Momma2boo's Boo Ball Recipe

[momma2boo]

ADMINISTRATION: PLEASE MAKE THIS A PERMANENT STICKY. This was a sticky but somehow it lost its "stickiness".

Here is the recipe and instructions for my Boo Balls:

There have been a couple of changes. I used to use Kaytee and HT. I now only use Harlan Teklad. I also alternate the type of nuts I use to keep my squirrels from becoming bored. I use almonds, pecans, or sometimes I mix a bit of waltnuts in with one of the others.

Ingredients:

50 grams rodent block (crushed to a fine powder) I use Harlan Teklad 2018.

50 grams powdered Fox Valley squirrel formula. I use 32/40.

50 grams crushed nuts. I NEVER use peanuts.

3 capsules of Multidolphilus.

20 grams "organic" coconut oil (melted)

1 jar (approximately 100 grams) of Earth's Best Organic baby food fruit (I use apples and plums)

Directions for mixing:

Mix dry ingredients together well (including the multidolphilus powder from inside the capsules).

Mix organic baby food fruit in to your dry ingredients until well blended. It will seem very wet.

Mix coconut oil into the mixture until well blended.

Put in the refrigerator for 5 hours (Overnight is even better). This lets it set up. It softens/moistens the rodent block and dissolves the FV.

Once you are ready to serve it take out about a 1/2 tsp (5 grams) of the mixture and roll is in your hands but not so much that it will melt the coconut oil. Give it to your squirrel.

I feed two of these a day. One in the morning and one in the evening. Between these two feeding I give them their assorted fresh vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, avocado, field greens, red bell pepper, cooked sweet potato, cucumber, zucchini, grape tomatoes, occasionally a piece of a baby carrot ... the list of veggies can go on and on and on.

[Tickle's Mom]

I ran out of Fox Valley :eek: :eek:

What can I use in its place, if anything?????
I know, bad mama I am :shakehead

[momma2boo]

I don't use anything BUT Fox Valley but I guess until it comes in you can use crushed Tums to ensure they get their calcium.

[Tickle's Mom]

:bump :bump :bump

[Tickle's Mom]

Sorry, our posts must have crossed paths:D

TUMS I have :thumbsup

Okay, someone's in the kitchen with TM, someone's in the kitchen I knooooowwwwwww, someone's in the kitchen with TM, gnawing on her little toes!!!!!!! That was me singing - good thing there's NO SOUND to these posts:D

Tickle ran over my feet!!!!!

[momma2boo]

Sorry, our posts must have crossed paths:D

TUMS I have :thumbsup

Okay, someone's in the kitchen with TM, someone's in the kitchen I knooooowwwwwww, someone's in the kitchen with TM, gnawing on her little toes!!!!!!! That was me singing - good thing there's NO SOUND to these posts:D

Tickle ran over my feet!!!!!

No worries ... glad you have tums. Love a squirrel who's loose in the kitchen. Meg used to come into the kitchen and steal tomatoes off the counter.

[BeeFernandez22]

Made the first batch of these yesterday and the babies could not wolf them down fast enough! Whoo!:thumbsup Made them without the nuts and oil though.

[momma2boo]

Made the first batch of these yesterday and the babies could not wolf them down fast enough! Whoo!:thumbsup Made them without the nuts and oil though.

:thumbsup

I deliver a giant bowl of yummies every morning to each pen, since we can't make it home for the lunch time feeding. The bowls include: Endive, dandelion greens, green romaine, tomatoes, zucchini, red pepper, carrotts, sweet potato, gently steamed broccoli and sugar snap peas, a piece of apple (or cantelope or mango or a grape ... or, or, or), mushrooms, avocado, and a Boo Ball. I'll be darned if they don't go for the Boo Ball before the go for anything else. Every once in a while they go after the avocado first but the BB is a close second. :D

[mugzeezma]

:thumbsup

I deliver a giant bowl of yummies every morning to each pen, since we can't make it home for the lunch time feeding. The bowls include: Endive, dandelion greens, green romaine, tomatoes, zucchini, red pepper, carrotts, sweet potato, gently steamed broccoli and sugar snap peas, a piece of apple (or cantelope or mango or a grape ... or, or, or), mushrooms, avocado, and a Boo Ball. I'll be darned if they don't go for the Boo Ball before the go for anything else. Every once in a while they go after the avocado first but the BB is a close second. :D
Julie,
Would you mind if I posted the BooBall variations to this? The BBVI & BBVII?

[momma2boo]

Julie,
Would you mind if I posted the BooBall variations to this? The BBVI & BBVII?

Go for it, Mugz. Knock yourself out, Kiddo. LOL

[SoccarMomSquirrelSaver]

M2b if I feed 2 @ 5 grams each every day how much calcium is each of my squirrels getting daily? And why the Multidolphilus? Will they (BB) upset tummies without?

Thanks

[mugzeezma]

Go for it, Mugz. Knock yourself out, Kiddo. LOL

there isn't a smilie for that :(

[mugzeezma]

This is what I do and have had success with:
A good probiotic like BeneBac (found at petfood stores) or yogurt can be mixed in as well.

It's a variation on Momma2Boos BooBall recipe or BooBall Variations one & two
In honor of Julie who's idea this originally was and her squirrel Boo

This is the mix I give my Squirrels along with plain old unadulterated rat blocks and fresh vegetables and a little fruit (fruit sugars in the recipe)

All of these recipes have the ingredients finely ground and stored dry in the freezer until needed.

~Once you add the WET ingredients store in the refrigerator.
~Let the recipe set for one hour before deciding if more fruit sauce is required....
they are gooey when first blended and need time for the dry ingredients to absorb
~You can either roll the dough all at once into balls to be stored in a container or roll them up as needed out of the bag.

I feed between 5-10 per day depending on the age of the squirrel.


BBVI...Weaning recipe

in a sandwich bag mix ( I use this method because I can blend the ingredients by squishing it with my hands.

1/2 cup finely ground rat block...KayTeeFortiDiet PLUS, Oxbow Regal Rat, Mazuri, SunSeed Critter Cubes
1/2 cup dry formula powder...can be powdered goatsmilk, FoxVally20/50, Esbilac,Goatsmilk Esbilac
1 - 4oz jar applesauce or ALL fruit babyfood such as Gerber organics pears and raspberry
1/8 tsp coconut oil


BBVII...adult recipe

in a sandwich bag mix ( I use this method because I can blend the ingredients by squishing it with my hands.

1/2 cup finely ground rat block...KayTeeFortiDiet PLUS, Oxbow Regal Rat, Mazuri, SunSeed Critter Cubes
2 tsp finely ground nuts...I prefer hazelnuts but pecans and other nuts can be used.
1-2 Tums or any antacid containing elemental calcium...Tums has 320mg
1 - 4oz jar applesauce or ALL fruit babyfood such as Gerber organics pears and raspberry
1/8 tsp coconut oil

You can also get Omega 3-6-9 capsules and and squeeze on in per bag mix.

Another thing people have done is roll these balls in Ca rich Sesame seeds.
there is really no end to the variety here.

M2B you mentioned you mixed them up a different way...I posted for small batch.

[momma2boo]

M2b if I feed 2 @ 5 grams each every day how much calcium is each of my squirrels getting daily? And why the Multidolphilus? Will they (BB) upset tummies without?

Thanks

Working on your calculations. Multidophilus keeps the good gut bacteria where it should be. Good for people, good for squirrels. Instead of giving yogurt since some squirrels have issues with dairy. Keeps their intestinal floura plentiful.

