Mammal Nursery Volunteer Manual

Table of Contents

What Is the Mammal Nursery? 1

Introduction for Mammal Nursery Volunteers 2
General Tips for Working with Wildlife 3
Paperwork 4
Shift Responsibilities 5
Feeding 6
Feeding Chart Examples 7
Cleaning 10
What is the Mammal Nursery?
Each spring and summer, approximately 3,000 injured and orphaned mammals are cared for in the
mammal nursery. Species rehabilitated include rabbits, squirrels, fox, mink, opossums, raccoons,
woodchucks and more.

How is the Mammal Nursery organized?

Permitted off-site rehabilitators participating in WRC’s Orphan Outreach Program care for the
youngest mammals (eyes not yet opened). When these mammals require three or fewer feedings per day,
they are moved into WRC’s Mammal Nursery. Eastern Grey Squirrels, Red Squirrels and Flying
Squirrels are housed in the Mammal Nursery (room “H”) and are cared for by Mammal Nursery
volunteers. Other species are housed in various locations throughout WRC and are cared for by our
rabies-vaccinated Mammal Nursery interns. This is, in part, because many of these species can carry
rabies. Our youngest mammals are housed in baskets placed on heating pads. Animals are later moved
into larger cages. Prior to release, most of the animals are housed in outdoor caging. In addition to
outdoor caging on our premises, WRC also maintains outdoor caging at DarVan Acres in Inver Grove
Heights, Minn.

Who works in the Mammal Nursery?

A staff Nursery Director oversees the care of animals in WRC’s three nurseries (mammal, avian and
waterfowl). The Mammal Nursery is managed by the Mammal Nursery Coordinator(s). In addition
to overseeing interns and volunteers, the coordinator keeps records, monitors patient health, maintains
supplies and coordinates the progression of mammals through the nursery. Mammal Nursery Interns
are often undergraduate students in animal science, pre-veterinary medicine, fisheries and wildlife, or
related programs. Interns participate in one of two sessions, mid-April through early July, or the end of
June through mid-October, and work 20-25 hours per week. Interns are primarily responsible for the
animals that are housed outside of room “H” (squirrel room), though they may help care for the squirrels
in the Mammal Nursery when there are not many other young mammals at WRC. Crew Leaders are
volunteers with previous experience, who are trained to mix formula, monitor animal health and
administer medications and subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids. Crew Leaders also help train new
volunteers and serve as a liaison between our Mammal Nursery volunteers and WRC staff.

There are 3 volunteer shifts each day:

8 am to 12 pm
2 pm to 6 pm
7 pm to 11 pm

Volunteers participate in the entire nursery season:

April through mid-October

Staff Contacts:
Lynnette Scott Nursery Director Office: (651) 486-9410, ext. 113
lynnette@wrcmn.org
Mallory Hingos Nursery Coordinators Office: (651) 486-9410, ext. 109
Cassandra Saunders mammal@wrcmn.org
Liz Cross Director of Volunteer Office: (651) 486-9410, ext. 102
Services liz@wrcmn.org

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Introduction for Mammal Nursery Volunteers
Mammal Nursery Volunteer Responsibilities
Maintain accurate patient records on feeding sheets
Evaluate animals’ condition and hydration and report concerns to the Crew Leader
Provide directed amounts of formula, food, and water
Properly clean and set-up animal caging
Wash dirty dishes
DO LAUNDRY
Maintain a clean, safe, well-organized environment (includes sweeping, mopping, cleaning counters,
organizing supplies)

Volunteer Expectations
We ask all our volunteers to adhere to these guidelines. The quality of care we provide to wild animals
depends on the work and attitude of our volunteers. If you are uncomfortable with any of these
guidelines, please let us know so that we can find another volunteer opportunity for you.

