Sarcoptic Mange is caused by a tiny mite called "Sarcoptes scabiei," that burrows under the skin to feed on the blood of the squirrel. It causes severe itching, a rash, crust formation on the skin and hair loss. The picture on the left shows an Eastern Grey with mange on it's lower back. Notice the red, crusty area in the center of each patch of missing hair. The irritation, rash and crusting of the skin is what differentiates mange from Dermatophytosis. This squirrel would do well by treating it with a small quantity of Ivermectin Paste spread on a Nut Meat. We give approximately 1/2 to 1 drop of Ivermectin 1.87% once a week for 3 weeks to make sure that all active mites and all newly hatched mites are killed. You can order Squirrel Quantities of Ivermectin paste HERE.
There is a lot of confusion among squirrel lovers when it comes to skin diseases suffered by squirrels. I get letters and e-mails all the time about how to treat mange in squirrels. I often have to have them make sure that the squirrel does indeed have Sarcoptic Mange verses a skin condition called 'Dermatophytosis." Sarcoptic Mange is caused by a tiny mite called "Sarcoptes scabiei," that burrows under the skin to feed on the blood of the squirrel. It causes severe itching, a rash, crust formation on the skin and hair loss. The picture on the left shows an Eastern Grey with mange on it's lower back. Notice the red, crusty area in the center of each patch of missing hair. The irritation, rash and crusting of the skin is what differentiates mange from Dermatophytosis. This squirrel would do well by treating it with a small quantity of Ivermectin Paste spread on a Nut Meat. We give approximately 1/2 to 1 drop of Ivermectin 1.87% once a week for 3 weeks to make sure that all active mites and all newly hatched mites are killed. You can order Squirrel Quantities of Ivermectin paste HERE. Squirrels can also have a condition called "Dermatophytosis," ( not to be confused with ringworm that carries the same name,) or a skin fungus. The way you can tell this condition from Mange is the absence of irritation, crusting or rash. There is hair loss, but that is all. Dermatophytosis is caused by a fungus that attacks the shaft of the hair where it emerges from the skin. Since it attacks the hair and causes it to become brittle, the hair breaks off at the skin line and falls off leaving a bald area, but no obvious skin irritation. This condition is common in late Winter and early Spring. The treatment is nutritional support. It's usually not fatal and the squirrel will recover from it over time. Feeding squirrels chunks of raw coconut and raw coconut oil can help, because the Lauric Acid and Capric Acid in the raw coconut oil is anti-fungal. In captivity, I spray a strong solution of Colloidal Silver and apply Raw Coconut Oil topically to this condition also. You can obtain Colloidal Silver and Raw Coconut Oil on our Squirrel Mall Page.
497 Comments
Renée
2/19/2014 01:33:06 pm
William, I just got so lucky. I found your site. Its so nice to see that so many other share our passion. I want to let you know how awesome i think you are to devote your time and knowledge to people like me who want to help these beautiful little guys and dont know where to start!! I have a grey "cat" squirrel named Pasquallie. We rescued him at one week of age. For two months he spent almost all day of every day in my sports bra. Lol! He'd eat and crawl back in my shirt. The only time he slept in his little box was at night. Ha! He had my heart at first sight. He is now one year and seven months. Spoiled rotten. He thinks he is the man of the house. He is an inside squirrel. I dont think he could survive if I had to release him. keeping him inside all the time wasn't the plan in the beginning. He is so loving and affectionate. He can also get aggrevated and bite me too when he gets frustrated because I can't understand what he is trying to show me or tell what he wants. He doesnt bite hard 99 0/0 of the time but I know what its like to have those teeth go to the bone too.. He's amazing. You can tell what he is wanting or thinking abt doing by his gestures. I love when he cuddles and bathes himself on me then tries to bath my hands and arms. He lays there cuddles on me or my husband sometimes taking a nap. It truly touches my heart and soul to see the love and trust he has for me. I never imaged in my life I could be head over heals deeply in love and bonded to a squirrel. People dont give them enough credit. They are so intelligent. I tried to raise another baby but pasquallie wasn't having any part of it.
Reply
Hi Renee!
Reply
Dianne frazer
6/24/2018 10:04:56 am
Have a little girl with hair loss and itch. Her belly looks like Grey with circular spots. Pls advise.
Hi, Dianne,
Melissa
6/22/2021 05:46:03 am
I have had my baby since he was a few weeks old and he stays inside the house. He doesnt have any hair loss but he is constantly itching. I have checked him repeatedly for any bugs on him and nothing. Will the coconut oil you mentioned for topical use work to help him stop itching and if so how do i go about applying. If not please any suggestions. Rocky and I thank you.
RichardnDiana McClary
7/22/2022 10:58:01 pm
I have a picture of our guy named Jack how can I send pictures of his round red crust around the almost perfect circle of missing hair It looks a lot like the picture here but one is on his side one is lower not together
Kimberly
4/30/2017 01:06:10 pm
I have a hand raised squirrel that has been released for several months. She comes and eats out of my hand daily. I have noticed since about a mouth of release she has been itchy. She came up this morning and has a bald spot (hair loss) on and around her neck and head. She also has a scratch mark around the neck too. Can you advise, please? I have pictures. I also picked her up and have her in a cage for in case treatment is needed. I wish I could attach photo. Please anyone feel to email me and I will show you photos. Thank you.
Reply
Kimberly
4/30/2017 02:37:41 pm
I sent photos, thank you!
Melanie Dooley
9/19/2017 05:37:39 am
My sweet Clyde Squirrel turned 16 last month. I was out of town on business for two weeks when Hurricane Irma came through. My husband closed up his cage on the patio and moved him inside. The day I returned either one of the cat's nicked his tail or Clyde started chewing on his own tail. The next day I noticed he was holding his tail and chewing on it like a corn cob. Although it is much cooler in the house we decided that perhaps the stress of being confined to his cage for two weeks got to him. We moved him back out on the patio. He won't stop chewing on his tail. I keep cleaning it daily with watered down peroxide but his cage looks like a murder scene. I just don't know what to do. Will he chew it off? I am worried about it getting infected eventually if he won't let it heal. Any thoughts on this one? Maybe he is getting senile? Thank you!
Reply
Hi, Melanie!
Candace Flanagan
10/14/2017 11:54:22 am
My baby squirrel was found a few days BEFORE hurricane IRMA. I called several wild life rehabbers, no return calls!. I have taken care of many different babies for my entire life, squirrels weren't one of the type I experienced before. Rocky is a sweet baby I found, probably one or two days old...on my seawall baking in the hot Florida sun. He looked dead, other than his very pink color. I saw his lips move and brought him inside. I found some info about squirrels and his need for pedialyte and how to make it home made. He was fed drop by drop ...now he is four and a half weeks old and quite beautiful and healthy looking. I see him scratch a bit now, never saw this before. He is kept in a clean big cage that was very clean and no animal had been in for years. I search through his fur and find nothing. Do they just sometimes get itchy?.
Sasha Cearley
5/10/2018 04:38:52 pm
I need help with a squirrel I found please
Reply
Sasha Cearley
5/15/2018 07:20:23 pm
My husband and I took in an Injured squirrel we found. We are unsure of how much we should be feeding it... Kind of just winging everything to do with him. Can't take him anywhere around where we are bc it's illegal.
Reply
william
5/22/2019 06:58:36 pm
you may have inadvertently species switched or at least confused [permanently] this animal the face of the 'mother' in the few weeks after theeyes open is the critical window this may not 'work' in dogs that remain neotenic ...not an area with a lot of behavioral research basenjis and singing dogs are not 'wolves' and mature normally and can be switched the infant mammal will 'initiate play' with the species it identifies with
Reply
Richard l Fryer
1/10/2020 03:16:40 am
Any special brand of puppy flea drops , 3 year old gray male squirrel, itching, and skin on belly red , also he loves fresh garbanzo bean are they alrite
Reply
Louise Poundstone
3/15/2014 01:55:40 am
Love all the info !
Reply
Kimberly Graham
4/30/2017 02:29:20 pm
I am sending a photo now. Thank you so much.
Reply
Roy Ds
3/18/2014 10:45:33 pm
Hi,
Reply
Carol Cooper
4/2/2014 08:56:01 am
Thanks for your interesting blog. We have wild squirrels who come to a feeder attached to our window and who don't care if we (or our cats) get right up next to the window to observe them. One of them has a skin condition which, after reading your blog, I think I can identify as dermatophytosis. So, off to find some raw coconut oil. Unfortunately I can't order it from you as I'm in Canada. I'm relieved to work out what the disease is, and now that spring is coming he's likely to recover - he's fat and healthy-looking, having visited my bird feeders all winter!
Reply
andrew
4/24/2014 03:10:14 am
Hi I rescued a baby squirrel. Today after the box fell out of the tree and killed the mom she's a sleep in my work jumper and I think she's 4/5/6 weeks old can she eat on her own and drink on her own I've got her in a cage now nice and warm but need answers asap as im allways working and haven't got time to feed her every 2 hours
Reply
Muskaan
2/22/2018 01:36:45 am
Hi my little squirrel is having white fluid in his eyes whenever he is washing his face plz do suggest some medical advice would b so grateful to u reply soon
Hi, Muskaan!
William Stoute
4/25/2014 04:04:44 am
We discovered a very sick, weak squirrel with massive hair loss and lessions on the back. Other squirrel has been identified with hair loss on the ears and crusty skin.
Reply
Hi William!
Reply
Lisa Waldrop
4/27/2014 07:51:07 am
Ive got a squirrel thats almost completely bald on his body but not his tail and another whose bald on his tail but not his body. My husband drove down our alley and noticed the squirrels a block away are the same way. I started the ivermectin paste on the lil guys and now im wondering if theres not a serious issue in our area. Our dirt is very soft like a black sandy substance and has even started causing issues with our dogs and allergies. Weve lived here almost 3yrs and it started last summer and our property is the biggest around here in the city so i thought maybe i could put a big platter of cookies with the paste on them once a week and try to treat them all for the next 3 weeks. If they get more than a little dose like you say will it hurt them? Ive ordered your nut squares/balls and waiting to get your recipe for the biscuits so if you could give me a little advice on the treatment of this issue going on id be so grateful. Thanks so so much for whatever you may be able to help me with, Lisa Waldrop a squirrel lover like yourself
Reply
Hi Lisa!
Reply
Lauren McKay
1/17/2018 05:46:26 pm
I was told mange does kill squirrels
Hi, Lauren!
virginia
3/5/2020 10:40:36 am
how can i send you a pic of a black squirrel which i think is mange
Lisa Waldrop
4/27/2014 07:54:21 am
Im so sorry i have another question, could you tell me how to give them the coconut oil and avocado? Ways theyll eat it and like it? Thanks our friend Lisa W.
Reply
Hello Again!
Reply
Jessica
5/5/2014 08:29:54 am
Hi!
Reply
Hi Jessica!
Reply
Jessica
5/8/2014 05:25:28 am
Thank you! 8/18/2018 02:00:07 pm
there is a squirrel n my yard that has a red egg shape like knot on his head could u tell me what causes this n if contagious/ been feeding birds n a couple squirrels comes to eat n sit on my ramp n front tyard /iam disable n have problems walking I love wild life
Hi Jessica!
Reply
Hi William,
Reply
Janet Blain
5/26/2014 11:55:54 pm
Our dog was chewing on a grey squirrel that had died in our yard. the squirrel was bald in some places, but what was worse, was the hard yellow growth that was all along it's back and down one leg. It almost looked like a wild mushroom. Is my dog at risk since she was chewing on this squirrel?
Reply
Hi Janet!
Reply
Hello,
Reply
Justin
6/16/2014 10:48:58 am
Hi,
Reply
Hi Justin!
Reply
I have a squirrel I am trying to nurse back to normality after being diagnosed with Squirrel Pox. He had pink lumps that have developed into dark hardened legions that he is now biting and chewing off leaving flesh below that he is licking. I feel he is trying to remove the dead Pox cells from his body but I am unsure. I did put healing cream and breathable bandages to cover up the exposed flesh so he doesnt hurt himself further by biting the soft tissue. Im unsure if this is his natural defense against the dead skin. My question is, is it safe for him to be chewing into this dead skin. Should I let him continue, thanks. FYI, he is a 1 year old rescue named John Wayne
Reply
Hi Terii,
Reply
Crystal
6/18/2014 08:46:46 pm
Good Morning,
Reply
Hi Crystal!
Reply
Justin
6/19/2014 09:18:01 am
Thanks to everyone who commented and helped me out! The blue dove soap wash worked and he's healthy and eating fine now! To everyone else who replied, thanks for the responses and it's greatly appreciated!
Reply
Justin Greene
6/19/2014 09:19:03 am
Thanks to everyone who commented and helped me out! The blue dove soap wash worked and he's healthy and eating fine now! To everyone else who replied, thanks for the responses and it's greatly appreciated! The maggots are gone and its skin is healing
Reply
Justin Greene
6/19/2014 09:19:16 am
Thanks to everyone who commented and helped me out! The blue dove soap wash worked and he's healthy and eating fine now! To everyone else who replied, thanks for the responses and it's greatly appreciated! The maggots are gone and its skin is healing. Thank you!
Reply
bev hunnicutt
6/21/2014 11:33:13 pm
can the squirrels mommy and daddy carry skin mites from them? not the ones from the mange the other? do squirrels reguire bright sunlight if they kept indoors for any kind of vitamins? Fred is in my living room and receives sun as it comes thru the windows.
Reply
Hi Bev!