[SoccarMomSquirrelSaver]

Working on your calculations. Multidophilus keeps the good gut bacteria where it should be. Good for people, good for squirrels. Instead of giving yogurt since some squirrels have issues with dairy. Keeps their intestinal floura plentiful.
:thankyou

[BeeFernandez22]

[QUOTE=momma2boo]:thumbsup

I deliver a giant bowl of yummies every morning to each pen, since we can't make it home for the lunch time feeding. The bowls include: Endive, dandelion greens, green romaine, tomatoes, zucchini, red pepper, carrotts, sweet potato, gently steamed broccoli and sugar snap peas, a piece of apple (or cantelope or mango or a grape ... or, or, or), mushrooms, avocado, and a Boo Ball. I'll be darned if they don't go for the Boo Ball before the go for anything else. Every once in a while they go after the avocado first but the BB is a close second. QUOTE]

Oh yes, avocado.. Another favorite with my kids. Tied with blueberries. Then again, there's not too much my little girl doesn't like. Hence her nickname, Ollie-potumus :) And Pistachio is just stingey and wants whatever is in Ollie's mouth. :D

[mugzeezma]

Did this get STUCK yet?

[momma2boo]

Did this get STUCK yet?

Not going to until I have my professional analysis done by the lab. I have a listing of labs. We are ready to send it off. Boo Balls will be analyzed and returned to me for posting. Stay tuned folks.

[Tickle's Mom]

Not going to until I have my professional analysis done by the lab. I have a listing of labs. We are ready to send it off. Boo Balls will be analyzed and returned to me for posting. Stay tuned folks.

:thumbsup :thumbsup

[2ndHandRanchRescue]

I just have to say I just love all this good food for squirrels. Before I met you guys I had boring old rodent block and no-one would eat . It was a battle and I'm sure my squirrels lacked their vitamins. I love HHBs, I like BooBalls, and I like BooBall variation. Squirrels are so fickle with food - its so good to have all this variety (and veggies) I actually got in an arguement with my feed store "expert" she was trying to replace my Mazuri block I ordered with a bag of salted roasted peanuts (30#) and a bag of sunflowerseeds (50#) geeze! TSB has made me a better rehabber. Now if I could just get some of those awesome Costa Rican fruits here........

[momma2boo]

Way to go. I think this is great.:thumbsup I am curious, once you get the numbers from the lab, what are you going to compare them with? Seems like you can't use the "per kg diet" numbers since BBs (like HHBs) are "dosed" rather than fed freely.

I don't understand your terms "dosed" vs. fed freely.

I use the NRLA.

[Busysqrl]

I just have to say I just love all this good food for squirrels. Before I met you guys I had boring old rodent block and no-one would eat . It was a battle and I'm sure my squirrels lacked their vitamins. I love HHBs, I like BooBalls, and I like BooBall variation. Squirrels are so fickle with food - its so good to have all this variety (and veggies) I actually got in an arguement with my feed store "expert" she was trying to replace my Mazuri block I ordered with a bag of salted roasted peanuts (30#) and a bag of sunflowerseeds (50#) geeze! TSB has made me a better rehabber. Now if I could just get some of those awesome Costa Rican fruits here........

Yes it is wonderful to have choices isn't it? I think it's funny how those feed store employees think they are experts at what wildlife should eat :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl

[momma2boo]

I simply mean "feeding a certain number of the balls/blocks per day" vs. "feeding them as 100% of the diet."

If you use the NRLA, those requirements are based on the food being 100% of the diet. In other words, a food that contains the amounts in the NRLA (per kg of diet), must be fed as 100% of the diet to obtain the required nutrient amounts. The NRLA reqs are set up that way because lab rats eat 100% lab blocks (unless it's some kind of special diet study), and the NRLA requirements are meant as guidelines for companies that make lab blocks. If you feed less lab block than 100%, the animal won't get enough nutrition.

Wish I could think of a way to make it clearer... In the "Henry's Healthy Blocks Open Discussion Thread," the first post has some graphics to illustrate the concept. Maybe that would help. :tilt

I understand now.

Boo Balls are their staple and I add veggies to their diet for variety. I will calculate what percentage the veggies make up of their daily intake and adjust if necessary.

Let's get the analysis done and posted before we jump to the next what if, ok?

One step at a time.

[momma2boo]

Sure.

It helps if you remember that the "per kg diet" calculation flows from the daily requirement (RDA) or daily value (DV), because the basic biological reality is that it takes X amount of each nutrient per day to maintain the body.

Anyhow, hope I didn't offend. Guess I miss the days when we all used to work together on this kind of project.

Not offended, Leigh. I don't want to get overwhelmed right out of the gate. I have much on my plate right now ... it's graduation time again and we have two giant ceremonies on Monday. I am already overwhelmed from the stress related with that, we are looking for a place to move since our lease is up at he end of the this month and the landlord decided he wanted one of his employees to move in so we have a little over 2 weeks to find a new place to move to, pack up this house, and move into another. Oh yeah ... we haven't found one yet. :sanp3

I would love nothing more than to have input from all of TSB but not right now. OK?

I guess I should've explained sooner.

Julie

[Tickle's Mom]

:thumbsup :grouphug :thumbsup :grouphug :thumbsup

[Busysqrl]

MommaBoo2 - just wanted to say THANK YOU for this recipe. My little 12 week old paralyzed girl who was losing weight loves these things. At least so far! It is SO nice to have options. Many thanks again :jump :grouphug

[momma2boo]

MommaBoo2 - just wanted to say THANK YOU for this recipe. My little 12 week old paralyzed girl who was losing weight loves these things. At least so far! It is SO nice to have options. Many thanks again :jump :grouphug

I heard she turned her nose up at it. :thinking Odd squirrel you got there, but happy to hear she ate an HHB. :thumbsup

[momma2boo]

:bump

I am bumping this recipe just in case anyone wants to use it and cannot find it. Since it is not a sticky it got buried under many new posts.

Unfortunately we don't come from money and are unable to afford to have a nutrition analysis done ... we can either care for the critters or pay for an analysis. You guess which one we chose. I just don't feel as though it is necessary to do an analysis on a recipe that has ingredients that have already been analysed just for the few who question it. Anyone who wants to pay to have it analysed is more than welcome to spend their money to do so.

I will simply continue to bump the recipe from time to time to keep it easily available for anyone interested in using it.

[Pierre]

Thanks so much! My released squirrel Grayson :Love_Icon will still nibble on them when I leave him food outside. He loves them and ate them every morning while inside with me.

At 12 months he still looks wonderful [11 months inside with me]. He always looked healthy with a soft think shiny coat and was very athletic and energetic. I made my Boo Balls with Harlan Teklads. Because of this, he will also still eat the HT blocks straight.

Thanks for developing and sharing Boo's recipe! :grouphug
If anyone hasn't tried them, do. Most every squirrel loves them. :Love_Icon

:thankyou

[pappy1264]

I have a question, I made them and my guys wouldn't eat them....but I think because it is like more of a cookie dough kind of thing, they didn't like the stickiness. Even rolling in sesame seeds did not help. Could one cook them, say on 200-250 to make more of a cookie kind of thing (even rolling them in sesame before doing so) so maybe they would be more enticed to eat them?

[UDoWhat]

:bump

I am bumping this recipe just in case anyone wants to use it and cannot find it. Since it is not a sticky it got buried under many new posts.