Time commitment
We ask that you commit to the entire nursery season: April through mid-October.
Please stay for your entire shift (typically 4 hours). The length of your shift varies with patient
caseload. Although we appreciate any amount of time you can give as a volunteer, you are not
required to stay past the end of your shift.
If you find within 24 hours of your scheduled shift that you are unable to make your shift, call
651-486-9453 so we can notify your crew. Please leave a voicemail if the phone is not answered.
If you know ahead of time that you will be absent from your shift, please notify your crew leader
or contact the coordinators so a sub can be found.

Adherence to job expectations

Be on time for your shift.
Sign in at the start of your shift and record your hours worked at the end of your shift.
Wear a nametag at all times.

Compliance with WRC policies

Review the safety manual thoroughly.
Stay in the nursery during your shift. Please refrain from entering other parts of the building.
Cell phones, cameras, food/drinks are not allowed in the nursery.
Follow WRC dress code. Do not wear perfume, cologne, or scented lotions. Do not wear long
necklaces or earrings that can be grabbed by animals. Wear close-toed shoes. Long sleeves and
pants are recommended for Mammal Nursery volunteers (to help prevent scratches from
squirrels).
Wear a nametag at all times.
Follow parking guidelines. Park across the street or at the ball field (just north of WRC on Dale)
whenever possible. Volunteers who will be at WRC after dark may use the parking lot next to
our building. When you leave, let the crew leader know you are leaving and depart with another
person if leaving after dark. It is acceptable to leave via the front door rather than walk around
back for volunteers leaving after dark.
Read signs hanging in the nursery area, the communication board located in the hallway outside of
the nurseries, and the communication binder before starting your shift. There may be important
animal care information or directions posted.
Respond to WRC email accordingly. We communicate via email often.

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Sharing in WRC philosophy and goals
Act responsibly, fairly and honestly with other volunteers.
If you make a mistake when caring for an animal, please tell your crew leader, coordinator or
other staff member.
Work with compassion and sensitivity toward the animals and their needs.
As a volunteer, your actions reflect on WRC. Please be certain that your statements reflect the
policies of WRC. Direct questions to WRC’s staff.
Please remember that as cute as the baby mammals may be, they are wild and they need to be
returned to the wild. Do not stroke or excessively handle the animals. Speak quietly.

General Tips for Working with Wildlife

Shhhh! Young mammals are easily stressed, and it is essential for their survival that you speak as little as
possible in the Mammal Nursery. When you do speak, please speak quietly AT ALL TIMES. No
exceptions. The use of cell phones and ipods is strictly prohibited.

They’re so cute! There is just nothing cuter than a baby animal. However, our patients are not pets,
and nothing stresses them more than human interaction. As wildlife rehabilitators, we are caring for
orphaned, sick and injured animals for the sole purpose of releasing them back into the wild. Animals that
become too habituated to people have a poor chance of surviving in the wild, will not be released, and in
most cases will be euthanized.

We will not always be successful. Although our Mammal Nursery successfully raises hundreds of
healthy animals each season, it is inevitable that some patients will die or need to be euthanized while in
our care. Some animals will appear to do well for a day or two, and then die unexpectedly. Others may
be euthanized due to the severity of their injuries or failure to thrive. This part of wildlife rehabilitation is
difficult to handle, but is balanced by the joy of releasing recovered animals that would not have survived
without our help.

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Paperwork
Each animal that is being hand-fed formula has its own feeding sheet. This sheet gives instructions
concerning how much formula to feed and/or what foods to place in the animal’s cage and provides space
to document the animal’s weight, hydration status, amount fed, etc. Feeding sheets are color-
coordinated. For example, animals being fed three times per day have yellow feeding sheets. This allows
us to easily identify the animals that require the greatest number of feedings per day (volunteers begin
feeding those animals first).

At each shift, date, initial and detail your actions and findings. You should record each animal’s weight
before its first feeding of the day and amount eaten. Also, check the appropriate boxes indicating that you
have assessed hydration, cleaned the cage, and left food and water in the cage as appropriate. There is
also a column for you to write additional comments (jumpy, slow eater, etc.).

