feeding amounts and frequencies question

[Bthewolf]

Hello all! My 3 babies are approximately 6 weeks old and I have some questions regarding feeding amounts and frequency. Up until now I have been feeding 5% of their body weight every 4 hours, including nighttime feeds. I've been searching more information on what solids to offer and when and many sites I've found have conflicting information. One said that they should be getting 12-14ml a feed 4 times a day, which is 2 less feeds than what I have been doing and almost twice what they have been eating. Should I reduce feeds to only 4 times a day at this age and increase the food intake? They are on esbilac and have a steady supply of mazuri rat blocks that they munch on in between feeds. They are eastern grey squirrels, eyes fully open, and can both sit up and lift their tails over their backs.

[HRT4SQRLS]

:Welcome Bthewolf

You'll be glad to know that you don't need to feed these babies at night. :grin2 They are plentry big enough to go through the night without feedings. The 5-7% of body weight for the amount of formula per feeding is a guideline. As they get older they will take more than that. At 6 weeks most will readily take 10% without any problem. You just need to watch for bloat. At 6 weeks I would feed every 5-6 hours. You will find that they take more and everyone is anxious to eat. So the answer is yes. I would spread the feedings further apart and increase the amount. I would definitely not feed them during the night. Give yourself a break... Get some sleep tonight. :sleep

You're doing a great job... formula AND blocks. :w00t

[Bthewolf]

Thank you! I can't wait for a full nights rest. :grin2

[Rhapsody]

Feed as instructed above @ 5-7% of body weight every 5 to 6 hours..... then at 8 weeks old add in HHB, a good quality squirrel block we recommended here on TSB. You can order it online at Henry's Healthy Pets.