[Mom2BabyNatalie]

Originally Posted by Jokerman

Dena,
I just wanted to thank our for trying to save this tiny baby, and let you know I'm sending prayers your way. And to also encourage you on the tube feeding. I've had to tube feed dozens of puppies and wildlife babies in my years of rehabbing animals, and I've never lost a baby. So, even though it's frightening in the beginning, it does get much easier each time you do it. I find it safer and easier in many instances than bottle feeding. Just dip the end of the tube down into the formula to wet it, and gently move it down her throat. As long as you have measured her body correctly and pass it to the bottom of her last rib, I can't see how you would aspirate her.

I also wanted to let you know about Catac nipples in case you haven't heard of them. These are what I always use on baby squirrels and they would probably be a better fit for little Emma's mouth than the nipples you are using. You might call around and see if you can find them locally. If not, they are available through KV Vet Supply and you could probably get them overnighted to you. I also recommend using 3cc O-ring syringes, as they work so much better than the plunger type syringes with the rubber on the plunger, which wear out too fast.

If I can help you in any way, please PM me.

Wait wait wait... okay.... now see?? More stuff I didn't know!!!

Thank you so much!!

Okay now.... dipping the tip of the tube in the formula... DUH!!! Completely dumbfounded by the simplicity of that one!! I feel stupid... no wonder she fights it!! Dry tube probably hurts like hell!! Thank you thank you for that one!!! <<slapping self>>

Catac nipples and O-ring syringes... never heard of.... we have a vet supply store not too far down the road... will try to get over there in the next couple of days to find those.... gonna' go read about these things now....

Again and again.... THANK YOU!!! <<big hugs>>