Another poop question..

[amandaleet1972]

So.. babies have doubled in size, eating like crazy.. Let them out (well watched), and they were scampering all over. I have only seen one or two poops since I got them Tuesday night. They looked good though. I was thinking maybe since they had no nutrition till I got them that alot of the formula is being absorbed, but they should still be pooping.. They ARE peeing, looking great, coats look great, no distress.... So, juice may be in order? How much, and can I mix it in with the formula? I see apple is recommended.. Do I need to go to a natural food store, b/c most juices are really a grape juice concentrate...

Thanks All!

[island rehabber]

hi amandaleet. Which formula are you using, and how are you diluting it? You may need to slightly dilute for a day or so in order to get those systems moving again.

[amandaleet1972]

The correct Esbilac-- turns out I had it.. I think for sure they are older than assumed. I think the malnutrion and fleas kept them small.. They are on their feet and scampering.. I offered a dish of water and they both lapped it up, no problem.. I guess I can offer the formula that way then now too? I was beginning to increase the formula- I started out with it quite dilute but they needed to gain, which they have.. Was happy to see them both consume so much water on their own.. maybe that will get the poops going?

[amandaleet1972]

Oh.. and they seem to be searching for solids.. While on the floor must have been a tiny speck of an old Henry's- well I KNOW it was. I took it away from him, but what about something until blocks come? how do we feel about baby food? Last time I gave Dewey a bit of sweet potato.. or yogurt? No, they aren't really solids...
So, I am going to offer the formula from a dish now, unless you tell me otherwise.. should I let them have as much as they want at this point? they are very hardy in just two days time, but still a bit thin...

Thanks!

[farrelli]

I'd try formula in the dish, but still measure it so that you know how much they're eating. Also, just do a trial run to see if they eat it or bathe in it.

No baby food. The rule here is that they should take formula for as long as they want but at about 6-8 weeks throw in rodent blocks form them to teethe on. Only once their are eating blocks consistently are they to be introduced to veggies, then to fruit and nut treats. If you don;t make sure they are eating blocks consistently before introducing other foods, you'll have a hard time getting them to eat their blocks. Until your Henry's arrive, go to the pet store and get a bag of Kaytee Forti-Diet for rats and mice (blue bag). It's very common. They're a lesser quality block, but they can chew on them and get used to blocks.

You have seen the adult healthy diet thread, right?

http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

[amandaleet1972]

Okay.. Thanks. Yes, blocks as usual.. they are on the way. Just thought some variety, but ok to no on the baby food :)

And, yup, I look at the diet thread often, and obey it, lol.