Individual feeding sheets are organized in a 3-ring binder according to cage number. Each row of
baskets or cages in the nursery has a corresponding 3-ring binder. At the start of each volunteer shift,
every volunteer should be assigned to care for one or two specific rows of baskets or cages.

Animals that are no longer being hand-fed are housed in cages. Each cage may contain several animals.
One feeding sheet is used per cage/basket to record when the enclosure is cleaned and the animals are
fed. These cages are numbered and feeding sheets are organized in a 3-ring binder according to cage
number. We monitor the weight of each animal for the first three days after hand-feeding is discontinued.
Please record this information on the feeding sheet where indicated.

Because there may be several animals housed in one basket or cage, individuals are identified by a
colored ear mark. Look for the ear mark and corresponding case number where it is listed on feeding
sheets and cage cards (e.g. 12-1527 is the animal’s WRC case number and “green” means the animal has a
green mark on one of its ears).

One cage card will be used to label each basket or cage of animals. The card contains information about
the location of the cage/basket, and lists the case number and ear mark for each animal in the basket/cage.
Be sure that the number of animals in each basket/cage matches the number listed on the cage card.

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Shift Responsibilities
At the start of each shift do a load of laundry. Check laundry carefully for stowaway animals and shake
laundry items over the trash to remove debris. Put a load in the washer and move laundry from washer
into dryer, etc. Follow instructions on laundry machines for proper use.

As you are caring for animals, always check their cages for chewed holes the might escape out of, that
they are being giving the appropriate food as noted on their food sheet, and that cages are closed
properly and no animal is caught in basket tops or cage doors.

AM Shift
Feed squirrels receiving 4 feedings per day first, then those receiving 3 feedings per day, followed
by those receiving 2 feedings per day.
Clean the baskets/cages of squirrels that are fed 2 times per day.
Clean the cages of self-feeding squirrels; provide fresh food and water.
Feed squirrels in the outdoor cages on the deck using only the small food door.
Spot check remaining squirrel baskets as time permits. Provide fresh food and water as needed
and clean if exceptionally soiled.

Afternoon Shift
Feed squirrels receiving 1 or 3 feedings per day first. 4 feedings per day squirrels should be fed
last.
Clean the baskets and cages of squirrels that are fed 3 times per day or 1 time per day.
Check on the squirrels outside. Provide more water, if needed. Do not open the large cage
door; use only the small food door.

PM Shift
Feed squirrels receiving 2 or 3 feedings per day first. 4 feedings per day squirrels should be fed
last.
Clean the baskets of squirrels receiving 4 feedings per day.
Spot check other baskets as time permits. Provide fresh food and water as needed and clean if
exceptionally soiled.
Provide self-feeding squirrels in indoor cages with fresh food and water if needed. Clean the
cages if exceptionally soiled.
Check and refill water in all outside squirrel cages.

All shifts, before you leave…

Do dishes
Sweep and mop the floor
Wipe down countertops and microwave
Wipe down counters and tables around and under animal cages
Throw away any formula that is greater than 24 hours old
Throw away any formula that was heated in the crock pot
Refrigerate leftover formula that has not been heated and is less than 24 hours old. Label the
container with the date and time it was made.
Do laundry, stock cabinets with fresh linens
Unplug crock pot
Take out the trash whether bag is full or not to help us avoid flies (large garbage bins are on the
deck outside of the Mammal Nursery door)
Double check the crews work by looking through every book and at every animals food sheet to
ensure no animal missed a feeding.

