An adult squirrel intentionally starve themselves?

[Mande1985]

Aquired two 7 month old squirrels. I have no experience but my husband does.

My question is, will an adult squirrel intentionally starve themselves?

One squirrel is acting just Iike our cats did when we moved to a new house. Hiding and sulking in a quiet space. I know these are intelligent creatures so I'm sure when he's hungry he eats and thirsty he drinks.

I've scoured the Internet and found nothing. Now I'm turning here for the answer.

Thanks in advance!

[DarkLies212]

When their environment is changed, some squirrels will react this way. Many hate change. Try offering reassurance and some favorite treats to break her out of the funk.

What are yall feeding them?

[Rocky1]

I'm not an expert on this, but if it were me, I would offer some pure peanut butter*, walnut butter, or almond butter with no salt, no other oils, no sugar on some 1-2 inch pieces of bread. If the squirrel takes to that, try offering regular walnuts or peanuts. And as you are probably already doing, make sure she has a dish of water.

If fear and panic are issues with the squirrel, ensure a dimly lit, warm (not super hot), and quiet environment. If she is in a cage, cover it on all but one side. Providing a pile of fleece, t-shirts, or flannel so they can burrow will help calm the squirrel too.


DO NOT OFFER LOTS OF NUTS OR PEANUT BUTTER/ALMOND BUTTER/WALNUT BUTTER FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME OR METABOLIC BONE DISEASE COULD DEVELOP. This is a test to see if she is capable of eating. If so, on to more nutritious foods, either gradually or immediately. This may be helpful down the line, http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

Given that I am not an expert, others can over-ride this. This idea will not hurt the squirrel, but at worst might or might not encourage picky eating.

[stepnstone]

Aquired two 7 month old squirrels.
Acquired as in??
Had they been kept as pets, taken from wild?
I don't understand why at 7 months they were not released?
Are they healthy and if so do you plan to prepare them for release?

[Mande1985]

They were pets for a woman my mother in law knows. She just didn't have the time or space for them. We have both for them.

He was moving around earlier and drinking water. Once he saw I walked in the room he ran back to his hammock. His personality is starting to come out, just like the previous owner had described him.

The owner feed them fresh fruits and vegetables. Nuts, seeds.

[DarkLies212]

They need rodent block to keep the fatal MBD away. It's a slow and painful disease hats caused by lack of proper nutrients.

Are you looking to release? My RC is empty and in the middle of some woods if you're interested.

[SammysMom]

If you go to henryspets.com you will find squirrel blocks. I would start with the picky blocks as they have more pecans in them so are most likely to be eaten by one who isn't used to healthy foods. I suggest steering away from peanut butter and the like unless you are trying to make a healthy food taste more appealing.
It is quite possible that it would be possible for these guys to be released with some time and patience on your part. Just know that there is a proper way to build to release and don't even consider allowing them outdoors if they are not in a cage.

[Mande1985]

Thank you to everyone who replied. It was very useful information!

We are not looking for release. Please forgive me if I am on the wrong website for that. Again thank you for all the info.

I did want to update on the squirrels. Chico is the squirrel that was in a funk. He is now out of it and acting like his normal self. We have gotten close as I kept being by his side and making sure he was okie. Rico his brother is very out going and had no issues with transitioning. I am so happy to report that all is well!

Again, thank you all so very much!

I hope this thread will help anyone else in need who keeps searching for this subject and cannot find a thing on it. :serene

[PennyCash]

Good to hear that they're both adjusting well :w00t
SammysMom made a great recommendation regarding the block and you can find out tons of information regarding a healthy diet in squirrel nutrition as well as the healthy food chart.
I would also like to recommend starting to look for a competent veterinarian. I think that having one on speed dial is much better than trying to find one when you desperately need one.