Sammy's diet

[Pennys dad]

Sammy is a 12-14 week old grey that we have been raising since he was 6-7 weeks old. He fell out of his nest and mom couldn't be found. He's been on FV with veggies ( broccoli, califlower, butternut squash, and the wild foods hibiscus, acorns and oak sticks. The last few days he feels like a big boy now and he dosen't want his FV anymore save for a cc or two. My question is he getting enough calcium to avoid MBD since weening himself off FV? or should I supplement his diet.
Thanks Pennys dad

[CritterMom]

No, you need to get him on some rodent block of some kind. The HHBs, Harlan Teklad, Kaytee Forti Diet for rats - one of them.

[astra]

Below are the guidelines for a healthful menu for squirrels.
Rodent block is mandatory. Absolutely.
Besides HHBs (henry's healthy block), people use some other kinds:
harland teklad, mazuri, supreem monkey biscuits, katee forti for rat and mice (blue bag). However, the amount will change depending on the block: HHBs-two per day, other blocks - should be about 80% of their diet.

Please check out Squirrel Nutrition forum for more info.

Healthy Diet for Pet Squirrels and Flyers

Your pet needs a balanced diet containing the right amounts of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. A healthy diet should include the following:

Henry's Healthy Blocks
A variety of healthy vegetables
Wild foods from outside
Limited nuts and treats



Henry's Healthy Blocks
These provide the essential nutrients: protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals.

A diet of nuts, seeds, and veggies alone is deficient in calcium, protein, and other nutrients like B vitamins. This can cause dull or patchy fur and lead to metabolic bone disease (MBD). Pets are much less active than wild animals, so they need a concentrated food like Henry's Healthy Blocks. It's the only way for your pet to get the nutrients he needs to stay healthy.

Healthy Vegetables
These add fiber, fresh vitamin C, and micronutrients. Variety is key! Don't let your pet get hooked on just one veggie.

artichokes
arugula
asparagus
avocado*
Belgian endive
bell peppers
bok choy
broccoli
brussels sprouts

cabbage
carrots**
cauliflower
celery
chayote
cherry tomato
chicory
Chinese cabbage
cilantro, fresh

collard greens
cucumber
dandelion greens
escarole
fennel
green beans
kale
lettuce, all kinds
mushrooms

mustard spinach
okra
parsley, fresh
pumpkin**
purslane
radicchio
radishes
romaine
squash, winter**

squash, yellow**
sugar snap peas
sweet potato**
Swiss chard
watercress
zucchini


Wild Foods
These provide extra nutrients, amusement, exercise, and help keep teeth worn down.

acorns
antlers
bottlebrush flowers
branches*
carnations**
chrysanthemums**

dandelion greens
hibiscus, all parts
lambsquarters
magnolia cones
maple seeds
palm nuts & fronds***

pine cones
purslane
plaintain
roses**
rose hips

Other:

Tree branches, clean rocks, sea shells, and a box of clean dirt provide exercise, trace minerals, and help keep teeth worn down.

Before you feed an unfamiliar wild food, always make sure it's not toxic!

Treats
Treats are fun and can help with bonding, but should always be fed in small amounts.

Fruit:
apple
apricot
banana*
blackberries
blueberries
cantaloupe
cherries, sweet*

cherries, sour
crabapples
cranberries
grapefruit
grapes*
honeydew
kiwi
kumquat

lemon
lime
mango*
nectarine
oranges
papaya
peach
pear

pineapple
pomegranate*
raspberries
strawberries
watermelon

Insects:
Mealworms, moths, grubs

Nuts/Seeds:
acorns
almonds
hazelnuts
pecans
pumpkin seeds
sesame seeds


Also Important for Good Health:

Exercise.Make sure your pet has daily out-of-cage time to run and play; a selection of branches and other things to climb and explore; and at least one active play session per day. This will help keep her healthy and happy.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight. Being overweight causes many health problems and can lead to diabetes, especially in older animals. Healthy weights may vary, but in general, your pet should look sleek and well muscled and not have rolls of fat. If your pet is older, overweight, or less active, avoid foods that are high in sugars, starches, or fat.
__________________

:grouphug