What to feed squirrels and how often

[shmmore]

I have 3 squirrels around 7-9 weeks old. Two of them have been weaned to 2 feedings per day and eating mostly solids(Cheerios, Rodent Blocks, Pecans) and the other one still gets 3 feedings.

What can I feed them besides just the Cheerios and Rodent Blocks. I don't want them to get bored with their food

Also, when can I wean to 1 feeding a day?

This is my first set of squirrels, I've never done this before.

[farrelli]

You should not wean. They should reduce/stop formula when THEY choose to.

Cheerios and nuts aren't good. Treats at best.

What kind of formula and blocks do you give?

Blocks are introduced at about 8 weeks. They only nibble at first and it can take awhile until they eat them in earnest. Only then do you introduce veggies, then fruit and nuts as treats. Introducing these goodies before they consistently eat their main foods (blocks and veggies) can set up bad eating habits. Here is the guide to an adult diet:

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

[shmmore]

That is what I meant by wean. They stopped wanting it at some feedings so I cut them out and they have been eating solids

[farrelli]

And the answers to my questions?

[Rhapsody]

We encourage formula feeding until 12-14 weeks old if not longer for nutritional reason...... have
you tried placing some good fat vanilla yogurt into their formula to sweeten it up and help entice
them to continue to drink the formula? --it has always worked for my rehab babies.


Squirrels should be eating HHB squirrels (2 blocks per day) then after they are accepting the blocks
well they need a well balance diet of healthy vegetables and wild plants, followed with a few fruits
and nuts. Dont forget to place a glass water bottle in the cage with your squirrels once they start to
eat other food.

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

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


........ best formula to feed is either Esbilac w/ Probiotics or Fox Valley
........ always feed your squirrels at 5-7% of their body weight, every 6 hours

[farrelli]

Also, have you tried a shallow dish? Some tire of the syringe, but still like the formula.

[island rehabber]

I agree with all above: don't wean them. Their bodies tell them when they no longer need formula, and until then you do not want to deprive them of the calcium and other nutrients in it. They will gradually go down to one feeding per day probably at around 12 weeks old.

[shmmore]

You guys aren't understanding they ARE weaning themselves I am asking WHAT to feed them as a main diet other than just the formula.

[Rhapsody]

You guys aren't understanding they ARE weaning themselves I am asking WHAT to feed them as a main diet other than just the formula.

In that case follow the other instructions I gave above for after weaning time.




Squirrels should be eating HHB squirrels (2 blocks per day) then after they are accepting the blocks
well they need a well balance diet of healthy vegetables and wild plants, followed with a few fruits
and nuts. Dont forget to place a glass water bottle in the cage with your squirrels once they start to
eat other food.

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

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