Unfortunately we don't come from money and are unable to afford to have a nutrition analysis done ... we can either care for the critters or pay for an analysis. You guess which one we chose. I just don't feel as though it is necessary to do an analysis on a recipe that has ingredients that have already been analysed just for the few who question it. Anyone who wants to pay to have it analysed is more than welcome to spend their money to do so.

I will simply continue to bump the recipe from time to time to keep it easily available for anyone interested in using it.

:thankyou M2B, I believe we do need a soft food choice for our sq. kids. This is a great choice. I have used it often with other choices too. It is wonderful. :thankyou :thankyou :thankyou

Marty

[Ronda]

I agree about the analysis stuff.... good ingredients=good food! And since the bulk of these are Fox Valley and rodent blocks...it seems a no-brainer to me. Princess Scrat loves these... I switch up the blocks I use in it, and the baby food ( but pear baby food is her fav). I still feed HHB's too, and she also eats Muzuri Blocks - but I love having a little variety.

I first came to TSB just as you lost Boo... so I never really knew him...but this is a great legacy. Here's to happy healthy squirrels!!!:squirrel1

[Scooterzmom]

I have a question, I made them and my guys wouldn't eat them....but I think because it is like more of a cookie dough kind of thing, they didn't like the stickiness. Even rolling in sesame seeds did not help. Could one cook them, say on 200-250 to make more of a cookie kind of thing (even rolling them in sesame before doing so) so maybe they would be more enticed to eat them?

I always freeze mine and my guys love them fresh out of the freezer. I love how easy the recipe is to put together and how one can add some veggies (like kale or broccoli to it). My guys would prostitute themselves for kale boo-balls and they just love broccoli ones too. I couldn't get them to eat kale or broccoli at all and that is the only way I found to make them eat those greens. Now I don't have to worry so much about them getting their natural-based calcium and vitamins :D

So, all in all, my guys get 2 boo-balls a day, veggie ones or regular ones, and then 2 blocks - either Henry's blocks or Teklad - although they tend to stash the Teklad rather than eat them... so when I see they didn't take them, then at night as a midnite snack I give them another boo-ball or HHB.

My only concern might be the sugar contents... my guys are all purty plump and it makes me wonder... does the coconut oil contain much sugar? Or... does anyone have suggestions?

[Pierre]

I have a question, I made them and my guys wouldn't eat them....but I think because it is like more of a cookie dough kind of thing, they didn't like the stickiness. Even rolling in sesame seeds did not help. Could one cook them, say on 200-250 to make more of a cookie kind of thing (even rolling them in sesame before doing so) so maybe they would be more enticed to eat them?

I am a little bad as I do not measure exactly. :hidechair I'm not worried about that though because they are made of blocks and FV primarily [~67%- 75%], with the last 25% - 30% being a mix of some combo of: no-sugar apple sauce, almond butter, and some crushed nuts.

Because of the above, once in awhile mine were a little "stickie" at first too. Usually over night in the fridge removed this, or I'd add a little more crushed block. :D

[momma2boo]

My guys would prostitute themselves for kale boo-balls and they just love broccoli ones too. :rotfl :rotfl I laughed out loud ... actually snorted just a little. <snort>




My only concern might be the sugar contents... my guys are all purty plump and it makes me wonder... does the coconut oil contain much sugar? Or... does anyone have suggestions?

Good news ... no sugar in the coconut oil.

I reduce the coconut oil in the warmer months and increase it in the colder ones. Right now I am only adding 10 grams of the coconut oil.

[momma2boo]

Because of the above, once in awhile mine were a little "stickie" at first too. Usually over night in the fridge removed this, or I'd add a little more crushed block. :D


:goodpost
You're right, overnight generally takes care of the stickiness but if it doesn't, adding a bit more crushed block will take care of that. :thumbsup

[momma2boo]

I have a question, I made them and my guys wouldn't eat them....but I think because it is like more of a cookie dough kind of thing, they didn't like the stickiness. Even rolling in sesame seeds did not help. Could one cook them, say on 200-250 to make more of a cookie kind of thing (even rolling them in sesame before doing so) so maybe they would be more enticed to eat them?

What kind of block are you using? Could it be the block they don't like?

I don't think there would be any reason you couldn't use a food dehydrator to make them more like a crunchy cookie. Low temps will not alter the vitamins like high temps do. Play with it ... find what works for you and your fuzz-butts and go with that.

I always pay attention to what my fuzzers are telling me.

[momma2boo]

I always freeze mine and my guys love them fresh out of the freezer.


Hmmmm .... this sound like a great summer treat. Frozen Boo Balls! I think I will freeze mine. You can also do this in small batches so that you don't have to continuously make them. Make a large batch and divide it up in freezer bags and freeze. Take a bag out and place in the refrigerator as needed. Great idea, Scooterzmom! :thankyou

[Pierre]

I always freeze mine and my guys love them fresh out of the freezer. I love how easy the recipe is to put together and how one can add some veggies (like kale or broccoli to it). My guys would prostitute themselves for kale boo-balls and they just love broccoli ones too. I couldn't get them to eat kale or broccoli at all and that is the only way I found to make them eat those greens. Now I don't have to worry so much about them getting their natural-based calcium and vitamins :D

My only concern might be the sugar contents... my guys are all purty plump and it makes me wonder... does the coconut oil contain much sugar? Or... does anyone have suggestions?

Great idea about adding kale and broccoli! Never tried that... I wish I had! :thumbsup I'll try it with his outside bunch. :thankyou


Regarding coconut oil, it actually has a great following for health benefits. I have not read up on it but others here have. Coconut oil supposedly raises metabolic rate some allowing the body to burn up more calories and it supposed to help stabilize blood glucose levels [there shouldn't be those carb-related spikes--it's therefore useful for diabetics].

Coconut meat has sugar but not the 100% oil.

[Ronda]

Hmmmm .... this sound like a great summer treat. Frozen Boo Balls! I think I will freeze mine. You can also do this in small batches so that you don't have to continuously make them. Make a large batch and divide it up in freezer bags and freeze. Take a bag out and place in the refrigerator as needed. Great idea, Scooterzmom! :thankyou
Princess Scrat likes hers frozen too

[Pierre]

[Bumping for Lolie]

:bump

[Lolie]

Whats Multidolphilus?

[momma2boo]

Whats Multidolphilus?

It's the good stuff found in yogurt ... if you buy it in the cold section it will be live cultures. That is what I prefer. You might know it better by the name acidophilus (good gut bacteria) ... think of the yogurt Activia. It is the same stuff that is in there.

[momma2boo]

:bump

In case anyone is looking for the recipe. Because it is not a sticky it tends to get pushed further and further down the list until it is impossible to find.

BTW: In the summer months I decrease the coconut oil to 10 grams. Also, a member contacted me about baking them to make them crunchy since her squirrel didn't like the soft batch Boo Balls ... I told her to roll them out and cut them like cookies and bake them on low heat (200-250) until baked enough to remove moisture. I also said a food dehydrater should work too. I don't know how long she baked them for (I've never done it before but I am going to bake Boo Ball Autumn Cookies soon) but she said her squirrel loved them. Yay! I'm all about whatever works for the squirrels.

[jo_schmoe]

So many of us use this!!! Why is this not a sticky??

[momma2boo]

So many of us use this!!! Why is this not a sticky??

