Making a List and Checking it Twice

This line from a Christmas tune is one that rehabbers all over the country are singing now as we prepare our supply lists for the baby season which is almost upon us. We probably have Fedex and UPS running around in circles as we order our formula, syringes, nipples, heating pads, snuggle safes, heat lamps, bedding, meds, supplements, electrolytes, critical care formulas, nursery boxes, reptariums, colostrum, and the list goes on and on. Once supplies start arriving, the rush is on to sort everything and store each item in an appropriate spot. Why? We need to do this to save lives. The first thing we have to do when a baby comes in is to evaluate it’s condition. If it is critical, we have to deal with the most pressing problem immediately if we are to safe this little life. Once a baby is stable, we put it on a rehydration protocol just as soon as the baby’s body temperature is normal. Feeding a cold baby is disastrous. Once the baby is warm and hydrated, we start it on the proper formula and emaciation protocol. When the baby is eating formula and gaining weight, we can breathe a sigh of relief. This initial stage is not unlike an emergency room, hence the need to have everything right where we can get it quickly. Wasted minutes can mean death to a critical baby.

On a lighter note, our 2008 end-of-season newsletter is being mailed out now. We hope that you enjoy it, including some of last years’ baby pictures.

It’s time to wake up!

As the temperature moderates and the snow melts, you will undoubtedly start to see critters out and about. They will appear dazed and a little disoriented as they look around at a landscape that appears much different than what they saw when they went to sleep last fall. They aren’t sick. This will pass in short order and they will begin preparing for another year and in many cases, a new family. There isn’t much time as they prepare nests and dens for the babies that will be born soon. The ice storms over the winter will make finding the right tree for their dens and nests difficult for tree dwelling moms like squirrels, raccoons and porcupines. There will be signs of activity around a chosen tree before the babies are born. Observe the activity in the area for a few days to see if there is an expectant mom around. If you need to cut the tree down or otherwise disturb it, please try to wait until the babies are old enough for mom to take them out of the den. As much as I love babies, their moms can give them the best care and we all need to do what we can to keep the babies with her. Enjoy your critter watching!

Quiet Time

As I look out over the white frozen Connecticut River with the sun shining brightly, it seems like a picture post card. It might seem like a quiet time for rehab, but that is far from the truth. Despite the cold and snow, the quiet time has passed. My day sare now spent getting the nursery ready, ordering supplies and getting that always too abundant paperwork organized and ready to go with Bill’s help. Soon the babies will be arriving. Bedding has generously been donated for the season, so that is one less thing I have to order. Fo The extreme cold this year could mean a later than normal baby season, but it is best to prepare for an early season. The two opossums I am wintering over just come out far enough out of the hay to show their noses and eyes when I feed them. They are waiting for spring as well. I am selecting seeds for a critter garden this year to help offset the cost of food for the babies. It is also better for them. Spring will be here soon.

A Baby May Need to be Rescued

A baby may need to be rescued:

• If the mother is known to be dead or has not returned to the babies in more than a few hours. If the babies have eyes closed the mother will not stay away for more than a few minutes, depending on species.
• If it is injured or has been attacked.
• If it is lying on its side, stretched out and cold.
• If the eyes are still closed and it is out of the nest.

Here are a few things you should NEVER do:

• Don’t give water or food, including milk, which is especially  deadly, to an injured or orphaned animal.
• Don’t leave pets or children outside when a fledgling is on the ground.
• Don’t cut a tree down without looking to see if there’s a squirrel
  or bird’s nest in it.
• Don’t allow pets or children to disturb a rabbit’s nest.

Welcome!

Welcome to the new blog for our Safe Haven Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. We will be posting information on new rescues and their care and treatment.

Please check back often for the latest happenings at our rehabilitation center!