More questions.....

[YamahaGirl]

Ok, baby squirrel is now almost 11 weeks old (guesstimation, had him almost a month now and guessed his age when I got him at 7 weeks).

This past week he has been starting to not show much interest in his formula, he was eating 25cc 3x a day (weight 394.06g). I have been putting the formula in a saucer in his cage the times he will not take it from the syringe. Sometimes he drinks it, sometimes not. Is this something to worry about? I remember last time I went thru rehabbing my 2 did this as well, but they were eating veggies and block MUCH better than this guy is. He is gaining weight daily so far, but since he has cut down on the fomula the weight gain is less.

He seems to be VERY picky. Will not eat the Mazuri rodent block at all, I still keep some fresh in his cage daily though. He IS eating 2 Henrys blocks a day now. I put fresh veggies in there 2-3 times day consisting of: kale, spring mix lettuces, sweet potato, butternut squash, snap peas, broccoli, carrot....

Also, he does not seem to drinking water if at all, I cannot tell good, Im changing the water daily, but is rarely gone. I have a water bottle in there as well as a dish with water in it.

Am I just a over-concerned squirrel momma here lol??

Also, wondering how is anyone weighing squirrels at this age? Mine is VERY squirmy and does NOT like to be weighed, I was giving him a 1/4 of a slice of banana and he would eat it every morning while he was standing in the tray on the scale but now no way, he wont do it, its getting harder and harder to weigh him.

Thanks!

[farrelli]

As long as he's eating a couple HHBs a day, I think there's nothing to worry about in terms of food. I think he'll eat his veggies when he's hungry. Maybe he'll always take some formula, maybe not.

I would keep an eye on the water and his hydration level. I'd regularly do the pinch test and try to monitor his water levels to make sure he's drinking.

[YamahaGirl]

As long as he's eating a couple HHBs a day, I think there's nothing to worry about in terms of food. I think he'll eat his veggies when he's hungry. Maybe he'll always take some formula, maybe not.

I would keep an eye on the water and his hydration level. I'd regularly do the pinch test and try to monitor his water levels to make sure he's drinking.

Ok thank you. do you have any suggestions on how to GET him to drink if he is not?? He wont drink if hes thirsty? he does not use the water bottle at all, if anything he is using the dish, but I cant tell how much, because it does evaporate during the day (its a small dish). When I used a larger saucer or dish, he dipped his nose in too far and would aspirate.

[farrelli]

Some people will flavor it with a little apple juice and then cut it to nothing over time.

Does he know how to use the bottle? Some people have to show them by touching the ball, then their mouth with the water. One squirrel on here requires him mommy to bring the bottle to his lips and squeeze. But he's super spoiled.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Some people will flavor it with a little apple juice and then cut it to nothing over time.

Does he know how to use the bottle? Some people have to show them by touching the ball, then their mouth with the water. One squirrel on here requires him mommy to bring the bottle to his lips and squeeze. But he's super spoiled.

Not mentioning any names! :poke :jump:jump I'm tellin'. :peace

It's normal for them to start weaning themselves from the formula, especially at 11 weeks. You could try mixing some yogurt in the formula to thicken it up when you put it in the bowl. Some like that, others don't.

I would make the water available and I'm sure he will drink when he's thirsty. You could put the water bottle up to his lips so he gets the idea that it has water. They drink such a tiny amount, I doubt you would even notice a drop in the level.

I have never had a squirrel that will eat Mazuri blocks. You are offering a good assortment of veggies. He'll get the idea. You could also offer avocado. Most really like it. I wouldn't be over concerned. This all sounds completely normal.

They are difficult to weigh. Have you tried a plastic bowl? Put the bowl on the scale and 'tare' or zero out the weight of the bowl. Give him a tiny treat in the bowl. Maybe that will help.