Teeth and solid foods.

[mdcurrie]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this board, thank you for adding me. I have a 6 week old (based on eyes opening at 5 weeks right?) male squirrel named Peanut. I've had him for 2 and a half weeks after his home was cut down and his 2 other siblings died. Ok, I started him on esbilac puppy formula, and have switched to fox valley for squirrels over 4 weeks old. He has two bottom teeth and two emerging top teeth. According everything I've read, he should be starting on solids. I have a rodent block from wal mart for rats and mice for now until I can order some from Henry's Pets. My concern is that he really only has the 2 bottom teeth, how can he chew solids witouth choking? Also, when should his top teeth be in completely? He loves his formula but shows little interest in solid food. I gave him a tiny piece of broccoli today, it fell back out after him trying to chew it.

[mdcurrie]

I was gonna post pic but can't figure out how

[Floppysquirrel04]

Idk much about this but I think 6 weeks is too young to be weaned off of formula. Someone with better knowledge will correct me if I'm wrong, but that's what I think.

[mdcurrie]

Thank you for your response! I'm not at all trying to wean him, I've read they stay on formula for 10 to 12 weeks. I've also read where people say to introduce solid foods around 6 to 7 weeks old. Is this correct? At what age did your baby show interest in his/her rodent blocks and/or other solids?

[mdcurrie]

Also, his top teeth have emerged but don't seem to be coming in very quick. When should his top teeth be in?

[mdcurrie]

Another reason I'm trying the rodent block because I know their teeth continuously grow and I don't want his bottom teeth to get too long. I've read some scary stuff about misaligned teeth and starvation...

[Floppysquirrel04]

Ok thank you for clarifying! Idk how much longer the teeth will take, but some pictures will help. When ur writing ur reply, there is a little paper clip the the menu bar up above where u r writing. That's where u get pictures in.

Are you keeping him or releasing him?

[mdcurrie]

Sorry, one more question. Is it normal for Peanut, 6 weeks, to eat and go back to sleep shortly after eating?

[Spanky]

Perfectly normal for a six week old to do little more than eat and sleep (well, poop and pee too)!

At this age they really are more into "shredding" food than actually eating it, so no worries there. And I would suggest you not introduce any other solids until he is eating his rodent block well... and even after wards, the block first then the other healthy veggies. Make that rodent block his special treat... the treat he must eat to be rewarded with a bowl full of healthy veggies and a bit of fruit. Have you see the healthy diet list? If not here is the link:
https://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

And that formula? Do not stop giving it until he absolutely refuses... and then some! It is hands down the best thing he can be given by a human...

The rodent block will not be hard enough to keep teeth ground down (though he is very young to worry about that just now), so you can provide things like tree branches (no pesticides), cuttle bone, antler pieces, "Cilly Chews" and the like.

[mdcurrie]

I know the right thing to do for him is release him, so that is my goal. I also know of someone to help with the release when the time comes, though by the time he would be "ready" winter will be here and I would like to wait for spring.

Also, i feel better now about how things are going. He's gained a lot of weight in 2 and a half weeks so I know he's growing. I will keep giving rodent block first, and need to get something for gnawing as was suggested.
Trying to send a picture of his tiny emerging upper teeth

[mdcurrie]

You can just barely see them.
Here are his bottoms

[mdcurrie]

Peanut

[Floppysquirrel04]

Goodness those bottom teeth are long! I've never trimmed teeth but someone here might tell u how to do it if he needs it.

[mdcurrie]

I'm very concerned about his teeth. His bottom teeth are long, but I've never raised a baby squirrel, so I wasn't sure what was normal. And shouldn't his top teeth be longer? Is there anything I can do to help him cut his top teeth?

[Jen413]

Look at the roof of his mouth. If they aren't cutting into his gums I think he's fine. Once those top teeth come in they should help grind the bottom down with no need for trimming. To me they are on the long side of normal if that makes sense. I've got a boy with teeth issues. This was him when he was little. His teeth don't line up but you can see how that long one was poking into his gum. Maybe this will give you something to compare your baby's teeth to.

291897

[mdcurrie]

Thanks for the picture! So the toothat was looking his gums, did you have it trimmed?

[mdcurrie]

Sorry, *tooth that was hitting gums*

[Jen413]

Yes. Sammy's jaw was crushed when he fell. His teeth don't align so they can't wear down on their own as they should. I have to trim them every 7-10 days. Right after that picture I trimmed just the long one even with the one beside it. I'm sure once those top teeth come in they will help wear the bottom ones. Just keep an eye on them and his gums. As long as they aren't poking into his gums you're good.

[mdcurrie]

Ok, thank You! Hopefully his top teeth finish coming in soon! And when I push his bottom lip down to see his bottom teeth they touch his gums them but in his natural relaxed state I don't think they hit the gums yet. I hope his too teeth hurry!

[mdcurrie]

Still curious when his top teeth will be in??