ShesASquirrelyGirl
09-17-2008, 11:28 AM
Not meaning to start a debate here but am a bit confused. Now I know rats and squirrels are not the same by any means however they are both rodents and basically have the same intake of food.
I have noticed on a few sites that kidney beans were part of the diet or are thought to be ok.
However there are a few things I wanted to point out.
1. Kidney Beans expand in water so I can only imagine if its sitting in a gut what is going on internally?
2. Even with Gerbils and Degus you are to stay away from Raw Kidney Beans
3. They have proven to be toxic and cause other lethal issues in rats
4. Raw beans contain antinutrients that destroy vitamin A and enzymes needed to digest protein and starches, and causes red blood cells to clump."
Now I know its a "once in a while thing" but am I wrong to think that for squirrels these things should be avoided at all times as well?
I have noticed on a few sites that kidney beans were part of the diet or are thought to be ok.
However there are a few things I wanted to point out.
1. Kidney Beans expand in water so I can only imagine if its sitting in a gut what is going on internally?
2. Even with Gerbils and Degus you are to stay away from Raw Kidney Beans
3. They have proven to be toxic and cause other lethal issues in rats
4. Raw beans contain antinutrients that destroy vitamin A and enzymes needed to digest protein and starches, and causes red blood cells to clump."
Now I know its a "once in a while thing" but am I wrong to think that for squirrels these things should be avoided at all times as well?