I NEED HELP

[Jakebb8100]

hey this may be life threatning and it may not be... i dont know but i really dont want to take any chances. I have a young squirrel that is around medium size to full grown. im worried because lately ive noticed that he has had a little bit of diarrhea. not like straight liquid but it hasn't been the little pellets. it comes out sort of brown and really squishy sometimes in long strands. he is still very active and playful. i feed him squirrel feed with corn, seeds and some peanuts and i also feed him some fruit and vegetables every now and then. can someone tell me if im doing something wrong or if he needs something else. Thanks!!! :dono

[Jackie in Tampa]

Is this a captive Squirrel or a wild?
:Welcome :wave123

[pappy1264]

Did you raise him? that diet is completely wrong. None of that stuff is good for them, there is no source of calcium and tons of phosphorus, which leeches calcium from the bones. You need to get a good rodent block (Mazuri is one you can get in stores). Also, veggies, and greens. You may want to offer a tums to see if he will chew on it, to get some calcium into his body.

I know you meant well, and most think seeds, nuts and corn are 'squirrel food', but it is not a good choice, even for the wilds (some nuts and even some seed, but you have to remember that squirrels in the wild have access to other foods, plus get exposure to sun. Squirrels in our care have to eat what we give them.)

Did you handraise this baby? If so, what did you use for formula?

[astra]

Hi and welcome!:Welcome
I am on my phone right now so can't write a lot (and I am in class ATM, too)
His diet definitely needs a makeover.
Don't worry - you are not unique ;)a lot of ppl just don't know due to a lot of conflicting info put there.
But you have come to the right place.

Check our Nutrition Forum for Healthy diet.

How old is he?
What is his history?
How did he get to you?
What formula was he on?
How long ago did he stop eating formula?

Please answer those quests that will help our experts to help you.

Also do you have pics of him and his poops?
You might not be able to attach them right now since you just joined andmsy not have accesss to all posting options.
But you can use photobucket to post photos or imageshack.
A lot of ppl here use photobucket.

Without pics it is hard to tell what this miht be and often experts can see things in pics.

[astra]

Jackie and pappy beat me to it ;).
Do try to post pics of both his little self and his poop.

[Jakebb8100]

thanks guys for all of the help!!! :D back story on him... he was taken in by my friends step dad who works in the lumber industry. the squirrel was very dillusional from the fall and could barely walk. so my friends step dad gave it to him and he kept him as a pet (for some reason). by that time my best guest is that he just got off of mother's milk once my friend got him and my friend had kept him for maybe a month or two. he lived in sort of a small cage outside and by the time i talked my friend into letting me keep him he was already fully a pet. i wanted to release him but he was not scared of my dogs or cats and everytime a human would get near he would jump on their shoulder. right now he is living in a cage about twice the size (maybe 3x) as his old one. I hope that is enough information to help figure out why he has diarrhea. oh and two more things... is squirrels running up to you and nibbling on your fingers normal? and what sort of treats can i use to help train him to come to me when i whistle for him! again thanks guys!! :jump

[lilidukes]

The best place for you to start here is our nutrition forum. Captive squirrel nutrition is essential to their well being. Things like corn and nuts are a very limited treat not a main staple of their diet. Poor diets kill so many squirrels every year. They develop MBD a bone softening condition from low calcium.

For the diarrhea push fluids, clean and disinfect his cage and all belongings. Look for any stashes of food and remove.

Welcome to TSB:wave123

[Jakebb8100]

ok thanks!!! ill go to the pet store soon and get rodent blocks. but in the mean time are there any common household items that has good calcium i can feed him?