Orphan squirrel- Tips to transition to rodent block

[sarah_ray06]

Hello. My husband rescued a young squirrel(about 6-7 weeks). Right now we are trying to keep him safe and healthy. Currently taking formula from a syringe but not interested in tiny bits of rodent block. Any tips on this would be appreciated. Also, I am currently looking into finding a cage for him....any recommendations? In general, any info is welcomed an appreciated. Thanks

Sarah

[buck308]

I need tips on rodent block as well, my squirrel is about same age 7 weeks..

As for housing, I've been told the best thing is donating an entire bedroom for it. Well i can't do that either lol but the next best option someone gave me is this:

http://m.petsmart.ca/h5/hub?id=small-pet%2Fcages-habitats-hutches%2Fall-living-things-multi-level-small-animal-cage-zid36-21573%2Fcat-36-catid-600011%3Fvar_id%3D36-21573

If anyone has any better options id like to know as well!

[stepnstone]

In the beginning they all just sniff, crumble, and sometimes even pee on their block. Eventually they do begin to eat it. You do want to make sure it is the first solid food they are given and they are eating it well before other solids are introduced.
I don't know what block you are giving but you do want it to be a quality block that holds the nutritional needs for a squirrel. Henry's Healthy block (HHB's) is highly recommended as it is made especially for squirrels. It has all the necessary nutrition a squirrel needs in their daily diet. Once weaned block is the most essential food they should be eating.
HHB's can not be brought in stores, it has to be ordered on line or by phone. 1 bag should last the average squirrel a month when fed 2 per day. HHB's also have to be kept either frozen or refrigerated as they are made fresh with each order and do not contain the preservatives commercial block does.

http://www.henryspets.com/squirrel-diet/

[Mennome]

I too have been a little concerned that my 5 week male wasn't interested in the Henry block. I read where it could take several days....it has been 3 .... he grabs it bites it, but not eating it. It sounds like that is normal schedule. Thanks.

[buck308]

My little tree rat is 8 weeks old, just started eating at them and stashing them by her bed.. but shes still pretty reliant on the powdered esbilac formula. Bit more then a tablespoon every 5-6 hours. She hasnt begun to refuse. How long will it be before i start seeing signs? And when can i expect her to be ready for nuts?

[stepnstone]

My little tree rat is 8 weeks old, just started eating at them and stashing them by her bed.. but shes still pretty reliant on the powdered esbilac formula. Bit more then a tablespoon every 5-6 hours. She hasnt begun to refuse. How long will it be before i start seeing signs? And when can i expect her to be ready for nuts?

Baby squirrels are 10-12 weeks before they leave the nest and momma and start "forging" on their own. Up until that time they are still dependent on momma. The "signs" you'll start seeing is when she prefers eating her block over her formula.
Once she is eating her block well you should start feeding her from the Healthy diet list:

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

Nuts should always be limited and only offered as a treat after they have eaten their healthy foods such as block & veggies.
As already mentioned in this forum one must remember a wild knows what to eat and how to eat to balance their daily nutritional needs, in the wild they eat a variety of things to accomplish this. Captive squirrels have to depend on their caretakers to balance their nutritional requirements. Their lives in captivity actually depend on this..

[Mennome]

Thank you....feeling better about this process....:serene