A question about the coat

[squirrelfairy]

Hi eveyone!
My Woody, a one year old, has an uneven coat. Now I noticed this with my last non releasable, and I chalked it up to her diet, which I added things to, but mostly I think (!) its because they are not actually out in the elements for their metabolism to change, causing their bodies to react and hair to change accordingly.
Ok, what I am talking about is that its now Aug. and he literally has a line accross the middle of his body where his summer coat has grown in and the rest of his winter fur is still lingering. The back end so to speak has the old fur. It has a tacky feel to it. do any of you, with non releasables, know what I am talking about?? I noticed a lot of weird fur changes with my other baby, Taylor, that I had for 4 years, she had a lot of what would think, strange fur patterns, etc.
I would really like to know your opinions on this, and tell me if I need to supplement his diet or anything. I Do make sure he gets some sun, and he does not eat a lot of veggies except sweet potato, and I am a little concerned about calcium.
Thanks for your help!:thankyou

[TexanSquirrel]

You need to see Gamma's healthy foods post! I'm sure she'll come along before too long and post it here.

Sounds to me like he's got a moult line. My rabbit Teyla has one right now, where the old fur is shedding out on her behind and the new fur has already come in on her front half.

I wouldn't worry about the shedding. The diet is where I'd focus my attention. He could develop metabolic bone disease, which is very painful and makes for a slow recovery. :(

[Mars]

It may be helpful to note that squirrels "molt" twice a year. Once in the spring and once in the fall. The spring they molt from the top down and in the fall they molt from the butt up. So what you are seeing I believe is perfectly normal. :)

[skye]

:thinking Isn't it the other way around? I notice my yard buddies are changing fur from the top down:thinking :D Plus seems to be early this year or is it just me?
It may be helpful to note that squirrels "molt" twice a year. Once in the spring and once in the fall. The spring they molt from the top down and in the fall they molt from the butt up. So what you are seeing I believe is perfectly normal. :)

[Mars]

Hmmmmmm :thinking Maybe it's one of those rules no one discussed with the squirrels :rotfl :rotfl

:dono

[FallensMommie]

I do notice Fallen's fur is different from when he was in to when he was released and now that he is in again...it is different. I follow TSB diet for squirrels and provide him with FSL everyday so I do think their fur is different from being a inside squirrel to a outside squirrel. You can imagine them running through the trees, leaves, twigs...here spanish moss...plus the rain etc. Kind of seems like the outside elements conditions their fur naturally to make it sleek, sheen.

[TexanSquirrel]

haha! See? You can always count on Gamma!

[squirrelfairy]

Wow, thanks for all the great input! May I post the food recommendations & recipies on my wildlife egroup file area? We would all love & benifit from that!

I have been giving Woody more of a variety of fruits & veggies...he likes cherries & grapes now...will make sure to stay away from the bananna chips. He loves the outdoor stuff, black walnuts, hickory are out now, right on the branches.
I will have to make a trip to the marktet and get cooking on those homeade rodent yummies! I bet I could have a heck of a bake sale at our next Ct. Wildlife rehabbers fall meeting!
thanks so much,
:thankyou