Because it has not been analysed. According to IR, TSB can't just allow anything to become as sticky without it being analysed since if they do then they would have to allow all kinds of stuff ... good or bad. Harlan Teklad has analysed their rodent block, Fox Valley has analysed their formula, Earth's Best organic baby foods has been analysed, Pecan's (for human consumption) have been analysed, and so has organic coconut oil but apparently when they are combined a new analysis must be run before it can become a sticky. I refuse to spend money, I could use in feeding and caring for the squirrels, to run an analysis.

I wonder who did the analysis on the Goat's milk replacement? :thinking

[jo_schmoe]

Great idea about adding kale and broccoli! Never tried that... I wish I had! :thumbsup I'll try it with his outside bunch. :thankyou


Regarding coconut oil, it actually has a great following for health benefits. I have not read up on it but others here have. Coconut oil supposedly raises metabolic rate some allowing the body to burn up more calories and it supposed to help stabilize blood glucose levels [there shouldn't be those carb-related spikes--it's therefore useful for diabetics].

Coconut meat has sugar but not the 100% oil.
Im one of those people who is a big coconut oil fan! In addition to all that was said....its the only oil that is not stored in the body. It goes directly to the liver and is turned into energy rather than stored into fat. GREAT stuff!!
I'd also like to add that we now use it in our cooking. Since I made the switch I have lost 13 pounds and have more energy after eating!

[momma2boo]

Im one of those people who is a big coconut oil fan! In addition to all that was said....its the only oil that is not stored in the body. It goes directly to the liver and is turned into energy rather than stored into fat. GREAT stuff!!
I'd also like to add that we now use it in our cooking. Since I made the switch I have lost 13 pounds and have more energy after eating!

That's IT .... I am going to start eating the stuff by the spoonful! :osnap :rotfl

[jo_schmoe]

Has anything really ever been tested for squirrels?? Any of it?? Really?? Its my understanding that it all has been tested or based on lab rats....and I don't know about anyone else...but I see some HUGE differences in a rat and a squirrel. Rats live on the ground...squirrels do not. That makes a huge difference as far as diet and nutritional needs. Just sayin.

[momma2boo]

Has anything really ever been tested for squirrels?? Any of it?? Really?? Its my understanding that it all has been tested or based on lab rats....and I don't know about anyone else...but I see some HUGE differences in a rat and a squirrel. Rats live on the ground...squirrels do not. That makes a huge difference as far as diet and nutritional needs. Just sayin.

Not that I am aware of. I believe squirrel nutrition has all been based on the daily requirements of rats. :dono

[mpetys]

Im one of those people who is a big coconut oil fan! In addition to all that was said....its the only oil that is not stored in the body. It goes directly to the liver and is turned into energy rather than stored into fat. GREAT stuff!!
I'd also like to add that we now use it in our cooking. Since I made the switch I have lost 13 pounds and have more energy after eating!

That is interesting about it not being stored in the body. Makes sense that it would be a better oil to cook with. How does it cook? That is, is there any differences we should know about? Can it take the same temps at other oils?

[Milo's Mom]

That is interesting about it not being stored in the body. Makes sense that it would be a better oil to cook with. How does it cook? That is, is there any differences we should know about? Can it take the same temps at other oils?

And, does it give a hint of coconut flavor to anything that you use it for in cooking/baking?

[jo_schmoe]

It has a very low melting point. So dont turn the heat on much when you do cook with it. It tastes like it smells...roasted coconut. It does give a hint of coconut taste to what you cook in it....but shrimp has never tasted better!!!

[momma2boo]

It has a very low melting point. So dont turn the heat on much when you do cook with it. It tastes like it smells...roasted coconut. It does give a hint of coconut taste to what you cook in it....but shrimp has never tasted better!!!

Where is the salivating smiley? LOL

[mpetys]

It has a very low melting point. So dont turn the heat on much when you do cook with it. It tastes like it smells...roasted coconut. It does give a hint of coconut taste to what you cook in it....but shrimp has never tasted better!!!


Grocery list - shrimp and coconut oil - check. That sounds so good I just might cook tonight!

[Pierre]

Has anything really ever been tested for squirrels?? Any of it?? Really?? Its my understanding that it all has been tested or based on lab rats....and I don't know about anyone else...but I see some HUGE differences in a rat and a squirrel. Rats live on the ground...squirrels do not. That makes a huge difference as far as diet and nutritional needs. Just sayin.

Eggz-actly. Saying that Boo Balls might not be good for the squirrels is so strange.

We all applaud them eating rat blocks. They're the only thing we feed that actually has clinical [including longevity] data in rats.

Fox Valley. Say no more. Many suggest even giving it to adults sqs if they'll still take it.

Apples. No problem. Almonds. One of the better nuts.

It's just a plate of rat blocks, apples, fox valley, couple of almonds, etc. and then add various greens and wild foods. :thumbsup

Most wildlife centers make something like this---adding formula to some kind of block or biscuit. Wouldn't do it if it killed sqs.

Boo Balls are a great food option. :thumbsup

[hammyhobby]

I finally made my first batch tonight! They are sitting in the fridge and hopefully Sandy will enjoy one in the morning! I had to go to two different stores to track down the coconut oil. Publix was out! But little Sandy is worth it! :D

[Milo's Mom]

When I make Boo Balls for my gang, sometimes I use the baby food, but most times I use my homemade applesauce, which contains nothing but smashed up apples from the tree in the back yard. This year has been the worst year for my tree...well not the tree, more so for me...all of the squirrels ate all of the apples...I had an entire tree full of apples and now, there might be 10 apples on it.
Apples do have sugar naturally, but if the wilds are eating that many of them (last year I made 62 quarts of apple sauce from that tree alone) I feel pretty safe using my "pure" apple sauce for Boo Balls.

I had to get apples from my Mom's trees to make apple sauce this year.:thinking :shakehead :tilt

[astra]

would like to add something about fructose.
Fructose is just the natural sugar that is found in fruit. As such and unless one has blood sugar problems (or diabetes, and similar problems), it is not only not harmful, but also needed, in moderation, of course (even cabbage in excess can do some harm).

However, the fructose, listed as an ingredient in cereals etc, that is extracted or processed fructose and that's bad, including high fructose corn syrup and stuff like that. This is the stuff that can lead to diabetes, liver problems and so on.

some baby food variety doesn't contain the added fructose, only what naturally occurs in fruit, and hence is similar to a slice of apple or banana. except it's not a whole slice, but all mashed to a baby food texture.
Unsweetened applesauce is from the same category and should be just fine, too.

There are many other things in fruit (e.g., fibre, enzymes, elements etc etc) that work with fructose and all together synergistically so that no one thing (e.g., fructose) starts overpowering, sort of "dominating" everything and everyone causing some harm. That's why it is always suggested to grab a piece of fruit instead of juice (although, juices have some benefits, too and should be fine for healthy ppl as long as there are no added sugars (and processed fructose is an added sugar)

[jo_schmoe]

would like to add something about fructose.
Fructose is just the natural sugar that is found in fruit. As such and unless one has blood sugar problems (or diabetes, and similar problems), it is not only not harmful, but also needed, in moderation, of course (even cabbage in excess can do some harm).

However, the fructose, listed as an ingredient in cereals etc, that is extracted or processed fructose and that's bad, including high fructose corn syrup and stuff like that. This is the stuff that can lead to diabetes, liver problems and so on.

some baby food variety doesn't contain the added fructose, only what naturally occurs in fruit, and hence is similar to a slice of apple or banana. except it's not a whole slice, but all mashed to a baby food texture.
Unsweetened applesauce is from the same category and should be just fine, too.

