Nuts

[squirrelgurl]

I just got a bag of shelled, raw mixed nuts. It has hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, brazil nuts, and almonds. Is it okay to give these to Cami still in the shell? Or do I need to shell them before letting her have them as a treat?

[island rehabber]

Nuts should be given VERY SPARINGLY to 'captive' squirrels. They will throw their phosphorous/calcium ratios out of whack and the squirrel will develop MBD. How old is your little one? I don't offer any nuts at all until they are about 9 weeks old....then only almonds, 1 or 2 a day. They don't get the real things (hazelnuts, walnuts) until they are almost release age (14-18 wks old.)

[squirrelgurl]

Hi Island Rehabber! Thanks for replying. Cami is about 14 weeks old going by her being 5 wks when her eyes opened. I thought it was okay for her to have nuts:shakehead . I'm glad we haven't given her many! I will just keep them for me to eat. I had made boo balls and put almonds and pecans in there. Is that still okay?

[squirrelgurl]

Oh, and she is still getting her formula (FV) at least twice a day. Depending on her mood anywhere from 12-27 cc's. She's just started in the last week getting a little finicky while eating it :dono