Reply
bev
6/24/2014 09:39:36 am
can humans carry the mites from dermatophytosis? I recently purchased your product to make squirrel nuts. Thanks for such an interesting website!!! I feel itchy and wanted to know. Thanks!
Mites and Dermatophytosis are two different things. Mites are tiny insects, dermatophytosis is a fungus. Mites can be transmitted to humans if they have close, prolonged contact with an infected squirrel and never wash their hands. But, most times the itch you experience when you are around an animal that is infested with such things, is purely psychosomatic.
bev
6/24/2014 07:40:59 pm
thank! thank you! thank you!
Reply
6/26/2014 11:53:09 am
I understand a gray squirrel molts twice a year, once from top to bottom, the other time from bottom to top. If a squirrel's tail whiskers burned off in a fire, would they grow back during molting or never grow back? I don't know of this occurring to a squirrel but am writing a story in which this occurs and would like to be accurate in the telling. Thanks! Linda
Reply
Hi Linda,
Reply
ANKUR
4/25/2017 10:20:46 am
Hello William,
Hi Ankur!
bev
7/6/2014 10:50:57 am
i have a 16 month old male gray squirrel. I was a rehabber of wild animals thru my local zoo years ago. I know the routine and all. I got him bigger cage a few months back. Friday i got a baby robin and put it in squirrels old smaller cage. Since then he seems to getting aggressive over this bird in cage. Got to cage and wouldn't get back in his cage. I can't release him here and dont know anyone in the country to do it. I have 5 weiner dogs and one is a true blue hunter for the breed. NOTHING lives in the back yard so I can't release him here. He has bite me only a couple times since i have had him. But he got me good today. He chatters and raises his backside and grabs my arm and hand more aggressively . I'm ready to keep him for the long haul, but after today I dont know. I've thought of having him fixed maybe to calm him. Any suggestions? Thanks
Reply
Hi Bev,
Reply
Michele
7/10/2014 09:20:43 pm
Hi,
Reply
Hi Michele!
Reply
bev
7/24/2014 12:02:09 pm
i have written to you before. I have a 16 month old male gray squirrel that is getting fixed soon. He and I are really just getting know each other. We play alot but I do work. He has a good size and lots of toys. He let out a whistle the other day that took me by surprise. Sounded like when you let air out of a balloon. came from his nose ,whiskers shook. Never heard this before. Just wondering what it might have meant . He wasn't agitated or upset. When i do it to him he freezes in place, but doesn't seem to upset him. Have you ever heard it? Thanks. Just curious.
Reply
Hi Bev!
Reply
Shannon
7/25/2014 01:24:51 pm
Hi Bill. There is a squirrel that comes around my work. Everyone thinks he has mange. Upon reading the info on your site, I'm beginning to think it may be fungal. It's missing all of its fur on its head and shoulders and most of its gone down its back. There looked like there was a dry white patch on the top of his neck that I saw him scratching at a few times. I'm trying to find an organization that will take it and rehabilitate it and release it but, if I can't find anyone to take it, then I would like to know what I could do. Someone has apparently been feeding it for a long time because he starting coming around about a year or two and he will sit at the door of the business at just look in and he will follow you to your car or to the door of the business. I saw one guy making a delivery actually hand feed it. Any guidance would be appreciated. Thanks
Reply
Shannon
7/25/2014 01:28:43 pm
Forgot to add that it looks more like the second pic atop this page of the squirrel with a fungal infection except all of its skin that is exposed is very dark in color, not pink or flesh tone. (Not sure it that means anything or not).
Reply
Hi Shannon!
Reply
christina
7/29/2014 01:10:50 am
Wondering if you could give me some advice, I have a young looking black squirrel hanging around that has some growth around his eyes and on his legs . I'm trying to make friends to get a better look, hes currently eating from around the bird feeder what do you suggest I put out to try to gain trust. I've only come about 10' from him put some seed down and backed away he went right for it after I moved away
Reply
Hi Christina!
Reply
Berenice Borges
8/2/2014 06:04:29 am
I've just ordered the invermectin but I have a few doubts..The squirrels in my backyard look like they have mange..some spots are hairless , red and with what looks like scabs..In can't get closer enough to see because they are really wild and they run away..I've counte like 8 of them coming here all the time because I put food for the birds and they eat it. How can I be sure that they are not eating more than one dose of the medicine in just one day??? I can't watch them to know which one is eating the nut with the medicine.
Reply
Hi Berenice!
Reply
Sorry, I didn't know I was limited on the number of words I could put in a reply!
Reply
Berenice
8/5/2014 12:44:58 am
Thank you very much..That was all I needed to know..
Reply
bev
8/10/2014 01:58:10 am
well tomorrow is the big day for my squirrel(Fred). He is getting fixed. He got me another good one yesterday. I really hope this calms him down . I misses playing and interacting with him. When he starts chattering I can't get him out! He hikes he backside and lowers his head to me.Chattering the whole time! I don't get it. Luckily the bites don't get infected, but they sure hurt from being so deep. Guess I just needed some reassurance that this might work. Thanks!
Reply
Lisa
6/6/2021 10:43:29 pm
I had this problem with the three I over wintered. But I realized it only happened if I had held another male first. Also happens if i pet another animal besides my dog. They know his smell and are fine but I came home from petting three cats and two dogs and even though it had been hours before, i got the hind end up,chattering and stampy feet. Luckily they haven't bitten me but there have been close calls ! I thought I was going to have to release one early because it became dangerous . I don't go near them smelling like another animal and i have to change into different squirrel gear when handling each of the males. am not an expert but I believe it is a combination of them being territorial and jealous. Especially if you are who they bonded to. Hopefully this is the problem with your lil friend.
Reply
Chantelle Smit
8/12/2014 12:53:48 am
Hi there
Reply
8/13/2014 12:26:20 am
Hi Chantelle!
Reply
Chantelle Smit
8/12/2014 06:02:05 pm
In addition to my comment,it also looks like she has scabs on her front paws.
Reply
Chantelle Smit
8/12/2014 06:02:13 pm
In addition to my comment,it also looks like she has scabs on her front paws.
Reply
Chantelle Smit
8/12/2014 06:02:25 pm
In addition to my comment,it also looks like she has scabs on her front paws.
Reply
chantelle smit
8/13/2014 01:27:46 am
Hi Bill
Reply
chantelle smit
8/13/2014 01:28:07 am
Hi Bill
Reply
Chantelle Smit
8/14/2014 03:52:59 pm
Hi there
Reply
Chantelle Smit
8/14/2014 03:53:37 pm
Hi there
Reply
bev
9/13/2014 11:16:54 pm
August 11 ,2014 I had my male squirrel fixed. He had gotten so mean I couldnt get near him. Vet said to leave him alone except to feed and water him, I did. He said it would take about one month for hormone to get out of his system. He has been very calm and loving,till today. He started chattering and growling again. I went to cover my face and he nailed me good again!! I was sitting in a chair in his room letting him run around. His cage( 65x48x24) is in my daughters room while she at college. I was watching tv. He has access to all his food that i have for him so he pick and choose what wants to eat. Acorns, black walnuts, buckeyes, and smalls nut from pear tree in our yard. He jumped on my head and thats all it took! Whats up?? Will he ever settle down? Thanks!
Reply
Hi Bev!
Reply
bev
9/15/2014 08:32:47 am
I got your answer for trying to calm Fred(fixed male) If this works, should I keep him on this indefinitely? I will do what it takes. I have invested a lot of love and time. I am not going to give up now. Thanks alot!!!!
Coleen
6/12/2015 09:22:59 pm
Hello Bill - I don't mean to horn in on this conversation but I had a lil male squirrel ...
Tina
7/27/2016 12:38:24 pm
Have you heard of using Diatomaceous Earth for fleas? Would you recommend adding it to the veggie squares?
Hrriet
9/18/2014 07:41:47 am
All summer I saw half a dozen squirrels in my yard and enjoying my bird feeders:) For some reason now I am now seeing only one :( and this one seems to act fine, climbs the feeder pole, eats the food and peanuts that I leave on the ground. My concern is the areas on its fur that look like light-color patches. From what I can see these areas do not look red. I wondered what I might do (if anything) to help improve this condition. Is there a way to send a photo to you? Thanks for any suggestions. (I read the article in the blog about mange, but I don;t think that's what this is.) Thanks for any suggestions.
Reply
Dawn Tyer
9/23/2014 02:00:29 pm
I need help. I do wildlife rehab and in my 7 years have never seen what is happening to my babies. Their skin looks like it is pilling off and their hair is gone. One is developing sores. I have reintroduced milk to their diet and have them on clavamox. What do I do?!?
Reply
Dawn
9/24/2014 01:18:26 pm
Just nuts. A local vet said to try some clavamox to see if it helped. They have been on it for 3 days. I ordered the coconut oil and silver spray for them. I'm just baffled! I'm worried that it will spread to the other squirrels. So far it hasn't and the two affected seem completely normal except for the peeling skin and losing hair
Dawn
9/24/2014 01:19:41 pm
I sent an email with pictures. Let me know if you got it
Evelyn R Hill
9/24/2014 07:20:39 am
I have a wild squirrel that has a skin disease but not like your photographs, can you email me so I can send a photograph.
Reply
Tonya Clark
9/25/2014 11:11:16 pm
I am so happy to have found this site. DeeDee is 3/12 years old and is an exclusively indoor squirrel (although, I would love to transition her to outdoor but don't think she would do well since she has not been outside since she was about 3 months old). She recently has acquired a large open wound on her hind leg that she nonstop is digging at. It looks raw and crusty around the edges. I don't know what has caused it and it just seems to be getting worse. The only other time she had this was when I rehabed a male squirrel and he became very dominate. After I released him, her sores healed up so I assumed they were stress related. I will try the coconut oil tonight but she thinks it is a treat and will probably just chew more into her leg because of it....which is also why I don't put much of anything else on it as well. Do you think the Ivermectin paste would help her?
Reply
Hi Tonya!
Reply
Brigitte
9/21/2016 10:14:39 am
Can I put frontline on baby squirrel for scabies ? We brought stray baby kitten in and we all caught scabies from it
Hi, William
Reply
Hi Pracks,
Reply
bev
9/28/2014 06:22:49 am
Well it has been two weeks since I started Fred( my fixed male ) on soybeans and brewers yeast. So far real good! He still is VERY active but not aggressive. He hasn't chattered at me orbit me. He has always taste tested me since he was very young. Some hurt a little some don't. No bites thru the skin tho! I still get a little nervous around him, fear of being bit. He's upstairs in his cage whistling that high pitch sound now. Guess hes talking to the outside squirrels. Windows are open in his room as long as its nice out. I want THANK YOU very much for all your help. I will keep in touch as we go along with Fred.
Reply
bev
10/3/2014 10:50:10 pm
well its been a week since i wrote to you. This am he started showing some aggression again. Last nite he was putty in my hands! He was laying on his back in my left hand and I was rubbing scratching every part of his body. Not today!!!! His diet is buckeyes, black walnuts, soybeans, frozen mulberries from my trees, avocado, coconut, hickory nuts, almonds,peanut butter laced with brewers yeast. He didn't bite, just started chattering and got REAL clingy like he used to do before a bad bite. I had to put in back in cage carefully. Thanks Bev
Reply
10/8/2014 09:34:20 am
Can dogs get diseases from squirrels? I have hundreds of birds eating out of my feeders but the squirrels look so bad that I took the feeders down. I did so enjoy seeing the birds feed, I'm concerned for the safety of my dogs, the squirrels have hair missing and terrible sores, Please advise
Reply
Allie
10/11/2014 04:48:10 am
Hi Bill
Reply
Hi Allie!
Reply
Allie
10/12/2014 05:26:04 am
Thanks for the advice! I started her on the coconut oil a few days ago and she's been eating avocado since day 1. Haven't recieved the paste yet so I'm glad I asked first! Wouldn't have applied it until hearing from you but good to know we will have it for when she grows. I will be ordering the silver spray--thank you!!
Allie
10/12/2014 06:37:48 am
Bill,
Reply
niell
11/1/2014 12:44:43 am
I have a 3 months old male Indian palm squirrel he was eating fine until today morning, but suddenly he has stopped eating his food and i have noticed sum rashes on his back and head. what do i do?
Reply
Hi Niell!
Reply
11/1/2014 10:16:28 am
Hi Bill,
Reply
Hi Michelle!
Reply
Judy Hagenbuch
11/2/2014 11:11:20 pm
Hi Bill, I live in Michigan and for years have had big, healthy squirrels at my bird feeders. I love watching both the squirrels and the birds and enjoy feeding them. Lately I've noticed less squirrels and a few of them don't look healthy. One has no hair on his/her tail at all, another one has most of his/her hair missing all over it's body and most of the hair on the tail it's gone. I haven't seen the one with no hair on it's tail at all for awhile now. I don't clean the bird feeders. I put black oiler sunflower seeds and cracked corn in them. Am I causing the problem with the squirrels by not cleaning the feeders? I can't catch and treat my squirrels, they are not tame and if I did put a live trap out under the tree I might catch a skunk, a racoon a woodchuck or even a possum. I look at the one without his hair and my heart just breaks, he looks awful and he must be very sick. I do not see any red, crusty sores on his body so think it's not mange but more likely dermatophytosis from what I read above. I feel bad that I can't help them but also concerned about what's causing the squirrels to be sick. Can you please help me. Thank you, Judy
Reply
Hi Judy!
Reply
bev
11/14/2014 10:25:54 pm
well I have added english walnuts and hazelnuts to Freds diet. He is a 2 year old fixed male. Was very aggressive before surgery, has calmed down alot. Two weeks ago added the other nuts to keep his teeth trim.He hides the little nuts but eats the big ones. Today he is chattering again and grabbing my hand tight. What nut might be bringing on this? I read in one of your letters that almonds are a no no? Would appreciate any suggestions Thanks!
