Patchy Hair and hair lose

[cf1028]

277445277446Hello Everyone I'm new to the forum. I was hoping someone could give me some advice in regards to Duece's patchy hair. I've had him since he was a newborn and he is about a year old now. It seems that his hair has never really come in complete and now I've noticed some hair lose in patches. I've followed the boards in regards to diet. I feed him arugula topped with a variety of veggies and sometimes vitamin powder from Henry's. Those include avocado, snap peas, radish, apple, blackberry, and sweet potato daily in the Am. Thought out the day I'll give him a meal worm or 2, a hickory nut here and there and just other things he likes to eat. I also give him 1 Henry's block in the evening. I don't think its his diet that is the issue, but I don't know. I'm thinking it may be his squirrel box that I built him back in the beginning and he currently nests in. I really enjoy him and want to do the best I can at raising him, so any help on the issue would be greatly appreciated

[Spanky]

I'm thinking it may be his squirrel box that I built him back in the beginning and he currently nests in. I really enjoy him and want to do the best I can at raising him, so any help on the issue would be greatly appreciated

What materials is the nest box made from (i.e. white pine, treated lumber, cedar???) and what makes you think maybe this is the source of the problem?!?! Can you post a pic of the box?


I also give him 1 Henry's block in the evening. I don't think its his diet that is the issue, but I don't know.

I'd suggest maybe bumping this up to 2 daily and see of anything changes in a few weeks?!?!

[Daisey007]

What is his bedding material?

Just be careful of what you build his house from. I had a cedar box for Chewy and he died of cancer in July, he was only 3 years old. Treated cedar and other lumber has been sited for causing cancer, as has plastic containers.

[cf1028]

The box is made out of 1/2 inch plywood. I was just thinking it was possibly the box, because I'm not really able to remove it adequately for a good general cleaning. I just yesterday ordered him a new critter nation double cage and was thinking of removing the box for good and just letting him nest in some cut up t-shirts in the new cage. This was I can take them out and wash them as needed. I'm also thinking I need to switch his meal plan around and do the squirrel blocks 1st thing in the morning and the salad in the afternoon. I really appreciate all the help...

[Daisey007]

There's a member that goes by the name "Milos Mom" that sews BEAUTIFUL cage accessories for squirrels including an igloo (?) type thing made of fleece that he can nest/sleep in, and you can remove and wash it when needed. You can even have you choice of fabric colors and patterns. If you type in her name you'll see her site. You can really dress up his squirrely condo!!

As for the plywood box... I once thought that it was fine, but the more I read the more I want to avoid treated materials and plastics.

Peace

[Spanky]

I will second the suggestion for the fleece cubby.. you can clean them out and wash them. I only use wood boxes when preparing for release (so when they go to the release cage!). :thumbsup