Raising the Animal~

1. Hydration:

Use a hydrating solution such as Pedialyte, Lactated Ringers (obtained through a vet), or Gatorade. How much and how often is dependent upon the size and type of animal. Pinch the animal's skin, and if it tents, or stays in that position, for more than a couple of seconds, the animal is dehydrated. A dropper or a syringe (sans needle) will suffice. Be careful to not force too much liquid at any one time.

2. Heat:

You must keep the animal in an appropriate container with ventilation holes. Animals that are in shock or animals that are orphaned and do not have the fur or feathers to keep them warm must be supplemented with heat. A heating pad can be put under half the container. Keep the heating pad on low, and check to make sure the animal is not too warm. If you do not have a heating pad, you can put warm water in a bottle and wrap it with a towel. Be careful not to overheat the animal, and make sure the container will not leak the fluid.

3. Nutrition:

Do not be too quick to give food to an animal. This may actually send the animal into shock. It's best to hydrate for the first 24 hours or so. Never give cow's milk to an animal under any conditions. This can have devastating effects. If you are caring for a mammal, you can use Esbilac puppy formula with a dropper or a syringe (sans needle), but be careful not to feed too much or too quickly. The formula must also be warm. Test the formula on the underside of your forearm. Do not feed too much formula, or the baby will have a bloated stomach. If this happens, keep the baby on heat and gently rub the stomach. How much and how often is dependent upon the size and type of animal.

4. Elimination:

If you are caring for an orphaned mammal, you must stimulate the baby to urinate and defecate. This can be done by taking a paper towel or cloth and soaking it with warm water. Rub the baby's genital area for one to two minutes to stimulate it to eliminate waste. This must be attempted each time after giving hydration or formula.

5. Housing:

The animal must be properly housed. You can use a cardboard box with screen material across the top that is held in place by clothes pins. You can also use some type of plastic storage container with holes in the lid for ventilation. Be sure to clean this daily. Once the animals get larger, you will need to provide better accommodations. This, too, is dependent upon the animal. When caring for an injured, sick, or orphaned animal, keep the container in a dark, quite place. This will help to keep the animal calm.