Reply
Hi Bev!
Reply
bev
11/16/2014 03:56:47 am
Thanks for ur quick response about Fred. Today is seems fine. He DOES NOT like any different smells. Agitates him very much! He seems to like to sit and do a high pitch whistle slowly let out. Are almonds in the shell ok? he has eaten them for a long time. just curious.. Fred does the same sound too that ur Lucky does, for no reason. I don't take Fred out tho. He's a one person squirrel. Again thank u so much for ur help!!!
Reply
Hi Bev!
Reply
Linda J Sardou
11/26/2014 02:55:04 am
I noticed my squirrels ears on the outer edge appears to be missing fur. Her fur on the rest of her looks ok. Is this something to be concerned about?
Reply
Hi Linda!
Reply
Maria
12/3/2014 11:21:41 pm
Hi! Bought some Invermectin (apple flavored paste) to try to treat the squirrels outside my home. I live against a forest preserve and have noticed that all the squirrels that frequent my feeders are starting to itch and many are losing fur. It is like watching the "Itchy and Scratchy" show when they all show up. They have been suffering for a few weeks. Asked my vet and he had no suggestions, so I took to the internet and found you! A few squirrels more severe patches of fur loss with redness to their skin from all the scratching. Safe to say it is mange? It is spreading among them so I figured I should do something before it spreads to the raccoons and cat that also show up frequently as well. I am thinking since it is typically a squirrely feeding frenzy when I toss peanuts into the yard, it will be tough to dose each squirrel (about 6 - 8 of them) separately with any effectiveness. Will have to be very deliberate and study them closely to tell them apart and see if I can get each to approach individually or toss a treated nut to each with accuracy so they don't fight. How dangerous is it if one squirrel gets more than one dosage?
Reply
Linda J Sardou
12/8/2014 02:37:07 am
Hi William, I have a tame outside squirrel who appears to have mange. She has a 'crusty/red/and fur loss just at the nape of her neck/shoulder line. My Vet gave me some Revolution to put on her. I noticed today that it appears to be worsening and she is still scratching like crazy. I put the Revolution on her (2-3 drops) on Friday December 5th around 11:30 PM. Today is Monday, December 8th. Should I see improvement by now? If not, I had ordered some Ivemectin Paste from you a few days ago, will it hurt if I give that to her now? For the Revolution, it says to readminister again in 30 days. I don't want to add more to what she's already been given for fear of causing harm. Thank you, I would really appreciate if you can get back to me asap. I'm worried about her. She is eating and acting normal though.
Reply
Hi Linda!
Reply
Dela
12/28/2014 02:37:46 am
Will mites or mange tranfer to my chickens? I just saw the affected squirrel go in my coop! I will fix holes and entrances today, but now what? I am very concerned about my chickens! Thanks!
Reply
Hi Dela!
Reply
Shirl
1/16/2015 12:16:01 am
We have a rescued male squirrel that we got @ 3wks. He is now 23wks and for the most part seems mostly healthy and happy.
Reply
Hi Shirl!
Reply
Shirl
1/16/2015 04:54:38 am
Thanks William,
Shirl
1/16/2015 11:02:02 pm
By "rodent blocks" I am referring to the Henry's Healthy Bites. He gets both the "Wild Bites" and "Picky" formula. According to the packaging they provide 100% of the needed Calcium and Magnesium as well as a host of other things. He has only been getting these blocks for a short time so hopefully we'll start to see some results soon.
Tanya
1/18/2015 01:09:06 am
Hi Bill I have contacted you before and bought some of your ivermectin paste for a squirrel with mange. He would not eat it, but I came home from vacation and his hair was growing back, and is almost all back now! I believe the cold weather must have killed the mites. He is however still itching a lot is that normal? I've become very fond of him and just want to make sure he's made a full recovery. Thanks!
Reply
Peter
2/12/2015 12:43:14 am
Hi Bill,
Reply
Theresa
2/13/2015 02:15:48 am
Hi Bill,
Reply
2/13/2015 04:06:00 am
Hi Theresa!
Reply
Theresa
2/23/2015 04:47:33 am
I am in no position to give a wild squirrel meds. As much as I like this little guy, I'm not putting myself at risk of a bite. It won't die from mange will it? I sure hope not :-(
Theresa
2/25/2015 04:12:28 am
Sorry, William. I apparently misunderstood how the meds work. I assumed it was something topical that had to be put onto the squirrel. Wondering if you might answer my question tho as you missed it.
Peter
2/23/2015 06:59:53 am
Hi Theresa,
Reply
Theresa
2/25/2015 04:14:40 am
Thanks for your KIND reply Peter!! Much appreciated.
Cole Swensen
2/16/2015 02:52:08 am
Thank you so much for your attention to squirrels! We have two among our backyard troupe who look--based on your helpful photos--like they're suffering from dermatophytosis--one is completely missing all the fur on the neck and shoulders and halfway down the back and the other has tremendously thinning fur in the same places. We're concerned because we're in Rhode Island, where it's been terribly cold this winter. We will start leaving raw coconut and coat their sunflower seeds with coconut oil, but--outside of knitting them sweaters--do you have any other suggestions? Also, what is the best food? We feed them black sunflower seeds and a commercial "squirrel food" in the form of a log of pressed corn. Do you know about the pressed corn log? Is that good for them? Or is it like feeding them potato chips? Thank you so much for any advice you can give. Warmly yours, Cole Swensen
Reply
Hi Cole!
Reply
Cole
2/17/2015 01:04:34 am
Hi! A couple more questions for our squirrels with dermatophytosis--the only coconut we could find was "sweetened flake coconut" but I fear that might do more harm than good--it has propylene glycol as a preservative as well as sugar--but might it help while we wait for your coconut oil to arrive?
Reply
Hello again Cole,
Reply
Deborah Viscomi
2/17/2015 03:38:10 am
Hi Bill, I feed my squirrels fresh coconut... I would assume that is a good thing and gives them the nutrition they need as does the coconut oil...right?
Reply
Hi Deb!
Reply
Shannon
2/26/2015 03:14:39 am
I'm unclear on whether dermatophytosis causes itching. A few squirrels in my yard have hair loss that looks more like the dermatophytosis photos you posted than mange/mites -- no scabbing or crusting that I can see. But they are clearly being driven mad from itching. They can't take more than two steps without having to stop and scratch or chew at themselves; sometimes they almost look like they're having spasms from the itching, their whole bodies just jump and twitch. I have been putting out tons of raw coconut oil and have administered a couple of doses of Ivermectin (though not sure that both doses went to the same squirrel). The affected squirrels have bare patches on their sides and down their spine; one poor little guy, though, has almost no fur left except on his face and tail. I'd be happy to send photos if that would help. Thanks!
Reply
Hi Shannon!
Reply
Tyler
3/2/2015 10:36:11 am
my squirel has one spot he keeps itching its not bald but its a constant itch what do I do
Reply
sherry
3/3/2015 07:41:59 pm
Please help. My baby is itchy and has lost most of the hair in the creases where his legs meet his belly. The spots were pink but didn't look scabbed, or give me reason to believe it to be mange (although I bought your product just in case). So I purchased some organic coconut oil to apply to his legs... But he won't leave them alone. Now he's biting them twice as much, and they look terribly red and inflamed, not to mention that he's now just lying around, as if it has made him sick. I don't know what to do, and there are no vets here who will see him.
Reply
Hi Sherry!
Reply
Sherry
3/4/2015 10:36:39 am
He is a captive squirrel, but he's about 5 and a half years old. We rescued him as an orphaned baby, and nursed him back from pneumonia. His eyes were not yet opened.
Hi Sherry!
Reply
Sherry
3/4/2015 07:05:40 pm
Bill,
Reply
Deborah Viscomi
3/22/2015 12:46:53 pm
Ditto on all the nice things you say about Billl!!
Valerie
3/21/2015 01:08:20 pm
Bill, I live in MD and have many gray squirrels I feed daily which lately can be up to 8 or more a day and most of them are here at the same time. I've noticed a lot of them have those patchy hair loss areas and I have seen some scabs plus they do scratch. I believe it's the mites. I would love to be able to treat these wild squirrels with the medicine you suggested but since I have so many squirrels it would prove hard to keep track of which ones I gave a dose to. Is it possible to overdose? Also, is it safe to treat the ones without the skin loss patches? Please help me with a suggestion because I feel so bad for their suffering.
Reply
Hi Valerie!
Reply
Valerie
3/22/2015 10:00:44 am
Thanks Bill for your reply. What is the shelf life of the Ivermectin Paste and what is the quantity you are selling?
Hi Valerie!
Denise Hess
3/27/2015 03:07:15 am
Just notice one of our wild squirrels has an hairless circular lesion the size of an half-dollar behind his front leg on his back. It has what looks like an indurated inflammed inner lesion which looks like one puncture mark. At first I thought it was Spring fighting but I've taken photos of it from afar (can't get near our Squirrels) and I'm concerned if it's communicable the other squirrels will get it. I wonder, do Squirrels get Lyme Disease? This lesion looks too perfectly circular for mange. Do you know where I can post photos of this lesion to have it identified? I'd treat this creature with anti-biotics via a peanut/peanut butter tube I have mounted. We have about 12 Squirrels we enjoy and I'd feel awful if this disorder is transmittable. Thanks for any recommendations.
Reply
Nikki
3/30/2015 07:00:59 pm
I have lost my beloved squirrel after 9-10 years and my heart is broken I don't want to know how long squirrels live I would like to know if there is a way I could adopt an orphan squirrel. I need to have another squirrel in my life but not right now I must respect her and there must be a proper time that passes. But if the time ever comes can I get another squirrel somehow and share my love raising another baby into our home? Could you tell me how please. I don't know if my heart will ever hal. She taught me so much. I don't know what to do the grief of her loss is so great.
Reply
Peter
3/30/2015 11:37:37 pm
Hi Nikki,
Reply
Valerie
3/30/2015 11:56:19 pm
So sorry for your loss. The age sounds about right for the life span of a squirrel. Here in MD it's illegal to own a wild animal. A baby squirrel when rehabilitated should be released into the wild. It's the humane thing to do since it has instincts that I would not deny it.
Reply
Hi Nikki!
Reply
Hey Nikki!
Reply
Deborah Viscomi
4/1/2015 12:05:29 am
Dear Nikki, I can't imagine how you feel after 8 or 9 years having lost your squirrel! I’m so sorry for your loss…
Reply
Valerie
4/1/2015 12:28:17 am
Deborah, heartwarming story and sad to not know what happened to your beloved squirrel. Hoping it found other territories and is still thriving in the wild.
Reply
Kris
4/1/2015 01:55:55 am
Does Dermatophytosis cause itching? We have had several squirrels at our bird feeder over the past couple months with significant hair loss on their backs accompanied with pronounced itching. We've not observed scaling. Could it be Notoedric mange?
Reply
Therese Moore
4/14/2015 01:28:41 am
Hello, I have tried to read all the comments to see if anyone had this problem. There are about 20 grey squirrels in my neighborhood and about once ever other month one seems to develop a neurological condition, falling over, and narcolepsy, with hair loss, and a giant appetite. They usually die within 2 wks. After symptoms present. 2 years ago a small raccoon had it and passed away
Reply
Hi Therese!
Reply
danny
4/24/2015 09:09:17 am
Hi there, my baby squirrel (approximately 5 weeks old), started to nibble his genitals yesterday. There has been a bit of bleeding, so I cleaned the area off with some warm water, and applied a small amount of neosporin to the area. Is there a way to stop him from doing this? Or a reason why he would do this? There is no loss of hair, just the nibbling.
Reply
Hi Danny!
Reply
Meg Hansen
4/29/2015 03:19:59 pm
I just rescued a squirrel yesterday. I've noticed that he is covered in kind of scabby white things, at first I thought it was flaky skin, but tonight I bathed him and noticed it was a little more intense than that. It does not seem to bother him at all (no itching or anything). Infact, it didn't even seem to bother him while I scrubbed at them with a q tip during the bath, and even took some tweezers to one that was fairly detatched. He does not have any hair loss. I noticed this morning as well that his eyes were crusted over to the point where he couldn't open them. I placed a warm rag on his face (he nuzzeled right into it) for a minutes and it came right off and he perked right up. I'm not sure how old he is. He will perk up now and then, open his eyes. He was in my backyard crawling around when I found him. He has not seemed interested in solid food. He did take a little water from an eyedropper, and I just read your blog about the formula recipe, so I'm going to try that next. But the bumps...Should I be worried?
Reply
Hi Meg!
Reply
Deborah Dennison
5/5/2015 02:22:23 am
Hi Bill, I have a hairless squirrel at my work window that I feed daily. He fits your description of having fungus. I'm not sure how to feed him the coconut oil - should I just give him a dish of shelled peanuts with some of the coconut oil mixed in? I want to help the little guy! Thanks so much
Reply
Sheila Stone
5/17/2015 07:59:39 am
Worried about a squirrel I have been amused with this past year when I believe she was a baby or shortly thereafter. Great personality.
Reply
Hi Sheila!
Reply
SHEILA Stone
6/29/2015 04:30:40 am
Thank you very much for your response.
Valerie
6/29/2015 04:41:04 am
I never heard of Robins attacking squirrels unless they are defending their nest. I doubt that they would eat them either. Crows are large and I know they cause trouble with squirrels but not sure if they eat the babies. Hope Bill can shed some light on this.