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Feeding
Formula Feeding Methods
1. Gradual introduction to formula. The formula we use is meant to match the mother’s milk
as closely as possible. It is still possible, however, for animals to develop diarrhea or other health
problems if they are abruptly switched from their mother’s milk to our formula; therefore, every
animal is gradually weaned onto formula. Eyes closed squirrels receive a different formula than
eyes open squirrels. The formula for eyes closed squirrels is called INFANT and the eyes open
squirrel formula is called WEANING. Most squirrels in the nursery will be eyes open and given
the WEANING formula. Every animal receives Lactated Ringer’s solution (LRS) as its first feeding.
The second feeding is 25% strength formula (25% formula and 75% LRS), then 50% strength (50%
formula and 50% LRS), and so on. Follow the guidelines at the top of the feeding chart.
Depending on the animals age/condition at admit, they may be moved up to 100% at a faster rate,
this will be indicated on their food sheet. If an animal has diarrhea, is dehydrated, or is
bloated, it may not be ready to move to a higher strength formula. Check with your
crew leader or intern before feeding an animal with these signs.

2. Determine the amount of formula to feed. The amount of formula fed to a squirrel is
determined by its weight. Each animal is weighed at its first feeding of the day and the weight is
recorded on the individual’s food sheet. If the animal has its eyes closed, it should be weighed
after it has been stimulated to urinate to obtain an accurate weight. Consult the feeding chart (at
the front of each 3-ring binder, or posted around the room) to determine the amount to feed for
a given animal’s weight. If you must weigh an animal, put it back in its basket while you obtain a
syringe, formula, etc. Do not carry animals around the nursery – this is very stressful for them.

3. Fill the syringe. Formula is warmed using a crock pot. A small container of formula is placed in
a crock pot which is filled with water. Only heat as much formula as will be used in one shift
(formula that has been heated must be thrown away if not used). Stir the formula frequently to
prevent hot spots. Draw the appropriate amount of formula into a syringe. Test the formula on
your wrist. It should feel a bit warmer than your body temperature, but should not be hot. Rinse
formula off of the outside of the syringe. A clean syringe is used for each squirrel; this helps us
avoid contamination of the formula in the crock pot.

4. Observe the animal. Is the animal active (juveniles)? Is the animal well hydrated? Does it have
diarrhea or is it bloated? Is the animal in good body condition? Do you see any discharge from
the eyes or nose? Is there any Loss of hair? If you have any concerns about the animal’s health,
have your crew leader or intern assess its condition.

5. Pick up the animal. Pick up the animal in a soft cloth to minimize its stress and increase its
security. Never grab a squirrel by its tail. If you notice signs of diarrhea the following diarrhea
protocol is to be followed:
Note the patient has diarrhea in the comments section of its food sheet.
Stop feeding formula and switch to Dia Stat.
Mix by taking a 10cc syringe put 1/8 tsp of powder in and add 10ml of warm water. Replace
syringe stopper and shake until mixed. Feed the same amount that you would formula (5%
body weight).
Discard immediately any unused portion as it will become a gel.
Feed Dia Stat mixture for a maximum of four feedings. If diarrhea has improved discontinue
use of Dia Stat and wean back onto formula. If after four feedings the diarrhea has not
improved, inform your crew leader and they will sign the patient up on the med staff clip
board to be examined by a veterinarian.
Stop giving any new foods, remove fruits.
Maintain hydration with subcutaneous fluids as needed.

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 Benebac is a nutritional supplement (probiotic) that provides healthy bacteria that is needed
for normal digestion. Give 0.02 ml orally twice per day to animals that have diarrhea.
Benebac can also be used once per day to help prevent diarrhea in squirrels that have a
history of diarrhea. We also use Benebac to prevent diarrhea in animals that are being
treated with antibiotics.
Do not use pepto bismol unless prescribed by a veterinarian. For patients with severe bloat
from gas give 0.02ml of infant anti-gas. This is to help with bloating; it will not do any good
for diarrhea.