There are many other things in fruit (e.g., fibre, enzymes, elements etc etc) that work with fructose and all together synergistically so that no one thing (e.g., fructose) starts overpowering, sort of "dominating" everything and everyone causing some harm. That's why it is always suggested to grab a piece of fruit instead of juice (although, juices have some benefits, too and should be fine for healthy ppl as long as there are no added sugars (and processed fructose is an added sugar)
:goodpost :goodpost :goodpost

[jo_schmoe]

When I make Boo Balls for my gang, sometimes I use the baby food, but most times I use my homemade applesauce, which contains nothing but smashed up apples from the tree in the back yard. This year has been the worst year for my tree...well not the tree, more so for me...all of the squirrels ate all of the apples...I had an entire tree full of apples and now, there might be 10 apples on it.
Apples do have sugar naturally, but if the wilds are eating that many of them (last year I made 62 quarts of apple sauce from that tree alone) I feel pretty safe using my "pure" apple sauce for Boo Balls.

I had to get apples from my Mom's trees to make apple sauce this year.:thinking :shakehead :tilt
I was thinking the same thing....I was reading this while watching 3 very large fox squirrels out the window...fighting over the apples on my neighbors tree.
I too use organic unsweetened apple sauce....and sometimes I substitute the apples for something else....and sometimes I use 1/2 fruit...1/2 veggie ( pureed broccoli works great). Depends on whats laying about. Thats what I like about them is I can adjust them....to different seasons ( food sources) and also for different species and ages.

[Syntdea]

Isn't it recommended to feed a little bit of fruit?

In Island Rehabber's Sticky it says to feed 2 slices a day. Would not the amount in the boo balls that you give be less than that (M2B said she gives 2 a day)? http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9715

Okay I need to do some math to visualize this, so please bear with me.
50+50+50+20+100=270grams this is the total weight of the mixture.
Two 5 gram balls a day, so a total of 10 grams. Therefore, there is enough mixture for 27 days.

Amount of fruit is 100grams. 100/27= 3.703703, so lets say 4.
So, my understanding is that the squirrel (if given 2 balls) would get 4 grams of fruit a day.

According to http://www.fowlerfarms.com/apple_a_day.htm the average weight of an apple is 150 grams. I generally cut my apples into 12 pieces. So, 150/12=12.5grams, so two slices would be 25grams. That would mean that the two boo balls would have (4/25*100=16) 16% of the 'fruit' of 2 slices of apples, or about 1/6 of the amount of 'fruit' (I know 'fruit' isn't the right word, I guess weight of fruit would be better).

So, if you were worried about the amount of fruit in the balls you could just give less whole fruit a day. Or as some people do, use some pureed veggies instead of fruit.

I included my math this way someone can check it to make sure I didn't make a mistake.

[lila01]

Thanks again for helping me out with these! Lila is obsessed with them! How long does that mixture stay good in the fridge? Thanks again!!

[Pierre]

Thanks again for helping me out with these! Lila is obsessed with them! How long does that mixture stay good in the fridge? Thanks again!!


My Grayson loved them too!! He always was [still is] very healthy, athletic, and with a wonderful coat. I overwintered him last year and these were his primary food, then I added other healthy foods during the day. :tilt

I have seven babies now that are eating / nibbling on harlan teklads right now [tho still nursing]. They're getting ready for their coming Boo Balls!!

Yum. :Love_Icon

[lila01]

Thanks again for helping me out with these! Lila is obsessed with them! How long does that mixture stay good in the fridge? Thanks again!!:)

[island rehabber]

Actually I wrote that sticky.:) I created the Healthy Diet with input from members here a number of years ago.

True -- she did! Not sure how it got posted under my name, but probably because we cut & pasted it a lot, or moved it, and that made it show up as "my" post. I'll go in there and credit you, 4Skwerlz :bowdown:thumbsup

[momma2boo]

Thanks again for helping me out with these! Lila is obsessed with them! How long does that mixture stay good in the fridge? Thanks again!!

That recipe with the posted amounts lasts my squirrels (3 full gown NRs and a Southern Flying squirrel) about a week ... give or take depending on if they want more than two in any given day. Sometimes one will want another one. I guess they are like people ... somedays we're just more hungry than others. If you only have one squirrel I would divide the mixed boo ball up into separate zip lock freezer bags and freeze them. Then as you need a new batch take one out ahead of time and place in the refrigerator to thaw.

The other option is to divide the recipe amounts so you're only making enought to last about a week.

[lila01]

That recipe with the posted amounts lasts my squirrels (3 full gown NRs and a Southern Flying squirrel) about a week ... give or take depending on if they want more than two in any given day. Sometimes one will want another one. I guess they are like people ... somedays we're just more hungry than others. If you only have one squirrel I would divide the mixed boo ball up into separate zip lock freezer bags and freeze them. Then as you need a new batch take one out ahead of time and place in the refrigerator to thaw.

The other option is to divide the recipe amounts so you're only making enought to last about a week.

Thank you! Yeah it's alot and there is no way Lila will eat all that in a week! Lol I'll do the freezing thing and that should last her a little while! Thanks again for all your help!

[Sidewinder]

Can grapeseed oil be used instead of coconut oil?

[jo_schmoe]

Here is some info I found on grapeseed oil. Im a big fan of it...but like 4skwerls said it has not been studied on rodents. I use it topically occasionally for one of my squirrels with skin issues. He licks some of it off....and doesn't seem to have any issues from digesting it.
http://www.homeremediesweb.com/grape-seed-oil-health-benefits.php

[pappy1264]

Ok, I have made these several times, each time adding more block in hopes of making it 'dryer' because the texture it what seems to put my guys off from eating them. Would making them into cookies (ie, cooking in the oven) be ok? I do feed HHB's, but I also give Mazuri as well and like the idea of being able to change things up a bit so they do not get bored with things, but still be a healthy choice, if that makes sense. So, anyone know?

[Anne]

Mary,
Momma2boo and I baked a batch of Boo Balls when she was here last time :D . The squirrels all loved them just as they did the regular ones. Just cook them low and slow. M2B and I used my leaf and acorn cutters to shape into cookie shapes, but rolling them flat and cutting into squares should be fine.

[momma2boo]

Mary,
Momma2boo and I baked a batch of Boo Balls when she was here last time :D . The squirrels all loved them just as they did the regular ones. Just cook them low and slow. M2B and I used my leaf and acorn cutters to shape into cookie shapes, but rolling them flat and cutting into squares should be fine.

:goodpost
And your house will smell amazing! <a little birdie told me that Anne nibbled one of the cookies ... and liked it :D :poke >

[pappy1264]

Awesome, so bake on say 250? I will be sprinkling sesame seeds and ground pecans on the outside, too! (Might even do some with a tiny bit of shredded coconut.)

[2ndHandRanchRescue]

I know these have saved me oodles. I use the brands I use - (Don't want to debate here) but my skeleton of a toothless squirrel Bear (who've I've had for 3 years since he was hit by a car) finally has something he can eat and thrive on!!! (he is normal weight finally) Then I got him 2 rat friends - well they LOVE the boo balls - they don't stash but devour! So morning is a salad of veggies only - mid day a Boo-ball and then in the evening another. Love them. I usually freeze but today I'm trying baking. Thanks.

[Pierre]

My rats love them too!! LOVE them.