Sheila Stone
6/29/2015 05:28:57 am
Hi Valerie. Yes, I am assuming that there must be a nest and they are protecting the babies from the baby squirrel that may well be going after them but 3x now in the past few days i have seen one of the Robins go after this baby squirrel. When I say "baby" squirrel, I am not sure of its age but its obviously big enough to be out on its own but i suspect it was orphaned 2 weeks ago when I saw the body of what i assume was its mother, another one that had just given birth recently and had the missing hair from its back as well. I know for sure "my" squirrel had given birth for when I first noticed the missing fur, when standing up to ask for food I noticed her nipples and realized she was feeding her babies. 7/4/2015 01:05:40 pm
Hi Sheila!
Terry
5/18/2015 03:22:29 am
Dermatophytosis contagion:
Reply
Steph
5/20/2015 05:48:49 am
Hi, I'm wondering if you can help me. My mother is an avid birdwatcher and has feeders in her yard. She often sees squirrels. Yesterday she noticed a squirrel in her yard that has all of the tail fur, but a naked body. She said he seems rather lethargic and skinny - she could see his ribs. Is there anything simple she can do to try to help him? She put out extra seed and some water for him. We are in PA, I believe this is a red squirrel - about the size of a small cat. Thank you.
Reply
Hi Steph!
Reply
John
5/28/2015 12:58:21 pm
There has been awesome to read through! Many kudos sir!
Reply
Hi John!
Reply
Victoria
6/14/2015 03:12:51 am
Hi William -
Reply
6/14/2015 05:45:19 am
Hi Victoria!
Reply
lover-of-all-widelife
6/14/2015 11:36:49 pm
Hi, I've been feeding the squirrels, birds (The Jay is a amazing bird) and a hedgehog for as long as I can remember.
Reply
6/15/2015 02:43:11 am
Hello Lover-of-all-wildlife!
Reply
Linda
6/16/2015 02:40:04 pm
You state not to use Ivermectin Paste on baby squirrels ... what is the age frame for 'baby'? I have squirrels about 15 - 16 weeks as best as I can guess. They have been leaving the squirrel release cage for a week, hanging usually nearby but occassionally disappearing and being 'wild' squirrels ... but always back at night for their nesting box. I have just noticed the little red circles, hair loss and much scratching. Are they too young for the treatment and if so, what else can I do? The coconut oil?
Reply
Linda
6/22/2015 03:18:33 am
Their diet has consisted of almonds, walnuts, pecans, yams, broccoli, cucumber, apple, avocado, corn on the cob quarters, sunflower seeds and some squirrel for on a feeder just on case they need something else. Didn't know about coconut oil until reading Ali this.
Reply
6/22/2015 02:07:40 pm
Hi Linda,
Linda Kulon
6/29/2015 03:11:30 am
I bought the squirrel medicine and somedays it seems to be helping her hair has grown back but has a big sore from scatching.Have given her real coconut to eat an coconut oil.Now she is making this noise like she has the hiccups and still scratching in the same place.This is not my house pet but my friend from outside who takes the peanuts out of my hand and I call her she comes am I crazy or what.What else can I do for her?
Reply
6/30/2015 11:39:35 pm
Hi Linda!
Reply
Pamela Jones
6/29/2015 04:45:52 am
We recently moved into a new home and I have been feeding the birds sunflower seeds. I live in a neighborhood with thousands of squirrels. Literally, you sometimes need to jump over them while running ...
Reply
6/30/2015 11:46:30 pm
Hi Pam!
Reply
Dennis
6/30/2015 01:05:02 pm
How often should I apply the Ionic Silver to the hair loss areas?
Reply
6/30/2015 11:48:42 pm
Hi Dennis!
Reply
Valerie
7/6/2015 10:01:23 am
Reply
jithu.sreejith
7/9/2015 01:27:45 am
Sir,
Reply
7/9/2015 04:21:14 am
Hi Jithu!
Reply
jithu.sreejith
7/11/2015 03:00:27 pm
Sir,
Lisa
7/20/2015 02:11:56 pm
Hello Bill,
Reply
7/20/2015 11:34:31 pm
Hi Lisa!
Reply
Susan
8/20/2015 01:30:12 pm
Hello! I have an almost ten year old pet flying squirrel who, out of the blue, started developing red, hairless patches all over his body that seem to scab over. He looks miserable! He`s still eating but is not active anymore--just wants to be in his bed. I`ve been reading about squirrel pox and the pictures look like what Cupid has. I have not been able to find any info on flying squirrel diseases---can they also get this pox? I would appreciate any info on flyers with regard to this disease, or any other skin diseases. Thank you.
Reply
8/20/2015 02:47:43 pm
Hi Susan!
Reply
Susan
8/21/2015 04:55:49 am
Hello, again! My pet is a Southern Flying Squirrel. He has been in a large cage his whole life, having been found in a cut-down tree before his eyes were even open. He was given to me by a local vet tech. at four months of age. I would send you a picture if I could/would learn how to do that! I`m 61 and not as tech-savvy as I would like to be! Today I was lucky enough to find a vet who works on squirrels so am planning to take him to her. But I have already started to put raw coconut oil on his pecans, his favorite nut! He gets Rep/Cal sprinkled on his other nuts and seeds everyday. He`s a wonderful little guy! Very smart and very affectionate! They make great pets (I`ve raised 6 of them) but as they are nocturnal it`s hard to always coordinate getting him out of the cage with my sleep! They must be watched closely when out of the cage as they can glide to things that can hurt them. I am impressed with your timely response and thank you again!
Valerie Fleming
8/21/2015 10:48:24 am
I hope you get your little guy cured. Please leave us a report.
Reply
8/21/2015 01:38:38 pm
Sorry to hear that you cannot send me a picture! The only thing I could do is send you a bottle of a plant extract that I have given to my blind Eastern Gray squirrel since her surgery last year. It's called Dionaea Muscipula,and it is an immune system modulator or booster.
Reply
Valerie
8/21/2015 02:05:29 pm
Bill, I think this was directed to me by mistake. It was Susan that sent you the message. I had a left a comment but I thought it was directed to her. Guess I'm having difficulty understanding how to comment to someone else's post.
Susan
8/22/2015 04:39:03 pm
Hello Bill! Yes, I am interested in the Doinaea muscipula drops! Can you let me know the cost and how to give you my address? Thanks again! Susan 9/3/2015 05:18:13 am
Hi Susan! 9/3/2015 05:23:17 am
Hi Val!
Susan
9/3/2015 07:50:41 pm
Hello Bill! I received the Dionaea Muscipula gtts and began to give them to my little flyer, Cupid, but, unfortunately, he died on Wed. I had brought him to a vet specializing in squirrels, who diagnosed him with cancer! Two weeks ago he was a beautiful, healthy-looking guy! He started developing sores all over his little body, even on his head. He gave a valiant fight but was just too sick. I am so heartbroken as he was my little baby buddy for 10 years and I miss him terribly! Watching him suffer was horrible, esp. as I could not help him. I was planning on having him euthanized at the vet hosp. but didn`t need to after all. So just wanted to thank you for responding to me and sending the gtts. My story is similar to yours. I am a retired RN who fell in love with squirrels years ago. I have rehabbed many flyers, as well as grays. They are all wonderful! They definitely have my heart and I`m hooked for life! You are such a wealth of knowledge, which will help me with any future rehabs. Thanks again! Susan
Rob
9/3/2015 02:14:09 am
We live in north central Florida and have our fair share of what we call, our acrobats. Have bird feeders which we feed birds with black oil sunflower seeds. The squrrels however, are who get most of the seed.
Reply
9/3/2015 05:36:01 am
Hi Rob!
Reply
Shawn
9/10/2015 03:28:06 pm
I have been feeding wild squirrels sunflower seeds and peanuts. I just added pecans and walnuts. I noticed hair missing on both hind quarters on my one squirrel. The other seems fine atm. Is it my food doing this.
Reply
9/10/2015 05:13:57 pm
Hi Shawn!
Reply
Bhavya
10/20/2015 11:09:06 am
hello sir!
Reply
10/20/2015 12:20:43 pm
Hi Bhavya!
Reply
10/20/2015 12:24:06 pm
Hi Bhavya!
Kristina
10/25/2015 08:36:47 pm
I came home and found an adult squirrel curled up in my driveway after trying to check on it I realized he was blind, running into walls and going in circles over and over again. He is also bleeding a little from the corner of 1 eye. I have him inside a box now with a towel and gave him some dog food, he looks like he might die I don't know what to do I'm very distressed and upset and dont know how to help him. He is just curled up and his eyes are closed but he is breathing heavily. All the SPCA' in my area are closed and it seems like an emergency :( !!!!!!
Reply
Valerie
10/26/2015 12:02:53 pm
I hope that if he is still living you will find a wildlife rehab. person that is experienced in the field. SPCA usually does not deal with wildlife. You can check with a vet for a referral or check the internet for a wildlife rehab in your area. Please give us an update.
Reply
10/26/2015 10:20:39 am
Hi Kristina!
Reply
Kristina
10/26/2015 04:16:42 pm
I took her to the wildlife rescue this morning and they are going to keep me updated on the progress! Thank you so much for your kind words and help! They said it was most likely a head injury.
Reply
Marmot
10/27/2015 02:58:38 am
Hi, i was wondering if you could tell me more about metabolic bone disease, how to be sure... My pet indian palm squirrel has eaten his flesh from near his side to the middle of his underbelly. Im just trying to keep his energy up and keeping the wound from getting infected. But would like to know if this MBD... And what can i do to close his wound, or hasten the process?
Reply
Marmot
10/27/2015 03:04:02 am
This is the same indian palm squirrel, bhavya seems to have posted about, her being my younger sister... The lesion or patch has totally been eaten through, and someone told me it could be metabolic bone disease. is it?
Reply
10/27/2015 05:59:23 pm
Hi Marmot!
Reply
Sarena
11/13/2015 07:46:45 am
I am able to get ivermectin in a syringe but not as a paste - can this be used in the same manner (spreading on nuts) that you mention above for the paste? Thanks for your prompt response!
Reply
11/21/2015 05:59:52 pm
Hi Sarena!
Reply
Susan Madden
11/21/2015 10:17:17 am
There is a gray squirrel who frequents my yard. He has one eye, the right, that is large and red. I can't find any information on line about what could be causing this. S/he looks big and healthy otherwise and competes with the other squirrels for peanuts or squash seeds. Thank you.
Reply
11/21/2015 06:03:32 pm
Hi Susan!
Reply
gem
11/25/2015 09:35:28 am
Hi
Reply
11/25/2015 02:29:36 pm
Hi Gem!
Reply
anisha
11/30/2015 12:31:42 pm
Hi ..
Reply
11/30/2015 07:09:09 pm
Hi Anisha!
Reply
lala
12/11/2015 11:14:46 am
Hello,
Reply
Hi Lala!
Reply
Mary Jo
1/7/2016 09:39:48 am
We live in a wooded area so lots of wild creatures. This is the 1st time I've seen squirrels w/the hair loss issues. 2 of them are almost completely bald on their backs & just this morning noticed 2 more. One was definitely thinning hair & the other has thinning spots on his sides & has definite scabs....the others are bald or balding in a strip that runs down the middle of their backs. It may be that we are dealing with both mange and a fungus. HELP!! They are all wild. I have some cocnut oil that is "unrefinedc cold-pressed virgin oil". Will that work if I make nut balls or something with it? I am familiar with ivermectin paste & can get some from the farm store. How can I help these squirrels? It seems to be spreading. I called DNR but have not heard back from them. Thank you in advance! Oh, is this contagious to my dogs??? How do I prevent that?!? YIKES
Reply
Hi Mary Jo!
Reply
Deborah Viscomi
1/8/2016 06:12:21 am
Dear Bill and All,
Reply
Mary Jo
1/9/2016 10:29:38 am
I would like to build some squirrel houses...do you have any recomendations or any squirrel house plans that you could share? Or can you recommend size dimensions? Thanks!!!
Reply
Dru Driver
1/18/2016 05:18:00 pm
Hi William,
Reply
Hi Dru!
Reply
Dru
1/24/2016 03:48:28 pm
Thanks, Bill, especially for the encouraging words about returning him to the big outdoors. I do not want to keep him, but I just hate to think that he may become fodder for predators as soon as I let him go. I'll get the lamp and see if that helps. I plan to get him accustomed to the outdoors in the spring.
Susan Weeks
1/24/2016 10:27:10 am
Dru, I`ve raised many flying squirrels, as well as ground squirrels. I gave my flyers a powder called "Rep-Cal" , which is a calcium with Vit. D. I got it off the internet. I would just sprinkle the power on their nuts that they ate. Don`t know if this would help but I noticed the vit. D comment by Bill. Good luck!
Reply
Dru
1/24/2016 03:49:25 pm
Thanks, Susan.
Mary Louise
1/22/2016 08:46:43 am
Thank you for your wonderful website and your dedication to these sweet little joys of life. I have been feeding my "Diggers" for years. I have a rescued cat that I took in 16 years ago. He obviously was never an indoor only cat and even at his age fights my windows, doors to get outside. He cries, wynes and climbs blinds, curtains and screens in his attempt to reach freedom. After hours of this, I will let him out. I have trained him to stay on the porch and in the yard. Last fall I re-lanscaped the front yard and used black mulch. Long story-short, he started to lay down under the tree where I feed the squirrels in the dirt. He has lost, has scabby skin lesion and constantly is scratching and licking himself. He is miserable. The vet could not identify the problem and gave him an antibiotic shot. Each month I gave him his topical flea medicine he seemed to get worse. The vet thought he was allergic to the med and recommed ed to stop using it....Oct. 2015. There has been no improvement. Could my cat have contacted mites from the squirrels? The squirrels do scratch,but, I don't see missing fur. Thank you for your advice.