6. Feed the animal. A new syringe should be used for each animal to prevent cross contamination
of formula and spread of disease. Hold squirrels somewhere between an upright and horizontal
position, never feed a squirrel on its back. Place the syringe tip into the front of the animal’s
mouth. Most healthy squirrels will drink the formula very quickly. Some are a little
apprehensive about eating after just being admitted. Place your fingers on the syringe such that
you can slow the progression of the plunger if the squirrel is eating too quickly. If formula builds
up around the nose and mouth, wipe it away immediately so the squirrel does not suck it into
their nose.
Aspiration. If an animal eats too quickly, formula may be aspirated into the lungs, which
is often deadly. If you suspect that this has happened, tell your crew leader immediately
and make a note of this on the feeding sheet. Squirrels can also get formula in their nasal
passage if eating too quickly. If formula is coming out a squirrel’s nose, use a bulb
aspirator to get the formula out of the nose. Wipe the nose and hold the squirrel with its
head facing down. Allow the squirrel to sneeze and continue to wipe away any formula.

Some squirrels eat best if allowed to stand on their hind legs on the top of their basket. Place a
piece of fleece on top of the basket and allow the squirrel to stand on its hind legs, this will
prevent the squirrel from slipping. The squirrel will grasp the syringe with its front feet. Some
squirrels will not eat, please ask for assistance if you cannot get the squirrel to eat, the squirrel
will need to be force fed or tried again later. To survive a squirrel must eat the required amount
per day. If an animal won’t eat, ask for help. There are techniques that work. A squirrel should
always get its required amount of formula at each feeding, whether it wants it or not.

7. For “eyes-closed” infants: With a wet, warm cotton ball, gently stimulate the infant’s
anogenital region after feeding. This encourages urination and defecation, and mimics the
mother’s natural licking of her young behavior.

8. Clean the animal. Wipe formula from the face, nose, whiskers, chest and paws with a warm,
wet cotton ball. Not removing spilled formula may cause the animal’s fur to mat and fall out.

9. Record the amounts actually eaten by each animal on the feeding sheet.

10. Clean your hands. Use hand sanitizer or thoroughly wash hands between squirrels to prevent
the spread of disease.

When an animal is found dead, write DIC on the cage card in the cell marked resolution for that animal.
If there is no indication on the cage card and an animal is missing, it may have escaped. Once a cage card
is no longer needed, i.e. all squirrels have been moved to outdoor caging, the cage card should be placed
in the bin labeled cage cards near the sign-in area.

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 FEEDING CHART EXAMPLE:
Gradual introduction onto formula when first admitted into the nursery.
Feeding Formula strength Mixing instructions
1st feeding LRS
2nd feeding 25% strength 1 part 100%: 3 LRS
3rd feeding 50% strength 1 part 100%: 1 LRS
4th feeding 75% strength 3 parts 100%: 1 LRS
5th feeding 100% strength
If an animal has diarrhea or is dehydrated or bloated, it may not be ready to move to a higher strength
formula. Check with your crew leader or intern before feeding an animal with these signs.

EASTERN GREY SQUIRREL

EGS Feeding Chart (Eyes Open)

2x per
Weight (grams) 1x per day 3x per day
day
60 3.3 ml
70 3.5 ml
80 4.0 ml
90 4.5 ml
100 5.0 ml
110 5.5 ml
120 6.0 ml
130 6.5 ml
140 7.0 ml
150 Self-
feeding
Feedings should be a minimum of 4 hours apart.

Eastern Gray Squirrel Feeding Chart (Eyes closed)

Weight Self 1x per 2x per 3x per 4x per 5x per 6x per
(grams)
feeding day day day day day day
40 2.0 ml
50 2.5 ml
60 3.0 ml
70 3.5 ml
80 4.0 ml
90 4.5 ml
100 5.0 ml
110 5.5 ml
120 6.0 ml

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 FOOD SHEET EXAMPLES:
EGS – 3 feedings per day BASKET
NUMBER:

Case #: Formula: see feeding chart

Diet: If eyes are open…
Ear color: 1) 1 lid of moist zupreme + formula on
top per basket
2) Fruit – 1 small piece per squirrel
3) Fresh water in a ceramic dish
(No food or water if eyes are closed)
Cleaning responsibility: Cleaning: line basket with fleece, additional
Midday shift fleece to nest in, hammock, back ½ of cage on
heating pad, NO terry cloth

