Advice on healthy foods

[dextersmom]

Does almonds deplete calcium in squirells or is the issue weight gain?

[dextersmom]

Can you advise me on the healthy vegetables for them to earpt? Thanks

[Cubby]

Can you advise me on the healthy vegetables for them to earpt? Thanks
I don't know whether you've seen this, but here's a link to the thread with the nutrition chart for indoor squirrels...hope it helps. :)

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

[Spanky]

Does almonds deplete calcium in squirells or is the issue weight gain?

It is a matter of calcium depletion. The ideal squirrel diet is 2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorous. Almonds are the polar opposite at 1 part calcium to 2 parts phosphorous (really 1:1.8). Having said that almonds are the best (of the bad) when it comes to Ca:Ph ratios with pine nuts as the worst at 35:1. Foods with bad Ca:Ph ratio actual deplete the squirrel of calcium and their body's will rob it from their bones to deal with a diet consistently unbalanced and containing (too) high phosphorous foods.

We humans should keep in mind that nuts come into season once a year, and while squirrel do stash nuts for winter nuts do not make up a the majority of a wild squirrel's diet... and it is deadly when a captive squirrel is given more than a nut or so a day.

Weight is a matter of food in moderation and exercise. Stick to the healthy food pyramid (mostly veggies, some fruits... nuts and seeds are occasional treats). Non-releasable squirrels should get a minimum of 30-60 minutes a day of supervised out-of-cage time to frolic.

[dextersmom]

Thank you!

[dextersmom]

Can over feeding a baby almonds who is in constant fatigue now reversible?

[Mel1959]

Yes, if caught in time and the emergency MBD treatment is begun.

[Nancy in New York]

Can over feeding a baby almonds who is in constant fatigue now reversible?

Can you tell us more about your little one?
The age, what formula he was on, and what he
actually eats on a daily basis?
How long have you had your squirrel?

[Nancy in New York]

I combined your questions about food into this thread.
For anyone trying to help this little one, here is her other thread.
I just moved this thread out of the introduce yourself to the emergency forum.
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?57258-quot-MY-BUDDY-IS-NOT-FEELING-WELL-AND-CAN-USE-YOUR-EDUCATED-ADVICE-quot

[dextersmom]

Thank you Buddy is doing great! He made a turn around and is now eating,sleeping less. The calcium worked tremendously! His back foot is still tucked under when he walks,but I hope in time it corrects itself.Just so glad he is going to make it! Thank you so much for all your advice...