Boo_balls

[Wonkawillie]

Just thought I would post this.
I just got home from work and made some Boo-Balls. Always looking for something nutritional for the kids to eat, and to give them a variety.
They went CRAZY for them!!!!! What a great way to get this good food into them. They both ate at least one rat block sized ball.
I know that the ingrediants that are in here are all great foods for squirrels, and they LOVE them!!!! I will of course continue to offer variety until they get released, but this is one more great way to get some good food into them!
Thank You for such a great idea.

[mugzeezma]

It's M2Bs brainchild...
I love that you can mix any type of block with or without formula
I call it a BooBall variation or BBV

they are inexpensive and all the ingredients are off the shelf.

I am weaning babies with them to blocks or at least to a variant with just block and applesauce (or babyfood)

you can put a sniff of nuts in to entice them...you can add TUMS for more Ca to offset the Phos in the nuts...I also add an Omega3-6-9 capsule to about 2-3 cups of powdered mix

[2ndHandRanchRescue]

I love Boo balls and all the variations. I could never get my squirrels to eat mazuri blocks, but if I am ever so sneaky and make boo balls they eat like they were a nut. I don't feed nuts, just veggies, 1 grape, and BooBalls (and an occasional HHB - some of my guys love them too) fussy critters. But the BooBalls I am convinced saved FeeBee, Bear and my NRs. In fact - Katie likes them too much and steals the ones Bear hides!

[Pierre]

Yep. My guy loved them when weaning and still loves them as his staple food.
Boo Balls are made from Fox Valley squirrel formula [maybe the best out there] and the most researched rodent block ever studied [if you use Harlan Taklads]. Those two ingredients are the key ingredients. The nuts, almond butter, baby food, etc. are to help hold them together and make them more tasty.

They are a great way to get high quality food and nutrients in our squirrels. They love them.

Here's the recipe [copied from Momma2Boo, who created and shared this recipe]:


"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) (The jar is more like 110 or so grams. I use the whole thing.)

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. I've been adding less with the warmer weather. I add the full amount in the winter.

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."
__________________

[Anne]

I found that my raccoon Bandi loves them- plan to use another ingredient than HT (though she stole the ones for the squirrels to begin with), Bandi is crazy for pecans just like my squirrels.:jump Going to see if I can get her some Oxbow to use instead of the blocks.
Is this beginning to sound like that SNL skit about the Swettyballs or is it just me?

[mugzeezma]

Is this beginning to sound like that SNL skit about the Swettyballs or is it just me?

Oooh I missed that one! should we step over to the adult for that?:D

[momma2boo]

I found that my raccoon Bandi loves them- plan to use another ingredient than HT (though she stole the ones for the squirrels to begin with), Bandi is crazy for pecans just like my squirrels.:jump Going to see if I can get her some Oxbow to use instead of the blocks.
Is this beginning to sound like that SNL skit about the Swettyballs or is it just me?

Pete Schwettyballs ... some are mis-shapened. :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl
That has got to be one of the funniest skits SNL has ever done.

And for those feeling left out .... here you go:
http://youtu.be/yVChao15oDw

[mugzeezma]

Pete Schwettyballs ... some are mis-shapened. :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl
That has got to be one of the funniest skits SNL has ever done.

And for those feeling left out .... here you go:
http://youtu.be/yVChao15oDw

I remember this one now...a classic!!!

Even my 15y/o old was laughing
''THAT is SO WRONG!!!"

[Busysqrl]

I remember this one now...a classic!!!

Even my 15y/o old was laughing
''THAT is SO WRONG!!!"


OMGOSH!!!! We have that one on DVD on the best of Alec Baldwin! We totally laugh our A#$ off EVERY time we watch that one!! :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl

[Tickle's Mom]

:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl

Sooooo, that was your inspiration for "Boo Balls"?:poke :poke

[momma2boo]

:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl

Sooooo, that was your inspiration for "Boo Balls"?:poke :poke

Ha ... Ha .... Ha! :thumbsup

[mugzeezma]

Ha ... Ha .... Ha! :thumbsup
They were called Boo Nummy Nutballs and I got sick of typing that so I shortened it...Julie said ...Ummm, that sounds like my baby's package! :D
oooops

[Milo's Mom]

They were called Boo Nummy Nutballs and I got sick of typing that so I shortened it...Julie said ...Ummm, that sounds like my baby's package! :D
oooops

So is that REALLY how BooBalls got their name or are you messing around again Mugzi?

[mugzeezma]

So is that REALLY how BooBalls got their name or are you messing around again Mugzi?