Reply
Hi Mary!
Reply
Susan Weeks
1/24/2016 10:29:37 am
Mary, that black mulch was the first thing that came to mind re: your cat`s problem, as Bill mentioned. Good luck!
Dean
2/16/2016 07:52:14 pm
William,
Reply
Hi Dean!
Reply
Dean
5/28/2016 05:31:13 am
Bill,
Anni Koziol
2/26/2016 05:22:23 am
How do you use Colloidal or Ionic Silver? Can you put it in the food?
Reply
Carol Shapiro
3/17/2016 02:31:32 pm
thank you so much for your information. I have wild squirrels in NYC that visit several times a day for food and I noticed that one has what you described as dermatophytosis. I am going to add raw coconut and coconut oil to the food I give them!
Reply
sandie
4/21/2016 07:50:31 pm
hmmm, have hear cocoanut oil. I need to fin it and where to purchase it. great advice. is it ok for them to lick within reason? also, is there a certain kind of oil or does anyone know where to purchase?
Reply
Chrissy
4/3/2016 05:10:54 pm
I have a baby squirrel that fell out of nest and he cant use his back legs now. But he is very healthy.... But he is lossing his hair.... He has patches all over him.... And i need to treat him.... Cause he looks so uncomfortable. Thank u
Reply
Hi Chrissy!
Reply
Sandie
4/20/2016 09:10:34 pm
Hello,
Reply
Hi Sandie!
Reply
Sandie
4/21/2016 07:48:17 pm
Hi BIll, yes tops of toes semi mostly missing fur too. I do have a light for vitamin D I use in winter months for them.
Sandie
4/21/2016 08:26:38 pm
I have my fake sunlight lamp on her best I can now. will keep it up and see.
Sandie Bailey
4/29/2016 06:58:35 pm
Hi Bill.
Sandie
5/4/2016 08:51:17 pm
Hi bill,
Hi Bette!
Reply
bette
4/29/2016 11:51:14 am
i ordered a squirrel house a week ago and i would like to know when it will be shipped thanks bette
Reply
Hi Bette! I should be getting notification from my builder by next week with the tracking info. They ask us to allow up to two weeks for shipment, because they make all kinds of wood products.
Reply
Shelley Lundak
5/8/2016 06:33:32 am
I noticed yesterday that one of the many squirrels that visit us is completely bald except for its tail. What, if anything, can I do to help?
Reply
Carla
5/28/2016 09:13:50 am
Hi William,
Reply
Carolyn Caldwell
6/6/2016 11:11:53 am
I have a question about whether the fungal disease in squirrels can be transferred to cats ? I took my cat out for a walk in a local nature park so she could get some outdoor stimulation (the last couple of years she has had to be an indoor only cat and her health has deteriorated fairly rapidly and she is quite obviously bored) She mostly just lay down on the dirt path and watched what was going on in the trees, did a small amount of exploring on some fallen logs and in the foliage near the path. Some months later I noticed she was starting to lose hair on her nose and it progressed and got bigger. The vet was stumped, wanted to refer me to a specialist, for which I didn't want to spend the money, as I'm already averaging well over $1,200 a year for vet visits due to her age related health issues. Another vet said it wasn't a fungus and wrote it off to age. But because I had heard that coconut oil was good for lesions etc. I started putting some on her nose to see if that helped. And, indeed, it does appear that the fur on her noise is starting to slowly grow back. What I'm wonder if the fungus in squirrels could have been picked up by my cat while on this walk from the dirt or underbrush in the nature park (where there are lots of squirrels) ?? Also, I now have a couple of squirrels coming regularly onto our deck to help themselves to seed/food I put out for the birds, and am wondering if when my cat goes out there she can get fleas or mites from the squirrels (i.e., flea eggs or mites fall off the squirrel's fur onto the deck, and when my cat lies down she can pick up the flea eggs or mites ?? Many thanks in advance for your time / any reply.
Reply
bev
6/8/2016 05:22:57 am
how else can I feed avocado? I buy a whole one and cut up in small pieces to freeze individually. Then I give a piece to Fred frozen. He eats on it but not all of it. In a day's time it's black and mushy and he's done with it He has a great diet but just want to make sure he has enough of what he needs. Thanks Bev
Reply
Hi Bev!
Reply
rick stevens
6/23/2016 12:11:22 pm
DEAR BILL ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO I STARTED FEEDING ALL THE SQUIRRELS IN MY YARD AFTER LOSING MY DOG DAISY AND MY FATHER ALL WITHIN 2AND AHALF MONTHS TIME I HAVE ONE SQUIRREL NAMED SKINNY WHO COMES TO MY DOOR AND LOOKS FOR ME AND I GIVE HIM PECANS WHICH I READ IS GOOD FOR THEIR SKIN AND IMMUNE SYSTEM AND THE WHOLE GANG HAS ALSO STARTED ENJOYING PECANS THEY DONT HAVE SKIN ISSUES BUT I WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU HOW GOOD THE THERAPY HAS BEEN FOR ME AFTER MY LOSSES AND HOW MUCH JOY SQUIRRELS BRING TO ME EACH AND EVERY DAY
Reply
Laura Alvarez
6/29/2016 04:38:28 pm
I think my Squirrel Loki has ring worm. It looks like round patches where his fur has fallen off. What can I do to help him in conjunction with what the vet says?
Reply
Laura Alvarez
6/30/2016 01:41:47 pm
Thanks Bill! Does the silver also work for the other type of fungus? Because I just realized, we all should have ring worm if it was the case and no one in the house has it. It looks like he has had this problem only for a week or so but the spots are pretty big. I have had him for 2 and a half years and he never had had any problems until now.
Reply
Hi Laura, I've been feeling the squirrels in my backyard every morning for the last 5 years (I can not touch them). Last year one of the young males, during breeding season, showed up missing both ears (they were bloody). He healed nicely and has been breeding this season with no problems. I just noticed today, another young male (breeding season again) is missing his ears also (one has scabs on it the other one has already started growing hair back on it. Do you have any idea what could possibly be causing this to the ears of the male squirrels? What can I do to help them, they bring me so much joy.
Reply
Hi Sheri!
Reply
Karina
8/12/2016 12:19:39 pm
Hi again Bill,
Reply
Hi Karina!
Reply
Karina
8/16/2016 06:56:14 am
Thanks Bill,
Karina
8/24/2016 06:48:25 pm
How should I store the collodial silver and the coconut oil? Out at room temperature or in the fridge?
Reply
Hi Karina!
Reply
amy ormonde
12/3/2016 01:46:19 pm
I have a squirrel who is losing fur and has flaky skin but doesn't seem to have any of those big red splotches. Shes extremely itchy and there are a couple very tiny scabs on her. She doesnt have red patches like the squirrel pictured. Is this mange? I can send a picture of her if you need to see it. I don't want to treat her wrong. I took her to the vet but they don't deal much with wild animals. I was told to put a tiny drop of kitten revolution on her. I did that about 5 days ago and it seems to be getting worse rather than better. Also, is there anything I can do to help her not be so itchy? Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you!
Reply
Hi Amy!
Reply
Lynn Watson
2/23/2017 11:02:23 am
Hey Bill, I need to know what brand of grow light to use. I have researched myself into oblivion finding that some full spectrum lights do not provide the UVB and reptile lights are too potent, and on and on. Since the one you are using is working I would appreciate the advice as to what to buy, and how close you keep it to her home. 2/23/2017 02:31:45 pm
Hi Lynn!
Brandy Morgan
2/19/2017 01:12:57 pm
We've been feeding a squirrel for almost three years now. She is wild, and usually scared of everyone due to some issues with cats in the area, but trusts us, though I could never imagine getting her to a vet, nor would I want to, b/c she just turned up after a week and looks like something went really wrong! Her fur is coming off, she isn't scratching that I can see, but she does itch, b/c she rubs her face on the balcony wall a bit, then again, she did this before all the time when she was happy, so I have no clue what it is. There's no red marks and scabbing, just no hair suddenly. I've seen this in other squirrels but not this past litter or two. They all seemed healthy til last week. She's the only one I've spotted, but then again, she's the only one we pay attention to. I put out a cat bed (new) and a cammy cloth b/c it's ultra soft and warn for her face, no idea if she will use it or just pee on it...She is not getting any medicine b/c i am unsure which it is, for her condition- and it's very sudden. We adore her like family, is there anything we can treat her with on her FOOD instead? Like the coconut oil i was reading out? I have coconut oil pills in our cabinet and can just prick one with a needle and squeeze some out on her food or will she not touch it then? Should I buy coconut shavings (fresh ones if i can find them this time of year) or is this a lost cause which she will get over, toward spring's end when it's warmer weather kicks in? I feel so bad for her, but happy she's back nearby us, as she was missing and my mother thought she up and died but here she is, in all her glory, eating and seems to be alright, just jumpier, more scared and looks like she's probably cold poor thing..So i hope she uses the furry bed that can protect her from the cold with the cammy cloths i put in there for her..I swear I will not touch them unless i put a hazmat suit on and then just trash the stuff, no way will put in our washer dryer...ick.
Reply
Hi Brandy!
Reply
3/4/2017 04:00:28 pm
I have a wild squirrel who has hair lose and i feed it i call him max he come every day and eats i have pictures to show u. Then maybe u can tell me whats wrong with him do u have a email adress. I love animals i just want him to survive and recover please help me to help him i beg of u thank u sincerly julie
Reply
Riggs
3/6/2017 01:06:46 pm
Hi, William, Great site and resources for Squirrels. Thank you.
Reply
Riggs
3/6/2017 01:24:31 pm
One more question about Ivermectin... If one squirrel ends up eating two treated nuts, what will happen? Will they die or get extremely ill? Except for six of them who I can easily determine who they are, most of the others look very alike and are of similar size with their Winter fat, so it's going to be challenging to ensure the same squirrel doesn't get a double dose. They all converge on my place at once. :)
Reply
Riggs
3/9/2017 01:58:23 pm
Of the five squirrels I gave a half-drop-sized dose of Ivermetiin to, spread thinly one one side of a pecan using a toothpick, all five stopped scratching within 48 hours. Hope they are on the road to better health. The two other squirrels I tossed a treated nut to sniffed it and suddenly bounced straight up two feet in the air and darted away like it was going kill them (I used apple-flavored). Will another another food source...maybe avocado or berries.
Hi Riggs!
Reply
Riggs
3/7/2017 04:04:58 am
Appreciate the response. To be clear, I didn't plan to toss treated nuts around the yard and hope for the best. I figure the best way to handle my gathering of squirrels is to first take notes on how each squirrel looks, then give that squirrel a treated nut (it will usually eat it somewhere in front of me) then give it a big walnut in the shell and it will run away to bury or eat it, so then I can focus on the next squirrel. No dogs in my yard.
Melwin
3/22/2017 12:38:32 am
My squirrel is biting only its tail and picking its tail hair... some times its tail also starts bleeding... pls help... he doesnt have fleas... and he is bred in captivity...
Reply
Melwin
3/25/2017 01:04:28 am
I am not able to find ivermectin in my locality...
Reply
Hi Melwin!
Reply
Peter
3/26/2017 02:45:45 pm
Hi Melwin,
Reply
Christi
4/18/2017 08:14:56 pm
Hi William
Reply
Hi Christi!
Reply
Christi
4/27/2017 02:34:58 pm
Thanks Bill I will absolutely try that & again I am so tickled that I found your site. I want my girl to live a long healthy life
Reply
Teresa Cleveland
4/30/2017 04:07:30 pm
Found baby squirrel in driveway appears bird got to him and then dropped him - couple of toes gone and injury by one ear. Eyes were not open yet. Fed cat milk and opened eyes within a couple of days. All appeared fine. Have not even had for 2 full weeks yet, but he has grown and his tail is becoming bushier. However, four days it appeared that he scratched his face/cheeks/close to his eye lower raw. We put antibiotic ointment on it and it was healing over and looked to be getting better. Now today he has scratched it open raw again and there also seems to be places on the other side of his face and top of his head where he is scratching and fur is gone but has not broken the skin. How do we get him to stop scratching himself?
Reply
Hi Teresa!
Reply
Randy
6/10/2017 02:25:56 pm
Help! We have a female fox squirrel who has no hair on one side of her body and the skin has turned a dark dark grayish brown and I know this isn't normal. I have no idea what disease she has...can anyone help.
Reply
Wendy
6/22/2017 03:07:18 am
Hello Bill,
Reply
Hi, Wendy!
Reply
John
7/27/2017 03:38:24 pm
All healed. Squirrel had mange for weeks before Ivermectin paste was administered once a week for four weeks according to directions, Also, Colloidal Silver, and instead of coconut oil I gave her fresh raw coconut which she still loves to eat. She now has a full body of fur, head to tail, gaining weight, very active and healthy.
Reply
Karina Herrera-Inzunza
10/9/2017 01:57:10 pm
Yes! Bill is the Squirrel Man...although I call him our Squirrel Angel :) ♥
Reply
Carrie
8/3/2017 09:52:41 am
I am rehabbing a squirrel that is about 4 weeks old. I HV noticed around his genital and butt a couple things hv appeared. They look like black heads. I wipe him off with a warm damp wash cloth because I'm not sure if he's old enough to bath. I HV never had this develop with the others.
Reply
Janisley Cardenas
8/17/2017 07:32:00 am
Good morning William, your page is awesome, lots of info. Thank you for that.