I started all my new babies on harlan teklads at about 6 weeks. Just left them in the cage. They crumbled them a lot and then started eating them. Now they eat both blocks and Boo Balls, with Fov Valley milk shakes!! Yum. :thumbsup

Oh...... and I've tasted them too. :jump They're good! And my dog loves to lick the bowl. :rotfl

[Anne]

:
a little birdie told me that Anne nibbled one of the cookies ... and liked it :D :poke >

Tweet, tweet, chirp :jump

[Milo's Mom]

I taste EVERYTHING (except for meds) that I feed my squirrels. Blocks, FV, EVERYTHING.

[Tickle's Mom]

About every six weeks, the merits of Boo Balls makes its way to the board. It's like clockwork.

If you don't like them, don't make them.

[Milo's Mom]

If you don't like them, don't make them.

:thankyou :thumbsup :goodpost

[mpetys]

I taste EVERYTHING (except for meds) that I feed my squirrels. Blocks, FV, EVERYTHING.

The other day I was dicing food for Tina (she has no front teeth) and as I was dicing her acorn squash, I decided to trying a few. Wow were they tasty! I love cooked acorn squash but it was delicious raw. It had a nutty flavor to it. I could see dicing up a bowl for a healthy snack while watching TV.

[momma2boo]

It was mentioned to me last night that the Boo Ball recipe thread was not able to be found.

It was buried so ... I am :bump -ing it back up. Recipe is on page 1.

[UDoWhat]

It was mentioned to me last night that the Boo Ball recipe thread was not able to be found.

It was buried so ... I am :bump -ing it back up. Recipe is on page 1.
Thank you!!!!!!! :thumbsup

[Pierre]

My babies LOVE them. They eat some for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Along with a new wild food every day or so. OK, well, the avocado isn't a wild food around here, but I want to fatten them up a bit before release!! :D

I love that I can give them as many as they like since they are food [not a vitamin or supplement] made with great ingredients -- Harlan Teklads and Fox Valley. Makes it easy that they love eating them too. I don't have to wonder if they got their nutrition that day.

The babies look awesome. Soft thick coats, bright eyes, and really bushy tails! :Love_Icon

[momma2boo]

:bump

What's a squirrel's favorite food to eat on Halloween?
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
BOOOOO Balls
:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl

[jo_schmoe]

About every six weeks, the merits of Boo Balls makes its way to the board. It's like clockwork.

If you don't like them, don't make them.
:goodpost

[Pierre]

:bump

What's a squirrel's favorite food to eat on Halloween?
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
BOOOOO Balls
:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl

:jump

:bowdown

[Tickle's Mom]

:bump

What's a squirrel's favorite food to eat on Halloween?
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
BOOOOO Balls
:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl


:jump :jump :jump

:wahoo :wahoo :wahoo

[2ndHandRanchRescue]

BOOOO BALLS :jump

[Milo's Mom]

:jump :jump :jump

[Destiny'smom]

Where do you find the Multidolphilus???? I think I'm going to make Ethan some Boo Balls.

[Tickle's Mom]

Where do you find the Multidolphilus???? I think I'm going to make Ethan some Boo Balls.

Any health food store int he "cold food" section. I buy it at Whole Foods.

[pappy1264]

Hey, what is Multidolphilus added for? I know what acidopholus is, (used to aid in digestion, I believe). Are they the same thing?

[momma2boo]

Hey, what is Multidolphilus added for? I know what acidopholus is, (used to aid in digestion, I believe). Are they the same thing?

Same as the acidioholus ... just more strains of the good bacteria.

[pappy1264]

Ah....gotcha! See, learn something new every day!

[Mavrycs Mommy]

i would just like to say :thankyou for boo balls! i actually use the bbv that mugzeezma posted BUT its the only way Mavryc gets his formula now :dono hes completely turned his nose up to the stuff but he LOVES his boo balls with a pasion :D and as long as he has them i feel confident that hes getting all that he needs (well that plus his block and veggies of course)

[momma2boo]

Time for a :bump

[Tickle's Mom]

Boo Balls now have the seal of approval from MOM :sanp3 :D

When mom is over for dinner, or football etc., she always rummages the fridge and especially the crisper drawers, which is where I keep all of the squirrel food. Hubby KNOWS those drawers are off-limits, but mom, well.......not so much.:shakehead

I asked her to set the table for me last night as she was, well, getting in my way and asking a zillion questions.

Imagine my surprise as we sat down to dinner and alongside the Fire/Ice pickles, there, in a bowl, complete with mini-tongs were BOO BALLS. :tilt

Four were missing. :rotfl :rotfl

[Pierre]

I have 5 young fall babies I'm still feeding [of course] and also my beloved Grayson, who is outside, released. The other day I had a plate of food for the babies and Grayson came bounding up. I held the plate for him, which contained many things including cracked hickory nuts [his favorite!].

Well, he ate half a hickory nut and then ate two Boo Balls over more hickory nuts!! Wild for months and he still loves them!

[jo_schmoe]

Boo Balls now have the seal of approval from MOM :sanp3 :D

When mom is over for dinner, or football etc., she always rummages the fridge and especially the crisper drawers, which is where I keep all of the squirrel food. Hubby KNOWS those drawers are off-limits, but mom, well.......not so much.:shakehead

I asked her to set the table for me last night as she was, well, getting in my way and asking a zillion questions.

Imagine my surprise as we sat down to dinner and alongside the Fire/Ice pickles, there, in a bowl, complete with mini-tongs were BOO BALLS. :tilt

Four were missing. :rotfl :rotfl
BAAAHHAAHHAA!!!! :jump

[momma2boo]

Almost peed a little in my pants when TM told me.
Mom tested ... squirrel approved. (think Jiff)

[lamb57]

I just want to say :thankyou also for this recipe. I, like several others have mentioned, use a variation. I right now have 9 sqs I am overwintering and this has been such a help as they all love it! I add a good quality yogurt and have started spreading the mixture in a pan & baking at 225 degrees, then cutting into squares. My 2 non-release and the crazy 9 ALL LOVE IT! They eat their regular blocks and veggies too of course. They all say :thankyou :jump

:D :D

Kathy

[astra]

Boo Balls now have the seal of approval from MOM :sanp3 :D

When mom is over for dinner, or football etc., she always rummages the fridge and especially the crisper drawers, which is where I keep all of the squirrel food. Hubby KNOWS those drawers are off-limits, but mom, well.......not so much.:shakehead

I asked her to set the table for me last night as she was, well, getting in my way and asking a zillion questions.

Imagine my surprise as we sat down to dinner and alongside the Fire/Ice pickles, there, in a bowl, complete with mini-tongs were BOO BALLS. :tilt

Four were missing. :rotfl :rotfl:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl

[stepnstone]

Boo Balls now have the seal of approval from MOM :sanp3 :D

When mom is over for dinner, or football etc., she always rummages the fridge and especially the crisper drawers, which is where I keep all of the squirrel food. Hubby KNOWS those drawers are off-limits, but mom, well.......not so much.:shakehead

I asked her to set the table for me last night as she was, well, getting in my way and asking a zillion questions.

Imagine my surprise as we sat down to dinner and alongside the Fire/Ice pickles, there, in a bowl, complete with mini-tongs were BOO BALLS. :tilt

Four were missing. :rotfl :rotfl

~ Priceless!! ~:jump

[mpetys]

Boo Balls now have the seal of approval from MOM :sanp3 :D

When mom is over for dinner, or football etc., she always rummages the fridge and especially the crisper drawers, which is where I keep all of the squirrel food. Hubby KNOWS those drawers are off-limits, but mom, well.......not so much.:shakehead

I asked her to set the table for me last night as she was, well, getting in my way and asking a zillion questions.

