they are not eating...

[heidi]

I have three 9 week old squirrels who are no longer wanting to eat formula. I already consulted the board on this issue, and was told that this is normal because they are weaning themselfs. However what concerns me is that I think they are losing weight. I am not sure if this is because they are more active now then they were before. Also, they are such picky eaters. They will not touch rodent block, and I offer a array of fruit, veggies, branches and all they want to do is play. I want them to be healthy and I am concerned that they are not getting the proper nutrients needed at this crucial age. The only thing they want to eat is avacado's....what can I do to get them to eat??? Please help!!!

[rippie-n-lilgirlsmom]

Crush some rodent block up into powder, add liquid esbilac (think cookie dough) add some crushed pecans and a tiny bit of peanut butter, roll into balls.
See if that works.
DOnt give them any nuts plain, because they will work their charm and only be eatting nuts 24/7.:D
good luck let us know how it goes.

[foxsquirrels]

I know what you mean. I also have 3 that are about 9 weeks old. They don't want to eat formula unless they feel like it. They run around all over their cage and knock over their food and water bowl. That is just part of weaning. Keep offering some formula especially in the morning and before bedtime and putting in food. In about a week you'll see a big difference in their interest in food. They will start to want their formula again also, and each squirrel is different as to when they decide they want more Mommy.

[4skwerlz]

Since they love avocado, you could crush some rodent block up with avocado and over time, gradually reduce the amount of avocado. If still no luck, try the Kaytee brand as it is generally more palatable.

[ShesASquirrelyGirl]

They will not touch rodent block, and I offer a array of fruit, veggies, branches and all they want to do is play.The only thing they want to eat is avacado's....what can I do to get them to eat??? Please help!!!

A squirrel will not starve itself. Leave the rodent block and offer formula and water. When they get hungry they will eat the rodent block. You can't offer them avacado and nuts and fruits or they won't ever eat the healthy stuff. They sit there knowing any time now you will give them something else if they don't eat.
Don't give in and they will learn to eat properly. If all they eat is formula and avacado I can't imagine they are that skinny..

[CB56]

I have the same problem! Boy! did I get the cold shoulder and a tiny growl when I had the nerve to offer my 6 wk. old grey squirrel her esbilac formula instead of a plate of avocado, peeled grape, carrot and apple all of which she ignored except for the AVOCADO; which she dove into so ravenously I thought she was going to asphyxiate herself! She also has a bowl of squirrel block and seed mixture that may as well be a cage decoration as she is totally uninterested in anything in it.
I tried mixing some esbilac with a drop of honey and she begrudgingly accept a few drops, then turned away from me and curled up in a little ball.
Should I stop the avocado cold turkey?
The photo is pre-avocado!
How did things work out for you, Heidi?