Weaning Diet

[DebsRoxy19]

Hi, my squirrel baby is about five weeks old, and I was just wondering if the Mazuri Rodent blocks were the same as Mazuri Rat and Mouse Diet? I only found one store that had this, and only a 25 pound bag. Do I need the Zupreem primate diet in addition to the rodent blocks?? I was just going to leave a couple in her container to munch on in between feedings to get her used to it when the time comes to eat solid foods.

Thanks :)

[ShesASquirrelyGirl]

As long as it looks like a lab block its the same thing. You can offer that and little peices of cut up apple to nibble on as well. Mine go crazy over pear more so then apple.

[DebsRoxy19]

Also, I was told I can feed her every 6 hours now during the day, and just feed her more cc's... I'm up to 4.5cc's every four hours.. 5 hours at night (I know this doesn't seem like enough formula per feeding, but she is only about 80 grams... about 10g underweight for her age).

Any suggestions on how much I should feed her if I were to go every six hours now (Four feedings per day), or if this is even a good idea?? Thanks!

[4skwerlz]

Which formula are you feeding her?

We use the 5% rule, which means 5 percent of their body weight in grams should be the number of cc's you feed each time. For an 80-gram squirrel, 4-5 cc's every four hours should be fine. If she's healthy, you will be gradually getting rid of that night feeding over the next couple of weeks.

The Mazuri Rat & Mouse Diet should be fine as a weaning diet, along with healthy vegetables and natural wild foods from outside when she's a little older. I assume you are planning on releasing her. There is more info on squirrel diet in the "Squirrel Nutrition" forum.

[DebsRoxy19]

:) Okay thanks! There are a lot of conflicting views on different squirrel rehab sites here on the web, so its hard to determine whats the best.. I just came across one that said 4-6 weekers only 4 times per day, and absolutely NO night feeding?? I wonder why? I like your advice better, I'm going to stick to the 4 hours just to be safe :thumbsup