Imagine my surprise as we sat down to dinner and alongside the Fire/Ice pickles, there, in a bowl, complete with mini-tongs were BOO BALLS. :tilt

Four were missing. :rotfl :rotfl

:D

[Milo's Mom]

Boo Balls now have the seal of approval from MOM :sanp3 :D

When mom is over for dinner, or football etc., she always rummages the fridge and especially the crisper drawers, which is where I keep all of the squirrel food. Hubby KNOWS those drawers are off-limits, but mom, well.......not so much.:shakehead

I asked her to set the table for me last night as she was, well, getting in my way and asking a zillion questions.

Imagine my surprise as we sat down to dinner and alongside the Fire/Ice pickles, there, in a bowl, complete with mini-tongs were BOO BALLS. :tilt

Four were missing. :rotfl :rotfl


Well, I guess if she ate four of them, she liked them. Did she say anything about eating them? Did you tell her after dinner that they were for the squirrels?:rotfl :rotfl

[Tickle's Mom]

Well, I guess if she ate four of them, she liked them. Did she say anything about eating them? Did you tell her after dinner that they were for the squirrels?:rotfl :rotfl


She said they needed just a little more sour cream :thinking and then they will be perfect "booze balls" :eek: :drunk :thumbsup5

And no, I didn't have the heart to tell her "BOOZE BALLS with sour cream" are for squirrels only.:rotfl :rotfl

[momma2boo]

She said they needed just a little more sour cream :thinking and then they will be perfect "booze balls" :eek: :drunk :thumbsup5

And no, I didn't have the heart to tell her "BOOZE BALLS with sour cream" are for squirrels only.:rotfl :rotfl


Bah hahahahahahaha

Booze Balls ... would that be like Rum Balls? Have I told you recently that I LOVE your mom? :thumbsup

[Tickle's Mom]

Bah hahahahahahaha

Booze Balls ... would that be like Rum Balls? Have I told you recently that I LOVE your mom? :thumbsup

:Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon :Love_Icon Me too.
Wanna share her? I can interpret! :poke :poke

Sour cream??????:thinking

[momma2boo]

Sour cream??????:thinking

that's what happens to the FV when you add the "booze"

[Pierre]

that's what happens to the FV when you add the "booze"

:jump

[momma2boo]

I have received many emails requesting the Boo Ball recipe broken down into understandable measurements for those who do not use a gram scale so here it is ... as promised.

Here is the recipe and instructions for my Boo Balls:

Ingredients:

50 grams (rounded 1/4 Cup) rodent block (crushed to a fine powder) I use Harlan Teklad 2018.

50 grams (1/2 Cup) powdered Fox Valley squirrel formula. I use 32/40.

50 grams (1/3 Cup) crushed pecans. You can substitute any nut you prefer, however I NEVER use peanuts.

3 capsules of Multidolphilus

10 grams (approx. 3/4 tsp) "organic" coconut oil (melted) (I reduced the coconut oil over the summer)

1 jar (119 grams) of Earth's Best Organic baby food fruit (I use apples and plums)

*You may decrease the nut amount over time. Eventually your squirrel will eat plain Harlan Teklad with no problem. I still offer the Boo Ball but it's nice to know I can throw in a handful of HTs and they will munch on them throughout the day.

Directions for mixing:

Mix dry ingredients together well (including the multidolphilus powder from inside the capsules).

Mix organic baby food fruit in to your dry ingredients until well blended. It will seem very wet.

Mix coconut oil into the mixture until well blended.

Put in the refrigerator for a few hours. This lets it set up. It softens/moistens the rodent block and dissolves the FV.

Once you are ready to serve it take out about a 1/2 -1 tsp of the mixture and roll is in your hands but. Give it to your squirrel. Give them as many as they want. This food is fed freely.

You may bake this recipe if your squirrel prefer crunchy to soft or if you want to offer them both. Mine prefer it soft but it's nice to offer a change from time to time.

You can roll the Boo Ball and then use the bottom of a glass greased with coconut oil to flatten into a cookie or you can roll the entire batch into a tube and then cut or you can roll out the dough and use a cookie cutter ... the possibilities are endless.

Place the cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet and place in a preheated oven (225 - 250). Bake approximately 15 - 20 minutes then flip them and put them back in for an additional 15 - 20 minutes. Because of the different thicknesses and shapes of the possibilities of cookies the baking time will very a bit. Please judge for yourselves when they seem to be dried. You're not cooking them ... you're dehydrating them.

[sdreamcatcher]

I have received many emails requesting the Boo Ball recipe broken down into understandable measurements for those who do not use a gram scale so here it is ... as promised.

Here is the recipe and instructions for my Boo Balls:

Ingredients:

50 grams (rounded 1/4 Cup) rodent block (crushed to a fine powder) I use Harlan Teklad 2018.

50 grams (1/2 Cup) powdered Fox Valley squirrel formula. I use 32/40.

50 grams (1/3 Cup) crushed pecans. You can substitute any nut you prefer, however I NEVER use peanuts.

3 capsules of Multidolphilus

10 grams (approx. 3/4 tsp) "organic" coconut oil (melted) (I reduced the coconut oil over the summer)

1 jar (119 grams) of Earth's Best Organic baby food fruit (I use apples and plums)

*You may decrease the nut amount over time. Eventually your squirrel will eat plain Harlan Teklad with no problem. I still offer the Boo Ball but it's nice to know I can throw in a handful of HTs and they will munch on them throughout the day.

Directions for mixing:

Mix dry ingredients together well (including the multidolphilus powder from inside the capsules).

Mix organic baby food fruit in to your dry ingredients until well blended. It will seem very wet.

Mix coconut oil into the mixture until well blended.

Put in the refrigerator for a few hours. This lets it set up. It softens/moistens the rodent block and dissolves the FV.

Once you are ready to serve it take out about a 1/2 -1 tsp of the mixture and roll is in your hands but. Give it to your squirrel. Give them as many as they want. This food is fed freely.

You may bake this recipe if your squirrel prefer crunchy to soft or if you want to offer them both. Mine prefer it soft but it's nice to offer a change from time to time.

You can roll the Boo Ball and then use the bottom of a glass greased with coconut oil to flatten into a cookie or you can roll the entire batch into a tube and then cut or you can roll out the dough and use a cookie cutter ... the possibilities are endless.

Place the cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet and place in a preheated oven (225 - 250). Bake approximately 15 - 20 minutes then flip them and put them back in for an additional 15 - 20 minutes. Because of the different thicknesses and shapes of the possibilities of cookies the baking time will very a bit. Please judge for yourselves when they seem to be dried. You're not cooking them ... you're dehydrating them.


NOW I see this! Do you know how CAREFULLY I measured out 50 grams of each then 20grams of the coconut oil; taring the weight of the measuring cup and adding blocks and nuts one at a time????????? Till the scale said 50 too, mind you; no 49, not 51.....

:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl

Ahhh well. I didnt have the multidolphilus powder and saw yogurt could be used, but didn't add that either. Sitting in the fridge maybe 20 minutes from the magical 5 hour mark sos I can try them on the boys, who are almost asleep. Well Joey is I think. Butchie is having a bit of a tantrum ;).

