Twin Labs Cal-Quick liquid calcium supplement

[rambosmom]

Hi Fellow Sqwrl Lovers - I just received my Cal-Quick today and was just wondering what ratio of supplement to water I should use. My little Kita is about one year old, in good health (blind, though), and definitely not showing any signs of MBD. Because she infrequently has sun exposure, I thought it might be in her best interest to receive a supplement of calcium. I used to use crushed Tums in her water bottle, but it seemed to clog it up sometimes. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how much liquid calcium to add to the water? I don't want to 'overdose' her. Also, has anyone ever had any problems using this product? Thanks for any advice you can give.

[Rhapsody]

Did some one here suggest this product to you for a calcium supplement? --I ask as we all here at TSB generally feed our squirrels HHB squirrels blocks from 7 weeks on and it has all the vitamins and minerals in it along with a daily supply of wild plants, vegetables, fruits and nuts to balance out their diet. Yogurt can always be given to help with low calcium.

HHB Squirrel Blocks:
http://www.henryspets.com/

Balance Squirrel Diet:
http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?t=32218

[xHiCCUPx]

I am NOT an expert, but it is my understanding that you can't "over-dose" on calcium as long as your body can process it. Excess calcium is excreted through urine and will sometimes cause a white substance to form in the corner of the eyes. I'm not positive on how much to give her but if her pee starts to get cloudy then her body is getting more then it can process, just cut the dose down and keep an eye on her. Also, to help make sure she is gettin lots of vitamin D because it will help with processing the calcium.

[rambosmom]

I heard about this product from Karen Clark, owner/founder of Lovely Lita's in Tampa. She didn't specify the amount that she uses. Kita does receive HHBs (picky formula) but only nibbles at them. Actually, her diet seems to be working for her, though. I give her a good variety of veggies and fruits, as well as natural foods (acorns, pine cones, magnolia cones, bark, branches, hibiscus flowers, etc). Because she is an indoor squirrel and I'm aware of MBD, I just felt she should get a supplement. Any suggestions other than Tums? Preferably, a liquid. Thanks.

[CritterMom]

I know that Karen has had a lot of luck using this, but she also does not feed a regular manufactured diet that is vitamin/mineral supplemented like commercial rodent blocks or the HHBs, either. I believe this is an "either/or" thing, because too much calcium can indeed cause problems for them if they cannot excrete all of the excess. You are looking for just enough, not "if a little is good, a lot is better."

I prefer not to put anything but water in their water. I have spoken to many people who use this product and say their squirrels drink their water just fine, but I actually bought some and tasted it and spent the next 5 mintues gagging and sputtering!

I think I would say that if your squirrel is eating HHBs that I would not add any extra supplementation. If you decide not to feed the HHBs and follow the diet Karen has come up with, I would contact her directly - pretty sure she has email on her site - and I am sure she would be happy to help you with the amount. But if you go this route, please make sure that he is drinking enough...

[rambosmom]

Thanks, everyone, for your comments and suggestions. I contacted Karen, via Facebook, and she said she puts 2ccs per 8 ozs of water. She also added that she puts 2ccs of Twin Lab Liquid K Plus into the mixture (provides magnesium and potassium). I've got to admit, I'm not sure what to do now. Since Kita has been doing well, is energetic, healthy, eats a variety of veggies/fruits and 'natural' foods, and nibbles on HHBs here and there, should I maybe just leave well enough alone (?). What do you sqwrl luvers think? :dono