Reply
Hi, Janisley!
Reply
Suzie
8/17/2017 11:24:29 am
I need help. I feed about 20 wild chipmunks and ground squirrels plus 3 pine squirrels and a number of "fox" squirrels. I noticed that one ground squirrel has no hair on his stomach and his stomach is dark,dark gray. I saw a sick fox a couple of years ago with mange and its skin was blackish. I bought some Ivermectrin and am wondering how safe it would be to make a spray solution and spray the sunflower seeds that they eat. I wouldn't be able to control how much each one would get, if they get any at all, but I feel like I must do SOMETHING to help them. I won't be able to catch and administer meds to that number of animals. IS the black skin mange? Iam in Colorado and they will be hibernating before too long. Thank you for your help.
Reply
Amanda
9/8/2017 05:32:00 pm
Hi my name is Amanda and I have a 6 to 8 week old gray squirrel that we rescued during hurricane Harvey when his mom and siblings were killed in a tree that fell input back yard. So far everything we have done has been good as far as eating playing and getting him ready to go back out into the world. Today I noticed he has some pink crusty sores on his underside. Please let me know if this might be mange or fungus because he has been a pleasure to help and I don't want to treat them incorrectly. I will send pic to your email, thank you for your page so much!!
Reply
Pat McLeod
9/18/2017 03:49:58 pm
2or 3 squirrels that come to my feeder have what look like bald spots, but they all seem to be right behind their shoulders and down their sides, like a saddle. I thought maybe one of the many hawks or owls in the area might have grabbed them. Now, reading your column, it sounds like a skin disorder. Odd that the patches of bald skin are all in the same general area though. What do you think?
Reply
Hi, Pat!
Reply
Pat McLeod
9/20/2017 03:23:05 pm
Thank you! The skin looks clear,like a bald spot. Interesting that it may be self inflicted!
Melanie Dooley
9/19/2017 10:41:52 am
Hi Bill - I accidentally clicked on the link to unsubscribe when I got your email response. Thank you for your help!!!!
Reply
Hello William I've rescued a baby squirrel like 8 weeks a go he has been fine ever since but now he has started to loose a lot of fur on his legs and a little bit on his belly I'm worried about sandy I need to know how to treat it and what it is ?? I would be glad if you let me know ?
Reply
Susan Weeks
10/5/2017 09:39:11 am
Hello Maddie! I happened to see that William recommended calcium for your squirrel. I have raised many ground squirrels and several flying squirrels. One of my flyers, Cupid, lived in a large cage in my home for 10 years before dying of cancer. But I wanted to recommend a calcium supplement I used with great success called "Rep-Cal". It is a fine powder that I just sprinkled on their nuts. It also has Vitamin D3 in it. My flyers loved pecans. It is the purest calcium supplement I could find. I found it on the internet. The website is: "www.repcal.com". Good luck with your squirrel. They are wonderful animals! Sincerely, Susan
Reply
Hi, Maddie!
Reply
Robyn Roberts
11/1/2017 08:51:46 am
I have a 7 1/2 week old baby flying squirrel who suddenly became itchy and started losing hair like crazy. Im thinking maybe mites but not sure on what to use or how much to use because he is only 18 grams. Can anyone help! I just want relief for my little guy..
Reply
Hi Robyn!
Reply
Pamela Alton
2/17/2018 05:03:49 am
Hi William I live in Montvale N.J. And I have a very serious problem with the squirrel in my yard. I feed them and have been for many years for about the last 5 years they are having issues of missing hair and what looks like growths they end up dying and in a horrible way. I have tried to read about it but I still don’t know what they have or what I can do to help them. I’m desperate to help them I can’t stand to see them suffer the way they are. It seems that every time a few get this they die and I won’t see any affected squirrels for a while and then it starts again. What can I do to help them? I have a picture of one of them but I don’t know how to send it to you? It’s hard to get pictures.
Reply
Sam
2/18/2018 05:46:29 am
We feed wild squirrels here in Ontario. I have noticed one black has a bald head and is starting to bald down the neck.
Reply
For 20 yrs. or more I've fed the birds in our garden no-mess sunflower seeds.Because... the squirrels readily broke into the bird feeders I began putting out seed for them too. Two winters ago I treated 1 red squirrel for mange during the winter. Last year I treat 2 squirrels for mange. This year and within the last 2 weeks I've counted 5 squirrels 1/2 naked with more squirrels beginning to miss hair. In December we had 3 days of poring rain. January we had below 0 temps. Rain is due for the next 3 days straight. Did the weather have something to do with this epidemic? I just don't know what to do. Please help. It look so painful for them.
Reply
Hi, Vic!
Reply
Bill, Thank You for your prompt reply. Both cameras are on the fritz but will try my darndest to get some photos for you very, very soon. It's pouring outside with little signs of it letting up. I can't stand to see these little creatures suffer. 2/26/2018 08:08:00 am
William,
Reply
Hi, Vicki!
Reply
2/28/2018 10:19:55 am
Bill, Thank You so much for your time! I appreciate your response. I'm going to have very happy squirrels. V
Reply
Kathie Roller-Stell
3/1/2018 07:24:46 am
Hi Bill, I enjoy your site. I live in Alberta, just south of Calgary. We have a mix of gray, black and red squirrels. This winter we had some young ones that were looking pretty thin so I started feeding them, but all I could find for squirrels were nut.... in shells, expensive and not balanced! And I bought some shelled corn. Well, they love the nuts and won't touch the corn. Not wild about pnuts either which I know aren't the best for them. So how do I get them to eat some of your stuff and how do I feed it? I modified a feeder so the squirrels can get the nuts but not the jays, but will your feed work in a feeder?
Reply
Chinthaka
3/4/2018 12:48:28 am
I rescued a palm squirrel few days ago. He is eating very well. But his fur is getting thin near his neck and he is iching. Usualy as I know, squirrels are active on the day. But this one is sleeping almost all the time in day and active in night. And he is getting thin also. We are giving fruits as juice because when he is trying to eat he is choking. If you know something about these matters please let me know. Thanks
Reply
Hi, Chinthaka!
Reply
Molly
3/8/2018 09:52:54 am
Hello I just purchased your invermectin paste to treat what I think is a case of mange in one of my backyard squirrels I have pictures and videos and half of this poor guys hair is gone. I am very scared to give the squirrel the paste. My question is if you give squirrels the invermectin will it harm them if they don’t have mange? Or if any other squirrels who don’t have it that may accidentally eat it
Reply
Hi, Molly!
Reply
Molly
3/8/2018 03:45:32 pm
Thank you so much for replying I’ve been so worried about this poor little guy, I have just one more question I just thought of, my squirrel has lost quite a bit of hair on his neck and shoulders is there such a thing as too late? Or do you think if I give him the paste as soon as I get it he will be okay? He still comes in my backyard to eat everyday I just returned from a trip and noticed the hair loss or else I would’ve treated it way sooner
Hi, Molly!
Reply
Hi, Molly,
Reply
Ewa
3/10/2018 09:26:33 am
Hi I need help with a squirrel that has been coming around and eating from the bird feeder. The squirrel has severe hair loss, is scratching all the time and I do see some red spots but I’m not sure if it’s just from scratching or if it has mange. I’m afraid that if it is mange it will infect all the other squirrels, birds and even my cat who likes to walk around the bird feeder. I have photos and a short video that I can send. Please help so I can help this squirrel. Thanks
Reply
Hi, Ewa!
Reply
rodney love
4/14/2018 09:12:27 pm
I have really enjoyed reading your comments william, and have learned alot on taking care of my Male squirrel named Jack. which is six weeks old now and doing real well.
Reply
Sheri
4/23/2018 02:35:49 pm
Hi Bill,
Reply
Sheri
4/23/2018 03:13:02 pm
Thanks Bill for your speedy gonzales response! I was wondering if the colloidal silver is safe for other animals? We have a 5 gallon fountain that all the wildlife and occasionally pets drink from, would it be safe to put the colloidal silver in that water? I was also thinking...if I could manage to trap/catch these squirrels could I treat them with a drop of resolution (dog/cat flea treatment - kills mange mites)? Thanks so much for your expert advice Bill!
Sheri
4/23/2018 03:23:14 pm
I see the colloidal silver comes in a 4oz bottle but I don't see a recipe for how much to use per cup (or maybe gallon) of water.
Reply
Daniel Sheets
4/24/2018 11:36:41 am
Hey Bill, I contacted you almost a year ago when I found 9 week old Bunny. She is doing great, other than I recently moved and it's been about a month or a little more of her getting very little sunlight. Her new home in the garage has no windows. I noticed she is missing a couple very small patches of fur and I know it's from the lack of light because she gets plenty of calcium sprinkled on her food plus a nut square everyday. I bought a couple strong UV lights for reptiles and have them pointing on her now. My question for you is should this be enough to prevent her from getting worse. I would be so devestated if she developed rickets. Any further advise or information would be helpful. Thanks again so much Bill for what you do. I tried to keep it short because I know you get so many emails.
Reply
Hi, Daniel!
Reply
Susan Hilbun
4/27/2018 02:03:21 pm
Hi I have a 8 month old southern flying squirrel, about a month ago he developed a bald-ish round spot above base of his tail, then baldish stripes up both sides, now its about halfway up his back. From start I've read online I'm led to believe it's the fungal infection Dermatophytosis. Ive read this can be corrected with proper diet. He has always had plenty of fresh veggies fruit acorns nuts flowers buds branches, yogurt at all times and for at least a month I've added wax worms, super worms, crickets, and to his water which he drinks plenty of I've added vitamin drops, calcium drops, and colloidal silver. Ive dusted him lightly a few times with food grade diatomaceous earth. He's steadily losing fur. Am I being too impatient? Am I missing something? Please help I love this little guy and have raised him since 2 days old. I'm heartbroken that I can't fix this and worried what happens if it keeps getting worse. .. thank you much.
Reply
Hi, Susan!
Reply
Dave Collins
5/7/2018 03:31:02 pm
Hi William. Stumbled on your site by Googling for 'mange'. I see squirrels in my yard with large patches of furless skin. The poor critters are scratching so much, it's a wonder they survive. I'd like to see if I can treat them passively (without catching them).
Reply
Dave Collins
5/7/2018 03:49:10 pm
P.S. In S. Ontario, Canada, if that makes a difference.
Reply
Dave Collins
5/10/2018 07:10:39 pm
Sorry. Have none. If I happen to get a pic I'll send it.
Preeti Dhiman
5/16/2018 12:47:01 pm
I have a rescued male indian palm squirrel from West Bengal India. He is 1.8 yrs old. Prety fun lovimg squirrel and considers my mother as his own mom. We rescued him since his mother died and attempts to rehabilitate failed.
Reply
Hi, Preeti!
Reply
Preeti Dhiman
5/16/2018 11:37:25 pm
Thank you Bill.
Amy Applebaum
6/25/2018 10:04:02 am
i feed squirrels in my patio area, i see one male that seems to have tumors on the end of his penis, flesh bumps, he doesnt look well. i dont handle him but feed him sunflower seeds and peanuts. any ideas, the other ones stay away from him. any ideas?
Reply
Hi, Amy!
Reply
Vishmi Rangika
7/8/2018 05:23:40 am
Hi,
Reply
Hi, Vishmi!
Reply
Vishmi Rangika
7/8/2018 11:29:20 pm
Thank you very much William for your valuable response.
biju
7/18/2018 07:58:28 pm
Yesterday night i saw 2 indian palm squirrel lying in my house like they are dead.but they are not. They are not even running away from me.i think they are poisoned. pls suggest me a solution to save them.
Reply
Kristin Jenkins
7/21/2018 02:33:16 am
We have a young squirrel who comes daily for nuts and fruits. He has developed swollen areas all over his body. His belly and area around his rectum are inflamed, and even a bit bloody. I have been using ivermectin paste on the nut bars that I purchased from you. He doesn't like the taste, but if I cover it with coconut oil and wait a day I can trick him. He just doesn't seem to be improving. I'm not really sure what he has. I love this little guy. He will eat from my hand but won't let me hold him anymore. I can email a picture if that would help
Reply
William
7/21/2018 01:10:14 pm
Hi, Kristin!
Reply
Raeann
7/25/2018 03:04:08 am
Hi I have a squirrel that I have had since he was a newborn and he's been inside every since. He is a year old. All of the sudden out of the blue he was laying next to me and I was petting him and when he got up I need a lot of fur was left behind. Since that has happened two more times chunks of fur and he is itching a lot. He has no bald spots yet but I believe it's coming soon with the amount of fur that he keeps leaving behind. So far I don't notice anything else out of the ordinary no rashes or anything. Is it too soon to diagnose what it could be? I have two more rescues in the house that we're almost ready to be on their own and I wonder if they brought something in the house like a Mite or something. They don't have no missing fur though. Any information will be much appreciated as I am really worried about my baby.
Reply
Hi, Raeann!
Reply
Raeann
7/25/2018 05:26:38 am
Okay I will definitely do that. Is it contagious? Because I just noticed an hour ago that one of my other babies half of his tail is missing so much fur so it looks very uneven it's not bald or bald yet. It must be the same thing if they're going through it at the same time would you think? Normally I feed my squirrels watermelon lettuce is their favorite walnuts pistachios is their favorites and grapes and zucchini. Is there anything else other than avocado and coconut that you suggest I feed them? Thank you for the information I appreciate it so much.
Reply
All any fungus needs is warmth and moisture to grow. They spread by spores so, yes, a fungus can be transmitted.