[momma2boo]

NOW I see this! Do you know how CAREFULLY I measured out 50 grams of each then 20grams of the coconut oil; taring the weight of the measuring cup and adding blocks and nuts one at a time????????? Till the scale said 50 too, mind you; no 49, not 51.....

:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl

Ahhh well. I didnt have the multidolphilus powder and saw yogurt could be used, but didn't add that either. Sitting in the fridge maybe 20 minutes from the magical 5 hour mark sos I can try them on the boys, who are almost asleep. Well Joey is I think. Butchie is having a bit of a tantrum ;).


:osnap You're quite the funny one! :rotfl :rotfl Well, good job just the same ... you are one committed squirrel parent! :thumbsup

[sdreamcatcher]

:osnap You're quite the funny one! :rotfl :rotfl Well, good job just the same ... you are one committed squirrel parent! :thumbsup


Visions of a sick Butchie danced in my head; I wanted to get everything exact to help him get and STAY healthy, Joey too. Though they didn't want them, brats, lol. Maybe in the morning; they did just eat and it is their bedtime :). I was excited to have all the ingredients to make these though :D (thank you, Marty!!).

[momma2boo]

Visions of a sick Butchie danced in my head; I wanted to get everything exact to help him get and STAY healthy, Joey too. Though they didn't want them, brats, lol. Maybe in the morning; they did just eat and it is their bedtime :). I was excited to have all the ingredients to make these though :D (thank you, Marty!!).

Yeah, if I try to feed mine after they have gone to bed they turn their cute little noses up at them too.

Keep in mind, although not many turn their noses up some do. You can try to roll them in sesame seeds or bake them on low until dried out/crispy.

I have one NR that prefers them baked, 4 that prefer them soft (1 is a flyer). Then I have one who although likes them soft, if I roll them in sesame seeds she picks them off and tosses them all over. She acts like she is peeling the boo ball. :nono

[sdreamcatcher]

Yeah, if I try to feed mine after they have gone to bed they turn their cute little noses up at them too.

Keep in mind, although not many turn their noses up some do. You can try to roll them in sesame seeds or bake them on low until dried out/crispy.

I have one NR that prefers them baked, 4 that prefer them soft (1 is a flyer). Then I have one who although likes them soft, if I roll them in sesame seeds she picks them off and tosses them all over. She acts like she is peeling the boo ball. :nono


EXACTLY what Joey did!! Turned up his cute little nose, lol. Butchie is still having a tantrum; mean mommy won't let him sleep in the cold window, and he is protesting his cage. Sigh......

[patjones]

I just made some up we will see if the Princess Pixie likes them after a while she just ate so she is napping. They are cute when they nap

[momma2boo]

I just made some up we will see if the Princess Pixie likes them after a while she just ate so she is napping. They are cute when they nap

They are cute when they nap ... little angels!

[Klass]

I've been looking for this for quite awhile.

Thank you! :tilt

[faith3655]

Since this has formula in it does it replace syringe feeding in older babies?

[Fireweed]

No, they don't replace anything. They are only to be fed as treats. Formula should be given as is to babies until they wean themselves...and still try to give it to them even then! :grin2 Rodent blocks (like HHBs, Harlan Teklad, Kaytee-Forti, Oxbow Rat) should be given once they are old enough to be eating solids. Feed formula and rodent blocks until they are eating their blocks like good kids> Then start adding in veggies to the menu.

Booballs can be given as occasional treats well after they are eating their blocks and their veggies daily... :thumbsup

Have you seen the healthy diet pyramid? Here's the link:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?39275-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels-(Revised-2-13)

[faith3655]

Fireweed I have looked at the pyramid. Alvin isn't much of a fan of formula anymore. But he does love the blocks. I'm not really sure if he is old enough to be completely weaned from formula yet so I want to make sure he gets everything he needs still.

[Fireweed]

He's a cutie! Have you tried giving him formula in a shallow dish? Sometimes they will drink it better than from a syringe when they get to be all, "Ma-a! I not a baby no mo!"

How old is he? What kind of blocks are you giving him and how many a day AND are you positive he is eating them and not stashing them?

[faith3655]

He's a cutie! Have you tried giving him formula in a shallow dish? Sometimes they will drink it better than from a syringe when they get to be all, "Ma-a! I not a baby no mo!"

How old is he? What kind of blocks are you giving him and how many a day AND are you positive he is eating them and not stashing them?

I'm not exactly sure how old he is. When I found him I had him for about a week and a half before he started sitting up and his tail curled. I started him on a bag of rat blocks from petco but Friday I'm going to order some from Henry's. I've seen him pick them up and eat them when I first put them in the cage but as the day goes on I've seen him dig through his bedding to find some he has stashed. lol. I've dabbled with some of the veggies but haven't given him a full dish of them yet.

[Fireweed]

I'm not exactly sure how old he is. When I found him I had him for about a week and a half before he started sitting up and his tail curled. I started him on a bag of rat blocks from petco but Friday I'm going to order some from Henry's. I've seen him pick them up and eat them when I first put them in the cage but as the day goes on I've seen him dig through his bedding to find some he has stashed. lol. I've dabbled with some of the veggies but haven't given him a full dish of them yet.
Faith, would you start a thread for your little guy? That way we can talk more about him and his diet etc. in his very own thread. You could maybe start one in non-emergency help needed (for now) and we can get some better ideas about how old he is etc. Post more pics of him in your new thread!
Title it something like "looking for advice" or whatever... :dono and let us know exactly what the 'rat blocks' are called.

[farrelli]

A thread already exists:

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?43289-What-is-he-doing

[hladyv]

I purchased some of the calcium powder from henrys pets to dust over their veggies. Would this be a suitable replacement for the fox Valley in these Boo Balls? I can order some if not. My babies are 1 year olds.

Thank you in advance!

[California Squirrel Lover]

:bump

[rocky63]

I purchased some of the calcium powder from henrys pets to dust over their veggies. Would this be a suitable replacement for the fox Valley in these Boo Balls? I can order some if not. My babies are 1 year olds.

Thank you in advance!

I think you could but why? I make Boo balls all the time for mine and think the fox valley is an important part of the recipe. The fox valley has calcium in it plus so much more.

[hladyv]

I think you could but why? I make Boo balls all the time for mine and think the fox valley is an important part of the recipe. The fox valley has calcium in it plus so much more.

Thank you!

I was only asking so that I can make some as soon as possible with the calcium powder I already have on hand until I'm able to purchase some fox valley for them. I definitely want to make it with the FV, I just don't have any on hand at the moment!

[Busysqrl]

I know this is an older thread, but I would not make this recipe with calcium powder. Fox Valley contains a lot more than just calcium. This recipe with Fox Valley is fairly well balanced. I would think the calcium powder would be TOO much calcium and YES there is such a thing as too much calcium. Just as bad as not enough!

I have a squirrel who is in some discomfort right now and will NOT eat his squirrel blocks nor his regular veggies, just will NOT. So I mixed up a batch of Boo Balls and guess what, he scarfed them down. I'm grateful to have this option. Hopefully after his surgery we can go back to his normal diet. But in the meantime, at least I don't have to worry about him developing MBD for the month before his surgery.

This is a wonderful option and can be fed in place of rodent blocks or HHB (in my opinion). It was not originally designed as a treat, but the mainstay of a diet. It has never been analyzed but as so many have pointed out, the ingredients are good and while it may not be a perfect balance, it is certainly good enough. At least for me and my squirrel.

Thank you Momma2Boo!