That's exactly how it happened, I kid you not ....this time :D

[Tickle's Mom]

Boo SWETTY Nummy Nutballs - that was the original name I'm sure:poke

[Milo's Mom]

That's exactly how it happened, I kid you not ....this time :D

Yeah right. I never know when to believe you or not...Metamucil & celery...

[momma2boo]

LOL ....

This time folks it is all truth. The original name was Boo's Nummy Nutballs but someone (ahem ... Mugz) decided that was too much to type and decided Boo Balls was far more her speed. <not much of a typist>

I did in fact think that sounded like my boy's package but I was out voted! LOL

So, here's to Boo ... and his balls. :rotfl

[mugzeezma]

Yeah right. I never know when to believe you or not...Metamucil & celery...

HEY! ...IT COULD HAPPEN!!!!:D

[mugzeezma]

So, here's to Boo ... and his balls. :rotfl

They're so NUMMY!!!!

[Anne]

See, I told you the Boo Balls are wonderful! The best part is you can have a sag of Boo Balls ready anytime of the year. There is no need to wait for the Christmas or any holiday or special squirrel season. You can measure and roll the balls any time. Wonderful thing is that the sizes and actual roundness of shape is completely up to you and how you want them. Ovals are also good, they really don't have to be just round. I roll the ones here in sesame seeds or chopped nuts just to have a variety on hand. I find that the balls are quickly snatched up when just rolled also, no need to let them set up over night to firm up. Just grab a handful and pass them out any time, they are always welcome. It is great too that the flavor of the balls can quickly and easily be changed with just additions of different fruits and nuts. I did a rather large batch today in no time. I try to have balls available here almost all the time.

[island rehabber]

Like I've said before (AS I've said before? :D)...those of you who can shake, bake, mix, fix, slice and dice are blessed with the option of making your own Henry's Healthy Blocks, or making your own Boo Balls.

[Pierre]

LOL ....

So, here's to Boo ... and his balls. :rotfl

Hurray for Boo's Balls!! :rotfl

Grayson has loved them from day one. My ratties love them too and they're very easy to add medicine to for a tasty necessary treat!

I mix up the dry ingredients and just keep them in a baggie. Really easy to add some almond butter and fruit anytime you need. There are very few ingredients to gather.

Sometimes when I have a new, not too set up, batch, I make a small amount a little extra runny with formula and warm it slightly in the microwave and serve it in a little bowl with sesame seeds on top. Grayson goes crazy for this warm breakfast! Like warm oatmeal. :D

HT lab blocks and Fox Valley-- good stuff. :thankyou Boo. For your balls.

[mugzeezma]

Like I've said before (AS I've said before? :D)...those of you who can shake, bake, mix, fix, slice and dice are blessed with the option of making your own Henry's Healthy Blocks, or making your own Boo Balls.


LOL
To each their own !:)
I never met a recipe I didn't tamper with...and this is the easiest, really,
and mine eat it which to me, is the biggest battle.

Your system works for you then that's what you do.
I grind up the block in a food processor in big batches and freeze it so I can mix a cup o this and a cup o that.

This is nothing compared to what I do when formulating glazes or clay bodies for pottery NOTHING! Measurements have to be exact and in the .001 tolerance range...empirical formulations that need to be adhered to.

[island rehabber]

Exact measurements give me hives......(scratches...) ...
There's a beauty in having options in life! :thumbsup :peace

[mugzeezma]

I try to have balls available here almost all the time.

CUZ THAT'S THE KINDA GIRL YOU ARE!!!
Ms Schweddy!

rolling balls is not my fave ~;/

I was wondering if anyone has tried using an extruder.
I did and and the results were poor.

I'm wondering if that Playdough FunFactory clay tool would work
I have tools for real clay but they are contaminated with harmful oxides etc.

[Pierre]

CUZ THAT'S THE KINDA GIRL YOU ARE!!!
Ms Schweddy!

rolling balls is not my fave ~;/

I was wondering if anyone has tried using an extruder.
I did and and the results were poor.

I'm wondering if that Playdough FunFactory clay tool would work
I have tools for real clay but they are contaminated with harmful oxides etc.

You're so silly. Just roll out a big tube of them and slice them and then quarter them, or something similar to size. Easy breezy.

My measurements are never exact. :D They are made of rat blocks and FV and I stay heavy on these. Rat blocks and FV are staple and complete foods. I don't have to worry about how many I feed. The other ingredients I vary slightly if/as necessary. Because of boo balls, Grayson will also eat plain HTs.