Chrissy
7/25/2018 10:27:25 am
I think I saw a bot fly on my squirrel yesterday. Can anything be done?
Reply
Hi, Chrissy!
Reply
Leigh
8/9/2018 06:53:09 pm
I have a baby squirrel I found that has dry skin. He is about 4 weeks old and has hair on his head and tail and it looks like some hair is starting to grow on the rest of his body. I have tried baby oil and the virgin organic coconut oil. I also have a humidifier going most of the day and night and keep a jar with wet sponge in his bedding area to make it like a little sauna in there. He doesn't seem to be itchy at all. He eats well, potties regularly, and he is continuing to grow. My question is, what else can I do? I feel like nothing is helping his dry skin. And I could just be paranoid, but I'm worried that he should have more hair then he currently does on his body. Is it possible this is more then just dry skin? Do you have any suggestions?
Reply
Nisha
8/15/2018 08:41:07 pm
Hi,
Reply
Hi, Nisha!
Reply
Amy
8/26/2018 12:34:25 pm
Hello and thank you for the info about mange. I have a wild squirrel suffering from a terrible case and medication is on its way. In the meantime I am wondering if there are precautions I should take for the rest of the population out there. I’m thinking things like move the feeding stations, clean everything in a certain way.... I can’t keep them apart - though they seem to have shunned him anyway. There are a lot of bickering squirrels, chipmunks and birds sharing the space and no one wants to end up like that poor fellow.
Reply
William
8/26/2018 08:20:25 pm
Hi, Amy!
Reply
Valerie
9/6/2018 12:00:37 pm
First of all, thank you so much for keeping your wonderful and very informative website. It is so difficult to find expert information about squirrels on the internet.
Reply
Haley
9/8/2018 07:55:15 pm
Hi,
Reply
Hi, Haley!
Reply
esther
9/10/2018 10:05:49 pm
Hi,
Reply
William
9/11/2018 09:34:16 am
Hi, Esther!
Reply
Amy
9/11/2018 01:51:24 pm
Hello again. I received the meds I ordered very quickly, thanks. The squirrel, however, is mocking me and will NOT eat anything I give him. He looks extremely bad and I fear he’ll die soon if he doesn’t cut it out and take the meds. He is wild and, though my neighbourhood squirrels are brazen, they don’t take food from me directly or interact with me. Do you think I should trap him, temporarily until he takes the medication and do it again a week later and one more time another week later, or will this panic him too much? I hte to frighten wild animal, but he’s suffering and will die if he doesn’t get the meds. I’d like to try anyway.
Reply
William
9/11/2018 02:27:07 pm
Hi, Amy!
Reply
Amy
9/11/2018 02:39:57 pm
Ooh good point! They are absolutely clever and, I’m sure they’re ganging up on me. I’ll see what I can do to catch him. Reasoning with him didn’t work, maybe tools will! 9/16/2018 12:18:33 pm
I have a baby flying squirrel we rescued about 2 weeks ago he’s doing good but I have just realize this morning that he has lost some hair on his neck I saw the pictures of your squirrels healing and the picture where yours healed that’s what it looks like on my flying squirrel but it just showed up so it’s not a old spar that has healed do you happen to know what this it ? Thank you
Reply
William
9/16/2018 03:51:58 pm
Hi, Ariena!
Reply
Penny
9/18/2018 06:01:18 am
Hello William,
Reply
William
9/18/2018 08:14:18 am
Hi, Penny!
Reply
michelle
10/7/2018 02:23:15 pm
Is there a way to send you some pictures of my "pet squirrel" is what I call her since she's been coming to my home for 10 years to treats and snacks and eats out of my hand but Friday oct 5th she showed up with a bald patch, I was concerned maybe a fight but Saturday it had spread and today Sunday the 7th it has gotten worse. I don't see any scabs but I did notice some pinprick dots of blood today. So now I am unsure which way to treat her fungal or mange> I haven't noticed any other squirrels with it in my yard.
Reply
William
10/7/2018 06:42:54 pm
Hi, Michelle!
Reply
Michelle
10/8/2018 07:03:09 am
I sent a couple pics
Reply
Darryl Forest
10/11/2018 12:35:53 pm
Good day,
Reply
Jody Mogg
11/29/2018 09:49:35 am
The wild animals, squirrel's,racoons and possums, have round spots of missing hair. I turn turn caught this infection. It's very itchy w white skin tone bald spots. There will be one spot in the center of the bald spot. One leads to another. I lost half or more of my hair. ItsItalso on my back, arms and face. All over! My small dog and cat have caught it too. My cat lost all his hair ,except on his face. None of the vets in my area don't believe me and it came back from the lab as nothing. I've given it to my son's dog and to my daughter dog! Same thing w round bald spots,itching,almost feels like something's crawling! Oh, it also dehydrates the skin leaving it wrinkly and very dry. No redness at all.
Reply
William
11/29/2018 10:11:57 am
Hi, Jody!
Reply
Louise
1/5/2019 09:13:23 am
Hi. We are new at this. We feed the "critters" around our place and I recently noticed a grey squirrel missing most of the fur on its back. There is no redness, just missing fur exposing the delicate pink flesh. We have never tamed the squirrels (only the chipmunks so far) but I am very concerned because we live in Canada and the winters can get pretty harsh. Since it is a wild animal I'm not certain as to how to successfully give it any form of treatment. We have about fifteen grey squirrels and three little red guys in our yard. There can be a real war in the mornings. How does one single out one particular squirrel? Since we have a trap, my husband suggested using it and bringing the little fellow (or girl) in the heated garage. I'm reticent to do that . Any suggestions?
Reply
Hi, Louise!
Reply
2/4/2019 05:26:16 am
Squirrels in my yard are turning up with sarcoptic mange (ID'd from your picture and description). In all my 70 years I've never seen this before. Is it possible to put something out for all to eat that hopefully will help the ones that are suffering?
Reply
Sharon Gorberg
3/15/2019 04:19:16 pm
Hi Bill,
Reply
William
3/15/2019 09:24:51 pm
Yes, SquirrelHelp@Gmail.com
Reply
Lyuda
3/31/2019 06:57:35 am
Hello ! I have order treatment for mange , it’s couple squirrels suffering on my backyard and local forest scratches they self badly , loosing hair , so nervous 😩. Please send it quickly !!! And what’s about others wild animals ? It’s rabbit there , deers , opossum, raccoon , 2 wild cats ... will they have it too now in and of March ? All of them come around birds feeder , should I stop feed the birds? I am afraid go outside and bring the sickness on my shoes to my 4 cats in house . Also do squirrel already have a baby and treatment can hurt them ?
Reply
Hi, Lyuda!
Reply
Lyuda
4/1/2019 08:55:11 pm
Thank you William . I do not see one the worst two days hope it’s not to late for him . Mange hit them wery quickly start only month ago and now all black squirrel is sick . Hope I can help , only two shows up today from 9 .
Reply
Lyuda
4/4/2019 11:57:01 am
Thursday night I still do not have meds come . I think I am ordering it Saturday. If it was shipped Monday where it should arrive? I leave in Michigan. I think raccoon and opossum also have mange . Can’t see them well in the dark . I have no patience waiting :( I think I need go find it some where else .
Reply
William
4/4/2019 02:00:10 pm
Are you sure you ordered? Because I just did a search on my business PayPal account using your first name and it came up blank. If you had ordered you would have received a tracking e-mail from the Post Office!
Reply
Johnny Nut
4/21/2019 03:11:36 pm
I have noticed over the past year or so my colony of squirrels I feed have been losing their hair....not all of them, but a few. It hasn't been related to a particular season, it's happened in the dead of winter, in the middle of summer, and is going on now as Spring breaks. They don't seem to have any type of skin rash consisting of flakes, sores, or redness.....just heavy amounts of hair loss. I haven't a clue what I can do to help them and that is why I am reaching out here. Can someone tell me something I might try to feed them or something I can treat my yard with? I just want to help the little guys out if I can!
Reply
Brandi5
5/2/2019 07:44:58 pm
I’ve had my pet Squirrel Chipper going on 4 years. She is an inside pet. I’ve noticed that she is getting sores on her belly and itching a lot to where she has a bald spot now. Do you have and medicine for that or do you recommend anything
Reply
Mick
6/8/2019 12:04:03 am
Did you read the site? It's literally right here.
Reply
Mick
6/8/2019 12:32:44 am
I noticed that you stated in your article on ivermectin that you didn't have dosing information to give and you were advising people to use the measure you indicated on the match stick. That's actually a bit too much for most squirrels and ivermectin is a very powerful drug that crosses blood-brain barrier and can cause neurological side effects and death if dose is too high. It's fatal in some breed of dog like collies in almost any amount, so it's use is off label and experimental outside of cows and horses. Also, many people may not take note of the concentration they have, and if they've procured a more concentrated formulation the results would be disastrous.
Reply
judy metz
6/27/2019 03:15:19 pm
I bought 2 dosages or packages from you my squirrel needs some relief can you please let me know when i am getting my order i will pay extra his back feet have sores and his tail is diminishing
Reply
MaryLou Shanahan
7/2/2019 07:30:18 am
I just want to send you a quick note, to tell you how grateful I am. Your website clearly defined what my squirrel was suffering from. She had mange from the mites and was in very very bad shape. She lost a tremendous amount of weight, was lethargic, her eyes were fogging over and she was hardly eating.
Reply
Stephanie Jones
7/13/2019 07:28:43 am
Hi I really need help with some kind of information I’ve been trying to call every place wildlife place veterinarians every place I can possibly call there’s a wild squirrel and he’s completely lost all his hair on his body and his tail and he’s got like stores like words like he scratching it and it’s hurting him it really looks like mange to me and I want to treat him and I need help if I could get some pictures of him and send to you do you think you could recommend me the right kind of medications for him please help my phone number is 321-362-3836 and you have my email as well please contact me back I really want to help the squirrel it’s a very sweet squirrel and I really want to help the hi I really need help with some kind of information I’ve been trying to call every place wildlife place veterinarians every place I can possibly call there’s a wild squirrel and he’s completely lost all his hair on his body and his tail and he’s got like sores like words like he’s scratching it and it’s hurting him it really looks like mange to me and I want to treat him and I need help if I could get some pictures of him and send to you do you think you could recommend me the right kind of medications for him please help my phone number is 321-362-3836 and you have my email as well please contact me back I really want to help the squirrel it’s a very sweet squirrel and I really want to help it!!!
Reply
MaryLou
7/13/2019 08:22:19 am
Read the article. There a link to buy medicine. I used it and it works great for mange.
Reply
Ambika Malla
7/27/2019 04:47:06 am
Sir, my rescued palm squirrel (born around March 29th) has developed red mark over her belly and also itched another one that has become a wound. She isn't letting it get healed. She licks off any ointment we apply over the area. Please help.
Reply
Rae
8/12/2019 02:51:40 pm
I need to know where I ask a question an email or something please
Reply
Meghan Mandich
8/24/2019 10:20:36 am
hey! Today there was a young squirrel in the middle of the road, it looked like it had some sort of disease all over its body and the disease had taken over its face so you couldnt even see its eyes. It had some hair loss and the patches all over its body looked like rough raised hard skin. I went to pick it up with my sweater so it wouldn't get hit by a car and it ended up scratching me. The scratches are very small but they did break the skin, just barely though. Should I be concerned or seek medical attention?
Reply
Lina
9/15/2019 07:50:12 am
My daughter found a baby squirrel, it was behind our car tire all day. AT the end of the day we decided to take her in, got her a milk supplement and a bottle to feed her with. Kept her warm with clothes in a cardboard box. She can walk on her on, so she isn’t injured. I did notice a skin condition on her back left thigh. No irritation associated with the bald spot. Not sure why she was abandoned. But I have dogs in the house and I don’t want them to get whatever she has. I also want to make sure she is healthy to be out in the wild. I can send pictures to an email to find out what she has and try to fix it. Thank you
Reply
Raeann
9/15/2019 12:40:26 pm
Where are you located? I'm in Columbus Ohio and try to help.
Reply
Raeann
9/15/2019 12:39:16 pm
If anyone needs help with any squirrels in Columbus Ohio let me know I can help thanks
Reply
Brittany
10/4/2019 05:12:36 pm
My husband and I had our neighbors bring us a baby squirrel probably around 4-6 weeks old. We've done everything it says to do feeding and warming but he has these sores and now a boil it looks like. He popped it while he was sleeping in his cage but now his head has a red raw bald spot on his head and it looks likewise fur is just peeling off. I don't know what to do. He was doing fine the past 3 days but today it's like he's not feeling good at all. The spots on his stomach have dried up and seem to be healing but yesterday I noticed the skin on his arm was raw and swollen then today after he pooped what was on his arm now it's his head. I'm so worried he's not going to make it. And I don't think ANY vet where I live takes squirrels. Please help.
Reply
Raeann
10/5/2019 07:47:47 am
A wildlife place will take it if you have one. Make sure he's always warm too some people don't realize but any cold can make them sick. I've raised a few and released them but if your really concerned find the nearest wild Life center and take him there that's probably his best chance of survival.
Reply
Raeann
10/5/2019 07:49:11 am
Also if anyone needs help I'm the Columbus Ohio area let me know. I can help.
Reply
Perry Choltco
10/18/2019 05:37:04 am
Question.. can a chipmunk suffer from the same skin conditions as a squirrel? I found one my cat caught that had patchy hair on his/her side.
