Chip & Dale aren't eating

[leenidia]

Hello TSB Rehabbers!

Not sure what to do about my babies, Chipella & Dale aren't eating their formula and don't know what to do. They are eating less only 3.5 cc's each. That isn't good, I did however put a henry block for them to nibble and they love that. Is that enough for them? They aren't supposed to ween now are they? Should I put the formula in a water bottle for them? or just in a dish? I don:thinking 't know what to do and getting a bit nervous..

[CritterMom]

I'm sorry - so many babies to keep track of...

What age are they now?
How many hours between feedings?
Are you feeding Fox Valley?
Do you have a means to weigh them and to track their weight?

[leenidia]

They are 7.5 weeks now, they were eating every 4 hours about 12 cc's each just 2 days ago and they are were feeding on the remainder of the Esbilac now on Fox Valley. They are chunky and don't appear to be underweight..
I'm sorry - so many babies to keep track of...

What age are they now?
How many hours between feedings?
Are you feeding Fox Valley?
Do you have a means to weigh them and to track their weight?

[CritterMom]

I think you need to spread the feedings out a bit - try every 5 hours or so. I think that they may just be full, especially since they are nibbling on solids. Also, heat the formula a little warmer.

If you can get a gram scale - like a little postal scale, you can weigh them daily and immediately spot trends - up or down.

[leenidia]

tried that, and they still arent eating. should I just put them back on Esbilac? thats what they drank when their eyes were closed.. I just recently introduced FV and they don’t like it, they jump away from the syringe when they sniff it. I just don’t know what else to do..maybe they will eat later, we shall see. . i”ll keep you posted, thanks:tilt
I think you need to spread the feedings out a bit - try every 5 hours or so. I think that they may just be full, especially since they are nibbling on solids. Also, heat the formula a little warmer.

If you can get a gram scale - like a little postal scale, you can weigh them daily and immediately spot trends - up or down.

[CritterMom]

Try mixing it half FV and half esbilac so they have the taste of the esbilac, and if they eat it, start to very gradually use less and less esbilac until they get used to the new stuff.

[island rehabber]

Even every 5 hrs may be too often at their age. Mine are eating every 6 hrs at that age -- 3x day, sometimes only two.
Some babies will try to wean at 7.5 - 8 weeks. try not to let them, because I find that the ones who do never grow nice fluffy tails or achieve the size that their formula-slurping cagemates do. (My Gracie has a scrawny tail because she gave up formula too early. :shakehead)

[mugzeezma]

Even every 5 hrs may be too often at their age. Mine are eating every 6 hrs at that age -- 3x day, sometimes only two.
Some babies will try to wean at 7.5 - 8 weeks. try not to let them, because I find that the ones who do never grow nice fluffy tails or achieve the size that their formula-slurping cagemates do. (My Gracie has a scrawny tail because she gave up formula too early. :shakehead)

Do they grow better ears too? :D
We need some ears here...

You can also pour formula over soaked rat block like squishy cereal in a bowl

[andrialilmama]

Try mixing it half FV and half esbilac so they have the taste of the esbilac, and if they eat it, start to very gradually use less and less esbilac until they get used to the new stuff.



:goodpost I have to agree. It is better to start off with a mixture anyway so their tummys can get used to the change.:thumbsup

[gs1]

:grouphug

[leenidia]

I decided to purchase more Esbilac, they are eating the that mixed with the FV, heavy cream and yogurt. They ate so fast they went nuts. I feel so bad fo:crazy r trying to switch their food on them.. well, I will do it gradually. Thanks for your help!
:goodpost I have to agree. It is better to start off with a mixture anyway so their tummys can get used to the change.:thumbsup

[SquirrelsinSingapore]

Are they old enough to try booballs?
Let them have something they haven't
After some time they'll either want that or stick with old diet..:rotfl