummy stroked afterwards, something that is done to get his bowels moving. 

At some point very soon, his eyes should open and I am looking forward to seeing what difference this makes in his five-week life.

Galloping about the Kitchen Table

Figuring out the video thing. Oscar sure is a little super-star, isn't he? I think he should have his own reality TV show! The script could go like this: 

Infant squirrel plummets from cosy nest, leaving behind five siblings. Mother is frantic when she sees that her firstborn has been toted off in the mouth of a mountain lion, read, black and white house cat, a male with distinct maternal tendencies. Poor squealing baby squirrel gets rescued by starving garret artist who enlists  help of all and sundry.

OK, someone else had better take over the writing of the script before it becomes too outlandish.

Some Interesting Info. on Squirrels

Annie, a friend in Kingston sends some information that she says is for red squirrels but, "I'll bet it's similar for black squirrels."

"Offspring grow at approximately 1.8 g/day while nursing but do not reach adult body size until 125 days of age. Offspring first emerge from their natal nest at around 42 days of age but continue to nurse until approximately 70 days."

My goodness, at this rate, Oscar will be here for Christmas!!!

Sleeping like a Baby

Funny little beast. The change I most notice today, in addition to his weight-gain, is how his tail is actually furry. It no longer looks like a rat tail but actually has heft.

And Oscar's head is quite like a miniature squirrel now. It's just the rest of his naked body that's holding back from his metamorphosis.

As I feed him enriched formula, more of it and more often, he develops quickly.

More Laundry

Did you ever notice that as the baby whatever grows older, the amount of laundry grows exponentially?

Milk Moustache

Oscar's not what we call a neat eater. While feeding him this morn, I was reminded of the brilliant advertising campaign for milk, Got Milk, which incorporates the ubiquitous milk moustache.

I think more people would benefit from milk if they saw how much this baby squirrel enjoys it. 

Here's Oscar's rendition of the milk moustache.

I am feeding him more formula at one sitting than before and during the day, giving him water. The addition of cream to his meals is putting weight on him which is good as his growth spurts are daily so he needs the calories.