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View Full Version : questions about homemade squirrel blocks and something else.



Skyblader
09-23-2009, 09:49 PM
I have some questions about squirrel blocks.

I made squirrel blocks as the recipe here says, but didn't see what temperature I'm supposed to bake it.
I baked it for 350 about 10mins then looked like burnt so turned down the oven to 300 and baked about 25mins. Still looks burnt and hard.(like baguette-hard outside & little bit softer inside.) I've never seen squirrel blocks before, I'm not sure what it should be like.

The good thing was, before trash them away I gave Amber a piece. SHE LOVED IT. So I decided to keep them for now since I worry about her taking not enough calcium.
still wonder I should make new batch or it's okay to feed her these.

My questions are, how hard it is supposed to be, and what `F it need to be baked on. (I FOUND IT, 225f......I just found it.... That's why it's burnt and hard........ I better make new ones...)
Also it doesn't have full amount of vitamin K or magnesium or zinc. I realized that before grinding them to mix.
Should I get those missing ingredient and make new blocks? (Her diet is still on formula.)

And the other thing is, Amber likes to lick fingers and toes for some reason...
We're wondering if it's normal or it has a particular reason for doing it. Seriously whenever she gets out of cage, goes for fingers and toes like crazy.

Legomom
09-23-2009, 09:59 PM
The temp for the blocks is 225 for an hour. I do mine a little less since my squirrel doesn't have a very strong jaw. Most commercial rodent blocks are very hard all the way through.

If she likes them, give them to her. IMO :thumbsup

As long as she's still taking formula, I wouldn't worry too much about the missing vitamins, but I'll leave that to 4skwerlz, the block creator.

And, yes...for some reason, this little critters love fingers & toes. Go figure. :dono

:poke Now, when do we see more pics of the little beauty, huh??? :D

4skwerlz
09-23-2009, 10:02 PM
I agree they should be fine, even with the missing vitamins, since she's still on formula.

The reason for the low baking temp is to prevent the vitamins from being destroyed by heat. But like I said, not so important for now. Next time....

Glad she liked them!:thumbsup

Skyblader
09-23-2009, 10:17 PM
Thanks both of u. I am relieved.... that I don't have to waste mah 1st blocks & she would get calcium. (those stuffs are;;; pricey!!)

I've got some pics of mah girl. not good pics of me, but these make me smile..
As I mentioned, she loves toes;;; lick, lick, lick, lick....
And she likes to clean mah nose, too. nibble, nibble, nibble.....
BABE! IT HURTS!!!

whopoopwrasse
09-23-2009, 10:48 PM
I agree, that's funny! If I were to do that with mine, I'd be able to wear nose rings! :jump

Mine are 11 weeks old now...

Skyblader
09-24-2009, 04:05 PM
Another question!
I gave Amber a block last night, and realized she poops a lot(more than before) last night & this morning, even my husband realized that too. And it looks darker than before.
Is anything wrong with block or does it happen when start feeding blocks to squirrel?

4skwerlz
09-24-2009, 04:32 PM
Another question!
I gave Amber a block last night, and realized she poops a lot(more than before) last night & this morning, even my husband realized that too. And it looks darker than before.
Is anything wrong with block or does it happen when start feeding blocks to squirrel?

The blocks contain a lot of healthy fiber. Usually their poops will become harder and darker (more like wild squirrel poops) and a little more plentiful too.

Skyblader
09-24-2009, 11:18 PM
The blocks contain a lot of healthy fiber. Usually their poops will become harder and darker (more like wild squirrel poops) and a little more plentiful too.
Gotcha!
That's good then.

I got some more pic of Amber & my husband today. So I post them. =)