Reply
Hi, we have squirrels that frequently nest in the soffit of our outdoor stucco trim Lining the roof of our home. Our roof is about 50 feet high. We have columns that go up and down from the ceiling to the floor outside of the patio, this is how they get up and down to their nest. Yesterday, two of the squirrels were fighting and one plunged down to the ground from 50 feet. He crawled to a corner, and, We put a towel over him and grabbed him with gardening gloves and put him in a large cardboard box. He was stunned, but alive and blinking, and walked into the box. I am afraid to put him back out if he is being picked on. Also, His tail is missing a lot of fur so I am wondering if he has mange or fungus. We are buying a large ferret cage to nurse him back to health and let him go. Do you have any suggestions?
Reply
Rose Richmond
5/8/2020 08:33:49 am
so we rescued a red sauirrel pup about 2 weeks ago. He's around 7-8 weeks old. There are no signs of lice or fleas as he has been bathed multiple times. He's always scratching his jawline on both sides. This morning I realized his jawlines were bald. Not red or flaky, just bald. What could be the issue?
Reply
Michele
5/12/2020 07:38:01 pm
I have a pet squirrel that doesn’t go outside at all. She is getting really red under her front paws (Armpit areas). She is about 9 months old. What do you think I should do about this? It just started a few days ago.
Reply
Steve Wise
6/21/2020 05:41:10 am
Thanks! I just ordered your ivermectin. Is there a danger if the squirrel is pregnant? Thanks! Appreciate your great site!!!
Reply
Valerie
7/3/2020 03:36:35 pm
Hello! One of my local squirrels has obvious neurological problems with balance. From what I was able to find online, it looks like he might have raccoon roundworm disease. Is it possible to treat it in any way? Would greatly appreciate any advice! Thank you!
Reply
We keep finding dead squirrels in the yard.
Reply
Teressa
8/6/2020 10:10:26 am
Hello! I’m so relieved to have found your page! We just brought in a squirrel - it’s fairly young, perhaps born in early spring? It’s been partially paralyzed for a month or two - it has PLENTY of gumption and SOME mobility in its rear legs, it can climb pretty well but coming down trees again it kind of...surfs down? Lol his back feet aren’t strong enough. I was going to leave him alone until I noticed large patches of fur missing. I was able to catch him - something that seems like a sign that he probably needs a little TLC at least, since I’m sure I couldn’t catch another squirrel on foot if I tried (I’ve been befriending him and his siblings - and the older generation here - for a long time so they all come out to see me, knowing I have peanuts and seeds, haha! Smart little critters!) Anyways, I thought that if I could catch him, I’d just bring him to a rehab, but I’ve yet to find one that doesn’t say they’ll put him down immediately. It’s been a few days and he’s at least comfortable enough to run around and dig in the large cage I have him in. He’s eating and drinking. But he’s also driven to distraction with itchiness. I worried it was stress induced but he was already losing fur before I brought him in and since he’s eating and running around, I don’t think it’s that. No crusting or rash, but grooming grooming grooming. Since his back legs aren’t super strong, he topples over a bunch. I see what your recommendation is for fungal infection - I think I’ll try that before anything more intense - but I’d also love to know your thoughts on semi-paralyzed squirrels. We live in Connecticut. How do squirrels fare when semi-paralyzed during the winter? I know they don’t spend the entire season asleep - is it unreasonable to think he’ll need a more permanent rescue or can he make it on his own? He’s so young and peppy, I don’t like the idea of stealing away the great outdoors from him..but I don’t much relish him being easy prey for cats, dogs, etc. If I could catch him, literally anything else can. Thanks so much!!!
Reply
Karen
9/28/2020 11:16:52 am
I have a Squirrel that eats out of my bird feeder daily, he has open sores on his back and neck and they are spreading his tail is also getting thin, would the Ivermectin paste work to help him. If so how can I get it to him without harming the birds? Thank you for your help.
Reply
Faith Lucchesi
11/21/2020 08:55:18 am
I volunteer in wildlife rehabilitation and have a new squirrel problem i hope you can help with. We have a new hairless squirrel who is being treated with nutritional support. It appears he may have a form of mange. My question is about his disposition and whether something else should be considered. He is HIGHLY agitated and growls and darts at anyone who approaches his cage, which is covered to lessen his stress. Any thoughts are appreciated. Our goal to release if the fur grows back after the winter season passes. Thank you.
Reply
Susan G Land
12/19/2020 07:19:16 am
I have noticed that some of the squirrels in my yard are losing hair and have large bald spots. One has lost all the fur on its tail. The skin does not appear red or irritated and I don't see any scabs. How can I best help them?
Reply
Kim
4/23/2021 09:18:18 am
Hello, I ordered ivermectin from your site yesterday, but before I give it I’d like to send you pics to see if you think it’s mange.
Reply
Amy
5/2/2021 11:21:54 am
I have a wild squirrel in my yard that has no fur except on his tail. Not sure if this is mange or not? I would like to send a picture to you to get your thoughts. Is there a way to do that? I would love to help this little guy if I can.
Reply
Shannon
5/13/2021 12:17:20 pm
Hi William, I live in Ontario Canada and found a baby red squirrel last night. I have been hydrating (I believe its a her) with salt/sodium water until I could get some puppy powder milk replacer. I am concerned about a itchy hairless rash below her neck. It is raised with some bumps. Is it okay to send you some pictures to hear your opinion and some treatments? She has her eyes open and active. Is drinking 1-1.5mL of the electrolyte water and now 1mL of powdered milk replacement. She weighs 45 grams. I have tried stimulating to urinate but nothing yet. How long should I be doing this for? Hope to hear from you soon. Thanks in advance for your time and help.
Reply
Shannon
5/13/2021 12:18:51 pm
that is sodium/glucose water not salt/sodium water! ha
Reply
Karen
6/3/2021 07:12:23 am
Hi everyone, I have a gray squirrel that I noticed a week or so ago that has a large lump on its side. It is not hairless, so it doesn't seem like it's a botfly. Not even sure if we have those in Chicago area. Its about the size of half of a golf ball. Seems like its under the skin, on its ribcage. The latest squirrel I'm worrying about. They are so full of life and then they get wierd ailments, I feel so bad for them. I have had them in my yard full time for 25 years or so. They come and go, and they get skin ailments a lot, where it looks mangey and then clears up. This is a first. Also missing a lot of squirrels this past year, not sure if due to hawks or foxes o r coyotes. Sad.
Reply
8/24/2021 06:50:05 pm
I am lucky to found this website coz more good articles here. Many good quality of information a useful content to share. Anyways, I just wanna share about the benefits of Genuine Haarlem Oil for the health of human especially nowadays were facing pandemic we need to boost our immune system to fight against deadly covid19 or any variant of viruses. Genuine Haarlem Oil has demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing respiratory illness, passive and active smoking, unhealthy diets and rheumatoid arthritis. It is an energy supplement that promotes recovery after exercise, avoids aches and reduces mental fatigue. Revitalizes your nails and helps you to keep a shiny and healthy hair. It is also good for your animal friends.
Reply
PETER PANACCI
10/27/2021 06:22:11 am
Hi, your website has been a wonderful resource and has helped me recently. We rescued a grey squirrel in Southern Ontario, Canada, this past spring, and nursed it to health, and she's been doing amazing. I moved to Japan but my father keeps feeding her in the mornings and she has a nice nest up around the trees outside our house. Recently my father sent me photos of her saying she's lost some of her hair and if he should be concerned (I moved to Japan so I'm not there unfortunately). When I opened the photos I was horrified. She is mossing fur, but the skin where the fur is missing is all blotchy or inflamed (not red, its all black, but almost scaly like growths). Its breaking my heart. From what I've found online, I guess it can only be squirrel pox? Can I send you some photos, just having your feedback would help. I told my father about the raw coconut and oil, so I hope he gives her some and maybe it can help.
Reply
Mark Lyons
11/22/2021 06:34:24 am
Dear William,
Reply
Wendy
2/18/2022 10:51:16 am
Hi Bill - so grateful for all you do, and that I found your site.
Reply
Cheryl
2/21/2022 12:54:27 pm
Hi Bill i have 3 squirrels 3 months old they have mange I guess, their skin is red and wrinkly and their is whiite stuff around their eyes and loosing their hair. they are getting worse. they are outside living in a palm tree and they are getting more wild. I put some tee tree oil on them and flee liquid on neck 2 weeks ago. they are not feeling good today,please advise, thank you Cheryl
Reply
Payton
5/2/2022 08:48:25 pm
We have 3 baby squirrels and they have been miserably itchy. There is no rash, hair loss, redness, or bugs. If you feel their body around the shoulders and ears you can feel little bumps that are white, and come off sort of like dandruff when scratched. We tried olive oil, an oatmeal bath, and coconut oil, hoping it would help. At first I wondered if it was lice, but it doesn't move at all, and my family and I would definitely have it if so. We are starting to introduce avocado but they haven't learned to swallow quite yet. If there's any advice that would be great!
Reply
Donald Boyden
5/22/2022 06:52:10 am
Hi - My favorite squirrel (twofer - she always wants two) had bad mange. I gave her 1 3-week round of medicine mixed in PB walnut pieces (your medicine - thank you so much). She got much better, now she's gone bad in just 3 days. Big patch no fur. Can I give her another round of 3 (1 per week)?
Reply
Hi there! I have a few squirrels at my feeder who appear to have mange. Some look horrible. I have bought mange kits from you but my problem is how do I distribute this medicine to these affected wild squirrels when there can be 8 or more normal ones at the feeders at the same time? I have tried only putting ivermectin out when I see them, but they scare away easily and I can’t guarantee it will be the infected one that comes back to eat the medicine. I do have a bird bath out at the feeder, would it be better to just put the colloidal silver in that instead? Thanks for any advice you can provide!
Reply
Good morning, I am reading comments from others about squirrels & appreciate it so much. This is my 3rd go round on raining orphaned squirrels. I currently have 2 lil boy rocky's approx 4 1/2 weeks old. Found just 4 days ago by neighbors in their wooded yard. A cat chased either Mom or another adult squirrel up a tree. Maybe she was moving them or they came out of the nest. Anyway, at this mornings feeding I noticed one of them itching behind his ears. Apon inspection I seen little White hard bumps that they stayed real still for me while I used their tooth brush & my fingernails to scrape them off. Researching if they are mites, mite poop, flea poop or what? I had been diligently picking off those lil things off of them since getting them. any ideas what they are? Thank you so much.
Reply
Philip Mincey
8/27/2022 09:41:37 am
I found a baby eastern grey squirrel. had him about 4 days. Merle has a spot on his back leg that looks similar to dandruff. its gotten bigger over the past few days. I would like to try and fix the issue before it becomes worse. any help is greatly appreciated
Reply
Kathleen Nelson
10/6/2022 03:48:51 pm
I came here looking for help with an apparently injured squirrel. There are two of them, but one seems to be recovering well. The poor guys have what originally looked to be swollen puncture injuries. All the fur had been removed around the wounds. On the one that is recovering, the swelling got to be about 3/8 of an inch across and 1/8 inch in depth. For the healing one, there were originally 4-5 of these lumps, but they have receded, and look to be no longer swollen, the skin is no longer red, and there seem to be small, clean scabs in the remaining bare patches.
Reply
12/1/2022 11:16:14 am
Hello! I have a healthy happy family of squirrels that has just been joined by a little guy that has a completely bald body. I don't want to misdiagnose him, and must be careful with treatments as I do have 2 dogs that LOVE to eat nuts and seeds (we also have pet birds, so... yeah, the dogs started eating the "floor nuts").
Reply
Gina Iannucci
2/15/2023 10:24:23 am
Hi William, I rehab over 200 squirrels per year and have much experience with mange and treatment. I just wanted to let you know that your latest antidote in MCT oil is not only easier to administer but works amazing. Thank you, you have helped save countless squirrels!
Reply
Lisa
3/12/2023 09:06:59 am
Hi William,
Reply
Mary Grossman
5/2/2023 04:40:08 pm
I am of the opinion the squirrel I feed has mange, because he looks like dogs I've treated with the problem. I feed him walnut meat. He has half a tail - as if half was chopped off. He is losing more and more fur. However he does not scratch at all. He acts really normal. He eats with my birds at the feeder, so I call him over and give him the walnuts. If I treat him for mange will it hurt him if he has a fungus instead? Please email your response. I co-run a 501 C3 in RI. My little friend appeared about 3 weeks ago. He has grown since then. He is just a tiny bit smaller than the average gray squirrel.
Reply
Ann malinski
6/10/2023 07:44:48 am
Baby squirrel less than one week dropped into my lap. New with us did lots of research and she started to thrive. Very dehydrated. In the beginning. He is now eight weeks old and started itching has small little white scabs from the itching and now he has hair loss. Not sure what to do for him. I’m hoping to get him back into nature.
Reply
Mark Hunke
7/17/2023 10:59:12 am
Reply
Donna
8/4/2023 07:33:17 am
I feed a squirrel that comes to my front porch for a few years now. His head has all the fur removed and the skin looks very raw. I dont know if its mange or an accident. Can I send a picture to you to get your opionion?
Reply
Robyn
8/16/2023 01:15:07 pm
Is there any chance someone is still active on this site who might help me diagnose a local squirrel that could have either mange or derma…(whatever it’s called)
Reply
Mokie
9/21/2023 03:49:52 pm
What would cause a squirrel to have a red patch (and loss of hair) around the neck. It's an outdoor squirrel. S/he is always scratching it. Would anything help? Is that fleas?
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWilliam Sells is a Registered Nurse turned Squirrel Rehabber and Nutritionist. His passion is raising healthy, disease free squirrels through feeding them the right way and the treatment of common squirrel diseases. He's always open to questions and comments regarding Squirrels and their care and feeding. Archives
September 2022
Categories |