:thumbsup

[mugzeezma]

You're so silly. Just roll out a big tube of them and slice them and then quarter them, or something similar to size. Easy breezy.

My measurements are never exact. :D They are made of rat blocks and FV and I stay heavy on these. Rat blocks and FV are staple and complete foods. I don't have to worry about how many I feed. The other ingredients I vary slightly if/as necessary. Because of boo balls, Grayson will also eat plain HTs.

:thumbsup



Works in theory but the tube cracks...:tilt

I just had a very interesting (maybe just to me)

Have you seen those edible logs at the pet store?
if someone wanted to be super creative they could build an edible BooBall shack ...
What Ach E double hockey sticks is in my COFFEEE!:tilt

[CritterMom]

I had a squirrely guest recently and her mama makes them in a small 9x9 cake pan like browniwes and instead of incorporating the nuts in the recipe, they are sprinkled on top like streusel. What is fed looks sort of like little squares of coffee cake!

[Pierre]

I had a squirrely guest recently and her mama makes them in a small 9x9 cake pan like browniwes and instead of incorporating the nuts in the recipe, they are sprinkled on top like streusel. What is fed looks sort of like little squares of coffee cake!

Perfect idea! Cut a slice of Boo Ball Danish for breakfast!! :D

[mugzeezma]

Perfect idea! Cut a slice of Boo Ball Danish for breakfast!! :D
That's a GREAT idea...until one of my teenagers tries to eat it heheheheh:D

[Pierre]

That's a GREAT idea...until one of my teenagers tries to eat it heheheheh:D

I've eaten them, won't hurt! :rotfl

[mugzeezma]

I've eaten them, won't hurt! :rotfl


It's the scathing commentary that I SO look forward to!

the kind only an eye rolling teenager can give..

[momma2boo]

Wasn't it Liz Harrel's husband who picked up one of the boo balls and popped it in his mouth. Said they were a little bland. Bawhahahaha :rotfl
It didn't kill him but he had the urge to climb trees after that. LOL

[mugzeezma]

Wasn't it Liz Harrel's husband who picked up one of the boo balls and popped it in his mouth. Said they were a little bland. Bawhahahaha :rotfl
It didn't kill him but he had the urge to climb trees after that. LOL

I think he ate a BUNCH of them!

NUMMY!!!!

She should have had him dip them in a nice glass of FV!

oh someone please STOP me!

[Anne]

oh someone please STOP me!I prayed for that last night-it didn't happen. To have teenagers again (snide giggling and snorting)! My son, Chas' twins are teenagers. Teenagers always split in opposite poles with their activities, the twins are boy and girl, Mom and stepfather both work. They are great kids and are no worry about getting into any type of trouble. Both straight A students.:D :thumbsup Making Boo Balls again today, can't keep my normal double batch any time at all.

[mugzeezma]

[SIZE="1"]Making Boo Balls again today, can't keep my normal double batch any time at all.

I have a litter of weaners (?) I am trying to get onto blocks...that will make it easier when they do eat straight block...they are so wild!
Releasing will be a snap....may lose a finger or 2 in the process...

[Pierre]

It didn't kill him but he had the urge to climb trees after that. LOL


:jump

[Twi_prime]

I found that my raccoon Bandi loves them- plan to use another ingredient than HT (though she stole the ones for the squirrels to begin with), Bandi is crazy for pecans just like my squirrels.:jump Going to see if I can get her some Oxbow to use instead of the blocks.
Is this beginning to sound like that SNL skit about the Swettyballs or is it just me?


LOL!!! We love that skit. :D

[Marci]

I finally got the time (because I did not go to my beach house for the holiday) and made Boo Balls for the first time. Let's see if it passes the picky Buddy eater test since the home made HHB did not cut it. At least I have lots of greys and wild chippies outside that will eat it if Buddy does not like it.

Marci

[Tickle's Mom]

I finally got the time (because I did not go to my beach house for the holiday) and made Boo Balls for the first time. Let's see if it passes the picky Buddy eater test since the home made HHB did not cut it. At least I have lots of greys and wild chippies outside that will eat it if Buddy does not like it.

Marci

I love that fact that you have the flexibility to change up the organic baby food used in making BooBalls. :thumbsup And mine are Boo Squares :D

Why didn't you go to the beach house???:poke

[momma2boo]

Oh, I just sat and re-read through this thread. :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl
I think I will keep this where I can find it easily for those not so funny, way too serious kind of days.

Thanks to all who contributed. :thankyou That was great.