Date Time Weight De-hydrated Diarrhea Stimulated Formula Amount Cage Food Comment Initials
(grams) (Y or N) (Y or N) (if eyes strength fed (mL) cleaned in s
closed - (Y or N) cage (gave
Y or N) (Y or fluids,
N) attitude,
etc)

3/2/10 8:00a 60g N N N 100% 3ml Y Y Ate Well LES

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EGS – self feeding CAGE #:

Case #’s: Diet:

1) Zupreme– 1 piece per squirrel
2) Fruit – 1/8 cup per squirrel
3) Squirrel seed mix – 2 tsp. per squirrel
4) Nuts (no more than 1 nut per squirrel)
5) Water in ceramic or metal dish
Cleaning/Feeding Responsibility: Cleaning: Replace pillowcase on bottom of cage,
AM shift clean and feed sweep bottom of cage, replace soiled leaves as needed,
PM shift add extra and water food if needed NO terry cloth

***Check weights for first three days of self-feeding***

Date Time Fed Cleaned Comments Initials

3/21 8am Y Y Weights: Blue 185, Green 200, Red 180, NM 195 LES

Weights:

Weights:

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Cleaning
Baskets
Clean according to the following guidelines:

You may place animals in a second basket while their original basket is being cleaned, if you wish.
Cloths that are not soiled should not be removed from the basket. The familiar scent will help
reduce the animals’ stress.
Do not use terry cloth materials with squirrels (their nails get caught in the loops on towels,
washcloths, etc). Squirrel baskets are lined with a pillow case and additional pieces of fleece are
provided for the squirrels to snuggle in. Metal clips may be used to secure a hammock to the top
half of the basket. T-shirt material or pillowcases work well for hammocks. Squirrels will use this
area as a nest. The back half of the basket is placed on a heating pad set on LOW. Some areas
in the nursery have heat tape on the tables, for these areas the basket can be set on the sections
where the table feels warm to the touch. Older animals do not require a heating pad (ask your
crew leader or an intern if you are not sure if an animal requires a heating pad). A shallow water
dish and food should be placed in the basket according to the instructions on the animal’s feeding
sheet.

Squirrel Cages
The cages of self-feeding squirrels should be cleaned and new food provided by volunteers on the
morning shift. These animals should be cared for after volunteers are finished feeding formula to the
younger animals. Some general guidelines follow:
Juvenile squirrels will bite! Wear gloves.
Juvenile squirrels will try to escape. You can drape a towel over the cage door’s opening to serve
as a visual barrier. You may wish to try tossing some food into the back of the cage to distract
the squirrels as you clean. A sheet of plexiglass may be used to trap squirrels in the top of the
cage while the bottom of the cage is cleaned.
If a squirrel escapes, get help from your crew leader. Wear gloves and remember that you should
never grab a squirrel by its tail. Use a net and the help of several people to corner the squirrel.
Hold the squirrel’s head at the base of the skull so it can not turn around to bite you.
A small dust pan and hand broom are used to sweep out old food from the bottom of the cage,
scrub if necessary.
A fresh pillowcase is used to line the bottom of the cage each day, do not use fleece in cages.
An additional pillowcase or t-shirt material is secured to the top of the cage with clips to create a
hammock. Replace the hammock only if soiled.
Leaves, twigs, or pine cones are placed in the cages of squirrels that are no longer being hand-fed
and are in outdoor caging. Leaves encourage foraging and are used as nesting material. Replace
soiled leaves. Leaves that are dry and clean do not need to be changed.
Place water in the cage in a container that cannot tip over. Use metal or ceramic dishes that are
not damaged by chewing.
Provide food according to the instructions on the feeding sheet.

Flying Squirrel Caging

Very young flying squirrels are kept various types of cages lined with a pillowcase on the bottom. A flying
squirrel nest box is placed inside the cage. A piece of fleece can be placed inside the nest box for
bedding. Larger flying squirrels will be moved to wire cages, which are set up in the same manner as the
smaller cages.

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