Always hungry...

[m&bs mom]

Hi all! I have posted before about my grey squirrel (about 11) not eating veggies. Well...he has started. This is a typical day.
Morning: 30+ ccs formula, 1 Mazuri block, slice of peeled apple, slice of pear.
Afternoon: Broccoli, brussel sprouts, snow peas, yellow squash, zucchini, tomato, asparagus.
Evening: 30+ ccs formula, another Mazuri block, more veggies from above list and 1 acorn for bed.
This guy is still acting hungry...he turns his dish over and follows us around with his little "chatter". He does not have any stashes, he eats all of his food. He has plenty of toys in and out of his cage and about 3-4 hours of out of cage time. I don't think that he is bored he really acts hungry. This guy is pushing 500 gramsbut doesn't look fat. Is there something else that I should give him? He would gladly take more formula and another block but this seems like quite a bit to me? He also has a water bottle in his cage. Never has had any poop or pee problems been healthy since we got him at about 5 weeks old in September. I will leave this to you experienced people! The red squirrels that we have ever done always seemed content and happy with the food amounts given but not this guy. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[Tomo]

What formula are you feeding him? You can try adding a little heavy cream to it to see if that fills him up more - to add a little more fat to his diet. I'd leave a bowl of rodent chow or primate biscuits for him and if he's really hungry, he'll eat. Squirrels munch all day long. Actually, the vet that takes care of my sanctuary babies says that there should always be a bowl of rodent chow or primate biscuits available at all times for them to eat and they can have as much as they like, which usually isn't that much because they are filling. You can also try putting a salt and a mineral wheel in his cage. Sometimes they crave salt and such and will keep eating until that craving is satisfied. It's a natural craving, so don't worry.

[m&bs mom]

What kind of rodent chow should I look for? He is on fox valley 20/50 and I do add heavy cream to it thinking it may fill him up a bit. Is the rodent chow something that I need to order or can it be purchased in a pet store? I will try the salt and mineral wheel things...he should have both or one or the other? Thanks for the info.

[Nancy in New York]

What kind of rodent chow should I look for? He is on fox valley 20/50 and I do add heavy cream to it thinking it may fill him up a bit. Is the rodent chow something that I need to order or can it be purchased in a pet store? I will try the salt and mineral wheel things...he should have both or one or the other? Thanks for the info.

HarlanTeklad rodent block or Regal Rat by Oxbow I always order mine on line, not sure if it's sold in pet stores...

[Kristal]

What are primate biscuits?

[Rhapsody]

You can find both the rodent chow and zupreem primate on this website:
http://www.squirrelsandmore.com/category/1429&cfid=6445093&cftoken=55377741/food.htm

[CritterMom]

If you have a Petsmart, I believe they carry Mazuri rat blocks, another good one, too.

[Tomo]

What kind of rodent chow should I look for? He is on fox valley 20/50 and I do add heavy cream to it thinking it may fill him up a bit. Is the rodent chow something that I need to order or can it be purchased in a pet store? I will try the salt and mineral wheel things...he should have both or one or the other? Thanks for the info.
I'd give both the salt and the mineral wheels. This way he can choose which one he wants to lick.

Mazuri makes a good rodent block. Forti-Diet also makes a good one. I think the best manufactured food is Oxbow's Regal Rat. If you cannot find it in your local store, you can order some on drsfostersmith.com Oxbow is highly recommended by exotics vets. :) Primate bisquits are a larger variety of block, more porous and easier to eat. They are developed for primates/monkeys and are equally good for squirrels. Of course, all of these blocks are along with other fresh, healthy veggies.

[m&bs mom]

Ok so we have added both salt and mineral wheels to his cage. I am currently feeding him the Mazuri blocks but I thought that they should only be getting 2 each day. Should I give him more than that? I will see how he does now that we have both salt and mineral wheels in there. I tried him on an artichoke last night and it was a huge hit...he loves that. He just always wants more...more...and more! He is taking a bit more formula we are right around 65ccs...maybe he is part horse? Thank you all for your responses!