Proper chipmunk diet?

[Jake]

Hello, I went to my local pet store today and they had 2 eastern chipmunks for sale. My mom and I fell in love with them lol. but i never purchase anything without knowing all i can about the species and their requirements. So i found "The squirrel board" and i have to say this place is great! so my question is, what is the BEST diet for a chipmunk?

[Jackie in Tampa]

Hello Jake...I am not familiar with chippies, but we have members that will be able to help soon!
We also have a chipppie forum, here's the link!
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=72
:wave123
I think they are precious too, and hard to resist!
It is always good to investigate before taking on the commitment!:bowdown

[Jake]

Thanks you very much for the link! I didn't even see the chipmunk section!

[4skwerlz]

There's a website called "chiptastic" with good info.

[ChipmunkLuver]

Eastern Chipmunks? Aren't those native to New Jersey, though? Weird..

I too think it's good that you did not just buy them and bring them home to wing it - too many people do that in pet stores!

Diets usually need to be varied so you'll have to have at least a dozen+ things on hand. A good diet would be a pellet for the base (or Henry's Healthy Blocks - my chips love them, and they're much more nutritious!), some grains/seeds, some healthy fruits & veggies, a form of calcium or supplement, and some protein (chippies like mealworms an awful lot). Having mineral blocks, lava stones and cuttlebones help with dietary requirements too.

[Jake]

Hello, i tried searching for the web-site but to no avail. could you possibly post a link?

[Jake]

Eastern Chipmunks? Aren't those native to New Jersey, though? Weird..

I too think it's good that you did not just buy them and bring them home to wing it - too many people do that in pet stores!

Diets usually need to be varied so you'll have to have at least a dozen+ things on hand. A good diet would be a pellet for the base (or Henry's Healthy Blocks - my chips love them, and they're much more nutritious!), some grains/seeds, some healthy fruits & veggies, a form of calcium or supplement, and some protein (chippies like mealworms an awful lot). Having mineral blocks, lava stones and cuttlebones help with dietary requirements too.

Yes, they are native here, I'm pretty sure there eastern chipmunks, there the same size and color/color patterns. i was looking at the henrys healthy blocks but i didnt know if they were safe for chipmunks, i guess so lol. how often should i give mealworms,veggies ect?

[4skwerlz]

Hello, i tried searching for the web-site but to no avail. could you possibly post a link?

http://chiptastic.webs.com/

[Jake]

Thank you!

[ChipmunkLuver]

Are you sure they aren't Siberian Chipmunks? I ask because state laws generally prohibit you to own native species (unless you're a rehabber). I am not completely familiar with New Jersey though!

Twice a week roughly for fruits and veggies.
If your chipmunk gets constipated or has diarrhea, that's your signal to increase or cut back on your fruits and veggies.

Mealworms can be done more often, depending on how many you give (some people I've seen do weekly treats of three at once, I like giving one every few days). Since chipmunks are so active having lots of protein to strength and repair muscle tissue is a good thing.

Thanks 4Skwerlz =D

[Chipmunk_lover]

Mine have several different fruits three times a week. They always have access to a cuttlefish bone they will eat it when they feel the need. I give them mealworms every so often and they have cooked chicken occasionally.

My Chipmunks favourite fruits tend to be grapes and oranges but they will eat most fruits offered. Mine aren't that keen on most vegetables but will eat cucumber and sweetcorn on a cob.

[Jake]

Are you sure they aren't Siberian Chipmunks? I ask because state laws generally prohibit you to own native species (unless you're a rehabber). I am not completely familiar with New Jersey though!

Twice a week roughly for fruits and veggies.
If your chipmunk gets constipated or has diarrhea, that's your signal to increase or cut back on your fruits and veggies.

Mealworms can be done more often, depending on how many you give (some people I've seen do weekly treats of three at once, I like giving one every few days). Since chipmunks are so active having lots of protein to strength and repair muscle tissue is a good thing.

Thanks 4Skwerlz =D


Okay, thanks for the info. how much of the fruit and veggies should i offer at a time? sorry fro all the questions.

[Chipmunk_lover]

On Monday for example i gave four pieces of kiwi, three slices of orange and six grapes for each Chipmunk. Any they haven't eaten gets thrown away but they eat most of it.

On Friday i gave them five raspberries each and two slices of cucumber cut up into small pieces. If they have tomato they usually have two slices cut up. I give them a whole corn on the cob though, we get the mini-ones.